A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Portland, Maine vs. Death Valley National Park for Backpackers, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Portland, Maine or Death Valley National Park?

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

Should I visit Portland, Maine or Death Valley National Park? 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 laid-back, scenic, and picturesque coastal town. With stunning beauty, Portland, Maine attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Portland, Maine travel costs.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a striking, vast, and dramatic national park. The famous beauty of Death Valley National Park is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include hiking. See Death Valley National Park travel costs.

Portland, Maine and Death Valley National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portland, Maine or Death Valley National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Portland, Maine. Although Portland, Maine and Death Valley National Park are popular destinations, Portland, Maine has more sights and attractions for tourists. Portland, Maine is very popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Death Valley National Park attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Death Valley National Park is more touristy than Portland, Maine and is known for being the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S. Portland, Maine is famous for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks. It is also well known for The Portland Head Light.

How is Portland, Maine different from Death Valley National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Portland, Maine or Death Valley National Park?

Death Valley National Park is a national park with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

Death Valley National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are ghost towns and visitor centers with informational exhibits, but visitors spend most of their time exploring the outdoor environment.

Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Portland, Maine or Death Valley National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Portland, Maine is very good for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Portland, Maine area. 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.

Death Valley National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are restaurants at Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, and Panamint Springs, but most visitors prefer to bring their own food so that they can enjoy picnicking in a beautiful setting.

Is Portland, Maine or Death Valley National Park Better for Nightlife?

Portland, Maine is very good for its evening party scene. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for nightlife.

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.

Death Valley National Park doesn't offer many options. Beyond stargazing and relaxing around a campfire, there is no real nightlife in the area.

Is Portland, Maine or Death Valley National Park Better for Resorts?

Death Valley National Park is a national park with a few options for its resorts. However, Portland, Maine is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Death Valley National Park as a resort destination, but it has a few places. There are historical inns and lodges in and around the park. The privately owned Inn at Death Valley is a popular option in Furnace Creek. If you stay outside the park, you can expect long drives to get most places.

Portland, Maine is not a resort destination.

Is Portland, Maine or Death Valley National Park Better for Beaches?

Portland, Maine is a well-known place for the beach. However, Death Valley National Park is not a beach destination.

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.

Death Valley National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Portland, Maine or Death Valley National Park Better for Hiking?

Death Valley National Park 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 Death Valley National Park. Hikes will take you past desert landscapes, through canyons, and along sand dunes. The views are spectacular and the setting is other-worldly. Hiking is best between the months of November and March, as temperatures can be high other times of the year, particularly during the summer months.

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 Death Valley National Park?

Portland, Maine is very good for its shopping areas. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for shopping.

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.

Shopping in Death Valley National Park can be found for those interested. There are a couple of general stores where you can pick up items that you may need.

Is Portland, Maine or Death Valley National Park More Beautiful?

Death Valley National Park is an amazing national park to visit for its scenery and beauty. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Death Valley National Park is one of the main draws. The striking desert setting offers stunning beauty and breathtaking viewpoints. The park is at its most beautiful when the sun is low during sunrise and sunset.

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.

Is Portland, Maine or Death Valley National Park Better for Families?

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

Death Valley National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love hiking and exploring the vast desert. There are also ghost towns and abandoned mines that will fascinate kids and adults alike. Junior programs, operated by the National Park Service, also offer interesting and educational programming for kids.

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 Death Valley National Park Better for Couples?

Death Valley National Park is well known for couples. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Death Valley National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The stunning desert landscape will take your breathe away, particularly during sunrise and sunset, when the colors are dramatic and striking. In the evening, the sky fills with stars and couples can enjoy a bit of stargazing.

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 Death Valley National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Death Valley National Park is an amazing national park to visit for backpackers. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Death Valley National Park is a very popular national park to visit for backpackers. Backpackers will enjoy hiking and camping in a unique desert environment. There are several campgrounds in the area that range from primitive to developed.

Portland, Maine is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It isn't so much a backpacker destination, but there are some budget accommodation options around town.

Is Portland, Maine or Death Valley National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Neither Portland, Maine or Death Valley National Park offer decent public transit.

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

Public transit is quite limited in Death Valley National Park. There is no public transportation within the park.

Is Portland, Maine or Death Valley National Park a more walkable city?

Portland, Maine is a moderate coastal town for its ease of walking around. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its 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.

Death Valley National Park is not a very walkable coastal town. This is a huge national park that requires a car to get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Portland, Maine Worth Visiting? and Is Death Valley National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Death Valley National Park or Portland, Maine?

How long in Portland, Maine or Death Valley National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Portland, Maine or Death Valley National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Death Valley National Park due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Portland, Maine, and 2-4 days is enough time in Death Valley National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Death Valley National Park 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 Death Valley National Park.

One day in Portland, Maine or Death Valley National Park?

In Portland, Maine, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this picturesque destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The vast destination of Death Valley National Park offers . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Death Valley National Park?

In Portland, Maine, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this beautiful destination offers. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many people spend a weekend here. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

The national park of Death Valley National Park offers . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Portland, Maine or Death Valley National Park?

Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Portland, Maine. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. This coastal town offers something for everyone.

Death Valley National Park is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This national park offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Portland, Maine or Death Valley National Park?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful coastal town of Portland, Maine. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Death Valley National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

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 Death Valley National Park, we can see that Portland, Maine is more expensive. And not only is Death Valley National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Death Valley National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Death Valley National Park 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 Portland, Maine would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Portland, Maine than you might in Death Valley National Park.

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 Death Valley National Park Expensive?.