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

Should you visit Norfolk or Palm Springs?

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

Should I visit Norfolk or Palm Springs? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Norfolk

Norfolk is a blue collar, maritime, and authentic city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Norfolk travel costs.

Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a outdoorsy, ritzy, and chic city. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums. See Palm Springs travel costs.

Norfolk and Palm Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Norfolk or Palm Springs?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Palm Springs. Although Norfolk and Palm Springs are both popular with visitors, Palm Springs has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Palm Springs is more touristy than Norfolk and is known for its golfing, shopping, and mid-century modern architecture. It is also home to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Norfolk is popular for its naval base and military presence.

How is Norfolk different from Palm Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Norfolk and Palm Springs have good landmarks and museums for visitors.

Norfolk is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are some interesting museums in town like the Chrysler Museum, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, and the Norfolk Police and Fire Museum. You should also check out the Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin.

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

Palm Springs is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Norfolk 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.

Norfolk has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find a decent collection of restaurants in the downtown area. Food options include local seafood, brunch, casual eateries, and fine dining.

Is Norfolk or Palm Springs Better for Nightlife?

Palm Springs is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Palm Springs is a world class 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Norfolk has a few options to choose from. Downtown is where you'll find the most busy nightlife venues. The city has great breweries, and the live music scene has taken off. There are also lounges, dance clubs, and wine bars to choose from.

Is Norfolk or Palm Springs Better for Resorts?

Palm Springs is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Norfolk is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Palm Springs is a great choice. Resorts range from luxurious to more laid back. Most have impressive pools and many have their own spas, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Norfolk is not a resort destination.

Is Norfolk or Palm Springs Better for Hiking?

Palm Springs is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Norfolk 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.

Norfolk is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Norfolk or Palm Springs?

Palm Springs is a great destination for shopping. Also, Norfolk 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 Norfolk. There's a mix of shopping malls, local boutiques, farmer's markets, and shopping centers around town.

Is Norfolk or Palm Springs Better for Families?

Palm Springs is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Norfolk offers lots of family activities. The Norfolk Zoo is always a hit with kids. You should also visit the USS Wisconsin which offers tours, as well as the Douglas MacArthur Memorial Museum.

Is Norfolk or Palm Springs Better for Couples?

Palm Springs is a great destination for romance. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options 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.

Most people don't think of Norfolk as a couple's destination. There are some nice hotels and several great parks and outdoor activities.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Norfolk and Palm Springs.

Public transit is generally limited in Norfolk. While there are buses, ferries, and even lightrail in the area, you really want to have a car 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 Norfolk or Palm Springs a more walkable city?

Norfolk and Palm Springs both are good when exploring on foot.

Norfolk is somewhat walkable. Downtown is the most walkable part of the city.

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 Norfolk Worth Visiting? and Is Palm Springs Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Palm Springs or Norfolk?

How long in Norfolk or Palm Springs?

It's fun to spend time in either Norfolk 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, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Norfolk, and 2-4 days is enough time in Palm Springs.

Families should spend more time in Palm Springs than Norfolk. 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 Norfolk. 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 Palm Springs than Norfolk 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 Palm Springs.

One day in Norfolk or Palm Springs?

In Norfolk, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this maritime city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

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 Norfolk or Palm Springs?

Norfolk 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 Norfolk or Palm Springs?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the blue collar destination of Norfolk. 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 Norfolk or Palm Springs?

Norfolk 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 Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Norfolk or Palm Springs?

Norfolk has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Palm Springs. When comparing the sizes of Norfolk 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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk or Palm Springs in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Norfolk and Palm Springs. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Norfolk this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Palm Springs for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Norfolk is a little warmer than Palm Springs in the summer. The daily temperature in Norfolk averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Palm Springs fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Norfolk gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Norfolk usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Norfolk gets 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Norfolk or Palm Springs in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Norfolk as well as Palm Springs. Many travelers come to Norfolk for the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Palm Springs in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Norfolk is cooler than Palm Springs. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Norfolk in October average around 62°F (16°C), and Palm Springs averages at about 69°F (20°C).

Norfolk usually gets more rain in October than Palm Springs. Norfolk gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Norfolk or Palm Springs in the Winter?

Both Palm Springs and Norfolk are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Norfolk in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Palm Springs for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Norfolk can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Norfolk is generally much colder than Palm Springs. Daily temperatures in Norfolk average around 39°F (4°C), and Palm Springs fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In January, Norfolk usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Norfolk gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 2 inches (52 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Norfolk or Palm Springs in the Spring?

Both Palm Springs and Norfolk during the spring are popular places to visit.

Norfolk is cooler than Palm Springs in the spring. The daily temperature in Norfolk averages around 58°F (14°C) in April, and Palm Springs fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Norfolk usually gets more rain in April than Palm Springs. Norfolk gets 2.7 inches (69 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 Norfolk