A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Redwood National Park vs. Portland for Hiking, Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Redwood National Park or Portland?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Redwood National Park and Portland. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a grand, impressive, and monumental park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include beaches and hiking.

Portland

Portland is a progressive, quirky, and eclectic city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Redwood National Park and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Redwood National Park or Portland?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Portland than Redwood National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Portland is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and small town charm, while Redwood National Park is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Redwood National Park is well known for being the home of the world's tallest trees. Portland is well known for its independent and vintage shops, thriving art scene, lush parks and gardens, progressive and quirky personality, and easy access to amazing natural beauty. Also, Portland is famous for Washington Park.

How is Redwood National Park different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Redwood National Park or Portland?

Portland is a city with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Portland offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Visitors usually come for the city's outdoor recreation and eclectic personality more than the landmarks and museums. There are a few places to visit on a rainy day though including Pittock Mansion, the Portland Art Museum, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Redwood National Park. There is little in the form of museums, but you can visit the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center on the south side of the park and see exhibits about Yurok culture and the area's ecology.

Is the Food Better in Redwood National Park or Portland? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Portland is a city with a few options for its restaurant scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Portland may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The town is more famous for it's craft beer than it's food, but there are still a number of local restaurants that offer unique Oregon dishes. You'll find no shortage of vegetarian and vegan options on most menus. There is also a big farm-to-table scene with many farmers markets around town as well.

While Redwood National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There are no dining or grocery options within the park but there are some options just outside the park.

Is Redwood National Park or Portland Better for Nightlife?

Portland is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for nightlife.

Portland has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Famously, this town's nightlife is all about the craft beer and local breweries. Make sure you check out Bailey's Taproom, The Big Legrowlski, and The Commons Brewery.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Redwood National Park The laid back setting offers little in the form of nightlife.

Is Redwood National Park or Portland Better for Music?

Portland is a good destination for its music scene. However, Redwood National Park is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Portland. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Redwood National Park is not a live music destination.

Is Redwood National Park or Portland Better for Beaches?

Redwood National Park is a park with good options for its beaches. However, Portland is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Redwood National Park. The park runs along the Pacific coastline and there are 70 miles of coastal trail in the park. Beaches are rugged and sandy and favorite sections include Gold Bluff Beach, Crescent Beach, and Enderts Beach, which has great tidal pools.

Portland is not a beach destination.

Is Redwood National Park or Portland Better for Hiking?

Redwood National Park is very popular for its hiking trails. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Around Redwood National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Hikes range from coastal trails to world-renowned hikes through the redwoods. You'll feel humbled in the presence of these grand and majestic trees. Several of the most well-known hikes include Fern Canyon, the Cathedral Trees Trail, and Redwood Creek Trail.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Portland. Just outside of town you'll find amazing hikes and stunning natural beauty. In town there are many urban hikes through parks and gardens, but in just a short drive you also have access to Mount Hood and many of the region's most beautiful hikes around the Columbia River Gorge.

Is the Shopping Better in Redwood National Park or Portland?

Portland is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for shopping.

Many visitors go to Portland to go shopping. To fully experience shopping in town, head to the local vendors and thrift shops. There are many vintage clothing shops, book stores, and independent sellers around town. The city is also full of farmers markets. For some of the most interesting shopping, check out the Pearl District, Pioneer Place, Union Way, and Downtown neighborhoods.

Shopping in Redwood National Park can be found for those interested. You'll find park stores at the visitor centers if you want to pick up a small gift or souvenir.

Is Redwood National Park or Portland Better for Families?

Redwood National Park is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Redwood National Park is a very family-friendly destination. There are plenty of kid-friendly hikes in the park and the kids will love exploring the varied landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Less than a mile long, Fern Canyon is the perfect hike for little kids and it's not-to-be-missed. Cathedral Trees Trail is three miles, and also a highlight of any trip to the park.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Portland. This is an outdoor city by nature, so families will appreciate the many parks and outdoor recreational activities around town. It's easy to fill a couple of days exploring and having fun with the kids. Kid-friendly activities include the zoo, the aerial tram, and several great museums.

