A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Arlington vs. Palm Springs for Nightlife, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Arlington or Palm Springs?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Arlington or Palm Springs, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Arlington

Arlington is a international, historical, and educational city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a chic, outdoorsy, and ritzy city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Arlington and Palm Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Arlington or Palm Springs?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Palm Springs than Arlington, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Palm Springs is better known for its nightlife, resorts, hiking, and shopping, while Arlington is more popular for its museums. Palm Springs is more touristy than Arlington and is popular for its golfing, shopping, and mid-century modern architecture. Also, Palm Springs is famous for the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Arlington is well known for its international connections, its biking and walking trails, and being the location of the Pentagon.

How is Arlington different from Palm Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Arlington or Palm Springs?

Arlington is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Palm Springs is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Arlington specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Arlington National Cemetery is where you'll find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as well as the tomb of John F. Kennedy Jr. There are many memorials around town, with the most famous being the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial. There are also several museums like the DEA Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Palm Springs offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The Palm Springs Air Museum has an impressive collection of military planes. It's also worth visiting the Palm Springs Art Museum, which has a mix of fine art, natural history, and performing arts. You'll also find botanical gardens and even a zoo around town.

Is the Food Better in Arlington or Palm Springs? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Arlington and Palm Springs.

Arlington has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's a global city, and the restaurants reflect that. You'll find amazing Thai, Japanese, and Mexican restaurants. There are also less common cuisines to choose from such as Ethiopian, Moroccan, and Peruvian.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Palm Springs makes for a great culinary experience. Fresh ingredients and typical California cuisine is common around town. Brunch is a popular option for visitors and you'll find countless brunch cafes in the area. You'll also find Mexican food, pizza, and plenty of vegan and vegetarian options.

Is Arlington or Palm Springs Better for Nightlife?

Palm Springs is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Palm Springs is a must-see party destination. The area is filled with nightlife options that range from cocktail bars to nightclubs or breweries. You can party into the early morning at the dance clubs or enjoy a bottle of wine with friends at one of the lounges.

The people in Arlington know how to have a good time. The city has a huge young population that drives the nightlife scene. There are clubs, bars, and lounges in many neighborhoods. There are also comedy clubs and plenty of live music.

Is Arlington or Palm Springs Better for Resorts?

Palm Springs is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Arlington is not a resort destination.

Palm Springs offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Resorts range from luxurious to more laid back. Most have impressive pools and many have their own spas, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Arlington is not a resort destination.

Is Arlington or Palm Springs Better for Hiking?

Palm Springs is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Arlington is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Palm Springs. There are more than 100 trails in the Greater Palm Springs area that take you through scenic desert landscapes and unique ecosystems. Some of the most popular trails include Andreas Canyon Trail and Araby Trail.

Arlington is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Arlington or Palm Springs?

Palm Springs is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Palm Springs. Shopping ranges from outlets to boutique vendors. For the most local options head to Palm Canyon Drive and for an upscale shopping experience, visit the El Paseo shopping district.

Arlington is a great destination for shopping. Many neighborhoods have local shops or farmer's markets. There are also shopping centers and malls such as Ballston Quarter, The Crossing Clarendon, and The Village at Shirlington.

Is Arlington or Palm Springs Better for Families?

Palm Springs is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Palm Springs. The year round sunny weather and diversity of outdoor activities make this a great family-friendly destination. There are desert hikes, zoos, and even a dinosaur museum. Kids can also pass their time playing at the pool or enjoying the waterslides.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Arlington. Kids will enjoy seeing the planes talk off from Gravelly Point park. There are also plenty of outdoor spaces and educational opportunities in the area, including world class museums.

Is Arlington or Palm Springs Better for Couples?

Palm Springs is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Palm Springs makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Whether you're on a honeymoon or simply looking to escape the city, there are many romantic options in the area. From cozy inns to resort spa hotels, there are a range of accommodation options. Outdoor dining, hiking, and shopping are also popular.

