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

Should you visit Portland, Maine or Joshua Tree National Park?

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

Should I visit Portland, Maine or Joshua Tree 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 scenic, picturesque, and seaside coastal town. With stunning beauty, Portland, Maine attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and beaches. See Portland, Maine travel costs.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a unique, fascinating, and adventurous national park. With stunning beauty, Joshua Tree National Park attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking. See Joshua Tree National Park travel costs.

Portland, Maine and Joshua Tree National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portland, Maine or Joshua Tree National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Portland, Maine. Although Portland, Maine and Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and hiking. Joshua Tree National Park is more touristy than Portland, Maine and is popular for its unique vegetation and large boulders. 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

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

Joshua Tree National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of museums in the area that display local art or cultural and historical items.

Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Portland, Maine is a coastal town with good options for its restaurants. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Portland, Maine is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

While Joshua Tree National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There aren't any restaurants inside the park, so you'll want to pack your own food and eat at one of the picnic areas.

Is Portland, Maine or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Nightlife?

Portland, Maine is a coastal town with good options for its evening party scene. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife.

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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Joshua Tree National Park. Stargazing and gathering around campfires are the most popular activities during the evening.

Is Portland, Maine or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Beaches?

Portland, Maine is a very popular place for the beach. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Portland, Maine attract visitors from all over. 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Portland, Maine or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Hiking?

Joshua Tree National Park is an amazing national park to visit for its hiking experiences. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

People visit Joshua Tree National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. There are a wide range of hikes that include easy, moderate, and strenuous options. Some of the best hikes include Discovery Trail, Boy Scout Trail, and Black Rock Canyon Panorama Loop.

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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Portland, Maine is a coastal town with good options for its shopping areas. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

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.

Joshua Tree National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There is a park store where you can pick up gifts or other items.

Is Portland, Maine or Joshua Tree National Park More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of excellent scenery and beauty in both Portland, Maine and Joshua Tree National Park.

With stunning beauty, Portland, Maine attracts visitors from all around. Set against the water's edge, the town offers many beautiful scenes and picturesque settings.

Joshua Tree National Park is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. There are unique Joshua Trees throughout the park as well as beautiful rock formations and striking views.

Is Portland, Maine or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Families?

Joshua Tree 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. With its giant boulders that kids can scramble on and its Dr. Seuss-like Joshua Trees, this really is nature's best playground. There are also kid-friendly hikes and Junior Ranger Programs that will both educate and entertain the 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 Joshua Tree National Park Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Joshua Tree National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy the outdoors, adventure sports like rock climbing, and hiking through spectacular landscapes will find this to be the ultimate romantic destination.

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 Joshua Tree National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Joshua Tree National Park is a very popular national park to visit for backpackers. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that are popular with backpackers and nature enthusiasts.

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 Joshua Tree National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Neither Portland, Maine or Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park. There's no reliable public transportation in the park.

Is Portland, Maine or Joshua Tree National Park a more walkable city?

Portland, Maine is a decent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its walkability.

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.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a walkable coastal town. You need a car to truly explore the park.

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

Should I spend more time in Joshua Tree National Park or Portland, Maine?

How long in Portland, Maine or Joshua Tree National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Portland, Maine or Joshua Tree National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park.

One day in Portland, Maine or Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the seaside coastal town of Portland, Maine. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

The fascinating destination of Joshua Tree National Park offers . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It's no surprise that hiking 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Portland, Maine. Most people come for the beaches. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

The national park of Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Portland, Maine is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. It offers something for everyone.

Joshua Tree National Park is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Portland, Maine is a popular choice for travelers. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park, we can see that Portland, Maine is more expensive. And not only is Joshua Tree National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Joshua Tree National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park Expensive?.