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

Should you visit Virginia Beach or Palm Springs?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Virginia Beach or Palm Springs, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a relaxing, bustling, and fun-filled coastal city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife and beaches.

Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a ritzy, chic, and outdoorsy city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Virginia Beach and Palm Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Virginia Beach or Palm Springs?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Palm Springs. Although Virginia Beach and Palm Springs are popular destinations, Palm Springs has more sights and attractions for tourists. Palm Springs is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, hiking, and shopping, while Virginia Beach attracts visitors for its beaches and impressive beauty. Palm Springs is more touristy than Virginia Beach and is popular for its golfing, shopping, and mid-century modern architecture. It is also well known for the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Virginia Beach is famous for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe.

How is Virginia Beach different from Palm Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Palm Springs is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Palm Springs is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Virginia Beach may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Seafood is plentiful around town and there are all-you-can-eat buffets as well as high end, waterfront seafood restaurants. Make sure you try the She Crab Soup, soft shell crabs, and oysters.

Is Virginia Beach or Palm Springs Better for Nightlife?

Palm Springs is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its evening party scene.

Palm Springs is a must-see 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Virginia Beach. While it's a family-friendly beach, there's still a great nightlife scene with many bars and clubs in the area. Popular places to hang out at night include Omega Bar, Peabody's Nightclub, and Sky Bar.

Is Virginia Beach or Palm Springs Better for Resorts?

Palm Springs is terrific for its luxury resorts. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its resorts.

Palm Springs offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Resorts range from luxurious to more laid back. Most have impressive pools and many have their own spas, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Virginia Beach has a few great resort options. Some of the best resorts in the area include the Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club, the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, and The Founders Inn and Spa.

Is Virginia Beach or Palm Springs Better for Beaches?

Virginia Beach is very good for its beaches. However, Palm Springs is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Virginia Beach to enjoy the beach. The beaches are long and sandy, but they can get crowded during the summer months. The waves are just the right size for playing in the surf and the water temperature is usually warm enough to swim well into the fall months.

Palm Springs is not a beach destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Palm Springs Better for Hiking?

Palm Springs is great for hiking. However, Virginia Beach 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.

Virginia Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Virginia Beach or Palm Springs?

Palm Springs is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Palm Springs is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Palm Springs Better for Families?

Virginia Beach and Palm Springs are both excellent destinations for the whole family.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Virginia Beach is very family-friendly. This is a popular family-friendly beach with a nice boardwalk, a fun waterpark, aquarium, and nice beaches. It attracts families in the area for its long beaches and fun atmosphere. Most restaurants have kid's menus and there are ice cream shops and minigolf around.

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.

Is Virginia Beach or Palm Springs Better for Couples?

Palm Springs is great for its romantic activities. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for couples.

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.

Virginia Beach is a good coastal city for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy a nice escape to the beaches and boardwalk. There are many great seafood restaurants, some with waterfront settings. There's also a variety of activities ranging from many golf to dance clubs.

Is Virginia Beach or Palm Springs Better for Students?

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

Virginia Beach is a good coastal city to visit for students. It's not as popular as more southern beach towns, but you'll still find students heading here for the spring break holidays.

Palm Springs is not popular with students.

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

Palm Springs is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Virginia Beach. There is very limited public transit in the area so you'll need to have a car to get around.

Is Virginia Beach or Palm Springs a more walkable city?

Palm Springs is a nice place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its ease of walking around.

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

Virginia Beach is generally not very walkable. Most people prefer to have a car but do note that parking can be a nightmare, particularly during the summer season.

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

Should I spend more time in Palm Springs or Virginia Beach?

How long in Virginia Beach or Palm Springs?

It's fun to spend time in either Virginia Beach or Palm Springs. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Virginia Beach due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Virginia Beach, and 2-4 days is enough time in Palm Springs.

Families should spend more time in Palm Springs than Virginia Beach. 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 Virginia Beach. 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 Virginia 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 Palm Springs.

One day in Virginia Beach or Palm Springs?

In Virginia Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife that this relaxing coastal city offers. 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 museums and nightlife. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Virginia Beach or Palm Springs?

Virginia Beach is a fun place to experience. 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.

Palm Springs is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Virginia Beach or Palm Springs?

In Virginia Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife that this bustling destination offers. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Palm Springs. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Virginia Beach or Palm Springs?

Virginia Beach is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Palm Springs. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Virginia Beach or Palm Springs?

Virginia Beach has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Palm Springs. When comparing the sizes of Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach or Palm Springs in the Summer?

Both Palm Springs and Virginia Beach during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Virginia Beach for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Palm Springs because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Virginia Beach is generally a little warmer than Palm Springs. Daily temperatures in Virginia Beach average around 79°F (26°C), and Palm Springs fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Virginia Beach. Virginia Beach usually gets more rain in July than Palm Springs. Virginia Beach gets 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Palm Springs in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Virginia Beach and Palm Springs. The autumn months attract visitors to Virginia Beach because of the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Palm Springs this time of year.

Virginia Beach is cooler than Palm Springs in the autumn. The daily temperature in Virginia Beach averages around 62°F (16°C) in October, and Palm Springs fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

In October, Virginia Beach usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Virginia Beach gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Palm Springs in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Virginia Beach as well as Palm Springs. The cuisine are the main draw to Virginia Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Palm Springs for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Virginia Beach in the winter. In the winter, Virginia Beach is much colder than Palm Springs. Typically, the winter temperatures in Virginia Beach in January average around 39°F (4°C), and Palm Springs averages at about 57°F (14°C).

Virginia Beach usually gets more rain in January than Palm Springs. Virginia Beach gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 2 inches (52 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Palm Springs in the Spring?

Both Palm Springs and Virginia Beach are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Virginia Beach for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Virginia Beach is generally cooler than Palm Springs. Daily temperatures in Virginia Beach average around 58°F (14°C), and Palm Springs fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In April, Virginia Beach usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach