A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America West Palm Beach vs. Death Valley National Park for Resorts, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit West Palm Beach or Death Valley National Park?

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

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Death Valley National Park? 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.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a vast, dramatic, and striking national park. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include hiking.

West Palm Beach and Death Valley National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Not as many resort options
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in West Palm Beach or Death Valley National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in West Palm Beach than Death Valley National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. West Palm Beach is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Death Valley National Park is more popular for its museums, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. West Palm Beach is well known for its nice resorts, a lively boardwalk, great seafood, and fun watersports. Also, West Palm Beach is famous for Rosemary Square. Death Valley National Park is well known for being the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S.

How is West Palm Beach different from Death Valley National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in West Palm Beach or Death Valley National Park?

West Palm Beach
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is adequate for its historical sights. However, West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Death Valley National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are ghost towns and visitor centers with informational exhibits, but visitors spend most of their time exploring the outdoor environment.

West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in West Palm Beach or Death Valley National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

West Palm Beach
Death Valley National Park

Both West Palm Beach and Death Valley National Park offer respectable local cuisine and restaurants.

West Palm Beach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Death Valley National Park. There are restaurants at Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, and Panamint Springs, but most visitors prefer to bring their own food so that they can enjoy picnicking in a beautiful setting.

Is West Palm Beach or Death Valley National Park Better for Nightlife?

West Palm Beach
Death Valley National Park

West Palm Beach is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for nightlife.

West Palm Beach offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Death Valley National Park doesn't offer many options. Beyond stargazing and relaxing around a campfire, there is no real nightlife in the area.

Is West Palm Beach or Death Valley National Park Better for Resorts?

West Palm Beach
Death Valley National Park

West Palm Beach is renowned for its resorts. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its luxury resorts.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, West Palm Beach is a perfect choice. All of the major names are present including the Hilton, Marriott, and Four Seasons.

Death Valley National Park has a few resort options worth checking out. There are historical inns and lodges in and around the park. The privately owned Inn at Death Valley is a popular option in Furnace Creek. If you stay outside the park, you can expect long drives to get most places.


Is West Palm Beach or Death Valley National Park Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

West Palm Beach
Death Valley National Park

West Palm Beach is a well-known place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Death Valley National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in West Palm Beach. Check out Phil Foster Park in Rivera Beach. It's a man-made reef that is surprisingly clear.

Death Valley National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Death Valley National Park Better for Beaches?

West Palm Beach
Death Valley National Park

West Palm Beach is renowned for the beach. However, Death Valley National Park is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, West Palm Beach is a very popular vacation destination. From bustling beaches with a boardwalk to quieter, more relaxing beaches surrounded by parkland, there are are number of options in the area.

Death Valley National Park is not a beach destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Death Valley National Park Better for Hiking?

West Palm Beach
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a great national park for hiking. However, West Palm Beach is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Death Valley National Park for the hiking trails. Hikes will take you past desert landscapes, through canyons, and along sand dunes. The views are spectacular and the setting is other-worldly. Hiking is best between the months of November and March, as temperatures can be high other times of the year, particularly during the summer months.

West Palm Beach is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in West Palm Beach or Death Valley National Park?

West Palm Beach
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is mediocre for shopping. However, West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping in Death Valley National Park can be found for those interested. There are a couple of general stores where you can pick up items that you may need.

West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Death Valley National Park Better for Families?

West Palm Beach
Death Valley National Park

Kids will enjoy a visit to either West Palm Beach or Death Valley National Park.

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.

Death Valley National Park is a very kid-friendly beach area. Kids will love hiking and exploring the vast desert. There are also ghost towns and abandoned mines that will fascinate kids and adults alike. Junior programs, operated by the National Park Service, also offer interesting and educational programming for kids.

Is West Palm Beach or Death Valley National Park Better for Couples?

West Palm Beach
Death Valley National Park

With fun activities for couples, both West Palm Beach and Death Valley National Park make for a great 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.

Death Valley National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. The stunning desert landscape will take your breathe away, particularly during sunrise and sunset, when the colors are dramatic and striking. In the evening, the sky fills with stars and couples can enjoy a bit of stargazing.


Is West Palm Beach or Death Valley National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

West Palm Beach
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. However, West Palm Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Many backpackers frequent Death Valley National Park. Backpackers will enjoy hiking and camping in a unique desert environment. There are several campgrounds in the area that range from primitive to developed.

West Palm Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Death Valley National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

West Palm Beach
Death Valley National Park

West Palm Beach is very good for its public transit. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for times when you don't have a car.

West Palm Beach has a few public transit options. 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 quite limited in Death Valley National Park. There is no public transportation within the park.

Is West Palm Beach or Death Valley National Park a more walkable city?

