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

Should you visit West Palm Beach or Boulder?

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

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Boulder? 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 diverse, vibrant, and fun-filled beach area. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and nightlife.

Boulder

Boulder is a biker-friendly, outdoorsy, and nature-filled city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping.

West Palm Beach and Boulder: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Boulder. Although West Palm Beach and Boulder are about the same size, Boulder has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Boulder is very popular for its skiing, museums, food, music, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while West Palm Beach attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. West Palm Beach is more touristy than Boulder and is known for its nice resorts, a lively boardwalk, great seafood, and fun watersports. Boulder is famous for its outdoor sports, biker-friendly downtown, vibrant downtown, and many local breweries. It is also well known for The Flatirons.

How is West Palm Beach different from Boulder?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is West Palm Beach or Boulder Better for Skiing?

Boulder is adequate for skiing. However, West Palm Beach is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Boulder to take advantage of their winter sports. The town offers access within an hour or two to several great ski resorts including Eldora Mountain, Vail, and Breckenridge.

West Palm Beach is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in West Palm Beach or Boulder?

Boulder is adequate for its historical sights. However, West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Boulder specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people visit Boulder for the outdoor activities more than the museums and sights. If have the time you can wander around the University of Colorado Boulder campus, visit the Museum of Boulder, or see the Leanin' Tree Museum of Western Art.

West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Boulder is a popular place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, West Palm Beach is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Boulder. This is an often overlooked foodie town, with great farmer's markets and restaurants to try. There are many casual places to eat as well as vegetarian and vegan friendly options everywhere.

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 Boulder Better for Nightlife?

West Palm Beach is a great beach area for nightlife and partying. Also, Boulder is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Boulder. The town has breweries, craft beer, and plenty to do in the evening. Live music is popular and many venues are smaller with a more personal atmosphere. Check out The Bitter Bar or License No. 1 for a local vibe.

Is West Palm Beach or Boulder Better for Music?

Boulder is a popular place for live music. However, West Palm Beach is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Boulder is active and vibrant. During the summer months there are often outdoor concerts. Head to Pearl Street for open air stages or see a concert at Boulder Theater.

West Palm Beach is not a live music destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Boulder Better for Resorts?

West Palm Beach is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Boulder is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to West Palm Beach for its luxury resorts. All of the major names are present including the Hilton, Marriott, and Four Seasons.

Boulder is not a resort destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Boulder Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

West Palm Beach is a great beach area for its diving and snorkeling. However, Boulder is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near West Palm Beach. Check out Phil Foster Park in Rivera Beach. It's a man-made reef that is surprisingly clear.

Boulder is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Boulder Better for Beaches?

West Palm Beach is an unbeatable place for the beache. However, Boulder is not a beach destination.

West Palm Beach offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. From bustling beaches with a boardwalk to quieter, more relaxing beaches surrounded by parkland, there are are number of options in the area.

Boulder is not a beach destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Boulder Better for Hiking?

Boulder is a great city for hiking. However, West Palm Beach is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Boulder for the hiking trails. There are many accessible hikes in the area that take you through the mountains, by wildflowers, or up mountain peaks. Popular hikes that are nearby include the Bear Peak Summit Hike, the trails in Eldorado Canyon State Park, and Boulder Falls.

West Palm Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in West Palm Beach or Boulder?

Boulder is a popular place for shopping. However, West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Boulder. The downtown area has many local retailers where you can shop for clothing, art, or home goods. You can also pick up outdoor gear, camping equipment, and any other items you may need in town. Make sure you wander down the pedestrian-friendly Pearl Street Mall.

West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Boulder Better for Families?

West Palm Beach is a great beach area for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Boulder is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, West Palm Beach is very family-friendly. 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.

Boulder is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has parks, playgrounds, a planetarium, and climbing gyms that are fun for kids of all ages. There are plenty places to get outdoors with hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor recreational activities. Eldorado Canyon State Park is a great place to explore as well.

Is West Palm Beach or Boulder Better for Couples?

West Palm Beach is a great beach area for its romantic activities. Also, Boulder is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

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.

Boulder is a good beach area for couples to visit. This is a great city for couples who love outdoor adventures, hiking, rock climbing, and cycling. You can wander down Pearl Street or go for a bike ride. There are also great restaurants where you can enjoy a meal and then head to Panorama Point to take in the view.

Is West Palm Beach or Boulder Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Boulder is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, West Palm Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Boulder. There are a number of backcountry areas in the region that are perfect for backpackers. The city also has a young population and several affordable places to stay.

West Palm Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Boulder Better for Students?

Boulder is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, West Palm Beach is not popular with students.

Boulder is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. With the University of Colorado, Boulder in town, this city is a popular spot for students. It's an outdoor enthusiast's perfect base with many outdoor recreational activities in the area.

West Palm Beach is not popular with students.

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

West Palm Beach is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Boulder is not known for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Boulder. There are buses that run around town, but you really need a car to fully experience everything that the city has to offer.

Is West Palm Beach or Boulder a more walkable city?

West Palm Beach and Boulder are nice when it comes to walkability.

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

Boulder is a somewhat walkable place. The city has some nice walkable areas and it is very bike-friendly.

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

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

How long in West Palm Beach or Boulder?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both West Palm Beach and Boulder. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in West Palm Beach than in Boulder. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for West Palm Beach, and 2-3 days is enough time in Boulder.

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

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

One day in West Palm Beach or Boulder?

In West Palm Beach, you'll find nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This beach area offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The nature-filled destination of Boulder offers nightlife and live music. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Boulder?

In West Palm Beach, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

The city of Boulder offers live music and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in West Palm Beach or Boulder?

West Palm Beach is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that West Palm Beach has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Boulder is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in West Palm Beach or Boulder?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in West Palm Beach. In West Palm Beach, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Boulder. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between West Palm Beach and Boulder, we can see that West Palm Beach is more expensive. And not only is Boulder much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Boulder would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Boulder 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 West Palm Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in West Palm Beach than you might in Boulder.

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 Boulder Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, West Palm Beach or Boulder?

Boulder has a larger population, and is about 11% larger than the population of West Palm Beach. When comparing the sizes of West Palm Beach and Boulder, 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.