A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Winston-Salem vs. Olympic National Park for Families, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Winston-Salem or Olympic National Park?

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

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Olympic National Park? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is a welcoming, friendly, and under-rated city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Winston-Salem travel costs.

Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a stunning, vast, and pristine park. With stunning beauty, Olympic National Park attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking and museums. See Olympic National Park travel costs.

Winston-Salem and Olympic National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Winston-Salem or Olympic National Park?

Both Olympic National Park and Winston-Salem have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Winston-Salem is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Olympic National Park is known for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Olympic National Park is more touristy than Winston-Salem and is known for its diverse landscapes and its frequent rainfall. Winston-Salem is popular for it's southern character and quaint college campuses.

How is Winston-Salem different from Olympic National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Winston-Salem or Olympic National Park?

Winston-Salem
Olympic National Park

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Winston-Salem or Olympic National Park.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Winston-Salem. Old Salem has a nice concentration of museums and gardens. Outside of the old town you'll find several art museums like the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts and the Reynolda House Museum of American Art.

Olympic National Park is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several museums near the park that highlight the region's history, culture, and geology. These include the Makah Cultural & Research Center Museum, Forks Timber Museum, Sequim Museum, and Squaxin Island Museum, Library and Research Center.


Is the Food Better in Winston-Salem or Olympic National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Winston-Salem
Olympic National Park

Winston-Salem is a popular place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its restaurants.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Winston-Salem. North Carolina barbecue is popular around town. The city is also the birthplace of Krispy Kreme donuts and during the holiday season you should sample the local Moravian Cookies.

Olympic National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Most of the lodges have restaurants within the park, but they can be overpriced. There are also restaurants just outside of the park's border.

Is Winston-Salem or Olympic National Park Better for Nightlife?

Winston-Salem
Olympic National Park

Winston-Salem is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its evening party scene.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Winston-Salem. Local breweries are popping up around town. You'll also find active nightlife venues near the colleges and universities.

Olympic National Park doesn't offer many options. You can enjoy a peaceful natural setting after the sun sets.

Is Winston-Salem or Olympic National Park Better for Resorts?

Winston-Salem
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is notable for its resorts. However, Winston-Salem is not a resort destination.

Olympic National Park is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are several lodges within the park as well as cabins and inns. Some have a historic atmosphere while others are more rustic. It's best to book well in advance, particularly if you're visiting during the peak summer months.

Winston-Salem is not a resort destination.


Is Winston-Salem or Olympic National Park Better for its Old Town?

Winston-Salem
Olympic National Park

Winston-Salem is a popular place for its old town. However, Olympic National Park does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Winston-Salem to see the old town. Nearby Old Salem is filled with historic museums, gardens, and restaurants. A ticket is required for most of the venues, but the atmosphere and architecture are charming.

Olympic National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Winston-Salem or Olympic National Park Better for Hiking?

Winston-Salem
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Winston-Salem is not a hiking destination.

People visit Olympic National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Hiking trails will take you through the diverse range of landscapes. There are mountain climbs, coastal trails, and routes that wander through old growth forests. You'll also find a mix of day hikes and backcountry wilderness hikes. Mount Storm King, Marymere Falls, and the High Divide are favorite hikes in the park, but there are countless others.

Winston-Salem is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Winston-Salem or Olympic National Park?

Winston-Salem
Olympic National Park

Winston-Salem is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its shopping areas.

Winston-Salem offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find a mix of larger shopping malls, retail outlets, and shopping centers around town.

Olympic National Park has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There's a park store where you can pick up books, informational resources, and souvenirs.


Is Winston-Salem or Olympic National Park More Beautiful?

Winston-Salem
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Winston-Salem is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Olympic National Park attracts visitors from all around. The diversity of landscapes give the park a unique beauty. You can explore old growth rainforests, wander down pristine beaches, or take in the stunning mountain views.

Winston-Salem is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Winston-Salem or Olympic National Park Better for Families?

Winston-Salem
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Olympic National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy exploring the tidal pools and running around the beach. It's also fun to lose yourself in the old growth rainforests and spend some time kayaking or canoeing at Lake Crescent.