West Palm Beach
Death Valley National Park

West Palm Beach is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its walkability.

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

Death Valley National Park is not a very walkable beach area. This is a huge national park that requires a car to get around.


For even more information, also check out Is West Palm Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Death Valley National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Death Valley National Park or West Palm Beach?

How long in West Palm Beach or Death Valley National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either West Palm Beach or Death Valley National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in West Palm Beach due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for West Palm Beach, and 2-4 days is enough time in Death Valley National Park.

Families should spend more time in West Palm Beach than Death Valley National Park. 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 Death Valley National Park. 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 Death Valley National Park 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 Death Valley National Park.


  • How many days in West Palm Beach or Death Valley National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    West Palm Beach 3-7 
    Death Valley National Park 2-4

One day in West Palm Beach or Death Valley National Park?

In West Palm Beach, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife that this vibrant destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. Most people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The dramatic destination of Death Valley National Park offers . 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 Death Valley National Park?

In West Palm Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling that this destination offers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

The national park of Death Valley National Park offers . 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 Death Valley National Park?

In West Palm Beach, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife that this vibrant destination offers. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for five days.Five days is often enough time to do most activities. This beach area offers something for everyone.

Death Valley National Park is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This national park 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 Death Valley National Park?

In West Palm Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling that this beach area offers. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. If you have one week, this beach area makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the beaches. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Death Valley National Park. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Death Valley National Park or West Palm Beach?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in West Palm Beach is $330, while the average daily cost in Death Valley National Park is $87. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for West Palm Beach and Death Valley National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    West Palm Beach $234
    Death Valley National Park $37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    West Palm Beach $468
    Death Valley National Park $74
Compare Hotels in West Palm Beach and Death Valley National Park

Looking for a hotel in West Palm Beach or Death Valley National Park? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in West Palm Beach


Hotels in Death Valley National Park


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: West Palm Beach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    West Palm Beach $49
    Death Valley National Park $41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in West Palm Beach

Also for West Palm Beach, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Palm Beach to Palm Beach Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $41
  • Palm Beach Airport (PBI) to Palm Beach Port - Arrival Transfer: $41
  • Palm Beach hotels to Cruise Port of Palm Beach - Departure Private Transfer : $41
  • Palm Beach Intl Airport (PBI) to Port of Palm Beach - Arrival Private Transfer : $41
  • Palm Beach Airport (PBI) to Palm Beach City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $61
  • Palm Beach Intl Airport (PBI) to Port of Palm Beach - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $83
  • Departure Private Transfer: Palm Beach to Palm Beach Airport PBI in Business Car: $94
  • Departure Private Transfer: Palm Beach to Palm Beach Airport PBI in Luxury SUV: $108
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Palm Beach Airport PBI to Palm Beach in Luxury SUV: $109

Is it cheaper to fly into West Palm Beach or Death Valley National Park?

Prices for flights to both Death Valley National Park and West Palm Beach change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    West Palm Beach $66
    Death Valley National Park $20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in West Palm Beach

For West Palm Beach, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Mornings in the Market Food Tour: $75
  • Mornings in the Market Food Tour: $75
  • Downtown West Palm Beach Food Tour: $85
  • Downtown Food Tour: $85
  • Prohibition Dinner & Drinks Tour: $101
  • Food Tour of Historic West Palm Beach Neighborhoods: $101
  • Prohibition Dinner & Drinks Tour: $101
  • Historic Neighborhood Food Tour: $101

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    West Palm Beach $19
    Death Valley National Park $36

Tours and Activities in West Palm Beach

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for West Palm Beach.

  • 45-Minute Candy Evolution Tour with Guide: $13
  • Bulk Candy Store Tour: $13
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in West Palm Beach by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Sound Bath Meditation and Yoga Experience: Retail Therapy Gift for Women: $25
  • Flamingle Happy Hour Cruise: $40
  • Beginner Snorkel Tour With Videos in West Palm Beach: $49
  • Tour and Photoshoot along Beautiful Historic Worth Avenue: $49
  • Tour and Photoshoot along Beautiful Historic Worth Ave: $49
  • Experience Peanut Island Adventures: $50
  • Scenic Sunset Cruise in West Palm Beach: $51
  • Historical Sightseeing Catamaran Cruise in Palm Beach: $51
  • Palm Beach: Sightseeing Catamaran Cruise: $54

Tours and Activities in Death Valley National Park

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Death Valley National Park are as follows:

  • Death Valley Self Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15
  • Death Valley on Mojave Desert VIP Small Group Tour from Las Vegas: $219

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    West Palm Beach $39
    Death Valley National Park $8.57


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

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 Death Valley National Park Expensive?.