A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Destin vs. Portland, Maine for Beaches, Families, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Destin or Portland, Maine?

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 Destin and Portland, Maine can help you decide which place is right for you.

Destin

Destin is a beautiful, relaxing, and peaceful beach town. Destin offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, food, and beaches. See Destin travel costs.

Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a laid-back, scenic, and picturesque coastal town. Portland, Maine is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Portland, Maine travel costs.

Destin and Portland, Maine: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Destin or Portland, Maine?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Portland, Maine than Destin, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Portland, Maine is better known for its nightlife, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Destin is more popular for its resorts. Destin is more touristy than Portland, Maine and is known for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants. Portland, Maine is well known for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks. Also, Portland, Maine is famous for The Portland Head Light.

How is Destin different from Portland, Maine?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Destin and Portland, Maine.

Destin offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The area has great seafood including crab chowder, seafood gumbo, and fried fish. You can find wonderful local restaurants that have waterfront views and menus that feature freshly caught seafood. Many restaurants also have kid-friendly menus. During peak season, reservations are recommended.

Portland, Maine has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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 Destin or Portland, Maine Better for Nightlife?

Portland, Maine is very good for nightlife. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Portland, Maine. 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.

Destin doesn't offer many options. The region is more popular as a family-friendly beach destination than it is for it's nightlife. Head to the Harbor area for the most lively nightlife.

Is Destin or Portland, Maine Better for Resorts?

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

Destin is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Popular options include the Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, as well as Hilton Sandestin Beach, Golf Resort & Spa. Most of the accommodation in the area is in the form of condos that include a kitchen and separate bedrooms. Most of these complexes also have pools, hot tubs, and even kids clubs.

Portland, Maine is not a resort destination.

Is Destin or Portland, Maine Better for Beaches?

Destin and Portland, Maine are great choices for a beach vacation.

Destin is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. This area is famous for its powdery white sand, beautiful blue waters, and calm waves. The beaches are large enough that they never get incredibly crowded, but you will find the largest crowds during the summer months. These beaches are particularly popular with families and seniors.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Portland, Maine. 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 Destin or Portland, Maine Better for Hiking?

Portland, Maine is very good for the nearby hiking options. However, Destin is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Portland, Maine. In addition to bike trails, there are several good hikes in the area.

Destin is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Destin or Portland, Maine?

Both Destin and Portland, Maine are notable shopping destinations.

Destin is a great destination for shopping. In the shopping centers around town you'll find a number of unique boutique shops that are fun to explore. They have boutique-style beach clothes, local art, and any beach supplies that you may have forgotten.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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 Destin or Portland, Maine More Beautiful?

Portland, Maine is notable for its scenery and beauty. Also, Destin is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its scenery and beauty.

Portland, Maine is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Set against the water's edge, the town offers many beautiful scenes and picturesque settings.

Destin is a beautiful place to visit, too. With its powdery sand and the blue water of the Gulf of Mexico, this is a beautiful beach destination.

Is Destin or Portland, Maine Better for Families?

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

Destin is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The area has beautiful sandy beaches, calm waters, and plenty of activities for kids like Big Kahuna's Water Park. This is one of the more kid-friendly areas in Florida and many families return year after year with their kids. There are also many condos available for rent and kids can have their own room, kitchens are available for meal preparation, and there are washers and dryers to clean clothes. Many of these condo complexes also have kid-friendly pools

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 Destin or Portland, Maine Better for Couples?

Both Destin and Portland, Maine are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Destin is a nice destination for couples. For a relaxing beach vacation, this is a nice option for couples. A lot of the accommodation is in the form of condos, so it may not have the romantic resort vibe you're going for though. There are many great seafood restaurants and quiet beaches that have beautiful sunsets.

Portland, Maine makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Destin or Portland, Maine Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Neither Destin or Portland, Maine offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Destin. There is almost no public transit so a car is essential. Some condo complexes do over golf carts to get around the grounds.

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 Destin or Portland, Maine a more walkable city?

Portland, Maine is a moderate coastal town for its walkability. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for its high level of walkability.

Portland, Maine is generally not very walkable. Downtown is very walkable but if you want to travel to other areas you'll need a car.

Destin is not a very walkable beach town. The area is very spread out and not walkable so you'll need a car to access restaurants and most forms of entertainment.

For even more information, also check out Is Destin Worth Visiting? and Is Portland, Maine Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portland, Maine or Destin?

How long in Destin or Portland, Maine?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Destin and Portland, Maine. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Destin than in Portland, Maine. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Destin, and 2-3 days is enough time in Portland, Maine.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Portland, Maine than Destin 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, Maine.

One day in Destin or Portland, Maine?

The beautiful destination of Destin offers food and shopping. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Portland, Maine. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Destin or Portland, Maine?

The beach town of Destin offers shopping and food. 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.

Portland, Maine is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Destin or Portland, Maine?

Destin is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This beach town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portland, Maine. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Destin or Portland, Maine?

The peaceful beach town of Destin offers shopping and food. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the scenic destination of Portland, Maine. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska.

When comparing the travel costs between Destin and Portland, Maine, we can see that Destin 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 Destin Expensive? and Is Portland, Maine Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Destin or Portland, Maine?

Portland, Maine has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Destin. When comparing the sizes of Destin 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 Destin or Portland, Maine?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Destin or Portland, Maine in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Destin and Portland, Maine. Most visitors come to Destin for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Portland, Maine because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Destin is generally a little warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 82°F (28°C), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

Destin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Destin usually receives more rain than Portland, Maine. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Destin or Portland, Maine in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Destin as well as Portland, Maine. The autumn months attract visitors to Destin because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Portland, Maine this time of year.

Destin is much warmer than Portland, Maine in the autumn. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 69°F (21°C) in October, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

Destin receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Destin usually gets more rain in October than Portland, Maine. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Portland, Maine in the Winter?

Both Portland, Maine and Destin are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Destin this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Portland, Maine for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Portland, Maine. In the winter, Destin is much warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the winter temperatures in Destin in January average around 50°F (10°C), and Portland, Maine averages at about 21°F (-6°C).

It's quite rainy in Destin. In January, Destin usually receives more rain than Portland, Maine. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Destin or Portland, Maine in the Spring?

Both Portland, Maine and Destin during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Destin for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Portland, Maine in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Destin is generally much warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 68°F (20°C), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

Destin usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Portland, Maine. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Portland, Maine and Destin