A Travel Price Comparison for California Carmel-by-the-Sea vs. Palm Springs for Nightlife, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Carmel-by-the-Sea or Palm Springs?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Carmel-by-the-Sea and Palm Springs can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a charming, picturesque, and quaint town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a chic, outdoorsy, and ritzy city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and hiking.

Carmel-by-the-Sea and Palm Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Palm Springs?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Palm Springs than Carmel-by-the-Sea, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Palm Springs is better known for its nightlife, resorts, and hiking, while Carmel-by-the-Sea is more popular for its beaches, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Palm Springs is more touristy than Carmel-by-the-Sea and is known for its golfing, shopping, and mid-century modern architecture. Also, Palm Springs is famous for the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Carmel-by-the-Sea is well known for its storybook architecture, its opulent setting, and its popularity with golf enthusiasts.

How is Carmel-by-the-Sea different from Palm Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Palm Springs?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Carmel-by-the-Sea or Palm Springs.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Carmel-by-the-Sea. The Carmel Mission is a beautiful and fascinating Spanish mission that dates back to 1770. It's also well worth visiting the nearby Pebble Beach Golf Course. There are also a few fairytale style cottages in the area with some of the most notable being the Hansel cottage, the Gretel cottage, and the Tuck Box cottage.

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.

Is the Food Better in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Palm Springs? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at superb restaurants in both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Palm Springs.

Dining out in Carmel-by-the-Sea is an experience not to be missed. For such a small town there is a huge number of bistros and local cafes. Seafood is popular, but you'll also find international restaurants and more casual eateries.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Palm Springs. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea or Palm Springs Better for Nightlife?

Palm Springs is renowned for its evening party scene. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for nightlife.

Palm Springs is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's not a late night town, but there are a couple of bars and some decent Happy Hours around town.

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea or Palm Springs Better for Resorts?

Palm Springs is renowned for its resorts. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a resort destination.

Palm Springs is a world class resort vacation destination. Resorts range from luxurious to more laid back. Most have impressive pools and many have their own spas, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a resort destination.

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea or Palm Springs Better for Beaches?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is notable for its beaches. However, Palm Springs is not a beach destination.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. It's easy to walk to the beach from the village center. Just head down Ocean Avenue and you'll be at a beautiful beach with great scenery, surfing, and fun activities.

Palm Springs is not a beach destination.

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea or Palm Springs Better for Hiking?

Palm Springs is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a hiking destination.

Palm Springs is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Palm Springs?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Palm Springs are superb shopping destinations.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's easy to walk around the heart of town and pop in the many shops and galleries. The highest concentration of shops is found around the Carmel Plaza which has upscale brands as well as local items.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea or Palm Springs Better for Families?

Palm Springs is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for its kid-friendly activities.

Palm Springs is known to be 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not always a place people visit with their families. Carmel is a good place to let the kids stretch their legs. There are also some good kid-friendly walks in the area.

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea or Palm Springs Better for Couples?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Palm Springs are superb destinations for a couple's getaway.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a charming town with a beautiful coastline and plenty of cute hotels that makes for a great romantic getaway. There's wonderful shopping and many great restaurants where you can enjoy a local meal.

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.

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea or Palm Springs Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Palm Springs offer respectable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Carmel-by-the-Sea. There are a couple of buses, but you can't really depend on them to get around.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea or Palm Springs a more walkable city?

Carmel-by-the-Sea 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is very walkable. The village center is very walkable so it's easy to park you car and shop or walk to the beach.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea Worth Visiting? and Is Palm Springs Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Palm Springs or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

How long in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Palm Springs?

It's fun to spend time in either Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea, and 2-4 days is enough time in Palm Springs.

Families should spend more time in Palm Springs than Carmel-by-the-Sea. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea. 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.

One day in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Palm Springs?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and museums. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

With shopping and museums around the destination of Palm Springs, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

A weekend in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Palm Springs?

Carmel-by-the-Sea 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.

With museums and nightlife around the outdoorsy city of Palm Springs, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Five days in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Palm Springs?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the chic destination of Palm Springs. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea or Palm Springs?

Carmel-by-the-Sea 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.

Palm Springs is a popular choice for travelers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Carmel-by-the-Sea or Palm Springs?

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

Both Palm Springs and Carmel-by-the-Sea are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea in the summer for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Palm Springs for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Carmel-by-the-Sea is cooler than Palm Springs. Typically, the summer temperatures in Carmel-by-the-Sea in July average around 63°F (17°C), and Palm Springs averages at about 73°F (23°C).

In July, Carmel-by-the-Sea usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Carmel-by-the-Sea gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Carmel-by-the-Sea or Palm Springs in the Autumn?

Both Palm Springs and Carmel-by-the-Sea during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Palm Springs because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Carmel-by-the-Sea is generally cooler than Palm Springs. Daily temperatures in Carmel-by-the-Sea average around 62°F (17°C), and Palm Springs fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

Carmel-by-the-Sea usually gets more rain in October than Palm Springs. Carmel-by-the-Sea gets 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Carmel-by-the-Sea or Palm Springs in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Palm Springs. The winter months attract visitors to Carmel-by-the-Sea because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Palm Springs this time of year.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is cooler than Palm Springs in the winter. The daily temperature in Carmel-by-the-Sea averages around 51°F (11°C) in January, and Palm Springs fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In January, Carmel-by-the-Sea usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Carmel-by-the-Sea gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 2 inches (52 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Carmel-by-the-Sea or Palm Springs in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Carmel-by-the-Sea as well as Palm Springs. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Carmel-by-the-Sea this time of year.

In the spring, Carmel-by-the-Sea is cooler than Palm Springs. Typically, the spring temperatures in Carmel-by-the-Sea in April average around 56°F (13°C), and Palm Springs averages at about 62°F (17°C).

Carmel-by-the-Sea usually gets more rain in April than Palm Springs. Carmel-by-the-Sea gets 1.1 inches (29 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea