A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Williamsburg vs. Acadia National Park for Families, Attractions, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Williamsburg or Acadia National Park?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Williamsburg and Acadia National Park. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a charming, quaint, and well-preserved town. Williamsburg offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping. See Williamsburg travel costs.

Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a scenic, picturesque, and beautiful national park. With stunning beauty, Acadia National Park attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches and hiking. See Acadia National Park travel costs.

Williamsburg and Acadia National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping


Is there more to do in Williamsburg or Acadia National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Williamsburg. Although Williamsburg and Acadia National Park are popular destinations, Williamsburg has more sights and attractions for tourists. Williamsburg is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Acadia National Park attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Williamsburg is famous for its historic and colonial charm, its award winning amusement parks, and its historical reenactments. It is also well known for Colonial Williamsburg. Acadia National Park is famous for its scenic drives, beautiful fall foliage, and cross country skiing in the winter.

How is Williamsburg different from Acadia National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Acadia National Park and Williamsburg. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Williamsburg or Acadia National Park?

Williamsburg
Acadia National Park

Williamsburg is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Williamsburg can be an interesting and educational experience. Colonial Williamsburg is like a living museum with reenactments and historic buildings that date back to the colonial days. In addition to the historic area, there are folk art museums and other historic sights in the area.

Acadia National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are educational centers and Ranger Programs at the visitor centers in the park.


Is the Food Better in Williamsburg or Acadia National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Williamsburg
Acadia National Park

Williamsburg is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Williamsburg has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Head to Historic Williamsburg if you want to try some colonial classics. There are historic taverns that maintain their old world charm and serve dishes such as peanut soup and stewed beef. Around town you'll also find casual restaurants with pizza, macaroni and cheese, and burgers.

Acadia National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There's one restaurant in the park, the Jordan Pond House Restaurant, which serves lunch and dinner between mid-May and October. Many visitors prefer to bring their own food and enjoy meals at one of the six picnic areas.

Is Williamsburg or Acadia National Park Better for Nightlife?

Williamsburg
Acadia National Park

Williamsburg is a decent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Williamsburg. Despite its student population, there isn't much of a nightlife scene in town. There are restaurants where you can enjoy fine wine or cocktails, but nightclubs and bars are limited.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Acadia National Park. The park is more about sunsets and stargazing than lively nightlife parties.

Is Williamsburg or Acadia National Park Better for Beaches?

Williamsburg
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a good destination for the beach. However, Williamsburg is not a beach destination.

Acadia National Park offers a nice beach destination. There is one oceanside beach in the park, Sand Beach, as well as two lakefront beaches, Echo Lake Beach and Lake Wood. Many visitors enjoy swimming during the warmer months.

Williamsburg is not a beach destination.


Is Williamsburg or Acadia National Park Better for its Old Town?

Williamsburg
Acadia National Park

Williamsburg is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Acadia National Park does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Williamsburg is revered around the world. Colonial Williamsburg is an impressively maintained area with museums, shops, and taverns. There are live reenactments of historic events as well as blacksmiths, wig shops, and carriage rides. You can wander around without a ticket, but for access to many parts of the historic area you'll need to purchase a pass.

Acadia National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Williamsburg or Acadia National Park Better for Hiking?

Williamsburg
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Williamsburg is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Acadia National Park. With 158 miles of hiking trails, this is a favorite activity for visitors to the park. There are diverse habitats that trails pass through including forests, estuaries, and coastal settings.

Williamsburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Williamsburg or Acadia National Park?

Williamsburg
Acadia National Park

Williamsburg is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Williamsburg. Charming shops both in the historic area and just outside sell unique items that reflect the city's past. There are souvenirs, food items, cookbooks, and home decor to choose from.

Acadia National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are several park stores near visitor centers and campgrounds.


Is Williamsburg or Acadia National Park More Beautiful?

Williamsburg
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Williamsburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

With stunning beauty, Acadia National Park attracts visitors from all around. The dramatic ocean views and beautiful hiking trails make this a popular and scenic national park.

Williamsburg is a gorgeous place to visit. The area's colonial architecture gives it a historic and traditional beauty that appeals to visitors and residents alike.

Is Williamsburg or Acadia National Park Better for Families?

