A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Daytona Beach vs. Portland, Maine for Nightlife, Beaches, Food, and Families

Should you visit Daytona Beach or Portland, Maine?

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

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Portland, Maine? 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 energetic, lively, and fun beach city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include beaches, nightlife, and live music.

Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a laid-back, scenic, and picturesque coastal town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Daytona Beach and Portland, Maine: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Daytona Beach or Portland, Maine?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Daytona Beach. Although Daytona Beach and Portland, Maine are about the same size, Daytona Beach has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Daytona Beach is very popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, and big city activities, while Portland, Maine attracts visitors for its food, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Daytona Beach is more touristy than Portland, Maine and is known for its spring break culture, wild parties, and the Daytona 500 NASCAR race. It is also well known for The Daytona International Speedway. Portland, Maine is famous for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks.

How is Daytona Beach different from Portland, Maine?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Portland, Maine is a popular place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its restaurants.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Portland, Maine area. The town has grown into a foodie destination that takes advantage of its waterfront setting. Many restaurants make use of the fresh seafood with lobster rolls and oysters on the half shell being popular. You'll also find a lot of dishes that use haddock and whole lobsters.

Daytona Beach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. This beach is more about the parties and drinks than it is about the food.

Is Daytona Beach or Portland, Maine Better for Nightlife?

Daytona Beach is an amazing beach city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Daytona Beach has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Portland, Maine has a few options to choose from. The city has many microbreweries, wine bars, taverns, and pubs. You'll find many places concentrated in the Old Port, which has a charming and fun atmosphere.

Is Daytona Beach or Portland, Maine Better for Music?

Daytona Beach is a popular place for its music scene. However, Portland, Maine is not a live music destination.

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.

Portland, Maine is not a live music destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Portland, Maine Better for Resorts?

Daytona Beach is a beach city with a few options for its resorts. However, Portland, Maine is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Daytona Beach as a resort destination, but it has a few places. 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, Maine is not a resort destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Portland, Maine Better for Beaches?

Portland, Maine is a well-known place for the beach. Also, Daytona Beach is not as famous, but is still a good beach city to visit for its beaches.

Portland, Maine is considered a top beach destination. It has many sandy and calm beaches. The water may be too cold to swim, but the beaches are perfect for flying a kite or hanging out with family.

Many people head to Daytona Beach to enjoy the 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.

Is Daytona Beach or Portland, Maine Better for Hiking?

Portland, Maine is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Daytona Beach is not a hiking destination.

Portland, Maine is a good destination for hiking. In addition to bike trails, there are several good hikes in the area.

Daytona Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Daytona Beach or Portland, Maine?

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

Many visitors go to Portland, Maine to go shopping. The town has many nice local boutiques to explore. Head downtown for the best local venues and the most interesting shopping opportunities.

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, Maine Better for Christmas?

Portland, Maine is a moderate coastal town for its Christmas activities. However, Daytona Beach does not offer Christmas activities.

Many enjoy the Christmas activities while in Portland, Maine. Watch the Christmas tree lighting or listen to the symphony at Christmas time.

Daytona Beach does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Daytona Beach or Portland, Maine Better for Families?

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

Portland, Maine is a family-friendly place to visit. It is a charming town with a number of kid-friendly museums, walks, and waterfront activities. You can visit the Portland Observatory, Bug Light Park, or grab ice cream in the Old Port. There are also children's museums such as the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine.

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, Maine Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Daytona Beach and Portland, Maine make for a nice 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, Maine is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy the beautiful waterfront setting, the fine dining restaurants, and everything that the city has to offer. Head to the Old Port for romantic restaurants and a great atmosphere or catch a show at Portland Stage.

Is Daytona Beach or Portland, Maine Better for Students?

Daytona Beach is an amazing beach city to visit for students. However, Portland, Maine is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Daytona Beach. 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, Maine is not popular with students.

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

Neither Daytona Beach or Portland, Maine offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant 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.

Public transit is quite limited in Portland, Maine. There is a very basic bus system but you really must have a car to explore the city.

Is Daytona Beach or Portland, Maine a more walkable city?

Portland, Maine is a moderate coastal town for its ease of walking around. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its walkability.

Portland, Maine is generally not very walkable. Downtown is very walkable but if you want to travel to other areas you'll need a car.

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, Maine Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portland, Maine or Daytona Beach?

How long in Daytona Beach or Portland, Maine?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Daytona Beach and Portland, Maine. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Portland, Maine 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, Maine.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Portland, Maine 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, Maine.

One day in Daytona Beach or Portland, Maine?

The energetic destination of Daytona Beach offers nightlife and live music. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the scenic destination of Portland, Maine. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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, Maine?

The beach city of Daytona Beach offers live music and nightlife. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portland, Maine. Most people come for the beaches. 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, Maine?

Daytona Beach is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. This beach city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the scenic destination of Portland, Maine. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This coastal town 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, Maine?

Many people enjoy the live music and nightlife when visiting Daytona Beach. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the beautiful coastal town of Portland, Maine. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 comparing the travel costs between Daytona Beach and Portland, Maine, we can see that Daytona Beach 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 Daytona Beach Expensive? and Is Portland, Maine Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Daytona Beach or Portland, Maine?

Daytona Beach has a larger population, and is about 2% larger than the population of Portland, Maine. When comparing the sizes of Daytona Beach and Portland, Maine, 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, Maine?

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 Daytona Beach or Portland, Maine in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Daytona Beach and Portland, Maine. The summer months attract visitors to Daytona Beach because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Portland, Maine this time of year.

Daytona Beach is a little warmer than Portland, Maine in the summer. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

Daytona Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Daytona Beach usually receives more rain than Portland, Maine. Daytona Beach gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Portland, Maine in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Daytona Beach as well as Portland, Maine. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Daytona Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Portland, Maine for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Daytona Beach is much warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Daytona Beach in October average around 74°F (23°C), and Portland, Maine averages at about 49°F (9°C).

Daytona Beach receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Daytona Beach usually gets more rain in October than Portland, Maine. Daytona Beach gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Portland, Maine in the Winter?

Both Portland, Maine and Daytona Beach are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Daytona Beach for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Portland, Maine in the winter for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Portland, Maine can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Daytona Beach is generally much warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 58°F (14°C), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

In January, Daytona Beach usually receives less rain than Portland, Maine. Daytona Beach gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Portland, Maine in the Spring?

Both Portland, Maine and Daytona Beach during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Daytona Beach in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Portland, Maine for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Daytona Beach is much warmer than Portland, Maine in the spring. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 69°F (21°C) in April, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

Daytona Beach usually gets less rain in April than Portland, Maine. Daytona Beach gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Portland, Maine and Daytona Beach