A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Daytona Beach vs. Portland for Nightlife, Music, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Daytona Beach or Portland?

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

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Portland? 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.

Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is a party-hard, energetic, and lively beach city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and beaches.

Portland

Portland is a nature-filled, scenic, and laid-back city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and hiking.

Daytona Beach and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Daytona Beach or Portland?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Daytona Beach than Portland. While Portland is larger than Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach has more sights and attractions for tourists. Daytona Beach is better known for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, and big city activities, while Portland is more popular for its museums, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Daytona Beach is more touristy than Portland and is popular for its spring break culture, wild parties, and the Daytona 500 NASCAR race. Also, Daytona Beach is famous for The Daytona International Speedway. 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.

How is Daytona Beach different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Daytona Beach or Portland?

Portland is a moderate city for its sights and museums. However, Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Daytona Beach or Portland? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Daytona Beach and Portland offer a number of respectable restaurants to choose from.

Daytona Beach may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. This beach is more about the parties and drinks than it is about the food.

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 Daytona Beach or Portland Better for Nightlife?

Daytona Beach is very popular for nightlife. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Daytona Beach is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. Spring break is when the parties are at their peak. For the most active nightlife head to A1A from Ormond-by-the-Sea to Ponce Inlet, Main and Beach Streets, and Seabreeze Boulevard, ONE DAYTONA and International Speedway Boulevard in Daytona Beach, and Granada Boulevard in Ormond Beach.

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 Daytona Beach or Portland Better for Music?

Both Daytona Beach and Portland offer notable live music venues.

The music scene in Daytona Beach is active and vibrant. You can see live music at the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Bandshell and The Roof.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Portland. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Is Daytona Beach or Portland Better for Resorts?

Daytona Beach is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Portland is not a resort destination.

Daytona Beach has a few resort options worth checking out. Many resorts in the area focus more on affordability than luxury. The oceanfront hotels usually have nice beachfront pools and rooms with balconies and oceanfront views. You'll pay a bit more for the waterfront rooms.

Portland is not a resort destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Portland Better for Beaches?

Daytona Beach is a beach city with good options for its beaches. However, Portland is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Daytona Beach. The city's beaches are lively and festive, so if you're looking for a beach with music, drinking, and partying, then this is your place. In the surrounding areas you'll find some quieter, more family-friendly beaches. It's also best to avoid the Spring Break crowds if you're hoping for a quieter and more family-friendly vacation.

Portland is not a beach destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Portland Better for Hiking?

Portland is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Daytona Beach is not a hiking destination.

Portland is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Daytona Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Daytona Beach or Portland?

Portland is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for shopping.

Many visitors go to Portland to go shopping. 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.

Daytona Beach is a good destination for shopping. Souvenir shops and t-shirt shops are the main shopping you'll find in this area. The boardwalk is lined with gimmicky shops where you can pick up magnets or beach paraphernalia.

Is Daytona Beach or Portland Better for Families?

Portland is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its kid-friendly activities.

Portland is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Daytona Beach is not always a place people visit with their families. Although it's best avoided during spring break, Daytona with kids can be fun when the crowds aren't too bad. There are water parks, surfing lessons, and of course the beach. The restaurants are usually family-friendly as well with many offering kid's menus and early opening hours.

Is Daytona Beach or Portland Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Daytona Beach and Portland make for a notable place to visit.

Daytona Beach is a good beach city for couples to visit. While romance isn't exactly what comes to mind when you first think of Daytona, couples who like to party and be out and about will enjoy a visit to Daytona Beach. There's plenty to do and some very great seafood restaurants in the area, so it's not hard to turn it into a couple's destination.

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 Daytona Beach or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Portland is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Daytona Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Daytona Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Portland Better for Students?

Daytona Beach is very popular for its student-friendly activities. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Daytona Beach is a very popular beach city for students. It's one of the original Spring Break destinations, and the trend continues. If you're a student looking to cut loose, you'll find plenty of likeminded vacationers in the area, with many bars and hotels catering specifically to the younger crowd.

Portland is popular with students. 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.

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

Portland is a popular place for its public transit. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is quite limited in Daytona Beach. There's limited transportation options around town so you really must have a private vehicle. If you've been out drinking, you can call a taxi or an Uber.

Is Daytona Beach or Portland a more walkable city?

Portland is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach 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.

Daytona Beach is not a very walkable beach city. This area requires a car if you want to access restaurants, nightlife, or anything away from your hotel.

For even more information, also check out Is Daytona Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Portland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portland or Daytona Beach?

How long in Daytona Beach or Portland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Daytona Beach and Portland. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Portland than in Daytona Beach. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Daytona Beach, and 2-3 days is enough time in Portland.

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

Couples should spend more time in Portland than Daytona Beach. 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 Daytona Beach 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 Daytona Beach or Portland?

The beach city of Daytona Beach offers live music and nightlife. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the quirky destination of Portland. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Daytona Beach or Portland?

Daytona Beach is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in 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. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Daytona Beach or Portland?

Daytona Beach is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. 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.

Travelers enjoy the live music and shopping when visiting the eclectic destination of Portland. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

A week in Daytona Beach or Portland?

Daytona Beach is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This beach city offers something for everyone.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the city of Portland. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Daytona Beach and Portland, we can see that Daytona Beach 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 Daytona Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Daytona Beach 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 Daytona Beach Expensive? and Is Portland Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Daytona Beach or Portland?

Portland has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Daytona Beach. When comparing the sizes of Daytona Beach 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 Daytona Beach or Portland?

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 Daytona Beach or Portland in the Summer?

Both Portland and Daytona Beach during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Daytona Beach in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Portland for the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Daytona Beach is a little warmer than Portland. Typically, the summer temperatures in Daytona Beach in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Portland averages at about 68°F (20°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Daytona Beach. Daytona Beach usually gets more rain in July than Portland. Daytona Beach gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Portland in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Daytona Beach and Portland. Most visitors come to Daytona Beach for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Portland because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Daytona Beach is generally much warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 74°F (23°C), and Portland fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

Daytona Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Daytona Beach usually receives more rain than Portland. Daytona Beach gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Portland in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Daytona Beach as well as Portland. The winter months attract visitors to Daytona Beach because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Portland this time of year.

It's quite cold in Portland in the winter. Daytona Beach is much warmer than Portland in the winter. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 58°F (14°C) in January, and Portland fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

It's quite rainy in Portland. Daytona Beach usually gets less rain in January than Portland. Daytona Beach gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Portland in the Spring?

Both Portland and Daytona Beach are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Daytona Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Portland for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Daytona Beach is much warmer than Portland. Typically, the spring temperatures in Daytona Beach in April average around 69°F (21°C), and Portland averages at about 51°F (11°C).

In April, Daytona Beach usually receives around the same amount of rain as Portland. Daytona Beach gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Portland and Daytona Beach