A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Acadia National Park vs. Portland for Hiking, Families, Backpackers, and Couples

Should you visit Acadia National Park or Portland?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Acadia National Park or Portland, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a picturesque, beautiful, and scenic national park. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches and hiking.

Portland

Portland is a eclectic, tree-lined, and nature-filled city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the live music, hiking, and shopping.

Acadia National Park and Portland: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Portland than Acadia National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Portland is better known for its nightlife, music, shopping, and small town charm, while Acadia National Park is more popular for its beaches and impressive beauty. Acadia National Park is well known for its scenic drives, beautiful fall foliage, and cross country skiing in the winter. Portland is well known for its independent and vintage shops, thriving art scene, lush parks and gardens, progressive and quirky personality, and easy access to amazing natural beauty. Also, Portland is famous for Washington Park.

How is Acadia National Park different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of respectable museums and attractions in both Portland and Acadia National Park.

While most people don't head to Acadia National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are educational centers and Ranger Programs at the visitor centers in the park.

Portland offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Visitors usually come for the city's outdoor recreation and eclectic personality more than the landmarks and museums. There are a few places to visit on a rainy day though including Pittock Mansion, the Portland Art Museum, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

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

Foodies will find both Acadia National Park and Portland both to be respectable destinations.

Acadia National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. 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.

Portland offers some easy restaurants to choose from. The town is more famous for it's craft beer than it's food, but there are still a number of local restaurants that offer unique Oregon dishes. You'll find no shortage of vegetarian and vegan options on most menus. There is also a big farm-to-table scene with many farmers markets around town as well.

Is Acadia National Park or Portland Better for Nightlife?

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

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Portland. Famously, this town's nightlife is all about the craft beer and local breweries. Make sure you check out Bailey's Taproom, The Big Legrowlski, and The Commons Brewery.

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

Is Acadia National Park or Portland Better for Music?

Portland is a nice place to visit for its music scene. However, Acadia National Park is not a live music destination.

The music scene helps keep Portland active and fun. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Acadia National Park is not a live music destination.

Is Acadia National Park or Portland Better for Beaches?

Acadia National Park is a national park with good options for its beaches. However, Portland is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Acadia National Park. 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.

Portland is not a beach destination.

Is Acadia National Park or Portland Better for Hiking?

Acadia National Park and Portland are both places where visitors can find high quality hiking trails.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Portland. Just outside of town you'll find amazing hikes and stunning natural beauty. In town there are many urban hikes through parks and gardens, but in just a short drive you also have access to Mount Hood and many of the region's most beautiful hikes around the Columbia River Gorge.

Is the Shopping Better in Acadia National Park or Portland?

Portland is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

Portland has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. To fully experience shopping in town, head to the local vendors and thrift shops. There are many vintage clothing shops, book stores, and independent sellers around town. The city is also full of farmers markets. For some of the most interesting shopping, check out the Pearl District, Pioneer Place, Union Way, and Downtown neighborhoods.

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

Is Acadia National Park or Portland Better for Families?

Acadia National Park is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Acadia National Park is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Portland. This is an outdoor city by nature, so families will appreciate the many parks and outdoor recreational activities around town. It's easy to fill a couple of days exploring and having fun with the kids. Kid-friendly activities include the zoo, the aerial tram, and several great museums.

Is Acadia National Park or Portland Better for Couples?

Acadia National Park and Portland are both notable to visit as a couple.

Acadia National Park is a good national park for couples to visit. The natural beauty and scenic trails make this a romantic destination for couples.

Portland is a nice destination for couples. The laid-back, alternative vibe is fun to explore as a couple. There are independent bookstores, nice parks, and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Couples who enjoy an eclectic city, breweries, and nature, will find a lot to do in town.

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

Portland is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Acadia National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Portland. The town has drawn young explorers for years, and backpackers who like to step away from the mainstream will feel right at home here.

Acadia National Park is a good national park to visit for backpackers. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that attracts hikers and backpackers who enjoy the beautiful natural setting.

Is Acadia National Park or Portland Better for Students?

Portland is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Acadia National Park is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Portland. It's a young and relaxed city that attracts independent thinkers. There are many bookstores and breweries around town. The cost of living can be a bit high though.

Acadia National Park is not popular with students.

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

Portland is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Portland has some public transit options. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

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

Is Acadia National Park or Portland a more walkable city?

Portland is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Portland is a very walkable destination. It is quite walkable, particularly in the tourist areas such as Downtown, Pearl, and Old Town Chinatown.

Acadia National Park is generally not very walkable. 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 Acadia National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Portland Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Acadia National Park or Portland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Acadia National Park and Portland. In our opinion, Portland has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Portland than Acadia National Park. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Acadia National Park, and 2-3 days is enough time in Portland.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Portland than Acadia 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 Portland.

One day in Acadia National Park or Portland?

The beautiful national park of Acadia National Park offers . Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Portland. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

A weekend in Acadia National Park or Portland?

Acadia National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this national park makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Acadia National Park, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Portland is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Acadia National Park or Portland?

Acadia National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many people visit Portland for five days. You'll find shopping and nightlife around the city of Portland. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Acadia National Park or Portland?

Acadia National Park is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This national park offers something for everyone.

The quirky destination of Portland offers nightlife and live music. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

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.

When comparing the travel costs between Acadia National Park and Portland, we can see that Portland is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

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

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 Acadia National Park or Portland in the Summer?

Both Portland and Acadia National Park are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Acadia National Park this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Portland for the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Acadia National Park is around the same temperature as Portland. Typically, the summer temperatures in Acadia National Park in July average around 69°F (21°C), and Portland averages at about 68°F (20°C).

In July, Acadia National Park usually receives more rain than Portland. Acadia National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Portland and Acadia National Park during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Acadia National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Portland in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Acadia National Park is generally cooler than Portland. Daily temperatures in Acadia National Park average around 48°F (9°C), and Portland fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

Acadia National Park usually gets more rain in October than Portland. Acadia National Park gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Acadia National Park and Portland. Many visitors come to Acadia National Park in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Portland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Portland can be very cold during winter. Acadia National Park can get quite cold in the winter. Acadia National Park is much colder than Portland in the winter. The daily temperature in Acadia National Park averages around 18°F (-8°C) in January, and Portland fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

Portland receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Acadia National Park usually receives less rain than Portland. Acadia National Park gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Acadia National Park as well as Portland. Most visitors come to Acadia National Park for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Portland because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Acadia National Park is much colder than Portland. Typically, the spring temperatures in Acadia National Park in April average around 43°F (6°C), and Portland averages at about 51°F (11°C).

Acadia National Park usually gets more rain in April than Portland. Acadia National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Portland and Acadia National Park