A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Atlantic City vs. Palm Springs for Nightlife, Resorts, Food, and Families

Should you visit Atlantic City or Palm Springs?

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 Atlantic City and Palm Springs. 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.

Atlantic City

Atlantic City is a glitzy, flashy, and party-oriented city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a outdoorsy, ritzy, and chic city. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping.

Atlantic City and Palm Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlantic City or Palm Springs?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Palm Springs. Although Atlantic City and Palm Springs are both popular with visitors, Palm Springs has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Palm Springs is more popular for its museums, food, resorts, hiking, and shopping, while Atlantic City is known for its beaches. Atlantic City is popular for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality Palm Springs is popular for its golfing, shopping, and mid-century modern architecture. It is also home to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.

How is Atlantic City different from Palm Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Palm Springs is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Palm Springs is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

While most people don't head to Atlantic City specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. While most people don't spend their time in museums, there is the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, the African American Heritage Museum, and the Noyes Museum Galleries.

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

Palm Springs is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Atlantic City has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are budget buffets around town as well as seafood restaurants and even some fine dining. Salt water taffy is a local specialty that you should pick up while you're in the area.

Is Atlantic City or Palm Springs Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Atlantic City and Palm Springs.

People head to Atlantic City just to party. This is a city that is all about its nightlife scene. Many visitors come here just to party, and you'll find clubs with DJs or bands playing from sunset to sunrise. There are glitzy lounges and dive bars with everything in between. As a gambling town, there are casinos and all-night activities that keep the energy going round the clock.

The nightlife in Palm Springs is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Is Atlantic City or Palm Springs Better for Resorts?

Palm Springs is a world-class destination for its resorts. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

Vacationers flock to Palm Springs for its luxury resorts. Resorts range from luxurious to more laid back. Most have impressive pools and many have their own spas, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Atlantic City is known as a popular and fun resort destination. The beach and boardwalk are lined with casinos and resorts. There are many recognizable names such as Harrah's, Bally's, Caesars, Hard Rock, and the Tropicana.

Is Atlantic City or Palm Springs Better for Beaches?

Atlantic City is very good for its beaches. However, Palm Springs is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Atlantic City to enjoy the beach. There's a Boardwalk that runs along the beach and is lined with piers and hotels. The Downtown Beach is the most accessible, and where most tourists hang out. If you're willing to travel a little further, there are some nice beaches nearby such as Margate Beach and Brigantine Beach.

Palm Springs is not a beach destination.

Is Atlantic City or Palm Springs Better for Hiking?

Palm Springs is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Atlantic City is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Atlantic City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlantic City or Palm Springs?

Palm Springs is well known for shopping. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Palm Springs is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Atlantic City. You'll find many souvenir shops along the boardwalk. There's also a Tangier Outlet Mall in the area. Some of the hotels such as the Tropicana have their own shopping areas as well.

Is Atlantic City or Palm Springs Better for Families?

Palm Springs is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

For families, Atlantic City is not always the best place to visit. Most families avoid this area for more family-friendly beaches, but if you find yourself in the area, you can check out Ripley's Believe It or Not or go on a dolphin cruise. Also popular is Steel Pier, which has rides for all ages.

Is Atlantic City or Palm Springs Better for Couples?

Palm Springs is well known for romance. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Palm Springs frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Atlantic City makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's not exactly known for its romance, but there are casinos, hotels, and a beaches that are fun to visit. You'll also find several spas and sunset cruises in the area.

Is Atlantic City or Palm Springs Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Atlantic City is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There is a hostel in the area. You'll also find a younger crowd and plenty of partying.

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

Atlantic City is very good for its public transit. However, Palm Springs is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

Atlantic City has a few public transit options. The Jitney are shuttle buses that runs from one end of the city to the other. They pass by most of the hotels and casinos along Pacific Avenue.

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 Atlantic City or Palm Springs a more walkable city?

Atlantic City 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.

Atlantic City is very walkable. Many of the hotels are walkable and located near the boardwalk.

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 Atlantic City Worth Visiting? and Is Palm Springs Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Palm Springs or Atlantic City?

How long in Atlantic City or Palm Springs?

It's fun to spend time in either Atlantic City or Palm Springs. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Palm Springs due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Atlantic City, and 2-4 days is enough time in Palm Springs.

Families should spend more time in Palm Springs than Atlantic City. 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 Atlantic City. 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 Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City.

One day in Atlantic City or Palm Springs?

In Atlantic City, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this flashy city offers. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the chic destination of Palm Springs. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Atlantic City or Palm Springs?

Atlantic City is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the nightlife. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Palm Springs. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Atlantic City or Palm Springs?

You'll find nightlife and food around the colorful destination of Atlantic City. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. 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 ritzy destination of Palm Springs. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

A week in Atlantic City or Palm Springs?

Atlantic City is a popular place to visit. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Palm Springs. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Atlantic City or Palm Springs?

Palm Springs has a larger population, and is about 6% larger than the population of Atlantic City. When comparing the sizes of Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City or Palm Springs?

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 Atlantic City or Palm Springs in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlantic City and Palm Springs. Many travelers come to Atlantic City for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Palm Springs in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Atlantic City is around the same temperature as Palm Springs in the summer. The daily temperature in Atlantic City averages around 75°F (24°C) in July, and Palm Springs fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Atlantic City gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Atlantic City usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Atlantic City gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Palm Springs in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Atlantic City as well as Palm Springs. Many visitors come to Atlantic City in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Palm Springs for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Atlantic City is much colder than Palm Springs. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Atlantic City in October average around 56°F (13°C), and Palm Springs averages at about 69°F (20°C).

Atlantic City usually gets more rain in October than Palm Springs. Atlantic City gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Palm Springs in the Winter?

Both Palm Springs and Atlantic City are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Atlantic City for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Palm Springs because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Atlantic City can be very cold during winter. In January, Atlantic City is generally much colder than Palm Springs. Daily temperatures in Atlantic City average around 31°F (-0°C), and Palm Springs fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In January, Atlantic City usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Atlantic City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 2 inches (52 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Palm Springs in the Spring?

Both Palm Springs and Atlantic City during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Atlantic City because of the beaches.

Atlantic City is much colder than Palm Springs in the spring. The daily temperature in Atlantic City averages around 51°F (10°C) in April, and Palm Springs fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Atlantic City usually gets more rain in April than Palm Springs. Atlantic City gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.9 inches (24 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Palm Springs and Atlantic City