Williamsburg
Acadia National Park

Williamsburg is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Acadia National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Williamsburg is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. Older kids will appreciate the history in the area. For kids of all ages there are a number of amusement parks and water parks such as Great Wolf Lodge, Busch Gardens, and the award winning Water Country USA.

Acadia National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are campgrounds and games that kids will enjoy. There are also Ranger Programs and hiking trails that are great for kids of all ages.

Is Williamsburg or Acadia National Park Better for Couples?

Williamsburg
Acadia National Park

Williamsburg is a very popular place for couples. Also, Acadia National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Williamsburg makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Historic Williamsburg is filled with inns and charming restaurants that make this a beautiful destination for couples. There are quaint restaurants that serve colonial food and interesting southern shops with unique trinkets. You can also wander around the campus of William and Mary College.

Acadia National Park is a nice destination for couples. The natural beauty and scenic trails make this a romantic destination for couples.


Is Williamsburg or Acadia National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Williamsburg
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a good destination for backpackers. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Acadia National Park. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that attracts hikers and backpackers who enjoy the beautiful natural setting.

Williamsburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a number of restaurants and bars that cater to the student population, but there's little else that attracts backpackers.

Is Williamsburg or Acadia National Park Better for Students?

Williamsburg
Acadia National Park

Williamsburg is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Acadia National Park is not popular with students.

Williamsburg is a great destination for students. The College of William and Mary has a beautiful campus and students enjoy the charming atmosphere with colonial architecture around town. There are also good restaurants and a great collegiate vibe.

Acadia National Park is not popular with students.

Is Williamsburg or Acadia National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Williamsburg
Acadia National Park

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Williamsburg and Acadia National Park.

Public transit is generally limited in Williamsburg. There are buses around town, and they offer access to Historic Williamsburg, but for most places you'll need to have your own car.

Public transit is mostly limited in Acadia National Park. The Island Explorer Shuttle Bus operates between late June and early October.


Is Williamsburg or Acadia National Park a more walkable city?

Williamsburg
Acadia National Park

Williamsburg and Acadia National Park both are reasonable when exploring on foot.

Williamsburg is generally not very walkable. Historic Williamsburg and the neighborhoods around the College of William and Mary are all walkable, but if you plan to visit the amusement parks then you'll absolutely need a car.

Acadia National Park is generally not a very walkable town. There are countless hiking trails, but having a car allows more efficient access to everything that the park has to offer.

For even more information, also check out Is Williamsburg Worth Visiting? and Is Acadia National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Acadia National Park or Williamsburg?

How long in Williamsburg or Acadia National Park?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Williamsburg and Acadia National Park. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Williamsburg than in Acadia National Park. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Williamsburg, and 1-3 days is enough time in Acadia National Park.

Families should spend more time in Williamsburg than Acadia National Park. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Williamsburg, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Williamsburg than Acadia National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Williamsburg that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.


  • How many days in Williamsburg or Acadia National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Williamsburg 2-4 
    Acadia National Park 1-3

One day in Williamsburg or Acadia National Park?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Williamsburg. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Acadia National Park, many people enjoy the that this picturesque national park offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this national park.

A weekend in Williamsburg or Acadia National Park?

Williamsburg is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Acadia National Park is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.


Five days in Williamsburg or Acadia National Park?

Many people visit Williamsburg for five days. You'll find museums and food around the town of Williamsburg. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find around the picturesque destination of Acadia National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Williamsburg or Acadia National Park?

The historic destination of Williamsburg offers food and shopping. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Acadia National Park is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Acadia National Park or Williamsburg?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Williamsburg Prices
    USA Prices
    Acadia National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Williamsburg $135
    Acadia National Park $206

The average daily cost (per person) in Williamsburg is $135, while the average daily cost in Acadia National Park is $206. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Williamsburg and Acadia National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Williamsburg $66
    Acadia National Park $96
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Williamsburg $132
    Acadia National Park $192
Compare Hotels in Williamsburg and Acadia National Park

Looking for a hotel in Williamsburg or Acadia National Park? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Williamsburg


Hotels in Acadia National Park


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Williamsburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Williamsburg $11
    Acadia National Park $46

Is it cheaper to fly into Williamsburg or Acadia National Park?

