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

Should you visit Boca Raton or Portland, Maine?

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 Boca Raton and Portland, Maine. 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.

Boca Raton

Boca Raton is a outdoorsy, relaxed, and luxurious coastal city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food. See Boca Raton travel costs.

Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a seaside, laid-back, and scenic coastal town. With stunning beauty, Portland, Maine attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and hiking. See Portland, Maine travel costs.

Boca Raton and Portland, Maine: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Boca Raton or Portland, Maine?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Boca Raton than Portland, Maine. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Boca Raton is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Portland, Maine attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Boca Raton is famous for its golf courses, outdoor recreational activities, and safe atmosphere. It is also well known for Red Reef Park. Portland, Maine is famous for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks.

How is Boca Raton different from Portland, Maine?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Boca Raton or Portland, Maine?

Boca Raton is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

Boca Raton offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. While most visitors focus on the beaches and outdoor activities in the area, there are also a surprising number of museums that you can visit. On a rainy day head to the Boca Raton Museum of Art or the Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum. Sports enthusiasts will like the Sports Immortals Museum and kids will want to check out the Children's Science Explorium.

Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Boca Raton or Portland, Maine? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton is an experience not to be missed. You'll find a mix of local and international flavors with both casual and upscale dining available. Reservations are recommended, particularly on weekend nights. For the health-conscious, there's also a nice selection of healthy eateries to choose from.

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 Boca Raton or Portland, Maine Better for Nightlife?

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

Boca Raton is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. You'll find plenty of upscale wine bars, cocktail bars, and live music venues that will keep you entertained late into the evening.

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 Boca Raton or Portland, Maine Better for Resorts?

Boca Raton is well known for its resorts. However, Portland, Maine is not a resort destination.

Boca Raton is known as a popular and fun resort destination. You'll find many luxury beachside resorts that offer all of the amenities, from access to golf course to family-friendly kids clubs.

Portland, Maine is not a resort destination.

Is Boca Raton or Portland, Maine Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Boca Raton is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Portland, Maine is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Boca Raton has a few good snorkeling spots. Head to the "Aqua Zoo", which is just to the south of Boca Inlet to see stingrays, groupers, and moray eels. Red Reef Park offers excellent snorkeling as well.

Portland, Maine is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Boca Raton or Portland, Maine Better for Beaches?

Boca Raton is an amazing coastal city 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 Boca Raton. There's a two mile stretch of beautiful sandy beaches that are all monitored by lifeguards. The beaches offer all of the facilities that you might need such as picnic areas, restrooms, and showers. Many beaches are part of park land and some offer nice snorkeling. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Spanish River Park, Bark Park Dog Beach, Red Reef Beach, and South Beach Park.

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 Boca Raton or Portland, Maine Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Boca Raton and Portland, Maine, and they are nice.

Boca Raton offers some nice hiking trails. There's a surprising number of nature parks in the area that have hiking trails, nature walks, and beach paths that are fun to explore.

Portland, Maine is a good destination for hiking. In addition to bike trails, there are several good hikes in the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Boca Raton or Portland, Maine?

Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton. It's an upscale area, and you'll find no shortage of luxury shopping around town. Popular areas for shopping include Downtown Boca, Mizner Park, and the Town Center at Boca Raton.

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 Boca Raton or Portland, Maine More Beautiful?

Portland, Maine is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Boca Raton is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Portland, Maine attracts visitors from all around. Set against the water's edge, the town offers many beautiful scenes and picturesque settings.

Boca Raton is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Boca Raton or Portland, Maine Better for Families?

Boca Raton is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Boca Raton is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It's an upscale area with a family-friendly atmosphere and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Many of the hotels have kids clubs that will keep the young ones entertained. The area also has nature centers, children's museums, and waterparks that will ensure everyone stays entertained.

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 Boca Raton or Portland, Maine Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Boca Raton frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There's an upscale vibe with plenty of nature trails and nice beaches. Many of the hotels offer a touch of luxury that honeymooning couples will appreciate. You can also head to the downtown area for music, events, and museums.

