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

Should you visit Orlando or Palm Springs?

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

Should I visit Orlando 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.

Orlando

Orlando is a family-friendly, entertaining, and active city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a outdoorsy, ritzy, and chic city. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Orlando and Palm Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orlando or Palm Springs?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Orlando. Although Orlando and Palm Springs are both popular with visitors, Orlando has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Orlando is more popular for its theatre productions, while Palm Springs is known for its museums, nightlife, and hiking. Orlando is popular for being the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and many other theme parks and family-friendly activities. It is also home to Disney World, Universal Studios, and the city's many amusement parks. Palm Springs is popular for its golfing, shopping, and mid-century modern architecture.

How is Orlando different from Palm Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Palm Springs is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Orlando or Palm Springs Better for Theater?

Orlando is very good for theatre. However, Palm Springs is not a theatre destination.

Orlando offers a number of shows and performances. The city has a number of local theaters that are fun to explore. As home to Disney World and Universal Studios, there are also a number of shows available that are affiliated with the parks.

Palm Springs is not a theatre destination.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at great restaurants in both Orlando and Palm Springs.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Orlando. There are a diversity of restaurants on the Disney grounds and nearby. You'll also find many restaurants at Universal CityWalk and Disney Springs. Food can be expensive, and the quality can vary dramatically. Many people enjoy going to dinner shows as well. Restaurants can be challenging also, as reservations must be made months in advance.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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 Orlando or Palm Springs Better for Nightlife?

Palm Springs is renowned for nightlife. Also, Orlando is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Orlando. If you need a break from the kids, you'll find some of the best nightlife around Orlando at Disney Springs, Wall Street Plaza and Universal CityWalk.

Is Orlando or Palm Springs Better for Resorts?

Orlando and Palm Springs offer a relatively similar set of world-class luxury resort options.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Orlando is a great choice. Disney World is famous for its many iconic resorts. Some of the most popular are the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Port Orleans Resort, and the Grand Floridian Resort. There are also many resorts that aren't affiliated with the major theme parks. These tend to be more affordable, but transportation options to and from the park are limited. You'll also miss out on the perks that come with staying at a theme park resort.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Palm Springs is a perfect choice. Resorts range from luxurious to more laid back. Most have impressive pools and many have their own spas, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Is Orlando or Palm Springs Better for Hiking?

Palm Springs is great for hiking. However, Orlando 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.

Orlando is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orlando or Palm Springs?

If you're looking to go shopping, Orlando and Palm Springs both offer plenty of great spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Orlando. Shopping is a dream for any Disney enthusiast. There are countless malls and shops, both on and off the Disney grounds, that sell all of the Disney paraphernalia. Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk are the most famous areas. During the evenings, these areas can be very crowded, but during the day they're less popular as most people are at the theme parks.

Palm Springs is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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 Orlando or Palm Springs Better for Christmas?

Orlando is an amazing city to visit for its Christmas activities. However, Palm Springs does not offer Christmas activities.

Orlando is a fantastic destination at Christmas. Christmas at Disney World is lots of fun. There are decorations and all kinds of seasonal activities around town.

Palm Springs does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Orlando or Palm Springs Better for Families?

Orlando is an amazing city to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Palm Springs is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Orlando is one of the most popular family destinations. Known as a theme park capital, here you'll find the iconic Disney World, as well as Universal Studios, SeaWorld and many more. While most people spend their vacation at the Disney or Universal resorts, there is also an endless supply of less mainstream parks and activities in the area.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Palm Springs is very family-friendly. 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 Orlando or Palm Springs Better for Couples?

Palm Springs is great for romance. Also, Orlando is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

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.

Orlando makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While most people visit the area with family, there is a niche crowd that enjoys honeymooning or vacationing here as a couple. There are many beautiful restaurants and interesting activities that couples can enjoy together. This is the perfect trip for fun loving couples who don't take themselves to seriously.

Is Orlando or Palm Springs Better for Students?

Orlando is very good for students. However, Palm Springs is not popular with students.

Orlando is a good city to visit for students. Most people don't think about education when they think about Orlando, but there are actually a diversity of internships and opportunities for students to learn in a fun setting.

Palm Springs is not popular with students.

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

Orlando and Palm Springs both offer decent public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Orlando. If you're staying at a Disney Property, there is excellent transportation around the complex, but otherwise, a car is essential.

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 Orlando or Palm Springs a more walkable city?

Palm Springs is a popular place for its walkability. However, Orlando is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

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

Orlando is not a walkable city. The city is sprawling, so unless you stay on the Disney grounds, it's best to rent a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Palm Springs or Orlando?

How long in Orlando or Palm Springs?

It's fun to spend time in either Orlando 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, 7 days is a good amount of time for Orlando, and 2-4 days is enough time in Palm Springs.

Families should spend more time in Orlando than Palm Springs. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Orlando, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Palm Springs than Orlando. 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 Orlando 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 Orlando or Palm Springs?

In Orlando, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this family-friendly city offers. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 Orlando or Palm Springs?

Orlando is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

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 Orlando or Palm Springs?

You'll find theater and nightlife around the active destination of Orlando. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Orlando or Palm Springs?

Orlando 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.

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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Orlando or Palm Springs?

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

Both Palm Springs and Orlando during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Orlando this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Palm Springs for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Orlando is a little warmer than Palm Springs in the summer. The daily temperature in Orlando averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Palm Springs fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Orlando. Orlando usually gets more rain in July than Palm Springs. Orlando gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orlando or Palm Springs in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Orlando and Palm Springs. Many travelers come to Orlando for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Palm Springs in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Orlando is a little warmer than Palm Springs. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Orlando in October average around 75°F (24°C), and Palm Springs averages at about 69°F (20°C).

Orlando gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Orlando usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Orlando gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Orlando or Palm Springs in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Orlando as well as Palm Springs. Many visitors come to Orlando in the winter for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Palm Springs for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Orlando is generally around the same temperature as Palm Springs. Daily temperatures in Orlando average around 59°F (15°C), and Palm Springs fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

Orlando usually gets more rain in January than Palm Springs. Orlando gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 2 inches (52 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orlando or Palm Springs in the Spring?

Both Palm Springs and Orlando are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

Orlando is a little warmer than Palm Springs in the spring. The daily temperature in Orlando averages around 72°F (22°C) in April, and Palm Springs fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In April, Orlando usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Orlando gets 2.7 inches (69 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 Orlando