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

Should you visit Santa Monica or Portland?

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

Should I visit Santa Monica 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.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a lively, funfilled, and energetic town. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Portland

Portland is a progressive, quirky, and eclectic city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and hiking.

Santa Monica and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santa Monica or Portland?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Santa Monica than Portland. While Portland is larger than Santa Monica, Santa Monica has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santa Monica is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Portland attracts visitors for its music, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Santa Monica is more touristy than Portland and is popular for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. It is also well known for the Santa Monica Pier. Portland is famous 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 Santa Monica different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Santa Monica or Portland?

Santa Monica is a town with good options for its museums and history. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Santa Monica is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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 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.

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

Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica. 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.

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 Santa Monica or Portland Better for Nightlife?

Santa Monica is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Santa Monica has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

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.

Is Santa Monica or Portland Better for Music?

Portland is a popular place for its live music scene. However, Santa Monica 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.

Santa Monica is not a live music destination.

Is Santa Monica or Portland Better for Beaches?

Santa Monica is very popular for its beaches. However, Portland is not a beach destination.

Santa Monica is considered to be a world-class beach destination. 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 is not a beach destination.

Is Santa Monica or Portland Better for Hiking?

Portland is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

Portland is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santa Monica or Portland?

Santa Monica 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 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.

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 Santa Monica or Portland Better for Families?

Santa Monica is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Santa Monica is an extremely popular town to visit for families. 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.

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 Santa Monica or Portland Better for Couples?

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

Santa Monica makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 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 Santa Monica or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Portland is notable for backpackers. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Portland is a great city 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.

Santa Monica is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Is Santa Monica or Portland Better for Students?

Portland is a popular place for students. However, Santa Monica is not popular with students.

Portland is a good city to visit for 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.

Santa Monica is not popular with students.

Is Santa Monica 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, Santa Monica does not have public transit.

Portland has a few public transit options. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

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 Santa Monica or Portland a more walkable city?

Santa Monica and Portland both are excellent when exploring on foot.

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

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

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

Should I spend more time in Portland or Santa Monica?

How long in Santa Monica or Portland?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Portland than Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica or Portland?

The town of Santa Monica offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Portland, many people enjoy the live music and shopping that this eclectic 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 Santa Monica or Portland?

Santa Monica is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town 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 Santa Monica, 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 Santa Monica or Portland?

Santa Monica is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. 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 eclectic 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 Santa Monica or Portland?

Santa Monica is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. 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 town 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 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Santa Monica or Portland?

Portland has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Santa Monica. When comparing the sizes of Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica or Portland in the Summer?

Both Portland and Santa Monica during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Santa Monica in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Portland for the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Santa Monica is generally around the same temperature as Portland. Daily temperatures in Santa Monica average around 70°F (21°C), and Portland fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

Santa Monica usually gets less rain in July than Portland. Santa Monica gets 0 inches (0 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Santa Monica or Portland in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Santa Monica and Portland. Most visitors come to Santa Monica for the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, 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.

Santa Monica is much warmer than Portland in the autumn. The daily temperature in Santa Monica averages around 67°F (20°C) in October, and Portland fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

In October, Santa Monica usually receives less rain than Portland. Santa Monica gets 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Santa Monica or Portland in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Santa Monica as well as Portland. The winter months attract visitors to Santa Monica because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, 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 the winter, Santa Monica is much warmer than Portland. Typically, the winter temperatures in Santa Monica in January average around 57°F (14°C), and Portland averages at about 40°F (4°C).

It's quite rainy in Portland. Santa Monica usually gets less rain in January than Portland. Santa Monica gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Santa Monica or Portland in the Spring?

Both Portland and Santa Monica are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches are the main draw to Santa Monica this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Portland for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Santa Monica is generally much warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in Santa Monica average around 61°F (16°C), and Portland fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In April, Santa Monica usually receives less rain than Portland. Santa Monica gets 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Portland and Santa Monica