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

Should you visit Palm Springs or Aspen?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Palm Springs and Aspen can help you decide which place is right for you.

Palm Springs

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

Aspen

Aspen is a authentic, charming, and quaint ski town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and live music.

Palm Springs and Aspen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palm Springs or Aspen?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Aspen than Palm Springs, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Aspen is better known for its skiing, food, music, christmas markets, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Palm Springs is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and resorts. Palm Springs is more touristy than Aspen and is known for its golfing, shopping, and mid-century modern architecture. Aspen is well known for its world-class skiing, many food, film, and music festivals, and its stunning mountain hikes. Also, Aspen is famous for The Maroon Bells.

How is Palm Springs different from Aspen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Palm Springs or Aspen Better for Skiing?

Aspen is an amazing ski town to visit for snow skiing. However, Palm Springs is not a skiing destination.

Aspen is among the world's best ski destinations. Near the town, there are 4 separate ski resorts. In town you'll find Aspen Mountain, which is known for it's black-diamond runs. Aspen Highlands, a couple miles away, has a mix of slopes and is less crowded. Buttermilk attracts many freestyle skiers and Aspen Snowmass is considered one of the best family-friendly ski areas.

Palm Springs is not a skiing destination.

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

Palm Springs is a city with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Aspen does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Palm Springs. 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.

Aspen does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Aspen is an amazing ski town to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Palm Springs is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Aspen has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The town hosts many food festivals and there is a growing selection of diverse restaurants. In town you'll find cafes and restaurants that cater to both the local crowd and the travelers who flock to the area during peak seasons.

Palm Springs has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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 Palm Springs or Aspen Better for Nightlife?

Palm Springs is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Aspen is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

The nightlife in Aspen has something for everybody. The people in Aspen know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene includes craft beer, live music, and dancing. There's a local vibe, particularly during the off-season times when the tourist crowds are less.

Is Palm Springs or Aspen Better for Music?

Aspen is notable for live music. However, Palm Springs is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Aspen. Popular music venues in town include Silver City Mountain Saloon and Belly Up Aspen.

Palm Springs is not a live music destination.

Is Palm Springs or Aspen Better for Resorts?

Palm Springs is renowned for its resorts. Also, Aspen is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

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.

There are plenty of resorts in Aspen to choose from. Popular resorts in the area include The Little Nell, Hotel Jerome, and St. Regis Aspen.

Is Palm Springs or Aspen Better for Hiking?

You'll find superb hiking in both Palm Springs and Aspen.

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.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Aspen. During the summer and fall seasons, hiking is a great way to explore Aspen's nearby beauty. Popular trails include the Ute Trail, the Lost Man Trail, and the famous Maroon Bells Scenic Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Palm Springs or Aspen?

Both Palm Springs and Aspen are superb shopping destinations.

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.

Aspen is well-known for its shopping. There are many great local shops and art galleries where you can pick interesting items or fine art.

Is Palm Springs or Aspen Better for Christmas?

Aspen is an amazing ski town to visit for its Christmas activities. However, Palm Springs does not offer Christmas activities.

Aspen is a fantastic destination at Christmas. There are a number of beautiful activities that will bring the holiday season to life in the town.

Palm Springs does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Palm Springs or Aspen Better for Christmas Markets?

Aspen is notable for its Christmas markets. However, Palm Springs does not offer Christmas markets.

The Christmas markets in Aspen offer plenty to see during the holidays. The town has a charming Christmas market that is fun to explore and has around 40 vendors.

Palm Springs does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Palm Springs or Aspen Better for Families?

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

Aspen offers lots of family activities. Families that enjoy skiing together, hiking, rock climbing, and having adventures will enjoy a visit to this town. Aspen Mountain is not a great option for beginning skiers, but further away, Aspen Snowmass offers good beginner slopes.

Is Palm Springs or Aspen Better for Couples?

Both Palm Springs and Aspen are superb destinations to visit as a couple.

Palm Springs is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Aspen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Aspen is both a popular ski destination as well as an established town. There are many great restaurants and activities that couples can enjoy and the setting is cute and very scenic, making it a beautiful and romantic destination.

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

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

Aspen has a few public transit options. There are several shuttle buses around the town.

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 Palm Springs or Aspen a more walkable city?

Aspen 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.

Aspen is very walkable. The town is compact enough that it can be explored on foot. If you're planning to head into the mountains to hike, you'll likely need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Aspen or Palm Springs?

How long in Palm Springs or Aspen?

In either Palm Springs or Aspen, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Aspen than Palm Springs because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Palm Springs, and 3-5 days is enough time in Aspen.

Families should spend more time in Palm Springs than Aspen. 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 Aspen than Palm Springs. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Aspen that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Aspen 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 Aspen.

One day in Palm Springs or Aspen?

In Palm Springs, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this outdoorsy destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the nightlife. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Aspen is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

A weekend in Palm Springs or Aspen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Palm Springs. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Aspen 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.

Five days in Palm Springs or Aspen?

Palm Springs is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Palm Springs. Lots of people come for the nightlife. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Aspen might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Palm Springs or Aspen?

You'll find food and shopping around the ritzy destination of Palm Springs. 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. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Aspen is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Palm Springs and Aspen, we can see that Aspen 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 Aspen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Aspen 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 Palm Springs Expensive? and Is Aspen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Palm Springs or Aspen?

Palm Springs has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Aspen. When comparing the sizes of Palm Springs and Aspen, 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.