A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Boca Raton vs. West Palm Beach for Resorts, Beaches, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Boca Raton or West Palm Beach?

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 Boca Raton and West Palm Beach. 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.

Boca Raton

Boca Raton is a relaxed, luxurious, and posh coastal city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is a vibrant, fun-filled, and diverse beach area. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Boca Raton and West Palm Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Boca Raton or West Palm Beach?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Boca Raton than West Palm Beach, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Boca Raton is better known for its museums, food, hiking, and shopping, while West Palm Beach is more popular for its resorts and scuba diving & snorkeling. West Palm Beach is more touristy than Boca Raton and is known for its nice resorts, a lively boardwalk, great seafood, and fun watersports. Boca Raton is well known for its golf courses, outdoor recreational activities, and safe atmosphere. Also, Boca Raton is famous for Red Reef Park.

How is Boca Raton different from West Palm Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Boca Raton or West Palm Beach?

Boca Raton is a great coastal city for its historical sights. However, West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Boca Raton offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. While most visitors focus on the beaches and outdoor activities in the area, there are also a surprising number of museums that you can visit. On a rainy day head to the Boca Raton Museum of Art or the Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum. Sports enthusiasts will like the Sports Immortals Museum and kids will want to check out the Children's Science Explorium.

West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Boca Raton or West Palm Beach? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Boca Raton is a great coastal city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, West Palm Beach is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Boca Raton. You'll find a mix of local and international flavors with both casual and upscale dining available. Reservations are recommended, particularly on weekend nights. For the health-conscious, there's also a nice selection of healthy eateries to choose from.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in West Palm Beach. Oceanfront restaurants usually have a great view and offer local and fresh seafood. There are also many local restaurants concentrated around Clematis Street and CityPlace districts.

Is Boca Raton or West Palm Beach Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is superb in both Boca Raton and West Palm Beach.

Many people head to Boca Raton for the nightlife scene. You'll find plenty of upscale wine bars, cocktail bars, and live music venues that will keep you entertained late into the evening.

West Palm Beach has plenty to do after the sun goes down. With rooftop bars and clubs, oceanfront venues, and plenty of nightlife options downtown, this city rivals most places when it comes to nightlife. The nightlife scene is particularly active during spring break, when university students head to town.

Is Boca Raton or West Palm Beach Better for Resorts?

West Palm Beach is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. Also, Boca Raton is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its resorts.

Vacationers flock to West Palm Beach for its luxury resorts. All of the major names are present including the Hilton, Marriott, and Four Seasons.

Boca Raton is known as a popular and fun resort destination. You'll find many luxury beachside resorts that offer all of the amenities, from access to golf course to family-friendly kids clubs.

Is Boca Raton or West Palm Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

West Palm Beach is great for snorkeling and scuba diving. Also, Boca Raton is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near West Palm Beach. Check out Phil Foster Park in Rivera Beach. It's a man-made reef that is surprisingly clear.

Boca Raton has a few good snorkeling spots. Head to the "Aqua Zoo", which is just to the south of Boca Inlet to see stingrays, groupers, and moray eels. Red Reef Park offers excellent snorkeling as well.

Is Boca Raton or West Palm Beach Better for Beaches?

Boca Raton and West Palm Beach both offer amazing beaches.

Boca Raton offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. There's a two mile stretch of beautiful sandy beaches that are all monitored by lifeguards. The beaches offer all of the facilities that you might need such as picnic areas, restrooms, and showers. Many beaches are part of park land and some offer nice snorkeling. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Spanish River Park, Bark Park Dog Beach, Red Reef Beach, and South Beach Park.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in West Palm Beach. From bustling beaches with a boardwalk to quieter, more relaxing beaches surrounded by parkland, there are are number of options in the area.

Is Boca Raton or West Palm Beach Better for Hiking?

Boca Raton is a popular place for hiking. However, West Palm Beach is not a hiking destination.

Boca Raton is a good destination for hiking. There's a surprising number of nature parks in the area that have hiking trails, nature walks, and beach paths that are fun to explore.

West Palm Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Boca Raton or West Palm Beach?

Boca Raton is a great coastal city for shopping. However, West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Boca Raton. It's an upscale area, and you'll find no shortage of luxury shopping around town. Popular areas for shopping include Downtown Boca, Mizner Park, and the Town Center at Boca Raton.

West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Boca Raton or West Palm Beach Better for Families?

Both Boca Raton and West Palm Beach are superb family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Boca Raton. It's an upscale area with a family-friendly atmosphere and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Many of the hotels have kids clubs that will keep the young ones entertained. The area also has nature centers, children's museums, and waterparks that will ensure everyone stays entertained.

West Palm Beach is a very family-friendly place to visit. Animal lovers will appreciate the zoos and aquariums in the area. Check out McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary, Manatee Lagoon, the Palm Beach Zoo, and the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium.

Is Boca Raton or West Palm Beach Better for Couples?

Boca Raton and West Palm Beach both superb destinations for a couple.

Boca Raton is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. There's an upscale vibe with plenty of nature trails and nice beaches. Many of the hotels offer a touch of luxury that honeymooning couples will appreciate. You can also head to the downtown area for music, events, and museums.

