A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America West Palm Beach vs. Cape Cod for Resorts, Beaches, Food, and Families

Should you visit West Palm Beach or Cape Cod?

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

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Cape Cod? 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. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a relaxing, laid-back, and wealthy beach destination. 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. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Other reasons to visit include shopping, food, and beaches.

West Palm Beach and Cape Cod: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in West Palm Beach or Cape Cod?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cape Cod than West Palm Beach, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cape Cod is better known for its food, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while West Palm Beach is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. West Palm Beach is well known for its nice resorts, a lively boardwalk, great seafood, and fun watersports. Cape Cod is well known for its long scenic coastline, charming compact towns, and magnificent migrating whales. Also, Cape Cod is famous for The Cape Cod National Seashore.

How is West Palm Beach different from Cape Cod?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cape Cod is a great beach destination for its local flavors and cuisine. However, West Palm Beach is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Cape Cod. The region is famous for its fresh seafood and popular dishes include the fried clams and broiled lobster. There are also many diners and brunch cafes where you can enjoy pancakes or eggs benedict.

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 Cape Cod Better for Nightlife?

West Palm Beach is great for its evening party scene. However, Cape Cod is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to West Palm Beach for the nightlife scene. 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.

People don't go to Cape Cod for the nightlife. This area isn't really known for its nightlife, but the downtown of Hyannis has some activity at night.

Is West Palm Beach or Cape Cod Better for Resorts?

West Palm Beach is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. Also, Cape Cod is not as popular, but is still a nice beach destination for its resorts.

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

Cape Cod has a handful of resorts to choose from. Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, White Elephant Resorts, and Chatham Bars Inn are favorite resorts in the Cape Cod area.

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

West Palm Beach is great for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Cape Cod 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.

Cape Cod is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Cape Cod Better for Beaches?

West Palm Beach is an unbeatable place for the beach. Also, Cape Cod is not as popular, but is still a nice beach destination for its beaches.

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.

Cape Cod is considered a top beach destination. Beaches in the area include long stretches of soft sand as well as tidal pools where kids can play. Several of the best beaches around Cape Cod include Mayflower Beach, Marconi Beach, and Race Point Beach.

Is West Palm Beach or Cape Cod Better for Hiking?

Cape Cod is a popular place for hiking. However, West Palm Beach is not a hiking destination.

Cape Cod is a good destination for hiking. Hikes range from casual strolls to longer trails. Popular options include Bass Hole Boardwalk in Yarmouth and the 22 mile Cape Cod Rail Trail.

West Palm Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in West Palm Beach or Cape Cod?

Cape Cod is a great beach destination for shopping. However, West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Cape Cod. Many of the area's towns have charming Main Streets where you can enjoy shopping and dining.

West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Cape Cod Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either West Palm Beach or Cape Cod.

West Palm Beach is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Cape Cod is a very kid-friendly beach area. The coastal towns have a number of kid-friendly activities. In the Upper Cape, Falmouth is one of the best towns for families. On Mid Cape, Dennis and Yarmouth are both kid-friendly. Dennis has a resorty vibe and Yarmouth has kid-friendly museums. On the Lower Cape, both Harwich and Orleans are family-friendly options.

Is West Palm Beach or Cape Cod Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both West Palm Beach and Cape Cod make for a superb 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.

Cape Cod is a very popular place to visit for couples. With its charming character and relaxing beach setting, honeymooners and couples will appreciate all that the area has to offer. There are peaceful settings and charming villages to explore. There are also award-winning restaurants and beautiful views.

Is West Palm Beach or Cape Cod 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, Cape Cod is not a good destination 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 Cape Cod. While there are buses and shuttles to help you get around, a car really is necessary to explore the area.

Is West Palm Beach or Cape Cod a more walkable city?

West Palm Beach and Cape Cod are notable 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.

Cape Cod is a somewhat walkable place. Many of the small towns in the area have compact and walkable areas, but the region is spread out so it's helpful to have a car to get from place to place.

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

Should I spend more time in Cape Cod or West Palm Beach?

How long in West Palm Beach or Cape Cod?

Both West Palm Beach and Cape Cod have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, West Palm Beach has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in West Palm Beach than Cape Cod. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for West Palm Beach, and 5-7 days is enough time in Cape Cod.

Families should spend more time in West Palm Beach than Cape Cod. 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 Cape Cod. 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 Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod.

One day in West Palm Beach or Cape Cod?

The beach area of West Palm Beach offers scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Cape Cod is a small town with plenty to do. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting 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 Cape Cod?

West Palm Beach is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Cape Cod might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Cape Cod?

West Palm Beach is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in West Palm Beach, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Cape Cod is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This beach destination 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 Cape Cod?

West Palm Beach is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that West Palm Beach has to offer. This beach area offers something for everyone.

Cape Cod is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

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 Cape Cod, we can see that West Palm Beach is more expensive. And not only is Cape Cod much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cape Cod would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod.

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 Cape Cod Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit West Palm Beach or Cape Cod?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Cape Cod in the Summer?

Both Cape Cod and West Palm Beach are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to West Palm Beach for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Cape Cod because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, West Palm Beach is generally a little warmer than Cape Cod. Daily temperatures in West Palm Beach average around 82°F (28°C), and Cape Cod fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Cape Cod. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in West Palm Beach. West Palm Beach usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cape Cod during summer. West Palm Beach gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Cod receives 304 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in West Palm Beach. In July, West Palm Beach usually receives more rain than Cape Cod. West Palm Beach gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Cape Cod in the Autumn?

Both Cape Cod and West Palm Beach during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cape Cod this time of year.

West Palm Beach is much warmer than Cape Cod in the autumn. The daily temperature in West Palm Beach averages around 78°F (25°C) in October, and Cape Cod fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in West Palm Beach. In the autumn, West Palm Beach often gets more sunshine than Cape Cod. West Palm Beach gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Cod receives 194 hours of full sun.

Cape Cod gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in West Palm Beach. West Palm Beach usually gets more rain in October than Cape Cod. West Palm Beach gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in West Palm Beach.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Cape Cod in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both West Palm Beach and Cape Cod. The cuisine are the main draw to West Palm Beach this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cape Cod for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Cape Cod. In the winter, West Palm Beach is much warmer than Cape Cod. Typically, the winter temperatures in West Palm Beach in January average around 65°F (19°C), and Cape Cod averages at about 31°F (-0°C).

In West Palm Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. West Palm Beach usually receives more sunshine than Cape Cod during winter. West Palm Beach gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Cod receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

Cape Cod receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, West Palm Beach usually receives less rain than Cape Cod. West Palm Beach gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Cape Cod in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to West Palm Beach as well as Cape Cod. Many travelers come to West Palm Beach for the beaches. Additionally, many visitors come to Cape Cod in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, West Palm Beach is generally much warmer than Cape Cod. Daily temperatures in West Palm Beach average around 74°F (23°C), and Cape Cod fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cape Cod. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in West Palm Beach this time of the year. In the spring, West Palm Beach often gets more sunshine than Cape Cod. West Palm Beach gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Cod receives 225 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cape Cod. West Palm Beach usually gets less rain in April than Cape Cod. West Palm Beach gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in West Palm Beach is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Cape Cod and West Palm Beach