A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Portland, Maine vs. Beaver Creek for Families, Food, Hiking, and Couples

Should you visit Portland, Maine or Beaver Creek?

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

Should I visit Portland, Maine or Beaver Creek? 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.

Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a seaside, laid-back, and scenic coastal town. Portland, Maine is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food. See Portland, Maine travel costs.

Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a adventurous, charming, and active town. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and skiing. See Beaver Creek travel costs.

Portland, Maine and Beaver Creek: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portland, Maine or Beaver Creek?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Beaver Creek than Portland, Maine, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Beaver Creek is better known for its skiing, theatre productions, food, resorts, and hiking, while Portland, Maine is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, and impressive beauty. Beaver Creek is more touristy than Portland, Maine and is popular for its skiing and charming atmosphere Also, Beaver Creek is famous for Beaver Creek Golf Club. Portland, Maine is well known for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks.

How is Portland, Maine different from Beaver Creek?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Portland, Maine or Beaver Creek Better for Skiing?

Beaver Creek is an amazing town to visit for winter skiing. However, Portland, Maine is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Beaver Creek should be on your list. Beaver Creek Ski Resort is a top ski destination with 26 lifts and 149 different trails. It climbs to an elevation of 11,440 feet and the village is filled with ski-in/ski-out accommodation. There's also an excellent ski school.

Portland, Maine is not a skiing destination.

Is Portland, Maine or Beaver Creek Better for Theater?

Beaver Creek is not so good for its shows and theatre. However, Portland, Maine is not a theatre destination.

Beaver Creek has a few theater choices. There are a couple of art galleries around town.

Portland, Maine is not a theatre destination.

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

Beaver Creek 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 Beaver Creek is an experience not to be missed. There are many great dining options where you can enjoy a meal after working up an appetite on the slopes. The cuisine has many mountain classics as well as fine dining and more casual restaurants.

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 Portland, Maine or Beaver Creek Better for Nightlife?

Portland, Maine is a nice place to visit for nightlife. However, Beaver Creek is not known for nightlife and partying.

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.

Most people don't head to Beaver Creek specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. You won't find a wild nightlife scene, but most of the activities center around the Vilar Performing Arts Center.

Is Portland, Maine or Beaver Creek Better for Resorts?

Beaver Creek is a popular place for its resorts. However, Portland, Maine is not a resort destination.

Beaver Creek has a few great resort options. There are many resorts in the area including the Westin and the Hyatt.

Portland, Maine is not a resort destination.

Is Portland, Maine or Beaver Creek Better for Beaches?

Portland, Maine is a great coastal town for its beaches. However, Beaver Creek is not a beach destination.

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.

Beaver Creek is not a beach destination.

Is Portland, Maine or Beaver Creek Better for Hiking?

Beaver Creek is well known for its hiking experiences. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Beaver Creek. The surrounding countryside is filled with trails that take you through flowered meadows, along scenic ridgelines, and to the top of dramatic peaks. During the warmer months, hiking is a wonderful way to enjoy the area.

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

Is the Shopping Better in Portland, Maine or Beaver Creek?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Beaver Creek and Portland, Maine.

Many visitors go to Portland, Maine to go shopping. The town has many nice local boutiques to explore. Head downtown for the best local venues and the most interesting shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Beaver Creek. The village has pedestrian streets that are lined with fashion boutiques, jewelry stores, sporting equipment stores, and art galleries.

Is Portland, Maine or Beaver Creek More Beautiful?

Portland, Maine is a great coastal town for its scenery and beauty. However, Beaver Creek is not a destination known for its 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.

Beaver Creek is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Portland, Maine or Beaver Creek Better for Families?

Beaver Creek is an amazing town to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Beaver Creek is a very family-friendly destination. This is one of the most kid-friendly ski resorts in the country. There's a ski and snowboard school where kids can enjoy private or group lessons as well as other fun activities for kids. There are also many family-friendly restaurants in the area.

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 Portland, Maine or Beaver Creek Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Beaver Creek frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are romantic resorts nearby as well as great adventure sports, skiing, snowboarding, and a beautiful setting.

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

Beaver Creek 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 Beaver Creek, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There free transportation that's offered by Village Transportation.

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 Portland, Maine or Beaver Creek a more walkable city?

Beaver Creek is an amazing town to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for its walkability.

Getting around Beaver Creek on foot is easy. It's a quaint little village that is very walkable.

Portland, Maine is generally not a very walkable coastal 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 Portland, Maine Worth Visiting? and Is Beaver Creek Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Beaver Creek or Portland, Maine?

How long in Portland, Maine or Beaver Creek?

Both Portland, Maine and Beaver Creek have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Beaver Creek than in Portland, Maine. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Portland, Maine, and 3-7 days is enough time in Beaver Creek.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Beaver Creek 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 Beaver Creek.

One day in Portland, Maine or Beaver Creek?

In Portland, Maine, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this picturesque coastal town offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

The active destination of Beaver Creek offers food and shopping. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It's no surprise that skiing 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.

A weekend in Portland, Maine or Beaver Creek?

Portland, Maine is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

The town of Beaver Creek offers shopping and skiing. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

Five days in Portland, Maine or Beaver Creek?

You'll find nightlife and food around the laid-back destination of Portland, Maine. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

Beaver Creek is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It's no surprise that skiing is why people visit. This town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Portland, Maine or Beaver Creek?

Portland, Maine is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

The adventurous town of Beaver Creek offers food and shopping. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

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