West Palm Beach is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples will enjoy kayaking, dining out, or simply relaxing on the beach. It's fun to spend a day exploring the botanical gardens and an evening wandering around Clematis Street.

Is Boca Raton or West Palm Beach Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Boca Raton and West Palm Beach both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Boca Raton offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The Downtowner is a fleet of free, oversized golf cars that shuttle visitors around town, passing by many top sites such as Mizner Park, Red Reef Park, and the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. There's also a public bus system, Palm Tran, that offers service around town.

West Palm Beach has a few public transit options. There's a downtown trolley, a commuter trail line (connecting West Palm Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale), and a bus system with about 30 lines.

Is Boca Raton or West Palm Beach a more walkable city?

Boca Raton and West Palm Beach are notable when it comes to walkability.

Boca Raton is a somewhat walkable coastal city. There are some communities within the city that are more walkable than others, particularly East Boca Raton, Royal Palm Place, and Mizner Park. There are also many pedestrian and bike paths around town. Even so, you really must have a car to explore the area in depth.

West Palm Beach is somewhat walkable. West Palm Beach has a surprisingly walkable area and it's possible to explore the downtown area on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Boca Raton Worth Visiting? and Is West Palm Beach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in West Palm Beach or Boca Raton?

How long in Boca Raton or West Palm Beach?

Both Boca Raton and West Palm Beach have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in West Palm Beach than in Boca Raton. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Boca Raton, and 3-7 days is enough time in West Palm Beach.

Couples should spend more time in Boca Raton than West Palm Beach. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Boca Raton that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Boca Raton than West Palm Beach 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 Boca Raton.

One day in Boca Raton or West Palm Beach?

The outdoorsy destination of Boca Raton offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. 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.

With scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the diverse beach area of West Palm Beach, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Boca Raton or West Palm Beach?

The coastal city of Boca Raton offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

With nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling around the destination of West Palm Beach, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Boca Raton or West Palm Beach?

Boca Raton is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. This coastal city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

West Palm Beach, a popular beach area, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this beach area. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Boca Raton or West Palm Beach?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Boca Raton. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

West Palm Beach is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this beach area makes for a great vacation. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this beach area has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Boca Raton or West Palm Beach?

West Palm Beach has a larger population, and is about 2% larger than the population of Boca Raton. When comparing the sizes of Boca Raton and West Palm Beach, 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 Boca Raton or West Palm Beach?

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 Boca Raton or West Palm Beach in the Summer?

Both West Palm Beach and Boca Raton are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Boca Raton this time of year. Also, many travelers come to West Palm Beach for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Boca Raton is around the same temperature as West Palm Beach. Typically, the summer temperatures in Boca Raton in July average around 82°F (28°C), and West Palm Beach averages at about 82°F (28°C).

It's quite sunny in West Palm Beach. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Boca Raton. Boca Raton usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as West Palm Beach during summer. Boca Raton gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while West Palm Beach receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in West Palm Beach. It's quite rainy in Boca Raton. In July, Boca Raton usually receives around the same amount of rain as West Palm Beach. Boca Raton gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Boca Raton or West Palm Beach in the Autumn?

Both West Palm Beach and Boca Raton during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Boca Raton for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Boca Raton is generally around the same temperature as West Palm Beach. Daily temperatures in Boca Raton average around 78°F (25°C), and West Palm Beach fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

In West Palm Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Boca Raton. In the autumn, Boca Raton often gets around the same amount of sunshine as West Palm Beach. Boca Raton gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while West Palm Beach receives 275 hours of full sun.

West Palm Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Boca Raton. Boca Raton usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as West Palm Beach. Boca Raton gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Boca Raton is the hurricane season. Also, June to November in West Palm Beach is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Boca Raton or West Palm Beach in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Boca Raton and West Palm Beach. Many visitors come to Boca Raton in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to West Palm Beach for the cuisine during these months.

Boca Raton is around the same temperature as West Palm Beach in the winter. The daily temperature in Boca Raton averages around 65°F (19°C) in January, and West Palm Beach fluctuates around 65°F (19°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in West Palm Beach this time of the year. In Boca Raton, it's very sunny this time of the year. Boca Raton usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as West Palm Beach during winter. Boca Raton gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while West Palm Beach receives 243 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Boca Raton usually receives around the same amount of rain as West Palm Beach. Boca Raton gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Boca Raton or West Palm Beach in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Boca Raton as well as West Palm Beach. Most visitors come to Boca Raton for the beaches during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to West Palm Beach because of the beaches.

In the spring, Boca Raton is around the same temperature as West Palm Beach. Typically, the spring temperatures in Boca Raton in April average around 74°F (23°C), and West Palm Beach averages at about 74°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in West Palm Beach. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Boca Raton this time of the year. In the spring, Boca Raton often gets around the same amount of sunshine as West Palm Beach. Boca Raton gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while West Palm Beach receives 300 hours of full sun.

Boca Raton usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as West Palm Beach. Boca Raton gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Boca Raton is June to November. Also, the hurricane season in West Palm Beach is June to November.

Typical Weather for West Palm Beach and Boca Raton