A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Boca Raton vs. Portland for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Hiking

Should you visit Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton 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.

Boca Raton

Boca Raton is a posh, outdoorsy, and relaxed coastal city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Portland

Portland is a eclectic, tree-lined, and nature-filled city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Boca Raton and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Boca Raton or Portland?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Boca Raton than Portland. While Portland is larger than Boca Raton, Boca Raton has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Boca Raton is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Portland is more popular for its music, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Portland is more touristy than Boca Raton 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. Boca Raton is well known for its golf courses, outdoor recreational activities, and safe atmosphere. Also, Boca Raton is famous for Red Reef Park.

How is Boca Raton different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Boca Raton or Portland?

Boca Raton is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Boca Raton. While most visitors focus on the beaches and outdoor activities in the area, there are also a surprising number of museums that you can visit. On a rainy day head to the Boca Raton Museum of Art or the Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum. Sports enthusiasts will like the Sports Immortals Museum and kids will want to check out the Children's Science Explorium.

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 Boca Raton or Portland? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton. You'll find a mix of local and international flavors with both casual and upscale dining available. Reservations are recommended, particularly on weekend nights. For the health-conscious, there's also a nice selection of healthy eateries to choose from.

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 Boca Raton or Portland Better for Nightlife?

Boca Raton is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Boca Raton has a large number of nightlife venues. You'll find plenty of upscale wine bars, cocktail bars, and live music venues that will keep you entertained late into the evening.

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 Boca Raton or Portland Better for Music?

Portland is a good destination for its music scene. However, Boca Raton 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.

Boca Raton is not a live music destination.

Is Boca Raton or Portland Better for Resorts?

Boca Raton is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Portland is not a resort destination.

In Boca Raton, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. You'll find many luxury beachside resorts that offer all of the amenities, from access to golf course to family-friendly kids clubs.

Portland is not a resort destination.

Is Boca Raton or Portland Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Boca Raton is a coastal city with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Portland is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Boca Raton. Head to the "Aqua Zoo", which is just to the south of Boca Inlet to see stingrays, groupers, and moray eels. Red Reef Park offers excellent snorkeling as well.

Portland is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Boca Raton or Portland Better for Beaches?

Boca Raton is very popular for its beaches. However, Portland is not a beach destination.

Boca Raton is considered to be a world-class beach destination. There's a two mile stretch of beautiful sandy beaches that are all monitored by lifeguards. The beaches offer all of the facilities that you might need such as picnic areas, restrooms, and showers. Many beaches are part of park land and some offer nice snorkeling. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Spanish River Park, Bark Park Dog Beach, Red Reef Beach, and South Beach Park.

Portland is not a beach destination.

Is Boca Raton or Portland Better for Hiking?

Portland is great for hiking. Also, Boca Raton is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Portland for the hiking trails. 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.

Boca Raton is a good destination for hiking. There's a surprising number of nature parks in the area that have hiking trails, nature walks, and beach paths that are fun to explore.

Is the Shopping Better in Boca Raton or Portland?

Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton. It's an upscale area, and you'll find no shortage of luxury shopping around town. Popular areas for shopping include Downtown Boca, Mizner Park, and the Town Center at Boca Raton.

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 Boca Raton or Portland Better for Families?

Boca Raton 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.

Boca Raton is a very family-friendly destination. It's an upscale area with a family-friendly atmosphere and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Many of the hotels have kids clubs that will keep the young ones entertained. The area also has nature centers, children's museums, and waterparks that will ensure everyone stays entertained.

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 Boca Raton or Portland Better for Couples?

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

Boca Raton makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There's an upscale vibe with plenty of nature trails and nice beaches. Many of the hotels offer a touch of luxury that honeymooning couples will appreciate. You can also head to the downtown area for music, events, and museums.

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 Boca Raton or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Portland is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Boca Raton is not a good destination 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.

Boca Raton is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's known for its upscale luxury, and you won't find much in the form of hostels or backpacker-friendly accommodation.

Is Boca Raton or Portland Better for Students?

Portland is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Boca Raton is not popular with students.

It's common for students to 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.

Boca Raton is not popular with students.

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

Boca Raton and Portland both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Boca Raton offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The Downtowner is a fleet of free, oversized golf cars that shuttle visitors around town, passing by many top sites such as Mizner Park, Red Reef Park, and the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. There's also a public bus system, Palm Tran, that offers service around town.

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

Is Boca Raton or Portland a more walkable city?

Portland is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Boca Raton is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city 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.

Boca Raton is somewhat walkable. There are some communities within the city that are more walkable than others, particularly East Boca Raton, Royal Palm Place, and Mizner Park. There are also many pedestrian and bike paths around town. Even so, you really must have a car to explore the area in depth.

For even more information, also check out Is Boca Raton Worth Visiting? and Is Portland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portland or Boca Raton?

How long in Boca Raton or Portland?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Portland than Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton or Portland?

The coastal city of Boca Raton offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Boca Raton or Portland?

Boca Raton is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. 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 Boca Raton or Portland?

Boca Raton is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Boca Raton, 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 Boca Raton or Portland?

Boca Raton is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal city 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 Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Boca Raton or Portland?

Portland has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Boca Raton. When comparing the sizes of Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton or Portland in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Boca Raton and Portland. Most visitors come to Boca Raton for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Portland because of the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Boca Raton is a little warmer than Portland. Typically, the summer temperatures in Boca Raton in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Portland averages at about 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Portland this time of the year. In Boca Raton, it's very sunny this time of the year. Boca Raton usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Portland during summer. Boca Raton gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

Boca Raton gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Boca Raton usually receives more rain than Portland. Boca Raton gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Portland in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Boca Raton as well as Portland. The autumn months attract visitors to Boca Raton because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Additionally, 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 October, Boca Raton is generally much warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in Boca Raton average around 78°F (25°C), and Portland fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Boca Raton this time of the year. In the autumn, Boca Raton often gets more sunshine than Portland. Boca Raton gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun.

Boca Raton receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Boca Raton usually gets more rain in October than Portland. Boca Raton gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Boca Raton is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Portland in the Winter?

Both Portland and Boca Raton are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Boca Raton 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. Boca Raton is much warmer than Portland in the winter. The daily temperature in Boca Raton averages around 65°F (19°C) in January, and Portland fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Boca Raton. Boca Raton usually receives more sunshine than Portland during winter. Boca Raton gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Portland. In January, Boca Raton usually receives less rain than Portland. Boca Raton gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Portland in the Spring?

Both Portland and Boca Raton during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Boca Raton for the beaches. Also, many visitors come to Portland in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Boca Raton is much warmer than Portland. Typically, the spring temperatures in Boca Raton in April average around 74°F (23°C), and Portland averages at about 51°F (11°C).

In Portland, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Boca Raton. In the spring, Boca Raton often gets more sunshine than Portland. Boca Raton gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun.

Boca Raton usually gets more rain in April than Portland. Boca Raton gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Boca Raton is June to November.

Typical Weather for Portland and Boca Raton