Arlington is a nice destination for couples. There's a vibrant cultural scene and many international restaurants that couples can enjoy. It's also a great place to take in a show or concert.

Is Arlington or Palm Springs Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Arlington is notable for backpackers. However, Palm Springs is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Arlington. There are a couple of hostels and many free activities nearby. There's also great public transportation that makes for a convenient backpacker destination.

Palm Springs is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While the city is more famous for its upscale clientele, there's actually a hostel in town for backpackers.

Is Arlington or Palm Springs Better for Students?

Arlington is notable for students. However, Palm Springs is not popular with students.

Arlington is very popular with students. There are a huge number of colleges and museums in the area as well as many great internship and educational opportunities.

Palm Springs is not popular with students.

Is Arlington or Palm Springs Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Arlington is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. However, Palm Springs is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Arlington is top-notch. There is a reliable bus system around town as well as many metro connections.

Public transit is mostly limited in Palm Springs. There are nine bus routes operated by SunLine Transit Agency, but most visitors prefer to have a car to get around.

Is Arlington or Palm Springs a more walkable city?

Arlington is notable for its walkability. Also, Palm Springs is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

Arlington is very walkable. There are many pedestrian-friendly areas around town, particularly in the neighborhoods that are concentrated around metro stations.

Palm Springs is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the city are very walkable, particularly the touristy areas along Palm Canyon Drive.

For even more information, also check out Is Arlington Worth Visiting? and Is Palm Springs Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Palm Springs or Arlington?

How long in Arlington or Palm Springs?

It's fun to spend time in either Arlington or Palm Springs. In our opinion, Palm Springs has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Palm Springs than Arlington. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Palm Springs than Arlington. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Palm Springs that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Arlington than Palm Springs 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 Arlington.

One day in Arlington or Palm Springs?

In Arlington, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this educational city offers. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Palm Springs. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Arlington or Palm Springs?

Arlington is a fun place to experience. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the ritzy destination of Palm Springs. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Arlington or Palm Springs?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the educational destination of Arlington. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the chic city of Palm Springs. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Arlington or Palm Springs?

Arlington is a popular place to visit. 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.

Palm Springs is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Arlington and Palm Springs, we can see that Arlington is more expensive. And not only is Palm Springs much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Palm Springs would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Palm Springs 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 Arlington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Arlington than you might in Palm Springs.

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

Which is Bigger, Arlington or Palm Springs?

Arlington has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Palm Springs. When comparing the sizes of Arlington and Palm Springs, 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 Arlington or Palm Springs?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Arlington or Palm Springs in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Arlington as well as Palm Springs. Most visitors come to Arlington for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Palm Springs because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Arlington is a little warmer than Palm Springs. Typically, the summer temperatures in Arlington in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Palm Springs averages at about 73°F (23°C).

Arlington usually gets more rain in July than Palm Springs. Arlington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Arlington or Palm Springs in the Autumn?

Both Palm Springs and Arlington are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Arlington because of the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Palm Springs this time of year.

In October, Arlington is generally cooler than Palm Springs. Daily temperatures in Arlington average around 60°F (15°C), and Palm Springs fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

In October, Arlington usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Arlington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Arlington or Palm Springs in the Winter?

Both Palm Springs and Arlington during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Arlington this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Palm Springs for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Arlington in the winter. Arlington is much colder than Palm Springs in the winter. The daily temperature in Arlington averages around 35°F (1°C) in January, and Palm Springs fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

Arlington usually gets more rain in January than Palm Springs. Arlington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 2 inches (52 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Arlington or Palm Springs in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Arlington and Palm Springs.

In the spring, Arlington is cooler than Palm Springs. Typically, the spring temperatures in Arlington in April average around 56°F (14°C), and Palm Springs averages at about 62°F (17°C).

In April, Arlington usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Arlington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.9 inches (24 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Palm Springs and Arlington