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

Should you visit Saint Simons or Portland, Maine?

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

Should I visit Saint Simons or Portland, Maine? 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.

Saint Simons

Saint Simons is a scenic, relaxing, and laid back island. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. Saint Simons offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and food. See Saint Simons travel costs.

Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a picturesque, seaside, and laid-back coastal town. Portland, Maine is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Portland, Maine travel costs.

Saint Simons and Portland, Maine: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Simons or Portland, Maine?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Saint Simons than Portland, Maine, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Saint Simons is better known for its museums and attractions, food, resorts, shopping, and small town charm, while Portland, Maine is more popular for its nightlife and impressive beauty. Saint Simons is more touristy than Portland, Maine and is known for its beaches, charter fishing, and golf courses. Also, Saint Simons is famous for East Beach. Portland, Maine is well known for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks.

How is Saint Simons different from Portland, Maine?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Saint Simons is a island with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

Saint Simons offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. St. Simons Lighthouse is a highlight for many visitors. There's a maritime museum attached to the lighthouse as well. Fort Frederica National Monument is another historic site that is worth a visit.

Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons is an experience not to be missed. There are more than 70 restaurants on the island that range from cafes to fine dining. You can enjoy an eggs benedict for brunch, crab cakes for lunch, and shrimp and grits for dinner. Many restaurants take advantage of the mild climate by offering outdoor seating. There are also several dessert places with ice cream or donuts.

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 Saint Simons or Portland, Maine Better for Nightlife?

Portland, Maine is a popular place for nightlife. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

Portland, Maine has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Saint Simons doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are several family-friendly bars with laid back atmospheres around town, but if you're looking for a wild night out, there aren't a lot of places to go.

Is Saint Simons or Portland, Maine Better for Resorts?

Saint Simons is a popular place for its resorts. However, Portland, Maine is not a resort destination.

Saint Simons has a few great resort options. There are a handful of nice resorts with pools and beachfront settings.

Portland, Maine is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Simons or Portland, Maine Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Saint Simons and Portland, Maine are high quality choices.

Saint Simons is considered a top beach destination. There's golden sand and a beautiful setting. Visitors enjoy swimming or walking along the coastline. You'll also find piers and playgrounds. East Beach is one of the most popular.

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 Saint Simons or Portland, Maine Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Saint Simons and Portland, Maine both have notable trails.

Saint Simons is a good destination for hiking. There are several parks and natural areas where you can enjoy a walk in nature. Cannon's Point Preserve has a nice trail system. Other trails on the island include John Gilbert Nature Trail, Earth Day Nature Trail, and Wanderer Memorial Trail.

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 Saint Simons or Portland, Maine?

Saint Simons is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Saint Simons. You'll find a good concentration of gift shops and clothing boutiques on the island. Antiquing is also popular. Head to Pier Village for a nice mix of shops.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Portland, Maine. The town has many nice local boutiques to explore. Head downtown for the best local venues and the most interesting shopping opportunities.

Is Saint Simons or Portland, Maine More Beautiful?

Portland, Maine is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Saint Simons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and 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.

Saint Simons is a beautiful place to visit, too. Beautiful beaches and live oaks with Spanish moss give the island a southern charm.

Is Saint Simons or Portland, Maine Better for Families?

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

Saint Simons is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The beaches are kid-friendly and there are many family-friendly restaurants in town. There's also the St. Simons Lighthouse, minigolf, and kayaking, as well as Neptune Park Fun Zone.

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 Saint Simons or Portland, Maine Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Saint Simons frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are romantic restaurants, beautiful beaches, and nice hotels. Sunset walks on the beach or a round of golf all make this a favorite couple's 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 Saint Simons or Portland, Maine Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Neither Saint Simons or Portland, Maine offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Saint Simons. While there are trolley tours available, public transportation is basically non-existent.

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 Saint Simons or Portland, Maine a more walkable city?

Saint Simons is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for its walkability.

Saint Simons is a somewhat walkable island. The downtown area is walkable, but to access much of what is available, you'll want to have a car.

Portland, Maine is generally not a very walkable island. 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 Saint Simons Worth Visiting? and Is Portland, Maine Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portland, Maine or Saint Simons?

How long in Saint Simons or Portland, Maine?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint Simons and Portland, Maine. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Saint Simons than in Portland, Maine. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Simons, and 2-3 days is enough time in Portland, Maine.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons.

One day in Saint Simons or Portland, Maine?

Saint Simons is a small town with plenty to do. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting 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.

In Portland, Maine, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this seaside 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.

A weekend in Saint Simons or Portland, Maine?

Saint Simons might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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.

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.

Five days in Saint Simons or Portland, Maine?

Saint Simons is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This island offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find nightlife and food around the seaside 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.

A week in Saint Simons or Portland, Maine?

Since Saint Simons is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Saint Simons or Portland, Maine?

Portland, Maine has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Saint Simons. When comparing the sizes of Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons or Portland, Maine in the Summer?

Both Portland, Maine and Saint Simons are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Saint Simons because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Portland, Maine this time of year.

In July, Saint Simons is generally a little warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Saint Simons average around 82°F (28°C), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Portland, Maine. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Simons. Saint Simons usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Portland, Maine during summer. Saint Simons gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 282 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Saint Simons. In July, Saint Simons usually receives more rain than Portland, Maine. Saint Simons gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint Simons or Portland, Maine in the Autumn?

Both Portland, Maine and Saint Simons during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saint Simons this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Portland, Maine for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Saint Simons is much warmer than Portland, Maine in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Simons averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

It's quite sunny in Saint Simons. In the autumn, Saint Simons often gets more sunshine than Portland, Maine. Saint Simons gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 196 hours of full sun.

Saint Simons usually gets less rain in October than Portland, Maine. Saint Simons gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Simons or Portland, Maine in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Simons and Portland, Maine. Many travelers come to Saint Simons for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Portland, Maine in the winter for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Portland, Maine can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Saint Simons is much warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Simons in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Portland, Maine averages at about 21°F (-6°C).

Saint Simons usually receives more sunshine than Portland, Maine during winter. Saint Simons gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Simons usually receives around the same amount of rain as Portland, Maine. Saint Simons gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint Simons or Portland, Maine in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint Simons as well as Portland, Maine. Many visitors come to Saint Simons in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Portland, Maine for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Saint Simons is generally much warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Saint Simons average around 68°F (20°C), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Portland, Maine. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Simons this time of the year. In the spring, Saint Simons often gets more sunshine than Portland, Maine. Saint Simons gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 212 hours of full sun.

Saint Simons usually gets less rain in April than Portland, Maine. Saint Simons gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Portland, Maine and Saint Simons