A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Mystic vs. Portland for Attractions, Families, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Mystic or Portland?

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 Mystic and Portland. 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.

Mystic

Mystic is a charming, quaint, and laid back town. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and beaches. See Mystic travel costs.

Portland

Portland is a progressive, quirky, and eclectic city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Portland is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include live music, hiking, and shopping. See Portland travel costs.

Mystic and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mystic or Portland?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Mystic. Although Mystic and Portland are both popular with visitors, Mystic has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Mystic is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, beaches, and shopping, while Portland is known for its music, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Mystic is popular for its New England charm and local character. It is also home to the Mystic Seaport Museum. 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 Mystic different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Mystic or Portland?

Mystic is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Mystic. There's a decent selection of museums around town with some of the favorites being the Mystic Seaport Museum, the Mystic Museum of Art, the Denison Homestead Museum, and the Old Lighthouse Museum, The Mystic Aquarium is also a popular destination.

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 Mystic or Portland? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mystic is a town with good options for its restaurants. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Mystic. As a coastal town, you'll find no shortage of seafood at many restaurants. Popular dishes include oysters, shrimp, or fish. There are also many casual restaurants that serve comfort food for classic American favorites like mac and cheese, pasta, or burgers.

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 Mystic or Portland Better for Nightlife?

Both Mystic and Portland have good vibes after the sun sets.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Mystic. Head downtown for the most interesting bars and breweries. You can sip wine or enjoy a cocktail at a laid back pub with friends or family.

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 Mystic or Portland Better for Music?

Portland is a good destination for live music. However, Mystic is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Portland. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Mystic is not a live music destination.

Is Mystic or Portland Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches at Mystic attract visitors from all over. The beaches are accessible from town and offer a laid back setting that's not overly developed. Families will like Ocean Beach Park but Williams Beach Park is one of the easiest beaches to access. If you're willing to drive a bit out of town, you should check out Misquamicut State Beach.

Portland is not a beach destination.

Is Mystic or Portland Better for Hiking?

Portland is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Mystic is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

Mystic is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mystic or Portland?

Mystic 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 Mystic. Head downtown for scenic shopping streets with boutiques, artisan craft shops, and jewelry stores.

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 Mystic or Portland More Beautiful?

Portland is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Mystic is not a destination known for its beauty.

Portland is a gorgeous place to visit. Surrounded by mountains and filled with parks and greenspace, many people find this town to be quite beautiful.

Mystic is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Mystic or Portland Better for Families?

Mystic 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.

Mystic is a very family-friendly destination. Animal lovers will enjoy wandering around the many trails at Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center or visiting the famous Mystic Aquarium. You can also visit the shops around Olde Mistick Village or dine at one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.

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 Mystic or Portland Better for Couples?

Mystic and Portland both good destinations for a couple.

Mystic is a nice destination for couples. Check out Mystic Seaport or drive down the coastline and visit the lighthouses. You'll also find breweries around town as well as many fun or romantic restaurants.

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 Mystic or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Portland is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Mystic is lacking in options for backpackers.

Portland is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The town has drawn young explorers for years, and backpackers who like to step away from the mainstream will feel right at home here.

Mystic is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's not high on the list for most backpackers.

Is Mystic or Portland Better for Students?

Portland is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Mystic is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Portland. 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.

Mystic is not popular with students.

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

Portland is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Mystic is lacking in options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Mystic. There is a bus but it has limited stops and only runs on weekdays.

Is Mystic or Portland a more walkable city?

Portland is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. However, Mystic is lacking in options 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.

Mystic is generally not very walkable. While parts of town are very walkable, you'll need a car if you want to see the sights that are a bit further away.

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

Should I spend more time in Portland or Mystic?

How long in Mystic or Portland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Mystic and Portland. In our opinion, Portland has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Portland than Mystic. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

The town of Mystic offers food and shopping. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the live music and shopping when visiting the destination of Portland. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Mystic or Portland?

Mystic 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 Mystic, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Portland 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 Mystic or Portland?

Mystic 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portland. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Mystic or Portland?

Mystic 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 town offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the live music and shopping when visiting the nature-filled destination of Portland. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in 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 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mystic and Portland, we can see that Mystic 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 Mystic would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mystic 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 Mystic Expensive? and Is Portland Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Mystic or Portland?

Portland has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Mystic. When comparing the sizes of Mystic 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 Mystic or Portland?

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 Mystic or Portland in the Summer?

Both Portland and Mystic are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Mystic for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Portland because of the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Mystic is a little warmer than Portland in the summer. The daily temperature in Mystic averages around 73°F (23°C) in July, and Portland fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Portland. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mystic. Mystic usually receives less sunshine than Portland during summer. Mystic gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Mystic usually receives more rain than Portland. Mystic gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Mystic or Portland in the Autumn?

Both Portland and Mystic during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Mystic because of the shopping scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Portland this time of year.

In the autumn, Mystic is around the same temperature as Portland. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Mystic in October average around 53°F (12°C), and Portland averages at about 55°F (13°C).

It's quite sunny in Mystic. In the autumn, Mystic often gets more sunshine than Portland. Mystic gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun.

Mystic usually gets more rain in October than Portland. Mystic gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mystic or Portland in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Mystic and Portland. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Mystic this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Portland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Portland. It's quite cold in Mystic in the winter. In January, Mystic is generally much colder than Portland. Daily temperatures in Mystic average around 28°F (-2°C), and Portland fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

Mystic usually receives more sunshine than Portland during winter. Mystic gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

Portland receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Mystic usually receives less rain than Portland. Mystic gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Mystic or Portland in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Mystic as well as Portland. Many travelers come to Mystic for the beaches. Additionally, many visitors come to Portland in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Mystic is cooler than Portland in the spring. The daily temperature in Mystic averages around 48°F (9°C) in April, and Portland fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Portland. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mystic this time of the year. In the spring, Mystic often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Portland. Mystic gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun.

Mystic usually gets more rain in April than Portland. Mystic gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Portland and Mystic