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

Should you visit Atlanta or Palm Springs?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Atlanta 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.

Atlanta

Atlanta is a sprawling, suburban, and cultural city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. 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.

Atlanta and Palm Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlanta or Palm Springs?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Atlanta than Palm Springs, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Atlanta is better known for its museums & sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Palm Springs is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, and hiking. Palm Springs is more touristy than Atlanta and is popular for its golfing, shopping, and mid-century modern architecture. Atlanta is well known for its world class aquarium, its role as host of the 1996 Olympic Games, and its influence during the Civil Rights Movement. Also, Atlanta is famous for the Georgia Aquarium.

How is Atlanta different from Palm Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Atlanta is an amazing city to visit 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.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Atlanta that are not to be missed. The museums range in topic from history to science and art. The country's largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium, is in Atlanta as well. It's home to whale sharks, stingrays, and a diversity of marine life. Other museums around town include the Atlanta History Center, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the High Museum of Art, the World of Coca Cola, the David J. Sencer CDC Museum, and the Delta Flight Museum. There are also many monuments and sites including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.

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 Atlanta or Palm Springs? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Atlanta has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's a huge city with a wide selection of restaurants including international, local, and classic southern styles. Fried chicken, biscuits, diner food, and barbecue are all popular. For a classic southern breakfast check out The OK Cafe and for a quintessential Atlanta experience go to The Varsity.

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 Atlanta or Palm Springs Better for Nightlife?

Palm Springs is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Atlanta offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene is diverse with trendy bars, dance clubs, and huge music halls. There are a number of neighborhoods that each have their own atmosphere. For some of the best nightlife check out the upscale bars in Buckhead, the music venues in Midtown, the hipster vibe in Edgewood, or the laid-back atmosphere in Virginia Highland.

Is Atlanta or Palm Springs Better for Resorts?

Palm Springs is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Atlanta 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.

Atlanta is not a resort destination.

Is Atlanta or Palm Springs Better for Hiking?

Palm Springs is a great city for hiking. However, Atlanta is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Palm Springs for the hiking trails. 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.

Atlanta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlanta or Palm Springs?

Atlanta is an amazing city to visit for shopping. Also, Palm Springs is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Atlanta is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are a number of great shopping districts around town. Atlantic Station is popular with a movie theater and ice skating. Buckhead has boutique and local vendors and Lenox Square has a large shopping mall.

Palm Springs is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Is Atlanta or Palm Springs Better for Families?

Atlanta and Palm Springs are both excellent destinations for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Atlanta. There is no shortage of playgrounds around town, but a highlight of any trip is a visit to the Georgia Aquarium. It's the largest aquarium in the United States and its home to whale sharks, hammerheads, dolphin shows, and more. It is so much more than just an aquarium, and it truly is a not to be missed experience. Also worth a visit are Zoo Atlanta, the Center of Puppetry Arts, Stone Mountain, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the Lego Discovery Center. If you have the chance to see the Atlanta Braves play, that's also a rewarding experience.

Palm Springs is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Atlanta or Palm Springs Better for Couples?

Palm Springs is a great city for couples. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Palm Springs is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Atlanta is a nice destination for couples. It's a big city, so there are a number of date night activities available such as orchestra concerts, theater shows, and fine dining. The city also has many outdoor areas like Lake Lanier and Piedmont Park. The Georgia Aquarium is world class, and there are other amazing museums around town as well.

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

Atlanta is very good for backpackers. However, Palm Springs is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Atlanta is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, there are actually a couple of hostels around town and a surprising number of activities worth experiencing. The city's large airport make it a convenient entry point for international travelers.

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 Atlanta or Palm Springs Better for Students?

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

Atlanta is very popular with students. There are a number of universities in town such as Emory, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, and Morehouse College. The city is sprawling, but it's also full of entertainment and activities that students will enjoy.

Palm Springs is not popular with students.

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

Atlanta and Palm Springs both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Atlanta. For such a large city, the public transportation system is very limited. MARTA is the main transit authority and there are a few subway lines that cross the city as well as bus routes running around town.

Public transit is generally 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 Atlanta or Palm Springs a more walkable city?

Atlanta and Palm Springs are notable when it comes to walkability.

Atlanta is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the city are walkable, but most of the sights are spread out and require a car to access. Within neighborhoods, there are a few places that are more pedestrian-friendly such as Downtown, Midtown, Virginia Highlands, and Buckhead.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Palm Springs or Atlanta?

How long in Atlanta or Palm Springs?

It's fun to spend time in either Atlanta or Palm Springs. Both can be explored in comparable amounts of time. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Couples should spend more time in Palm Springs than Atlanta. 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 Atlanta 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 Atlanta.

One day in Atlanta or Palm Springs?

Each neighborhood in Atlanta has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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.

In Palm Springs, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Atlanta or Palm Springs?

Atlanta 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.

In Palm Springs, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Palm Springs has to offer.

Five days in Atlanta or Palm Springs?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the diverse big city of Atlanta. 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.

Palm Springs is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Atlanta or Palm Springs?

Atlanta 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Palm Springs. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Palm Springs. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Atlanta or Palm Springs?

Atlanta has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Palm Springs. When comparing the sizes of Atlanta 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 Atlanta 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 Atlanta or Palm Springs in the Summer?

Both Palm Springs and Atlanta during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Atlanta for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Palm Springs because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Atlanta is a little warmer than Palm Springs. Typically, the summer temperatures in Atlanta in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Palm Springs averages at about 73°F (23°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually gets more rain in July than Palm Springs. Atlanta gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlanta or Palm Springs in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlanta and Palm Springs. The autumn months attract visitors to Atlanta because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Palm Springs this time of year.

In October, Atlanta is generally around the same temperature as Palm Springs. Daily temperatures in Atlanta average around 66°F (19°C), and Palm Springs fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

In October, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Atlanta gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Atlanta or Palm Springs in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Atlanta as well as Palm Springs. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Atlanta this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Palm Springs for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Atlanta is much colder than Palm Springs in the winter. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and Palm Springs fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

Atlanta receives a lot of rain in the winter. Atlanta usually gets more rain in January than Palm Springs. Atlanta gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 2 inches (52 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlanta or Palm Springs in the Spring?

Both Palm Springs and Atlanta are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Atlanta for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Atlanta is a little warmer than Palm Springs. Typically, the spring temperatures in Atlanta in April average around 65°F (18°C), and Palm Springs averages at about 62°F (17°C).

It's quite rainy in Atlanta. In April, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Atlanta gets 4.1 inches (104 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 Atlanta