A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Portland, Maine vs. Big Sur for Couples, Beaches, Hiking, and Food

Should you visit Portland, Maine or Big Sur?

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

Should I visit Portland, Maine or Big Sur? 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.

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.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a remote, breathtaking, and scenic natural area. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include hiking, food, and beaches.

Portland, Maine and Big Sur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portland, Maine or Big Sur?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Portland, Maine. Although Portland, Maine and Big Sur are popular destinations, Portland, Maine has more sights and attractions for tourists. Portland, Maine is very popular for its nightlife and shopping, while Big Sur attracts visitors for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Big Sur is more touristy than Portland, Maine and is popular for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views. 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 Portland, Maine different from Big Sur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Big Sur offers a few options for museum-goers. Nature is what brings visitors to the area, so most people don't prioritize museums or manmade landmarks.

Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Portland, Maine and Big Sur can be difficult as they are each nice in their own way.

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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Big Sur. Most of the restaurants offer a breathtaking view. Many use locally-sourced ingredients and they range in style from fine dining to casual eateries.

Is Portland, Maine or Big Sur Better for Nightlife?

Portland, Maine is very good for its evening party scene. However, Big Sur is not a good destination 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 Big Sur for the nightlife. There's a taphouse and lounge, but the area is mostly undeveloped with no real nightlife.

Is Portland, Maine or Big Sur Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Portland, Maine and Big Sur are great choices.

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.

Big Sur is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The coastline and beaches are dramatic and beautiful, particularly Pfeiffer Beach, which has a dramatic waterfall. The water is filled with rip tides and strong currents, so swimming isn't advisable in most places.

Is Portland, Maine or Big Sur Better for Hiking?

Big Sur 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 Big Sur. The dramatic hikes take you along the coastline, to beautiful beaches and through Redwood forests. There are a number of state parks along the route and some of the best hikes include Salmon Creek Trail, Pacific Valley Bluff Trail, and Ragged Point Cliffside Trail.

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 Portland, Maine or Big Sur?

Portland, Maine is very good for its shopping areas. However, Big Sur is not a good destination 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.

Big Sur has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are some galleries and gift shops, but most visitors aren't in the area to go shopping.

Is Portland, Maine or Big Sur Better for Christmas?

Portland, Maine is adequate for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Big Sur 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.

Big Sur does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Portland, Maine or Big Sur Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Portland, Maine or Big Sur.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Portland, Maine. 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.

Big Sur offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy the hiking and beaches, particularly the Carmel Lagoon at Carmel River State Beach. There are a number of state parks where kids can run around and stretch their legs.

Is Portland, Maine or Big Sur Better for Couples?

Big Sur is an amazing natural area to visit for couples. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Big Sur makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Stunning viewpoints and breathtaking coastline make this a wonderful destination for couples. There are romantic inns and impressive hikes along the water's edge or through the dramatic Redwoods.

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 Portland, Maine or Big Sur Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Big Sur is a popular place for backpackers. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Big Sur. There are a couple of hostels in the area, but budget travelers often prefer vacation rentals, which are more common.

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

Neither Portland, Maine or Big Sur offer decent public transit.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Big Sur. There is no real public transportation in the area.

Is Portland, Maine or Big Sur a more walkable city?

Portland, Maine is adequate for its ease of walking around. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its walkability.

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

Big Sur is not a walkable coastal town. While there are hiking trails, Big Sur is a stretch of road that runs along the coast and requires a car to fully access.

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

Should I spend more time in Big Sur or Portland, Maine?

How long in Portland, Maine or Big Sur?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Portland, Maine and Big Sur. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Portland, Maine, and 1-3 days is enough time in Big Sur.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Big Sur 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 Big Sur.

One day in Portland, Maine or Big Sur?

In Portland, Maine, you'll find shopping and nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This coastal town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The remote destination of Big Sur offers food. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Portland, Maine or Big Sur?

In Portland, Maine, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Portland, Maine has to offer.

The natural area of Big Sur offers food. 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.

Five days in Portland, Maine or Big Sur?

Portland, Maine is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Big Sur is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This natural area offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Portland, Maine or Big Sur?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portland, Maine. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Portland, Maine. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the food when visiting Big Sur. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Portland, Maine and Big Sur, we can see that Portland, Maine is more expensive. And not only is Big Sur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Big Sur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Big Sur 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 Big Sur.

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

When is the best time to visit Portland, Maine or Big Sur?

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 Portland, Maine or Big Sur in the Summer?

Both Big Sur and Portland, Maine during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Portland, Maine this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Big Sur for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Portland, Maine is a little warmer than Big Sur in the summer. The daily temperature in Portland, Maine averages around 69°F (20°C) in July, and Big Sur fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Portland, Maine usually gets more rain in July than Big Sur. Portland, Maine gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portland, Maine or Big Sur in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Portland, Maine and Big Sur. Many travelers come to Portland, Maine for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Big Sur in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Portland, Maine is much colder than Big Sur. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Portland, Maine in October average around 49°F (9°C), and Big Sur averages at about 62°F (17°C).

In October, Portland, Maine usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Portland, Maine gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Portland, Maine or Big Sur in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Portland, Maine as well as Big Sur. Many visitors come to Portland, Maine in the winter for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Big Sur for the cuisine during these months.

Portland, Maine can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Portland, Maine is generally much colder than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Portland, Maine average around 21°F (-6°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Portland, Maine usually gets more rain in January than Big Sur. Portland, Maine gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portland, Maine or Big Sur in the Spring?

Both Big Sur and Portland, Maine are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Portland, Maine for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Big Sur because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Portland, Maine is much colder than Big Sur in the spring. The daily temperature in Portland, Maine averages around 43°F (6°C) in April, and Big Sur fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In April, Portland, Maine usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Portland, Maine gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Big Sur and Portland, Maine