Is Redwood National Park or Portland Better for Couples?

Redwood National Park is a very popular place for romance. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Redwood National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are historic lodges that make for a romantic getaway. You can fill your days with hikes through magical landscapes and breathtaking settings surrounded by the impressive redwoods.

Portland makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The laid-back, alternative vibe is fun to explore as a couple. There are independent bookstores, nice parks, and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Couples who enjoy an eclectic city, breweries, and nature, will find a lot to do in town.

Is Redwood National Park or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Redwood National Park is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Redwood National Park. There are miles of backcountry trails that let you can explore the park in relative peace and solitude. This is an amazing way to experience the park, but do make sure you purchase a permit in advance.

Portland is a great park to visit for backpackers. The town has drawn young explorers for years, and backpackers who like to step away from the mainstream will feel right at home here.

Is Redwood National Park or Portland Better for Students?

Portland is a good destination for students. However, Redwood National Park is not popular with students.

Portland is popular with students. It's a young and relaxed city that attracts independent thinkers. There are many bookstores and breweries around town. The cost of living can be a bit high though.

Redwood National Park is not popular with students.

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

Portland is a good destination for its public transit. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Portland, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

Public transit is quite limited in Redwood National Park. There's no public transportation within the park.

Is Redwood National Park or Portland a more walkable city?

Portland is well known for its ease of walking around. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its walkability.

Portland is a very walkable destination. It is quite walkable, particularly in the tourist areas such as Downtown, Pearl, and Old Town Chinatown.

Redwood National Park is not a very walkable park. The park is large and spread out, so you'll need a car to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Portland or Redwood National Park?

How long in Redwood National Park or Portland?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Portland than Redwood National Park 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.

One day in Redwood National Park or Portland?

The beautiful park of Redwood National Park offers . Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Portland, you'll find live music and shopping. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Redwood National Park or Portland?

Redwood National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portland. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city. It offers something for everyone.

Five days in Redwood National Park or Portland?

Redwood National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Redwood National Park, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Portland is a fun place to experience. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Redwood National Park or Portland?

Redwood National Park is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This park offers something for everyone.

You'll find live music and shopping around the eclectic destination of Portland. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

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

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

When is the best time to visit Redwood National Park or Portland?

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 Redwood National Park or Portland in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Redwood National Park as well as Portland. Most visitors come to Redwood National Park for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Portland because of the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Redwood National Park is cooler than Portland. Typically, the summer temperatures in Redwood National Park in July average around 57°F (14°C), and Portland averages at about 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Portland. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Redwood National Park this time of the year. In the summer, Redwood National Park often gets less sunshine than Portland. Redwood National Park gets 274 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun.

Redwood National Park usually gets less rain in July than Portland. Redwood National Park gets 0.1 inches (3 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Redwood National Park or Portland in the Autumn?

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

In October, Redwood National Park is generally around the same temperature as Portland. Daily temperatures in Redwood National Park average around 55°F (13°C), and Portland fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

Redwood National Park usually receives more sunshine than Portland during autumn. Redwood National Park gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Redwood National Park usually receives around the same amount of rain as Portland. Redwood National Park gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Redwood National Park or Portland in the Winter?

Both Portland and Redwood National Park during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Portland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Portland. Redwood National Park is much warmer than Portland in the winter. The daily temperature in Redwood National Park averages around 48°F (9°C) in January, and Portland fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

In the winter, Redwood National Park often gets more sunshine than Portland. Redwood National Park gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 86 hours of full sun.

Portland gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Redwood National Park. Redwood National Park usually gets more rain in January than Portland. Redwood National Park gets 6 inches (152 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Redwood National Park or Portland in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Redwood National Park and Portland. Many travelers come to Redwood National Park for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Portland in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Redwood National Park is around the same temperature as Portland. Typically, the spring temperatures in Redwood National Park in April average around 50°F (10°C), and Portland averages at about 51°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Portland this time of the year. In Redwood National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. Redwood National Park usually receives more sunshine than Portland during spring. Redwood National Park gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Redwood National Park usually receives more rain than Portland. Redwood National Park gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Portland and Redwood National Park