A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Blue Ridge vs. Portland for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Blue Ridge or Portland?

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 Blue Ridge and Portland. 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.

Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge is a quaint, charming, and outdoorsy town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping.

Portland

Portland is a progressive, quirky, and eclectic city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include live music, hiking, and shopping.

Blue Ridge and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Blue Ridge or Portland?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Portland. Although Blue Ridge and Portland are both popular with visitors, Portland has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Portland is more popular for its music, while Blue Ridge is known for its food, shopping, and small town charm. Portland is more touristy than Blue Ridge and is 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. It is also home to Washington Park. Blue Ridge is popular for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere.

How is Blue Ridge different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Blue Ridge or Portland?

Spend time exploring the decent sights and museums in either Blue Ridge or Portland.

While most people don't head to Blue Ridge specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. While you don't immediately think of museums in the area, there are a couple. The Dahlonega Gold Museum gives information on the gold rush and mining industry in town. In nearby Tennessee, Ducktown Basin Museum is a historic mine site that is open for tours.

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 Blue Ridge or Portland? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Blue Ridge is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Blue Ridge. You'll find plenty of small town restaurants serving local dishes like barbecue, trout, and biscuits with gravy. Southern food is popular, but you'll also find plenty of breweries and wineries in the area. Head downtown for an assortment of options that include southern, vegan, and even international flavors.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Portland. 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 Blue Ridge or Portland Better for Nightlife?

The good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Blue Ridge and Portland.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Blue Ridge. Head downtown for a mix of breweries, bars, and clubs where you'll find live music and a casual meal.

Portland has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Is Blue Ridge or Portland Better for Music?

Portland is a good destination for live music. However, Blue Ridge is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Portland. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Blue Ridge is not a live music destination.

Is Blue Ridge or Portland Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Blue Ridge and Portland, and they are very good.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Blue Ridge. There are miles of hiking trails in the area that take you to waterfalls and viewpoints. The starting point of the Appalachian Trail is also nearby, and another popular trail is the Benton MacKaye Trail. Options range from beginner to expert with everything in between.

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 Blue Ridge or Portland?

Blue Ridge is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Blue Ridge. You'll find artisan shops, art galleries, and boutique clothing vendors. Many places are concentrated in the charming downtown area, which is fun to explore for a day or two.

Portland offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Is Blue Ridge or Portland Better for Families?

Blue Ridge 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.

Blue Ridge is a very family-friendly destination. Kids who enjoy hiking and playing outdoors will have fun here. There are waterfall hikes, fruit picking farms, and plenty of playgrounds. There's also a scenic railway and lots of places to sample treats.

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 Blue Ridge or Portland Better for Couples?

Blue Ridge is a very popular place for romance. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Blue Ridge makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. If you're looking for a cozy retreat where you can relax in a cabin, take long walks through nature, and enjoy local food, then this is your place. There are plenty of bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and rustic cabins with fireplaces and simple pleasures. If you want to escape it all then the mountains are the place to be.

Portland makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Blue Ridge or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Blue Ridge and Portland are both very good destinations for backpackers.

Blue Ridge is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a number of campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hikes that backpackers will enjoy. Nearby you'll also find the start of the famed Appalachian Trail.

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

Is Blue Ridge or Portland Better for Students?

Portland is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Blue Ridge 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.

Blue Ridge is not popular with students.

Is Blue Ridge or Portland Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Portland is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Blue Ridge 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 limited or non-existant in Blue Ridge. There's no real public transportation system in the area.

Is Blue Ridge or Portland a more walkable city?

Portland is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

Blue Ridge is a somewhat walkable place. While the downtown area is relatively walkable, if you want to hike and get out in nature, you'll need to have a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Blue Ridge Worth Visiting? and Is Portland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portland or Blue Ridge?

How long in Blue Ridge or Portland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Blue Ridge and Portland. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Blue Ridge than in Portland. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Blue Ridge, and 2-3 days is enough time in Portland.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Portland than Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge or Portland?

Blue Ridge is a small town where visitors enjoy the nightlife and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With shopping and nightlife around the eclectic city of Portland, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Blue Ridge or Portland?

Blue Ridge is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town 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 Blue Ridge, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With nightlife and live music around the destination of Portland, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Blue Ridge or Portland?

Blue Ridge is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Blue Ridge, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Portland, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. 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. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Blue Ridge or Portland?

Blue Ridge 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 town offers something for everyone.

Portland is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Blue Ridge or Portland?

Portland has a larger population, and is about 460 times larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of Blue Ridge and Portland, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge or Portland in the Summer?

Both Portland and Blue Ridge are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Blue Ridge for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Portland because of the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Blue Ridge is a little warmer than Portland in the summer. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Portland fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Portland. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge usually receives less sunshine than Portland during summer. Blue Ridge gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Blue Ridge. In July, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Portland. Blue Ridge gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Portland in the Autumn?

Both Portland and Blue Ridge during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Blue Ridge because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Portland this time of year.

In the autumn, Blue Ridge is a little warmer than Portland. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Blue Ridge in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Portland averages at about 55°F (13°C).

It's quite sunny in Blue Ridge. In the autumn, Blue Ridge often gets more sunshine than Portland. Blue Ridge gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun.

Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in October than Portland. Blue Ridge gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Portland in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Blue Ridge and Portland. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Blue Ridge this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Portland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Portland. It's quite cold in Blue Ridge in the winter. In January, Blue Ridge is generally around the same temperature as Portland. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 40°F (5°C), and Portland fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

Blue Ridge usually receives more sunshine than Portland during winter. Blue Ridge gets 145 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

Portland receives a lot of rain in the winter. Blue Ridge gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Blue Ridge usually receives around the same amount of rain as Portland. Blue Ridge gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Portland in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Blue Ridge as well as Portland. Many travelers come to Blue Ridge for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Portland in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Blue Ridge is much warmer than Portland in the spring. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Portland fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Portland. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Blue Ridge this time of the year. In the spring, Blue Ridge often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Portland. Blue Ridge gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun.

Blue Ridge receives a lot of rain in the spring. Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in April than Portland. Blue Ridge gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Portland and Blue Ridge