Winston-Salem is a family-friendly city. There are interactive museums like the Kaleideum science museums. There are also outdoor parks and playgrounds, kid-friendly restaurants, and a children's theater.

Is Winston-Salem or Olympic National Park Better for Couples?

Winston-Salem
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is notable for couples. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for romance.

Olympic National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy hiking, camping, and natural beauty will love exploring this park together. There are a diversity of ecosystems and landscapes where you can enjoy a couples retreat together.

Winston-Salem is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are restaurants and movie theaters that make for a nice date night. There are also parks and walks that will get you outdoors.


Is Winston-Salem or Olympic National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Winston-Salem
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is renowned for backpackers. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Olympic National Park is a very popular park to visit for backpackers. There are many beautiful backcountry destinations that let you experience this park in depth. Make sure you purchase a permit in advance.

Winston-Salem is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's not on the itinerary for most backpackers.

Is Winston-Salem or Olympic National Park Better for Students?

Winston-Salem
Olympic National Park

Winston-Salem is a popular place for students. However, Olympic National Park is not popular with students.

Winston-Salem is a good city to visit for students. Wake Forest University as well as colleges such as Salem College give parts of the city a collegiate vibe.

Olympic National Park is not popular with students.

Is Winston-Salem or Olympic National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Winston-Salem
Olympic National Park

Both Winston-Salem and Olympic National Park offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Winston-Salem. There are bus routes, but they are limited in their frequency and convenience, making a car essential for most visitors.

Public transit is mostly limited in Olympic National Park. There are buses and ferries to the park, but the park is large and requires a private vehicle to fully access it.


Is Winston-Salem or Olympic National Park a more walkable city?

Winston-Salem
Olympic National Park

Winston-Salem is a moderate city for its high level of walkability. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its ease of walking around.

Winston-Salem is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most pedestrian-friendly part of town, but most of the city requires a car.

Olympic National Park is not a very walkable city. The park is large and you'll need a car to reach most of the trailheads.

For even more information, also check out Is Winston-Salem Worth Visiting? and Is Olympic National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Olympic National Park or Winston-Salem?

How long in Winston-Salem or Olympic National Park?

In either Winston-Salem or Olympic National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Olympic National Park than Winston-Salem because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Winston-Salem, and 2-5 days is enough time in Olympic National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Winston-Salem than Olympic National Park if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Winston-Salem.


  • How many days in Winston-Salem or Olympic National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Winston-Salem 1-2 
    Olympic National Park 2-5

One day in Winston-Salem or Olympic National Park?

In Winston-Salem, you'll find shopping and museums. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Winston-Salem, one day is sufficent for most.

Many travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the vast destination of Olympic National Park. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Winston-Salem or Olympic National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Winston-Salem. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city. It offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Olympic National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.


Five days in Winston-Salem or Olympic National Park?

Winston-Salem is a fun place to experience. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Many travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the vast destination of Olympic National Park. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This park offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A week in Winston-Salem or Olympic National Park?

You'll find food and shopping around the friendly destination of Winston-Salem. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find museums around the beautiful park of Olympic National Park. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Olympic National Park or Winston-Salem?

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

  • Winston-Salem Prices
    USA Prices
    Olympic National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Winston-Salem $181
    Olympic National Park $150

The average daily cost (per person) in Winston-Salem is $181, while the average daily cost in Olympic National Park is $150. 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 Winston-Salem and Olympic National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Winston-Salem $91
    Olympic National Park $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Winston-Salem $182
    Olympic National Park $98
Compare Hotels in Winston-Salem and Olympic National Park

Looking for a hotel in Winston-Salem or Olympic 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 Winston-Salem


Hotels in Olympic 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: Winston-Salem Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Winston-Salem $23
    Olympic National Park $68

Is it cheaper to fly into Winston-Salem or Olympic National Park?