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 Boca Raton or Portland, Maine Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Boca Raton is a popular place for its public transit. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Boca Raton, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The Downtowner is a fleet of free, oversized golf cars that shuttle visitors around town, passing by many top sites such as Mizner Park, Red Reef Park, and the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. There's also a public bus system, Palm Tran, that offers service around town.

Public transit is quite limited in Portland, Maine. There is a very basic bus system but you really must have a car to explore the city.

Is Boca Raton or Portland, Maine a more walkable city?

Boca Raton is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for its walkability.

Boca Raton is a somewhat walkable coastal city. There are some communities within the city that are more walkable than others, particularly East Boca Raton, Royal Palm Place, and Mizner Park. There are also many pedestrian and bike paths around town. Even so, you really must have a car to explore the area in depth.

Portland, Maine is generally not a very walkable coastal city. 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 Boca Raton Worth Visiting? and Is Portland, Maine Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portland, Maine or Boca Raton?

How long in Boca Raton or Portland, Maine?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton.

One day in Boca Raton or Portland, Maine?

The posh destination of Boca Raton offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With shopping and nightlife around the laid-back coastal town of Portland, Maine, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

A weekend in Boca Raton or Portland, Maine?

The coastal city of Boca Raton offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Portland, Maine, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal town.

Five days in Boca Raton or Portland, Maine?

Boca Raton is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. This coastal city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Portland, Maine, a popular coastal town, 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.

A week in Boca Raton or Portland, Maine?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Boca Raton. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

Portland, Maine is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Boca Raton or Portland, Maine?

Boca Raton has a larger population, and is about 28% larger than the population of Portland, Maine. When comparing the sizes of Boca Raton and Portland, Maine, 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 Boca Raton or Portland, Maine?

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 Boca Raton or Portland, Maine in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Boca Raton as well as Portland, Maine. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Boca Raton this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Portland, Maine for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Boca Raton is a little warmer than Portland, Maine in the summer. The daily temperature in Boca Raton averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Portland, Maine. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Boca Raton this time of the year. In the summer, Boca Raton often gets more sunshine than Portland, Maine. Boca Raton gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 282 hours of full sun.

Boca Raton receives a lot of rain in the summer. Boca Raton usually gets more rain in July than Portland, Maine. Boca Raton gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Portland, Maine in the Autumn?

Both Portland, Maine and Boca Raton are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Boca Raton for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Portland, Maine in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Boca Raton is much warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Boca Raton in October average around 78°F (25°C), and Portland, Maine averages at about 49°F (9°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Boca Raton. Boca Raton usually receives more sunshine than Portland, Maine during autumn. Boca Raton gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Boca Raton. In October, Boca Raton usually receives more rain than Portland, Maine. Boca Raton gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Boca Raton is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Portland, Maine in the Winter?

Both Portland, Maine and Boca Raton during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Boca Raton in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Portland, Maine for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Portland, Maine can be very cold during winter. In January, Boca Raton is generally much warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Boca Raton average around 65°F (19°C), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

It's quite sunny in Boca Raton. In the winter, Boca Raton often gets more sunshine than Portland, Maine. Boca Raton gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 163 hours of full sun.

Boca Raton usually gets less rain in January than Portland, Maine. Boca Raton gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Portland, Maine in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Boca Raton and Portland, Maine. Most visitors come to Boca Raton for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Portland, Maine because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Boca Raton is much warmer than Portland, Maine in the spring. The daily temperature in Boca Raton averages around 74°F (23°C) in April, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Portland, Maine this time of the year. In Boca Raton, it's very sunny this time of the year. Boca Raton usually receives more sunshine than Portland, Maine during spring. Boca Raton gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Boca Raton usually receives around the same amount of rain as Portland, Maine. Boca Raton gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Boca Raton is June to November.

Typical Weather for Portland, Maine and Boca Raton