A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Duck vs. Portland, Maine for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Duck or Portland, Maine?

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

Should I visit Duck 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.

Duck

Duck is a laid-back, traditional, and compact beach town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and food.

Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a laid-back, scenic, and picturesque coastal town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Duck and Portland, Maine: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Duck or Portland, Maine?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Duck than Portland, Maine, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Duck is better known for its museums, resorts, beaches, shopping, and small town charm, while Portland, Maine is more popular for its nightlife. Duck is more touristy than Portland, Maine and is known for its quaint atmosphere and small town charm. Also, Duck is famous for the wide sandy beach. Portland, Maine is well known for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks.

How is Duck different from Portland, Maine?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Duck or Portland, Maine?

Duck is not so good for its museums and landmarks. However, Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

Duck offers a few options for museum-goers. Hanging out at the beach and enjoy water sports or outdoor activities are the main draw of this town. You won't find much in the form of museums or indoor activities.

Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at notable restaurants in both Duck and Portland, Maine.

Duck offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. For such a small town, there's a decent selection of restaurants that range from local seafood eateries to pizza delivery. Homemade ice cream is a favorite in the area, but you also can't skip out on the flagship Duck Donuts store.

Portland, Maine has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

Is Duck or Portland, Maine Better for Nightlife?

Portland, Maine is a popular place for nightlife. However, Duck is not a good beach town for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Portland, Maine. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Duck. It's known as a family-friendly destination that isn't often associated with a strong nightlife, but there is often live music and other festivals during the summer months.

Is Duck or Portland, Maine Better for Resorts?

Duck is a popular place for its resorts. However, Portland, Maine is not a resort destination.

Duck has a few great resort options. Most of the accommodation around town is in the form of vacation beach rental houses that are perfect for family gatherings or larger groups.

Portland, Maine is not a resort destination.

Is Duck or Portland, Maine Better for Beaches?

Duck is an amazing beach town to visit for the beach. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Duck. Long sandy beaches with great surf and a wonderful boardwalk make this a great beach destination. Kids play in the tidal pools and families relax under their beach umbrellas in a classic beach setting.

Portland, Maine is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

Is Duck or Portland, Maine Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Duck and Portland, Maine both have notable trails.

Duck is a good destination for hiking. The Duck Trail runs for six miles and passes through town. It's popular with walkers, cyclists, and inline skaters.

Many people include a hike when visiting Portland, Maine. In addition to bike trails, there are several good hikes in the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Duck or Portland, Maine?

Duck is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Duck. Head to the Waterfront Shops for some of the town's best shopping. You can wander along the boardwalk and check out the independent vendors and local restaurants.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Portland, Maine. The town has many nice local boutiques to explore. Head downtown for the best local venues and the most interesting shopping opportunities.

Is Duck or Portland, Maine Better for Christmas?

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

Portland, Maine has some seasonal activities during Christmas. Watch the Christmas tree lighting or listen to the symphony at Christmas time.

Duck does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Duck or Portland, Maine Better for Families?

Duck is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Duck is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kid-friendly beaches, local ice cream joints, and the famed Duck Donuts all make this an ideal kid's beach destination. There's a waterpark nearby and plenty of water sports that the whole family can enjoy. The boardwalk is also a very family-friendly environment.

Portland, Maine offers lots of family activities. 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.

Is Duck or Portland, Maine Better for Couples?

Duck is well known for couples. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Duck frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a charming beach town with great local restaurants and a beautiful and peaceful setting. For couples who want to enjoy a relaxing beach town without the energy of a larger destination, then this is the perfect place. Much of the accommodation is in the form of rental houses, which can be a bit much for a couple, but the setting is perfect for a weekend escape.

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

Duck is a beach town with a few options for its public transit. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Duck. It's best to have a car if you want to exploring the Outer Banks and its many activities.

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 Duck or Portland, Maine a more walkable city?

Duck is an amazing beach town to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for its walkability.

Getting around Duck on foot is easy. It's a wonderfully walkable and pedestrian-friendly town with a great boardwalk and many walking and cycling paths.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Duck Worth Visiting? and Is Portland, Maine Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portland, Maine or Duck?

How long in Duck or Portland, Maine?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Duck and Portland, Maine. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Duck than in Portland, Maine. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Duck, and 2-3 days is enough time in Portland, Maine.

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

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

One day in Duck or Portland, Maine?

Duck is a small town with plenty to do. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. It's no surprise that beaches 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Portland, Maine. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Duck or Portland, Maine?

Duck might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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.

Portland, Maine is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Duck or Portland, Maine?

Duck is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. This beach town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find food and shopping around the laid-back destination of Portland, Maine. This coastal town offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Duck or Portland, Maine?

Duck is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

The scenic coastal town of Portland, Maine offers shopping and nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

When comparing the travel costs between Duck and Portland, Maine, we can see that Portland, Maine 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 Duck Expensive? and Is Portland, Maine Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Duck or Portland, Maine?

Portland, Maine has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Duck. When comparing the sizes of Duck 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 Duck 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 Duck or Portland, Maine in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Duck and Portland, Maine. The summer months attract visitors to Duck because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, 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.

In July, Duck is generally a little warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Duck average around 78°F (26°C), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Portland, Maine this time of the year. In Duck, it's very sunny this time of the year. Duck usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Portland, Maine during summer. Duck gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 282 hours of full sun in the summer.

Duck gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Duck usually receives more rain than Portland, Maine. Duck 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 Duck or Portland, Maine in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Duck as well as Portland, Maine. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Duck 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.

Duck is much warmer than Portland, Maine in the autumn. The daily temperature in Duck averages around 62°F (16°C) in October, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Duck this time of the year. In the autumn, Duck often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Portland, Maine. Duck gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 196 hours of full sun.

Duck usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Portland, Maine. Duck gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Duck or Portland, Maine in the Winter?

Both Portland, Maine and Duck are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Duck 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. Be prepared for some very cold days in Duck. In the winter, Duck is much warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the winter temperatures in Duck in January average around 41°F (5°C), and Portland, Maine averages at about 21°F (-6°C).

Duck usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Portland, Maine during winter. Duck gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Duck. In January, Duck usually receives more rain than Portland, Maine. Duck gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Duck or Portland, Maine in the Spring?

Both Portland, Maine and Duck during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Duck in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Portland, Maine for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Duck is generally much warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Duck average around 59°F (15°C), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

In Portland, Maine, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Duck. In the spring, Duck often gets more sunshine than Portland, Maine. Duck gets 253 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 212 hours of full sun.

Duck usually gets less rain in April than Portland, Maine. Duck gets 3 inches (75 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 Duck