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

Should you visit Williamsburg or Portland, Maine?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Williamsburg and Portland, Maine. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a quaint, well-preserved, and historic town. Williamsburg offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping. See Williamsburg travel costs.

Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a picturesque, seaside, and laid-back coastal town. With stunning beauty, Portland, Maine attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and hiking. See Portland, Maine travel costs.

Williamsburg and Portland, Maine: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Williamsburg. Although Williamsburg and Portland, Maine are popular destinations, Williamsburg has more sights and attractions for tourists. Williamsburg is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, and shopping, while Portland, Maine attracts visitors for its nightlife, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Williamsburg is more touristy than Portland, Maine and is known for its historic and colonial charm, its award winning amusement parks, and its historical reenactments. It is also well known for Colonial Williamsburg. Portland, Maine is famous for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks.

How is Williamsburg different from Portland, Maine?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Williamsburg is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

Williamsburg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Colonial Williamsburg is like a living museum with reenactments and historic buildings that date back to the colonial days. In addition to the historic area, there are folk art museums and other historic sights in the area.

Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg is an experience not to be missed. Head to Historic Williamsburg if you want to try some colonial classics. There are historic taverns that maintain their old world charm and serve dishes such as peanut soup and stewed beef. Around town you'll also find casual restaurants with pizza, macaroni and cheese, and burgers.

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 Williamsburg or Portland, Maine Better for Nightlife?

Portland, Maine is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

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.

Williamsburg doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Despite its student population, there isn't much of a nightlife scene in town. There are restaurants where you can enjoy fine wine or cocktails, but nightclubs and bars are limited.

Is Williamsburg or Portland, Maine Better for Beaches?

Portland, Maine is a great destination for the beach. However, Williamsburg is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Portland, Maine for it's beautiful 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.

Williamsburg is not a beach destination.

Is Williamsburg or Portland, Maine Better for its Old Town?

Williamsburg is an amazing town to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Portland, Maine does not have a historic old town.

Williamsburg offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Colonial Williamsburg is an impressively maintained area with museums, shops, and taverns. There are live reenactments of historic events as well as blacksmiths, wig shops, and carriage rides. You can wander around without a ticket, but for access to many parts of the historic area you'll need to purchase a pass.

Portland, Maine does not have a historic old town.

Is Williamsburg or Portland, Maine Better for Hiking?

Portland, Maine is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Williamsburg is not a hiking destination.

Portland, Maine offers some nice hiking trails. In addition to bike trails, there are several good hikes in the area.

Williamsburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Williamsburg or Portland, Maine?

Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg. Charming shops both in the historic area and just outside sell unique items that reflect the city's past. There are souvenirs, food items, cookbooks, and home decor to choose from.

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 Williamsburg or Portland, Maine More Beautiful?

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

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.

Williamsburg is a gorgeous place to visit. The area's colonial architecture gives it a historic and traditional beauty that appeals to visitors and residents alike.

Is Williamsburg or Portland, Maine Better for Families?

Williamsburg 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, Williamsburg is a very family-friendly destination. Older kids will appreciate the history in the area. For kids of all ages there are a number of amusement parks and water parks such as Great Wolf Lodge, Busch Gardens, and the award winning Water Country USA.

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 Williamsburg or Portland, Maine Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Williamsburg frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Historic Williamsburg is filled with inns and charming restaurants that make this a beautiful destination for couples. There are quaint restaurants that serve colonial food and interesting southern shops with unique trinkets. You can also wander around the campus of William and Mary College.

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 Williamsburg or Portland, Maine Better for Students?

Williamsburg is an amazing town to visit for students. However, Portland, Maine is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Williamsburg. The College of William and Mary has a beautiful campus and students enjoy the charming atmosphere with colonial architecture around town. There are also good restaurants and a great collegiate vibe.

Portland, Maine is not popular with students.

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

Williamsburg is a town with a few options for its public transit. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Williamsburg. There are buses around town, and they offer access to Historic Williamsburg, but for most places you'll need to have your own car.

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 Williamsburg or Portland, Maine a more walkable city?

Williamsburg and Portland, Maine both are reasonable when exploring on foot.

Williamsburg is generally not very walkable. Historic Williamsburg and the neighborhoods around the College of William and Mary are all walkable, but if you plan to visit the amusement parks then you'll absolutely need a car.

Portland, Maine is generally not a very walkable 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 Williamsburg Worth Visiting? and Is Portland, Maine Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Williamsburg or Portland, Maine?

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

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

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

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

One day in Williamsburg or Portland, Maine?

The historic destination of Williamsburg offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 scenic 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 Williamsburg or Portland, Maine?

The town of Williamsburg offers museums and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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.

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 Williamsburg or Portland, Maine?

Williamsburg is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This town 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 picturesque 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 Williamsburg or Portland, Maine?

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Williamsburg. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Williamsburg and Portland, Maine, we can see that Portland, Maine is more expensive. And not only is Williamsburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Williamsburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Williamsburg Expensive? and Is Portland, Maine Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Williamsburg or Portland, Maine?

Portland, Maine has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Williamsburg. When comparing the sizes of Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg or Portland, Maine in the Summer?

Both Portland, Maine and Williamsburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Williamsburg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Portland, Maine for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Williamsburg is a little warmer than Portland, Maine in the summer. The daily temperature in Williamsburg averages around 78°F (26°C) in July, 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 Williamsburg. Williamsburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Portland, Maine during summer. Williamsburg gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 282 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Williamsburg. In July, Williamsburg usually receives more rain than Portland, Maine. Williamsburg gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Williamsburg or Portland, Maine in the Autumn?

Both Portland, Maine and Williamsburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Williamsburg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Portland, Maine in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Williamsburg is much warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Williamsburg in October average around 61°F (16°C), and Portland, Maine averages at about 49°F (9°C).

It's quite sunny in Williamsburg. In the autumn, Williamsburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Portland, Maine. Williamsburg gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 196 hours of full sun.

Williamsburg usually gets less rain in October than Portland, Maine. Williamsburg gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Williamsburg and Portland, Maine. Many visitors come to Williamsburg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Portland, Maine for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Portland, Maine can be very cold during winter. Williamsburg can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Williamsburg is generally much warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Williamsburg average around 38°F (4°C), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

Williamsburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Portland, Maine during winter. Williamsburg gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Williamsburg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Portland, Maine. Williamsburg gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Williamsburg or Portland, Maine in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Williamsburg as well as Portland, Maine. Most visitors come to Williamsburg for the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Portland, Maine because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Williamsburg is much warmer than Portland, Maine in the spring. The daily temperature in Williamsburg averages around 57°F (14°C) in April, 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 Williamsburg this time of the year. In the spring, Williamsburg often gets more sunshine than Portland, Maine. Williamsburg gets 253 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 212 hours of full sun.

Williamsburg usually gets less rain in April than Portland, Maine. Williamsburg gets 3 inches (76 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 Williamsburg