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

Should you visit West Palm Beach or Aspen?

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

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Aspen? 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.

West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is a vibrant, fun-filled, and diverse beach area. Other popular activities here include beaches, nightlife, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Aspen

Aspen is a vibrant, artsy, and outdoorsy ski town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping.

West Palm Beach and Aspen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in West Palm Beach or Aspen?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Aspen than West Palm Beach, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Aspen is better known for its skiing, food, music, hiking, shopping, christmas markets, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while West Palm Beach is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. West Palm Beach is well known for its nice resorts, a lively boardwalk, great seafood, and fun watersports. 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 West Palm Beach different from Aspen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is West Palm Beach or Aspen Better for Skiing?

Aspen is very popular for skiing. However, West Palm Beach is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Aspen should be on your list. 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.

West Palm Beach is not a skiing destination.

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

Aspen is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. However, West Palm Beach is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, Aspen is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in West Palm Beach. Oceanfront restaurants usually have a great view and offer local and fresh seafood. There are also many local restaurants concentrated around Clematis Street and CityPlace districts.

Is West Palm Beach or Aspen Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find excellent options in both West Palm Beach and Aspen.

The nightlife in West Palm Beach has something for everybody. With rooftop bars and clubs, oceanfront venues, and plenty of nightlife options downtown, this city rivals most places when it comes to nightlife. The nightlife scene is particularly active during spring break, when university students head to town.

Aspen offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 West Palm Beach or Aspen Better for Music?

Aspen is a great ski town for live music. However, West Palm Beach is not a live music destination.

Aspen has a thriving music scene. Popular music venues in town include Silver City Mountain Saloon and Belly Up Aspen.

West Palm Beach is not a live music destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Aspen Better for Resorts?

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

West Palm Beach is a world class resort vacation destination. All of the major names are present including the Hilton, Marriott, and Four Seasons.

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 West Palm Beach or Aspen Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

West Palm Beach is a great destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Aspen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

West Palm Beach is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. Check out Phil Foster Park in Rivera Beach. It's a man-made reef that is surprisingly clear.

Aspen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Aspen Better for Beaches?

West Palm Beach is renowned for the beach. However, Aspen is not a beach destination.

West Palm Beach is considered to be a world-class beach destination. From bustling beaches with a boardwalk to quieter, more relaxing beaches surrounded by parkland, there are are number of options in the area.

Aspen is not a beach destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Aspen Better for Hiking?

Aspen is a great ski town for hiking. However, West Palm Beach is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Aspen for the hiking trails. 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.

West Palm Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in West Palm Beach or Aspen?

Aspen is a great ski town for shopping. However, West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Aspen. There are many great local shops and art galleries where you can pick interesting items or fine art.

West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Aspen Better for Christmas?

Aspen is very popular for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, West Palm Beach does not offer Christmas activities.

People travel from all around to experience the Christmas season in Aspen. There are a number of beautiful activities that will bring the holiday season to life in the town.

West Palm Beach does not offer Christmas activities.

Is West Palm Beach or Aspen Better for Christmas Markets?

Aspen is a great ski town for visiting Christmas markets. However, West Palm Beach does not offer Christmas markets.

Aspen is a popular destination to visit Christmas markets. The town has a charming Christmas market that is fun to explore and has around 40 vendors.

West Palm Beach does not offer Christmas markets.

Is West Palm Beach or Aspen Better for Families?

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

West Palm Beach is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Animal lovers will appreciate the zoos and aquariums in the area. Check out McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary, Manatee Lagoon, the Palm Beach Zoo, and the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium.

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 West Palm Beach or Aspen Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both West Palm Beach and Aspen make for a excellent place to visit.

West Palm Beach is a great beach area if you're traveling as a couple. Couples will enjoy kayaking, dining out, or simply relaxing on the beach. It's fun to spend a day exploring the botanical gardens and an evening wandering around Clematis Street.

Aspen is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 West Palm Beach or Aspen Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

West Palm Beach and Aspen both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While West Palm Beach offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a downtown trolley, a commuter trail line (connecting West Palm Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale), and a bus system with about 30 lines.

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

Is West Palm Beach or Aspen a more walkable city?

Aspen is a great ski town for its walkability. Also, West Palm Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice beach area 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.

West Palm Beach is a somewhat walkable place. West Palm Beach has a surprisingly walkable area and it's possible to explore the downtown area on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Aspen or West Palm Beach?

How long in West Palm Beach or Aspen?

In either West Palm Beach or Aspen, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in West Palm Beach than Aspen because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for West Palm Beach, and 3-5 days is enough time in Aspen.

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

Couples should spend more time in Aspen than West Palm Beach. 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 West Palm 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 Aspen.

One day in West Palm Beach or Aspen?

In West Palm Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling that this fun-filled destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the beaches. This beach area 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 with plenty to do. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in West Palm Beach or Aspen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in West Palm Beach. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Aspen might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in West Palm Beach or Aspen?

West Palm Beach is a fun place to experience. In West Palm Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the beaches. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Aspen is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This ski town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in West Palm Beach or Aspen?

In West Palm Beach, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife that this diverse destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. 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 beaches. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Since Aspen is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between West Palm Beach and Aspen, we can see that West Palm Beach is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, West Palm Beach or Aspen?

West Palm Beach has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Aspen. When comparing the sizes of West Palm Beach 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.