Prices for flights to both Acadia National Park and Williamsburg change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Williamsburg $54
    Acadia National Park $78

Typical Food Prices in Acadia National Park

For Acadia National Park, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for 2
    $32

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Williamsburg $34
    Acadia National Park $33

Tours and Activities in Williamsburg

Here are a few actual costs in Williamsburg for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Colonial Williamsburg Ghost Stories and Walking Tour: $25
  • 1 Hour Christmastide Walking Tour in Virginia Past and Present : $25
  • 2-Hour Private Guided The best of Williamsburg Walking Tour: $250
  • Busch Gardens Williamsburg Admission Ticket: $82
  • Civil War Ghost Tour: $25
  • Colonial Contradictions Self Guided Walking Tour of Williamsburg: $9.99
  • Colonial Ghosts: Ghostly Whispers of Williamsburg Ghost Tour: $26
  • Colonial Ghosts: Ghostly Whispers of Williamsburg Ghost Tour: $26
  • Colonial History Tour in Williamsburg Virginia: $25
  • Colonial Williamsburg Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $13
  • Colonial Christmas Walking Tour: $25
  • Colonial Colonial History Guided Walking Tour: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Williamsburg -
    Acadia National Park $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Williamsburg

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Williamsburg:

  • Williamsburg Ghosts and Brews Haunted Pub Crawls: $29
  • Colonial Ghosts Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • The Murder Tour and Pub Crawl: $48


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Williamsburg and Acadia National Park, we can see that Acadia National Park is more expensive. And not only is Williamsburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Williamsburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Williamsburg and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Acadia National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Acadia National Park than you might in Williamsburg.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Williamsburg Expensive? and Is Acadia National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Williamsburg or Acadia National Park?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Williamsburg or Acadia National Park in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Williamsburg as well as Acadia National Park. Many visitors come to Williamsburg in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Acadia National Park for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Williamsburg is a little warmer than Acadia National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Williamsburg averages around 78°F (26°C) in July, and Acadia National Park fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

Williamsburg receives a lot of rain in the summer. Williamsburg usually gets more rain in July than Acadia National Park. Williamsburg gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Williamsburg 78°F (26°C) 
    Acadia National Park 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit Williamsburg or Acadia National Park in the Autumn?

Both Acadia National Park and Williamsburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Williamsburg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Acadia National Park because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Williamsburg is much warmer than Acadia National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Williamsburg in October average around 61°F (16°C), and Acadia National Park averages at about 48°F (9°C).

In October, Williamsburg usually receives less rain than Acadia National Park. Williamsburg gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Williamsburg 61°F (16°C) 
    Acadia National Park 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Williamsburg or Acadia National Park in the Winter?

Both Acadia National Park and Williamsburg during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Williamsburg because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Acadia National Park this time of year.

It's quite cold in Acadia National Park in the winter. The weather in Williamsburg can be very cold. In January, Williamsburg is generally much warmer than Acadia National Park. Daily temperatures in Williamsburg average around 38°F (4°C), and Acadia National Park fluctuates around 18°F (-8°C).

Williamsburg usually gets more rain in January than Acadia National Park. Williamsburg gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Williamsburg 38°F (4°C) 
    Acadia National Park 18°F (-8°C)

Should I visit Williamsburg or Acadia National Park in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Williamsburg and Acadia National Park. The natural beauty are the main draw to Williamsburg this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Acadia National Park for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Williamsburg is much warmer than Acadia National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Williamsburg averages around 57°F (14°C) in April, and Acadia National Park fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

In April, Williamsburg usually receives less rain than Acadia National Park. Williamsburg gets 3 inches (76 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Williamsburg 57°F (14°C) 
    Acadia National Park 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Acadia National Park and Williamsburg

Williamsburg Acadia National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 38°F (4°C) 3.6 inches (93 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Feb 41°F (5°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 49°F (9°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Apr 57°F (14°C) 3 inches (76 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 4 inches (102 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jun 74°F (24°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Jul 78°F (26°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Aug 78°F (25°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm) 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 4.6 inches (118 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 61°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Nov 52°F (11°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Dec 43°F (6°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm)