A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Everglades National Park vs. Portland, Maine for Hiking, Backpackers, Food, and Families

Should you visit Everglades National Park or Portland, Maine?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Everglades National Park and Portland, Maine can help you decide which place is right for you.

Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is a pristine, adventure-filled, and unique national park. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include hiking.

Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a seaside, laid-back, and scenic coastal town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Everglades National Park and Portland, Maine: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Everglades National Park or Portland, Maine?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Portland, Maine. Although Everglades National Park and Portland, Maine are popular destinations, Portland, Maine has more sights and attractions for tourists. Portland, Maine is very popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Everglades National Park attracts visitors for its museums and hiking. Everglades National Park is more touristy than Portland, Maine and is popular for its unique habitats and wildlife such as the friendly manatees. Portland, Maine is famous for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks. It is also well known for The Portland Head Light.

How is Everglades National Park different from Portland, Maine?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Everglades National Park or Portland, Maine?

Everglades National Park
Portland, Maine

Everglades National Park is a national park with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

Everglades National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. It's worth checking out the Museum of the Everglades, but most visitors prefer to spend their time outdoors exploring the habitats.

Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Everglades National Park or Portland, Maine? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Everglades National Park
Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Portland, Maine is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Everglades National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are a few casual eateries near the park. The options include taquerias and grills. You'll also find some farm fresh fruit stands on the side of the road and it's definitely worth stopping to pick up a snack.

Is Everglades National Park or Portland, Maine Better for Nightlife?

Everglades National Park
Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is very good for its evening party scene. However, Everglades National Park is not known for nightlife.

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.

People don't go to Everglades National Park for the nightlife. There are a couple of grills outside of the park, but the nightlife scene is very limited.

Is Everglades National Park or Portland, Maine Better for Beaches?

Everglades National Park
Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a great coastal town for the beach. However, Everglades National Park is not a beach destination.

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.

Everglades National Park is not a beach destination.


Is Everglades National Park or Portland, Maine Better for Hiking?

Everglades National Park
Portland, Maine

Everglades National Park is well known for its hiking experiences. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Everglades National Park. The trails take you through a variety of habitats and range in length from short nature walks to longer, in depth hikes. Do be aware that the insects can be brutal. Mosquitos and biting flies are both common.

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 Everglades National Park or Portland, Maine?

Everglades National Park
Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is very good for its shopping areas. However, Everglades National Park is not known for shopping.

Portland, Maine has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The town has many nice local boutiques to explore. Head downtown for the best local venues and the most interesting shopping opportunities.

Everglades National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There's a park store, but otherwise the shopping is very limited.

Is Everglades National Park or Portland, Maine Better for Christmas?

Everglades National Park
Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is adequate for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Everglades National Park 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.

Everglades National Park does not offer Christmas activities.


Is Everglades National Park or Portland, Maine Better for Families?

Everglades National Park
Portland, Maine

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Everglades National Park or Portland, Maine.

Everglades National Park offers lots of family activities. An airboat ride is a highlight for many kids. There's also hiking, kayaking, and even Junior Ranger programs. Do be on the lookout for mosquitoes, which can be relentless in the park.

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.

Is Everglades National Park or Portland, Maine Better for Couples?

Everglades National Park
Portland, Maine

Both Everglades National Park and Portland, Maine are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Everglades National Park is a good national park for couples to visit. Hiking and enjoying a bit of nature makes for a nice romantic getaway. Go kayaking or take an airboat ride and then enjoy some time exploring the natural setting.

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 Everglades National Park or Portland, Maine Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Everglades National Park
Portland, Maine

Everglades National Park is well known for backpackers. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Everglades National Park is a very popular national park for backpackers and budget travelers. There are two drive-in campgrounds (Long Pine Key Campground and Flamingo Campground) that you can reach from the Homestead entrance to the park.

Portland, Maine is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It isn't so much a backpacker destination, but there are some budget accommodation options around town.


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

Everglades National Park
Portland, Maine

Neither Everglades National Park or Portland, Maine offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Everglades National Park. There is no real public transportation to the park so an organized tour is your best option if you don't have a vehicle.

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

Is Everglades National Park or Portland, Maine a more walkable city?

Everglades National Park
Portland, Maine

Everglades National Park and Portland, Maine are reasonable when it comes to walkability.

Everglades National Park is generally not a very walkable national park. While there are hiking trails, to really explore the park you'll want to have a car or take an organized tour.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Portland, Maine or Everglades National Park?

How long in Everglades National Park or Portland, Maine?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Everglades National Park and Portland, Maine. In our opinion, Portland, Maine has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Portland, Maine than Everglades National Park. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Portland, Maine than Everglades National Park. 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 Everglades National Park. 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 Everglades National Park than Portland, Maine 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 Everglades National Park.


  • How many days in Everglades National Park or Portland, Maine? Ideal Length of Stay
    Everglades National Park 2-3 
    Portland, Maine 2-3

One day in Everglades National Park or Portland, Maine?

The natural destination of Everglades National Park offers . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

With food and shopping around the picturesque coastal town of Portland, Maine, there's plenty to do. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


A weekend in Everglades National Park or Portland, Maine?

The national park of Everglades National Park offers . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

With shopping and nightlife around the picturesque destination of Portland, Maine, there's plenty to do. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have a weekend, this coastal town makes for a great vacation.A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Five days in Everglades National Park or Portland, Maine?

Everglades National Park is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This national park offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find nightlife and food around the seaside coastal town of Portland, Maine. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people come for the beaches. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Everglades National Park or Portland, Maine?

Many people enjoy the when visiting Everglades National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

Portland, Maine is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Portland, Maine or Everglades National Park?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Everglades National Park is $146, while the average daily cost in Portland, Maine is $192. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Everglades National Park and Portland, Maine in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Everglades National Park $80
    Portland, Maine $115
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Everglades National Park $160
    Portland, Maine $230
Compare Hotels in Everglades National Park and Portland, Maine

Looking for a hotel in Everglades National Park or Portland, Maine? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Everglades National Park


Hotels in Portland, Maine


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Portland, Maine Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Everglades National Park $56
    Portland, Maine $34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portland, Maine

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portland, Maine:

  • Portland Jetport (PWM) to Portland - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $165
  • Portland to Portland Jetport (PWM) - Departure Private Transfer: $82
  • Private Transfer from Portland Port to Portland Jetport (PWM): $42
  • Private Transfer from Portland Jetport (PWM) to Portland Port: $42
  • Private Transfer from Portland Cruise Port to Portland city: $42
  • Private Transfer from Portland city to Portland Cruise Port: $42

Is it cheaper to fly into Everglades National Park or Portland, Maine?

Prices for flights to both Portland, Maine and Everglades National Park change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Everglades National Park $31
    Portland, Maine $48

Typical Food Prices in Portland, Maine

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Portland, Maine:


  • Breakfast for 2
    $17
  • Dinner for 2
    $30

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Everglades National Park $28
    Portland, Maine $39

Tours and Activities in Everglades National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Everglades National Park.

  • Flamingo Everglades Boat Tours: $48
  • 2 Hour Chokoloskee Island Kayak Tour: $80
  • Everglades National Park Dolphin, Birding and Wildlife Boat Tour (2 hours): $120
  • Two-Hour Everglades National Park Dolphin, Birding and Wildlife Boat Tour: $120
  • 4 Hour Everglades Kayak Tour: $120
  • 6 Hour Everglades Mangroves Kayak Tour: $200

Tours and Activities in Portland, Maine

Here are a few actual costs in Portland, Maine for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2 Hours | Portland, Maine Black History Walking Tour: $49
  • 2 Hours | Portland, Maine Hidden Histories Walking Tour: $49
  • A Walk Through Time Tour in Portland: $49
  • Around The Peninsula Bike Tour: $79
  • Audio Guided Walking Tour from Old Port of Portland, Maine: $6.75
  • Casco Bay Half-Day Sea Kayak Tour: $75
  • Central Coastal Maine Private Day Tour: $250
  • Discover Portland City and Lighthouse Tour: $48
  • Donut Tasting Walking Tour in Portland’s Old Port: $48
  • Downtown Portland In-App Audio Tour (ENG): $9.00
  • Downtown Portland, Maine City and Lighthouse Tour-2.5 hour Land Tour: $70
  • Guided RIB Boat Adventure of Casco Bay: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Everglades National Park $7.86
    Portland, Maine $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Portland, Maine

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Portland, Maine:

  • Old Port Brewery & Pub Walking Tour: $89
  • Local Brewery & Spirits Bus Tour: $99


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

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



When is the best time to visit Everglades National Park or Portland, Maine?

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 Everglades National Park or Portland, Maine in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Everglades National Park as well as Portland, Maine. Most visitors come to Everglades National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Portland, Maine because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Everglades National Park is a little warmer than Portland, Maine in the summer. The daily temperature in Everglades National Park averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Portland, Maine. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Everglades National Park this time of the year. In the summer, Everglades National Park often gets more sunshine than Portland, Maine. Everglades National Park gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 282 hours of full sun.

Everglades National Park receives a lot of rain in the summer. Everglades National Park usually gets more rain in July than Portland, Maine. Everglades National Park gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Everglades National Park 82°F (28°C) 
    Portland, Maine 69°F (20°C)

Should I visit Everglades National Park or Portland, Maine in the Autumn?

Both Portland, Maine and Everglades National Park are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Everglades National Park because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Portland, Maine this time of year.

In the autumn, Everglades National Park is much warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Everglades National Park in October average around 78°F (26°C), and Portland, Maine averages at about 49°F (9°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Everglades National Park. Everglades National Park usually receives more sunshine than Portland, Maine during autumn. Everglades National Park gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Everglades National Park. In October, Everglades National Park usually receives more rain than Portland, Maine. Everglades National Park gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Everglades National Park is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Everglades National Park 78°F (26°C) 
    Portland, Maine 49°F (9°C)

Should I visit Everglades National Park or Portland, Maine in the Winter?

Both Portland, Maine and Everglades National Park during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Everglades National Park this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Portland, Maine for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Portland, Maine. In January, Everglades National Park is generally much warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Everglades National Park average around 67°F (19°C), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

It's quite sunny in Everglades National Park. In the winter, Everglades National Park often gets more sunshine than Portland, Maine. Everglades National Park gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 163 hours of full sun.

Everglades National Park usually gets less rain in January than Portland, Maine. Everglades National Park gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Everglades National Park 67°F (19°C) 
    Portland, Maine 21°F (-6°C)

Should I visit Everglades National Park or Portland, Maine in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Everglades National Park and Portland, Maine. Many travelers come to Everglades National Park for the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Portland, Maine in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Everglades National Park is much warmer than Portland, Maine in the spring. The daily temperature in Everglades National Park averages around 74°F (24°C) in April, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Portland, Maine this time of the year. In Everglades National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. Everglades National Park usually receives more sunshine than Portland, Maine during spring. Everglades National Park gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Everglades National Park usually receives less rain than Portland, Maine. Everglades National Park gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Everglades National Park is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Everglades National Park 74°F (24°C) 
    Portland, Maine 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Portland, Maine and Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park Portland, Maine
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 67°F (19°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Feb 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Mar 71°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 33°F (1°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Apr 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
May 78°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm) 63°F (17°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 69°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Oct 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 49°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Nov 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 39°F (4°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Dec 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)