Prices for flights to both Olympic National Park and Winston-Salem 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
    Winston-Salem $73
    Olympic National Park $61

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Winston-Salem $20
    Olympic National Park $26

Tours and Activities in Winston-Salem

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Winston-Salem are as follows:

  • Old Salem's Ghost Self Guided Outside Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Winston-Salem Historic Guided Walking Tour: $19
  • Winston-Salem True Crime Tour: $19
  • Winston Salem African American History Tour: $19
  • Carolina History & Haunts Winston-Salem Historical Ghost Tour: $26

Tours and Activities in Olympic National Park

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Olympic National Park are as follows:

  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Olympic National Park: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Winston-Salem $24
    Olympic National Park $5.57


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Winston-Salem and Olympic National Park, we can see that Winston-Salem is more expensive. And not only is Olympic National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Olympic National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Olympic National Park 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 Winston-Salem would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Winston-Salem than you might in Olympic National Park.

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



When is the best time to visit Winston-Salem or Olympic National Park?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Olympic National Park in the Summer?

Both Olympic National Park and Winston-Salem are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Winston-Salem because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Olympic National Park this time of year.

In July, Winston-Salem is generally much warmer than Olympic National Park. Daily temperatures in Winston-Salem average around 81°F (27°C), and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Olympic National Park. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Winston-Salem. Winston-Salem usually receives more sunshine than Olympic National Park during summer. Winston-Salem gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Olympic National Park receives 210 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Winston-Salem. In July, Winston-Salem usually receives more rain than Olympic National Park. Winston-Salem gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Winston-Salem 81°F (27°C) 
    Olympic National Park 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Olympic National Park in the Autumn?

Both Olympic National Park and Winston-Salem during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Winston-Salem this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Olympic National Park for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Winston-Salem is much warmer than Olympic National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Winston-Salem averages around 62°F (17°C) in October, and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

It's quite sunny in Winston-Salem. In the autumn, Winston-Salem often gets more sunshine than Olympic National Park. Winston-Salem gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympic National Park receives 113 hours of full sun.

Olympic National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Winston-Salem usually gets less rain in October than Olympic National Park. Winston-Salem gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 10.4 inches (263 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Winston-Salem 62°F (17°C) 
    Olympic National Park 51°F (10°C)

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Olympic National Park in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Winston-Salem and Olympic National Park. Many travelers come to Winston-Salem for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Olympic National Park in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Olympic National Park can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Winston-Salem. In the winter, Winston-Salem is around the same temperature as Olympic National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Winston-Salem in January average around 40°F (4°C), and Olympic National Park averages at about 41°F (5°C).

Winston-Salem usually receives more sunshine than Olympic National Park during winter. Winston-Salem gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Olympic National Park receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

Olympic National Park receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Winston-Salem usually receives less rain than Olympic National Park. Winston-Salem gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 13.7 inches (349 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Winston-Salem 40°F (4°C) 
    Olympic National Park 41°F (5°C)

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Olympic National Park in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Winston-Salem as well as Olympic National Park. Additionally, most visitors come to Olympic National Park for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Winston-Salem is generally much warmer than Olympic National Park. Daily temperatures in Winston-Salem average around 61°F (16°C), and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 47°F (8°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Winston-Salem this time of the year. In the spring, Winston-Salem often gets more sunshine than Olympic National Park. Winston-Salem gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympic National Park receives 148 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Olympic National Park. Winston-Salem usually gets less rain in April than Olympic National Park. Winston-Salem gets 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Winston-Salem 61°F (16°C) 
    Olympic National Park 47°F (8°C)

Typical Weather for Olympic National Park and Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem Olympic National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 41°F (5°C) 13.7 inches (349 mm)
Feb 43°F (6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 43°F (6°C) 12.2 inches (311 mm)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 44°F (7°C) 11.6 inches (294 mm)
Apr 61°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 47°F (8°C) 7.4 inches (189 mm)
May 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 52°F (11°C) 5.6 inches (142 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 56°F (13°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 60°F (15°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
Aug 80°F (26°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 60°F (16°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Sep 73°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 58°F (14°C) 5 inches (126 mm)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 51°F (10°C) 10.4 inches (263 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 45°F (7°C) 14 inches (355 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 41°F (5°C) 15 inches (380 mm)