A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Petersburg vs. Bar Harbor for Beaches, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Bar Harbor?

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 Saint Petersburg and Bar Harbor can help you decide which place is right for you.

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a relaxed, fun-filled, and underrated coastal city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a picturesque, relaxed, and quaint coastal town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include shopping, food, and beaches.

Saint Petersburg and Bar Harbor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Petersburg or Bar Harbor?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Saint Petersburg. Although Saint Petersburg and Bar Harbor are both popular with visitors, Saint Petersburg has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Saint Petersburg is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and beaches, while Bar Harbor is known for its hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Saint Petersburg is popular for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. It is also home to St. Pete Beach. Bar Harbor is popular for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park.

How is Saint Petersburg different from Bar Harbor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bar Harbor and Saint Petersburg. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Petersburg or Bar Harbor?

Saint Petersburg is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Saint Petersburg. There are a variety of history, science, and art museums in the area. The Dalí Museum, Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, The Florida Holocaust Museum, and Imagine Museum of Contemporary Glass Art are some of the favorites.

Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Saint Petersburg or Bar Harbor? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Saint Petersburg and Bar Harbor.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Saint Petersburg. It's location on the Gulf Coast means that seafood is everywhere. You'll enjoy fresh oysters, fried calamari, grilled fish, and fried shrimp on many menus. Casual restaurants and local eateries are common around town.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Bar Harbor. The town is famous for its Maine lobster, but there are also countless other types of fresh seafood available. You'll find waterfront restaurants with beautiful views and fresh ingredients.

Is Saint Petersburg or Bar Harbor Better for Nightlife?

Saint Petersburg is a coastal city with good options for nightlife. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Saint Petersburg. There are beachside bars, rooftop restaurants, and dance clubs around town for those looking for a night out.

Bar Harbor doesn't offer many options. It's a peaceful and sleepy town, so you wont find much in the way of nightlife.

Is Saint Petersburg or Bar Harbor Better for Resorts?

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Saint Petersburg and Bar Harbor.

Saint Petersburg has a handful of resorts to choose from. You'll find most of the resorts near the beach. Many have pools and they range in style and budget level.

With a selection of resorts, Bar Harbor makes a nice vacation spot. The town is all about the cute hotel. Several favorites include Sand Bar Cottage Inn, Bluenose Inn, and Bar Harbor Inn and Spa.

Is Saint Petersburg or Bar Harbor Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg is terrific for its beaches. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for the beache.

Saint Petersburg is considered to be a world-class beach destination. You'll find great sandy beaches with calm blue water and a relaxed atmosphere. Some of the best beaches include Egmont Key, Fort DeSoto Beach, Maximo Beach, and St. Pete's Municipal Beach.

Bar Harbor offers a nice beach destination. A nice beach is close by but do note that the sand is very shelly and there is a big difference between high and low tides.

Is Saint Petersburg or Bar Harbor Better for Hiking?

Bar Harbor is very good for hiking. However, Saint Petersburg is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Bar Harbor. Nearby Acadia National Park has plenty of hiking options. There's also the Bar Harbor Shore Path that wanders along the coastline and offers beautiful views.

Saint Petersburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Petersburg or Bar Harbor?

Bar Harbor is great for shopping. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bar Harbor. Filled with plenty of local boutique shops, its fun to enjoy some shopping around town.

Saint Petersburg offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find plenty of shopping malls and shopping centers around town. Along the boardwalk and in John's Pass Village there are also restaurants and souvenir stores.

Is Saint Petersburg or Bar Harbor Better for Families?

Saint Petersburg is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Saint Petersburg is a very family-friendly place to visit. The beaches, waterparks, nature reserves, and entertainment centers all offer plenty of activities for families. There are plenty of places to play, laugh, and act silly around town so the whole family can have a good time. There's also the Great Explorations Children’s Museum and other educational opportunities for the young ones.

Bar Harbor is a family-friendly coastal city. It is a small town with a lot of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. Whale watching, kayaking, and wildlife spotting are all fun activities for all ages.

Is Saint Petersburg or Bar Harbor Better for Couples?

Both Saint Petersburg and Bar Harbor are superb destinations to visit as a couple.

Saint Petersburg is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. There are sunset cruises, long sandy beaches, nice restaurants, and many other romantic activities around town. You can wander down the boardwalk or enjoy nature at the gardens and nature parks around town.

Bar Harbor is a very popular place to visit for couples. It is a quaint coastal town that is perfect for a couple's getaway or a short honeymoon. There are romantic restaurants, scenic walks, and beautiful views that make this a wonderful retreat.

Is Saint Petersburg or Bar Harbor Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Saint Petersburg and Bar Harbor both offer decent public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Saint Petersburg. There's a bus system, but most people rely on their own car to get around.

Public transit is generally limited in Bar Harbor. There is a free shuttle bus that will help you get around town if needed.

Is Saint Petersburg or Bar Harbor a more walkable city?

Bar Harbor is great for its walkability. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

Bar Harbor is very walkable. The town is small enough that it's easily explored on foot.

Saint Petersburg is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, but you really need a car to access most places.

For even more information, also check out Is Saint Petersburg Worth Visiting? and Is Bar Harbor Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bar Harbor or Saint Petersburg?

How long in Saint Petersburg or Bar Harbor?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint Petersburg and Bar Harbor. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Saint Petersburg than in Bar Harbor. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Petersburg, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bar Harbor.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Petersburg than Bar Harbor 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 Saint Petersburg.

One day in Saint Petersburg or Bar Harbor?

With museums and nightlife around the relaxed coastal city of Saint Petersburg, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Bar Harbor is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Saint Petersburg or Bar Harbor?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Saint Petersburg, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city.

Bar Harbor is a small town with plenty to do. If you have a weekend, this coastal town makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Saint Petersburg or Bar Harbor?

Saint Petersburg, a popular coastal city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Bar Harbor is a popular choice for travelers. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

A week in Saint Petersburg or Bar Harbor?

Saint Petersburg is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Bar Harbor is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Saint Petersburg and Bar Harbor, we can see that Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg Expensive? and Is Bar Harbor Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Bar Harbor?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Bar Harbor. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Bar Harbor, 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 Saint Petersburg or Bar Harbor?

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 Saint Petersburg or Bar Harbor in the Summer?

Both Bar Harbor and Saint Petersburg during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Saint Petersburg for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bar Harbor in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Saint Petersburg is a little warmer than Bar Harbor in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in July than Bar Harbor. Saint Petersburg gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Bar Harbor in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Bar Harbor. Many visitors come to Saint Petersburg in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bar Harbor for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Bar Harbor. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Petersburg in October average around 76°F (24°C), and Bar Harbor averages at about 48°F (9°C).

In October, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Bar Harbor. Saint Petersburg gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Saint Petersburg is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Bar Harbor in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Bar Harbor. Most visitors come to Saint Petersburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Bar Harbor because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The weather in Bar Harbor can be very cold. In January, Saint Petersburg is generally much warmer than Bar Harbor. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 59°F (15°C), and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 18°F (-8°C).

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in January than Bar Harbor. Saint Petersburg gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Bar Harbor in the Spring?

Both Bar Harbor and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Saint Petersburg because of the beaches. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Bar Harbor this time of year.

Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Bar Harbor in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 73°F (23°C) in April, and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

In April, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Bar Harbor. Saint Petersburg gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Saint Petersburg is June to November.

Typical Weather for Bar Harbor and Saint Petersburg