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

Should you visit West Palm Beach or Duck?

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

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Duck? 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 fun-filled, diverse, and vibrant beach area. It's also known for nightlife, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Duck

Duck is a traditional, compact, and charming beach 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. Other reasons to visit include shopping, food, and beaches.

West Palm Beach and Duck: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Duck. Although West Palm Beach and Duck are both popular with visitors, Duck has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Duck is more popular for its museums, food, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while West Palm Beach is known for its nightlife, resorts, and scuba diving & snorkeling. West Palm Beach is popular for its nice resorts, a lively boardwalk, great seafood, and fun watersports. Duck is popular for its quaint atmosphere and small town charm. It is also home to the wide sandy beach.

How is West Palm Beach different from Duck?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Duck 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 Duck?

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

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Duck. Hanging out at the beach and enjoy water sports or outdoor activities are the main draw of this town. You won't find much in the form of museums or indoor activities.

West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Duck 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 Duck. For such a small town, there's a decent selection of restaurants that range from local seafood eateries to pizza delivery. Homemade ice cream is a favorite in the area, but you also can't skip out on the flagship Duck Donuts store.

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 Duck Better for Nightlife?

West Palm Beach is a well-known place for nightlife. However, Duck is not a good beach town for nightlife and partying.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Duck. It's known as a family-friendly destination that isn't often associated with a strong nightlife, but there is often live music and other festivals during the summer months.

Is West Palm Beach or Duck Better for Resorts?

West Palm Beach is renowned for its resorts. Also, Duck is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its luxury resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, West Palm Beach is a great choice. All of the major names are present including the Hilton, Marriott, and Four Seasons.

With a selection of resorts, Duck makes a nice vacation spot. Most of the accommodation around town is in the form of vacation beach rental houses that are perfect for family gatherings or larger groups.

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

West Palm Beach is a well-known place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Duck is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting West Palm Beach. Check out Phil Foster Park in Rivera Beach. It's a man-made reef that is surprisingly clear.

Duck is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Duck Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both West Palm Beach and Duck are first-rate choices.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in West Palm Beach. From bustling beaches with a boardwalk to quieter, more relaxing beaches surrounded by parkland, there are are number of options in the area.

With world-famous beaches, Duck is a very popular vacation destination. Long sandy beaches with great surf and a wonderful boardwalk make this a great beach destination. Kids play in the tidal pools and families relax under their beach umbrellas in a classic beach setting.

Is West Palm Beach or Duck Better for Hiking?

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

Duck is a good destination for hiking. The Duck Trail runs for six miles and passes through town. It's popular with walkers, cyclists, and inline skaters.

West Palm Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in West Palm Beach or Duck?

Duck is a great beach town for shopping. However, West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Duck. Head to the Waterfront Shops for some of the town's best shopping. You can wander along the boardwalk and check out the independent vendors and local restaurants.

West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Duck Better for Families?

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

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.

Duck is a very kid-friendly beach area. Kid-friendly beaches, local ice cream joints, and the famed Duck Donuts all make this an ideal kid's beach destination. There's a waterpark nearby and plenty of water sports that the whole family can enjoy. The boardwalk is also a very family-friendly environment.

Is West Palm Beach or Duck Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both West Palm Beach and Duck make for a high quality 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.

Duck is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a charming beach town with great local restaurants and a beautiful and peaceful setting. For couples who want to enjoy a relaxing beach town without the energy of a larger destination, then this is the perfect place. Much of the accommodation is in the form of rental houses, which can be a bit much for a couple, but the setting is perfect for a weekend escape.

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

West Palm Beach is a popular place for its public transit. However, Duck is not a good beach town 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 mostly limited in Duck. It's best to have a car if you want to exploring the Outer Banks and its many activities.

Is West Palm Beach or Duck a more walkable city?

Duck is very popular for its walkability. Also, West Palm Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice beach area for its high level of walkability.

Duck is a very easy beach town to get around on foot. It's a wonderfully walkable and pedestrian-friendly town with a great boardwalk and many walking and cycling paths.

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 Duck Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in West Palm Beach or Duck?

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

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

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

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

One day in West Palm Beach or Duck?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the destination of West Palm Beach. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Duck is a small town with plenty to do. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. 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 Duck?

West Palm Beach is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the beaches. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Duck 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 Duck?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the diverse destination of West Palm Beach. This beach area offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Duck is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. This beach 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 Duck?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the diverse beach area of West Palm Beach. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

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

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 Duck Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, West Palm Beach or Duck?

West Palm Beach has a larger population, and is about 150 times larger than the population of Duck. When comparing the sizes of West Palm Beach and Duck, 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 West Palm Beach or Duck?

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 West Palm Beach or Duck in the Summer?

Both Duck and West Palm Beach during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to West Palm Beach because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Duck this time of year.

West Palm Beach is around the same temperature as Duck in the summer. The daily temperature in West Palm Beach averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Duck fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

In Duck, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in West Palm Beach. In the summer, West Palm Beach often gets more sunshine than Duck. West Palm Beach gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Duck receives 279 hours of full sun.

Duck 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 July than Duck. West Palm Beach gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Duck receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Duck in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both West Palm Beach and Duck. Also, many travelers come to Duck for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, West Palm Beach is much warmer than Duck. Typically, the autumn temperatures in West Palm Beach in October average around 78°F (25°C), and Duck averages at about 62°F (16°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Duck this time of the year. In West Palm Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. West Palm Beach usually receives more sunshine than Duck during autumn. West Palm Beach gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Duck receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

West Palm Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, West Palm Beach usually receives more rain than Duck. West Palm Beach gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Duck receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in West Palm Beach is the hurricane season.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Duck in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to West Palm Beach as well as Duck. Many travelers come to West Palm Beach for the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Duck in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Duck can get quite cold in the winter. In January, West Palm Beach is generally much warmer than Duck. Daily temperatures in West Palm Beach average around 65°F (19°C), and Duck fluctuates around 41°F (5°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in West Palm Beach this time of the year. In the winter, West Palm Beach often gets more sunshine than Duck. West Palm Beach gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Duck receives 168 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Duck. West Palm Beach usually gets less rain in January than Duck. West Palm Beach gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Duck receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Duck in the Spring?

Both Duck and West Palm Beach are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to West Palm Beach in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Duck for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

West Palm Beach is much warmer than Duck in the spring. The daily temperature in West Palm Beach averages around 74°F (23°C) in April, and Duck fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Duck. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in West Palm Beach. West Palm Beach usually receives more sunshine than Duck during spring. West Palm Beach gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Duck receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, West Palm Beach usually receives more rain than Duck. West Palm Beach gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Duck receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in West Palm Beach is June to November.

Typical Weather for Duck and West Palm Beach