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

Should you visit Portland, Maine or Santa Monica?

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

Should I visit Portland, Maine or Santa Monica? 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 laid-back, scenic, and picturesque coastal town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a funfilled, energetic, and active town. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Portland, Maine and Santa Monica: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portland, Maine or Santa Monica?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Santa Monica than Portland, Maine, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Santa Monica is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Portland, Maine is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Santa Monica is more touristy than Portland, Maine and is known for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. It is also home to the Santa Monica Pier. Portland, Maine is popular for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks.

How is Portland, Maine different from Santa Monica?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica?

Santa Monica is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Santa Monica. There's a thriving arts scene and a number of museums around town. Check out the Museum of Flying, the California Heritage Museum, or the Santa Monica History Museum.

Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Santa Monica is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Santa Monica is an experience not to be missed. You'll find a diversity of restaurants in the area, many of which make use of the town's many farmer's markets. The restaurant scene has a beachy vibe with a lot of outdoor dining opportunities. There are also a range of cuisines to choose from such as Mexican, Italian, casual, and upscale.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Portland, Maine. 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 Portland, Maine or Santa Monica Better for Nightlife?

Santa Monica is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Santa Monica is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There's a relaxed and laid back vibe to the nightlife scene. Many venues offer outdoor seating and live music in a casual setting. You can hang out on a patio and enjoy the California climate while you sip cold drinks and the beach town atmosphere.

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 Portland, Maine or Santa Monica Better for Beaches?

Santa Monica is an amazing 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 Santa Monica. Santa Monica Beach is large and lined with bike trails. It's also filled with activity and you'll find many water sports, beach volleyball, and surfing in the area. There's also the famous Santa Monica Pier, which has an amusement park aquarium, Ferris wheal, dining, and shopping.

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 Portland, Maine or Santa Monica Better for Hiking?

Portland, Maine is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Santa Monica 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.

Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Portland, Maine or Santa Monica?

Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica. It's easy to pass the time shopping in Santa Monica. There are independent vendors, fashion boutiques, and art galleries. Head to Montana Avenue or Main Street for some of the best shopping.

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 Portland, Maine or Santa Monica Better for Christmas?

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

The Christmas holiday can be fun in Portland, Maine. Watch the Christmas tree lighting or listen to the symphony at Christmas time.

Santa Monica does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Portland, Maine or Santa Monica Better for Families?

Santa Monica is an amazing town to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Santa Monica is a very family-friendly destination. Many families spend their days hanging out on the beaches, soaking up the sun, and even trying to surf. There's a boardwalk as well as bike paths that are perfect for people watching. You should also check out the Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, which is a thrilling amusement park.

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 Portland, Maine or Santa Monica Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Santa Monica frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Fun days on the beach, peaceful walks at sunset, and a wild nightlife scene make this the perfect couples destination for couples who enjoy activity and excitement.

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 Santa Monica Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Santa Monica. There's no shortage of activities in the area, whether you're into surfing, partying, or sunbathing. There's also at least one hostel that's great for budget travelers and backpackers.

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 Santa Monica Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Portland, Maine is not a good place to visit for its public transit. However, Santa Monica does not have 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.

Santa Monica does not have public transit. The Metro E Line connects the city to downtown Los Angeles. There's also the Big Blue Bus as well the Santa Monica Circuit, which are small electric carts that offer free rides between Wilshire Boulevard and Marine Street, and from the ocean to Fifth Street.

Is Portland, Maine or Santa Monica a more walkable city?

Santa Monica is well known for its ease of walking around. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for its walkability.

Santa Monica is a very walkable destination. The city is very walkable, particularly in the more touristy areas.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Santa Monica or Portland, Maine?

How long in Portland, Maine or Santa Monica?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Portland, Maine and Santa Monica. In our opinion, Santa Monica has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Santa Monica than Portland, Maine. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Portland, Maine, and 1-3 days is enough time in Santa Monica.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica.

One day in Portland, Maine or Santa Monica?

In Portland, Maine, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this seaside coastal town offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The lively destination of Santa Monica offers nightlife and food. 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 enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Portland, Maine or Santa Monica?

Portland, Maine is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

The town of Santa Monica offers food and shopping. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Santa Monica?

You'll find nightlife and food around the seaside destination of Portland, Maine. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Santa Monica 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 town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Portland, Maine or Santa Monica?

Portland, Maine is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Santa Monica. 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 comparing the travel costs between Portland, Maine and Santa Monica, we can see that Santa Monica 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 Portland, Maine Expensive? and Is Santa Monica Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Portland, Maine or Santa Monica?

Santa Monica has a larger population, and is about 40% larger than the population of Portland, Maine. When comparing the sizes of Portland, Maine and Santa Monica, 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 Portland, Maine or Santa Monica?

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 Portland, Maine or Santa Monica in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Portland, Maine and Santa Monica. The summer months attract visitors to Portland, Maine because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Santa Monica this time of year.

In July, Portland, Maine is generally around the same temperature as Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Portland, Maine average around 69°F (20°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

In July, Portland, Maine usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Portland, Maine gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Portland, Maine or Santa Monica in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Portland, Maine as well as Santa Monica. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Portland, Maine this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santa Monica for the shopping scene.

Portland, Maine is much colder than Santa Monica in the autumn. The daily temperature in Portland, Maine averages around 49°F (9°C) in October, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

Portland, Maine usually gets more rain in October than Santa Monica. Portland, Maine gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portland, Maine or Santa Monica in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Portland, Maine. In the winter, Portland, Maine is much colder than Santa Monica. Typically, the winter temperatures in Portland, Maine in January average around 21°F (-6°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 57°F (14°C).

In January, Portland, Maine usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Portland, Maine gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Portland, Maine or Santa Monica in the Spring?

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

In April, Portland, Maine is generally much colder than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Portland, Maine average around 43°F (6°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

Portland, Maine usually gets more rain in April than Santa Monica. Portland, Maine gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Santa Monica and Portland, Maine