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

Should you visit Pensacola 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 Pensacola and Portland, Maine can help you decide which place is right for you.

Pensacola

Pensacola is a entertaining, fun-filled, and active beach town. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Pensacola travel costs.

Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a laid-back, scenic, and picturesque coastal town. The beauty of Portland, Maine is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Portland, Maine travel costs.

Pensacola and Portland, Maine: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Pensacola. Although Pensacola and Portland, Maine are both popular with visitors, Pensacola has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Pensacola is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, resorts, and beaches, while Portland, Maine is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Pensacola is more touristy than Portland, Maine and is known for its white sand beaches and long running naval history. It is also home to Gulf Islands National Seashore. Portland, Maine is popular for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks.

How is Pensacola different from Portland, Maine?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Pensacola is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Pensacola. On a rainy day there are some nice museums in the area. You can visit the National Naval Aviation Museum, the Historic Pensacola Village, the Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum, or Pensacola Children's Museum.

Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Pensacola 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 Pensacola is an experience not to be missed. You'll find no shortage of seafood options around town. Oysters, shrimp, and fresh fish are popular on the menus. You'll also find lots of Cajun flavors as well as casual sandwiches and pizza.

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 Pensacola or Portland, Maine Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are good in both Pensacola and Portland, Maine.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Pensacola. There's a casual nightlife scene with pubs, live music, and a mellow but fun setting.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Is Pensacola or Portland, Maine Better for Resorts?

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

Pensacola is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Family-friendly resorts with pools, waterslides, and lazy rivers are common. You'll also find beachfront hotels and more affordable options set back from the beach.

Portland, Maine is not a resort destination.

Is Pensacola or Portland, Maine Better for Beaches?

Pensacola is an amazing beach town 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 Pensacola. White sand beaches with blue water and mild temperatures make this a wonderful beach destination. Some of the best beaches include Casino Beach, Perdido Key Beach, and Opal Beach.

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 Pensacola or Portland, Maine Better for Hiking?

Portland, Maine is very good for the nearby hiking options. However, Pensacola is a mediocre beach town for its hiking trails.

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

Hiking is a fun activity while in Pensacola. Step away from the beachfront development and you'll find some nice nature parks with quiet walking trails.

Is the Shopping Better in Pensacola or Portland, Maine?

Both Pensacola and Portland, Maine are good shopping destinations.

Pensacola offers some nice shopping areas. There are sprawling shopping malls and shopping centers as well as local boutiques and quintessential souvenir shops.

Portland, Maine has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The town has many nice local boutiques to explore. Head downtown for the best local venues and the most interesting shopping opportunities.

Is Pensacola or Portland, Maine More Beautiful?

Portland, Maine is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Pensacola is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Portland, Maine is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Set against the water's edge, the town offers many beautiful scenes and picturesque settings.

Pensacola is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Pensacola or Portland, Maine Better for Families?

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

Pensacola is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kid-friendly beaches, minigolf, a zoo, and even a few museums make this a great family destination. There are family-friendly resorts and kid-friendly restaurants that make for an easy vacation that everyone will enjoy.

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 Pensacola or Portland, Maine Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Pensacola frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Beautiful beaches and sunset cruises make this a great romantic getaway. You'll find great restaurants for a date night and plenty of activity once the sun goes down. During the day you can lounge on the beach or by the pool, sip drinks, and enjoy a vacation with your loved one.

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

Neither Pensacola or Portland, Maine offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Pensacola. There's a bus system, but it's not particularly helpful to vacationers.

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 Pensacola or Portland, Maine a more walkable city?

Pensacola and Portland, Maine both are decent when exploring on foot.

Pensacola is generally not very walkable. It's not a particularly walkable city and you'll want to have a car to fully enjoy your vacation.

Portland, Maine is generally not a very walkable beach town. 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 Pensacola Worth Visiting? and Is Portland, Maine Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Pensacola or Portland, Maine?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pensacola 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 Pensacola.

One day in Pensacola or Portland, Maine?

The fun-filled destination of Pensacola offers nightlife and food. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the coastal town of Portland, Maine. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Pensacola or Portland, Maine?

The beach town of Pensacola offers food 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.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the seaside destination of Portland, Maine. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal town has to offer. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Pensacola or Portland, Maine?

Pensacola 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 beach town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the scenic coastal town of Portland, Maine. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Pensacola or Portland, Maine?

The entertaining beach town of Pensacola offers museums and nightlife. 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.

Portland, Maine is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Pensacola or Portland, Maine?

Portland, Maine has a larger population, and is about 12% larger than the population of Pensacola. When comparing the sizes of Pensacola 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 Pensacola 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 Pensacola or Portland, Maine in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Pensacola and Portland, Maine. Most visitors come to Pensacola for the beaches, the hiking, 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 the summer, Pensacola is a little warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pensacola in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Portland, Maine averages at about 69°F (20°C).

Pensacola gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Pensacola usually receives more rain than Portland, Maine. Pensacola 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 Pensacola or Portland, Maine in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Pensacola as well as Portland, Maine. The autumn months attract visitors to Pensacola because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene. 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.

In October, Pensacola is generally much warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Pensacola average around 69°F (21°C), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

Pensacola receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Pensacola usually gets more rain in October than Portland, Maine. Pensacola gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Pensacola is the hurricane season.

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

Both Portland, Maine and Pensacola are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Pensacola 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. Pensacola is much warmer than Portland, Maine in the winter. The daily temperature in Pensacola averages around 51°F (10°C) in January, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

It's quite rainy in Pensacola. In January, Pensacola usually receives more rain than Portland, Maine. Pensacola 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 Pensacola or Portland, Maine in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Pensacola is much warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pensacola in April average around 67°F (20°C), and Portland, Maine averages at about 43°F (6°C).

Pensacola usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Portland, Maine. Pensacola gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Pensacola is June to November.

Typical Weather for Portland, Maine and Pensacola