A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Simons vs. Portland for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Saint Simons or Portland?

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

Should I visit Saint Simons or Portland? 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.

Saint Simons

Saint Simons is a relaxing, laid back, and scenic island. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Portland

Portland is a tree-lined, nature-filled, and scenic city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Saint Simons and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Simons or Portland?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Saint Simons. Although Saint Simons and Portland are both popular with visitors, Saint Simons has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Saint Simons is more popular for its food, resorts, beaches, shopping, and small town charm, while Portland is known for its nightlife, music, and hiking. Saint Simons is popular for its beaches, charter fishing, and golf courses. It is also home to East Beach. Portland is popular for its independent and vintage shops, thriving art scene, lush parks and gardens, progressive and quirky personality, and easy access to amazing natural beauty.

How is Saint Simons different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Simons or Portland?

Both Saint Simons and Portland have decent landmarks and museums for visitors.

Saint Simons offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. St. Simons Lighthouse is a highlight for many visitors. There's a maritime museum attached to the lighthouse as well. Fort Frederica National Monument is another historic site that is worth a visit.

While most people don't head to Portland specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. 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.

Is the Food Better in Saint Simons or Portland? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Simons is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Saint Simons. There are more than 70 restaurants on the island that range from cafes to fine dining. You can enjoy an eggs benedict for brunch, crab cakes for lunch, and shrimp and grits for dinner. Many restaurants take advantage of the mild climate by offering outdoor seating. There are also several dessert places with ice cream or donuts.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Portland. 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.

Is Saint Simons or Portland Better for Nightlife?

Portland is a popular place for nightlife. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

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.

Saint Simons doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are several family-friendly bars with laid back atmospheres around town, but if you're looking for a wild night out, there aren't a lot of places to go.

Is Saint Simons or Portland Better for Music?

Portland is a popular place for live music. However, Saint Simons is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Portland is active and vibrant. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Saint Simons is not a live music destination.

Is Saint Simons or Portland Better for Resorts?

Saint Simons is a island with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Portland is not a resort destination.

Saint Simons has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are a handful of nice resorts with pools and beachfront settings.

Portland is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Simons or Portland Better for Beaches?

Saint Simons is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Portland is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Saint Simons attract visitors from all over. There's golden sand and a beautiful setting. Visitors enjoy swimming or walking along the coastline. You'll also find piers and playgrounds. East Beach is one of the most popular.

Portland is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Simons or Portland Better for Hiking?

Portland is a great destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Saint Simons is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

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.

Many people include a hike when visiting Saint Simons. There are several parks and natural areas where you can enjoy a walk in nature. Cannon's Point Preserve has a nice trail system. Other trails on the island include John Gilbert Nature Trail, Earth Day Nature Trail, and Wanderer Memorial Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Simons or Portland?

Saint Simons is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Saint Simons. You'll find a good concentration of gift shops and clothing boutiques on the island. Antiquing is also popular. Head to Pier Village for a nice mix of shops.

Portland offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Is Saint Simons or Portland Better for Families?

Saint Simons 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.

Saint Simons is a very family-friendly destination. The beaches are kid-friendly and there are many family-friendly restaurants in town. There's also the St. Simons Lighthouse, minigolf, and kayaking, as well as Neptune Park Fun Zone.

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 Saint Simons or Portland Better for Couples?

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

Saint Simons makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are romantic restaurants, beautiful beaches, and nice hotels. Sunset walks on the beach or a round of golf all make this a favorite couple's destination.

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 Saint Simons or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Portland is a great destination for backpackers. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Portland. The town has drawn young explorers for years, and backpackers who like to step away from the mainstream will feel right at home here.

Saint Simons is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are campgrounds in the area that offer access to the island.

Is Saint Simons or Portland Better for Students?

Portland is a popular place for students. However, Saint Simons 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.

Saint Simons is not popular with students.

Is Saint Simons or Portland Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Portland is a popular place for its public transit. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options 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 Saint Simons. While there are trolley tours available, public transportation is basically non-existent.

Is Saint Simons or Portland a more walkable city?

Portland is a great destination for its walkability. Also, Saint Simons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

Saint Simons is a somewhat walkable place. The downtown area is walkable, but to access much of what is available, you'll want to have a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Saint Simons Worth Visiting? and Is Portland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portland or Saint Simons?

How long in Saint Simons or Portland?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Portland than Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons or Portland?

Saint Simons is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. Most people come for the beaches. 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, many people enjoy the live music and shopping that this quirky city offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

A weekend in Saint Simons or Portland?

Saint Simons is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Saint Simons, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Portland is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.

Five days in Saint Simons or Portland?

Saint Simons is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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 entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the scenic destination of Portland. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

A week in Saint Simons or Portland?

Saint Simons is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

Portland is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

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 comparing the travel costs between Saint Simons and Portland, we can see that Portland 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 Simons Expensive? and Is Portland Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Simons or Portland?

Portland has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Saint Simons. When comparing the sizes of Saint Simons and Portland, 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 Simons 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 Saint Simons or Portland in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint Simons as well as Portland. Many visitors come to Saint Simons in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Portland for the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Saint Simons is a little warmer than Portland in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Simons averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Portland fluctuates around 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 Saint Simons this time of the year. In the summer, Saint Simons often gets less sunshine than Portland. Saint Simons gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun.

Saint Simons receives a lot of rain in the summer. Saint Simons usually gets more rain in July than Portland. Saint Simons gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Simons or Portland in the Autumn?

Both Portland and Saint Simons are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Saint Simons for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Portland because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Saint Simons is much warmer than Portland. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Simons in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Portland averages at about 55°F (13°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Simons. Saint Simons usually receives more sunshine than Portland during autumn. Saint Simons gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Simons usually receives more rain than Portland. Saint Simons gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Saint Simons or Portland in the Winter?

Both Portland and Saint Simons during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Saint Simons because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Portland this time of year.

It's quite cold in Portland in the winter. In January, Saint Simons is generally much warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in Saint Simons average around 53°F (12°C), and Portland fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

In the winter, Saint Simons often gets more sunshine than Portland. Saint Simons gets 191 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. Saint Simons usually gets less rain in January than Portland. Saint Simons gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Simons or Portland in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Simons and Portland. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Saint Simons this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Portland for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Saint Simons is much warmer than Portland in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Simons averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Portland fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Portland this time of the year. In Saint Simons, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Simons usually receives more sunshine than Portland during spring. Saint Simons gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Simons usually receives more rain than Portland. Saint Simons gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Portland and Saint Simons