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

Should you visit West Palm Beach or Grand Canyon National Park?

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

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Grand Canyon 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 fun-filled, diverse, and vibrant beach area. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is a world-renowned, gorgeous, and striking national park. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include hiking.

West Palm Beach and Grand Canyon National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the sunset views
Things to Consider
  • Not as many resort options


Is there more to do in West Palm Beach or Grand Canyon National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Grand Canyon National Park. Although West Palm Beach and Grand Canyon National Park are both popular with visitors, Grand Canyon National Park has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Grand Canyon National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty, while West Palm Beach is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Grand Canyon National Park is more touristy than West Palm Beach and is known for its iconic beauty, layers of color, breathtaking sunsets, and world-renowned geological history. It is also home to the sunset views. West Palm Beach is popular for its nice resorts, a lively boardwalk, great seafood, and fun watersports.

How is West Palm Beach different from Grand Canyon National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Grand Canyon National Park 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 Grand Canyon National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

West Palm Beach
Grand Canyon National Park

Both West Palm Beach and Grand Canyon National Park offer decent 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 Grand Canyon National Park. There are several markets, restaurants, and cafes in the park but, in general, the options are expensive and not the best. If possible, bring your own food and plan for a picnic with a view.


Is West Palm Beach or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Nightlife?

West Palm Beach
Grand Canyon National Park

West Palm Beach is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Grand Canyon National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

West Palm Beach has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Grand Canyon National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is West Palm Beach or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Resorts?

West Palm Beach
Grand Canyon National Park

West Palm Beach is renowned for its luxury resorts. Also, Grand Canyon National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

With a selection of resorts, Grand Canyon National Park makes a nice vacation spot. There are several options within and near the park that range from luxury to affordable. Reservations should be made well in advance for most hotels within the park. Bright Angel Lodge, El Tovar Hotel, Grand Canyon Lodge (North Rim) and Phantom Ranch are all unique places to stay.

Is West Palm Beach or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

West Palm Beach
Grand Canyon National Park

West Palm Beach is a very popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Grand Canyon National Park 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.

Grand Canyon National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is West Palm Beach or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Beaches?

West Palm Beach
Grand Canyon National Park

West Palm Beach is renowned for its beaches. However, Grand Canyon National Park 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.

Grand Canyon National Park is not a beach destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Hiking?

West Palm Beach
Grand Canyon National Park

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

Many visitors go to Grand Canyon National Park for the hiking trails. Hiking options at the Grand Canyon include an easy walk along the rim or a hike into the canyon. If you're planning to enjoy a view from the rim and then stroll along the rim walk, a day or two is plenty. Hiking into the canyon is a thrilling experience, but it does require more preparation and planning. You should also check out the weather before you depart as temperatures within the canyon can become dangerously hot.

West Palm Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Families?

West Palm Beach
Grand Canyon National Park

West Palm Beach is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Grand Canyon National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Grand Canyon National Park. This park is a spectacular landmark with a number of nature programs that kids can enjoy. There's also a simple rim walk along the edge of the canyon that is perfect for little legs.


Is West Palm Beach or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Couples?

West Palm Beach
Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is very popular for romance. Also, West Palm Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice beach area for its romantic activities.

Grand Canyon National Park makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples who enjoy beauty, nature, and adventure will appreciate a visit to this park. There are amazing hikes and breathtaking views that make this a truly romantic destination. There are also several hotels and lodges that make for a truly romantic getaway (book well in advance!).

West Palm Beach is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Is West Palm Beach or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

West Palm Beach
Grand Canyon National Park

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

Many backpackers frequent Grand Canyon National Park. Backpackers and budget travelers can take in one of America's most notable landmarks while camping at the large and affordable national park campground.

West Palm Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

West Palm Beach
Grand Canyon National Park

West Palm Beach is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Grand Canyon National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

West Palm Beach has some 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 generally limited in Grand Canyon National Park. There are free shuttle buses that run along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.


Is West Palm Beach or Grand Canyon National Park a more walkable city?

West Palm Beach
Grand Canyon National Park

West Palm Beach and Grand Canyon National Park are good 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.

Grand Canyon National Park is a somewhat walkable place. There's a nice rim walk that is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll, but to reach many parts of the park you'll want to have a car or plan to take some form of transit.

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

Should I spend more time in Grand Canyon National Park or West Palm Beach?

How long in West Palm Beach or Grand Canyon National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either West Palm Beach or Grand Canyon 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 1-4 days is enough time in Grand Canyon National Park.

Families should spend more time in West Palm Beach than Grand Canyon 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Grand Canyon 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 Grand Canyon National Park.


  • How many days in West Palm Beach or Grand Canyon National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    West Palm Beach 3-7 
    Grand Canyon National Park 1-4

One day in West Palm Beach or Grand Canyon National Park?

In West Palm Beach, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife that this diverse 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 stunning destination of Grand Canyon 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 enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in West Palm Beach or Grand Canyon 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 Grand Canyon 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 Grand Canyon 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.

Grand Canyon 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 Grand Canyon 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 Grand Canyon 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, Grand Canyon 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 Grand Canyon National Park is $168. 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 Grand Canyon National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    West Palm Beach $234
    Grand Canyon National Park $89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    West Palm Beach $468
    Grand Canyon National Park $178
Compare Hotels in West Palm Beach and Grand Canyon National Park

Looking for a hotel in West Palm Beach or Grand Canyon 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 Grand Canyon 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 and Grand Canyon National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    West Palm Beach $49
    Grand Canyon National Park $43

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

Is it cheaper to fly into West Palm Beach or Grand Canyon National Park?

Prices for flights to both Grand Canyon 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
    Grand Canyon National Park $49

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
    Grand Canyon National Park $35

Tours and Activities in West Palm Beach

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

  • 2-Hour Guided Snorkel Tour of Phil Foster Park, Blue Heron Bridge: $60
  • 3 Hour Cruise & Swimming Excursion off Peanut Island Park: $77
  • Beginner Scuba Diving Tour With Videos in West Palm Beach: $99
  • Beginner Snorkel Tour With Videos in West Palm Beach: $49
  • Blue Heron Bridge Guided Snorkel Tour : $90
  • Blue Heron Bridge Half Day Reef Snorkeling Adventure With Lunch: $56
  • Bulk Candy Store Tour: $13
  • Christmas Light Cruise from Jupiter: $75
  • Clear Kayak Eco Tour in Jupiter, Florida: $75
  • Clear Kayak Tour in Jupiter: $79
  • Experience Peanut Island Adventures: $50
  • Flamingle Happy Hour Cruise: $40

Tours and Activities in Grand Canyon National Park

For Grand Canyon National Park, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 3 Hour Off-Road Sunset Safari to Grand Canyon with Entrance Gate Detour : $123
  • 3-Day Adventure in Mulu National Park: $298
  • 4 Hour Grand Canyon Biblical Creation Morning Rim Tour: $149
  • 4-Hour Biblical Creation + Sunset Tour • Grand Canyon National Park South Rim: $149
  • Desert View Grand Canyon Tour - Pink Jeep: $143
  • Full Day Chauffeur for Grand Canyon Tour from inside Grand Canyon: $249
  • Full Day Chauffeur for South Rim Grand Canyon Tour from Tusayan: $249
  • Full-Day Tour to Grand Canyon Coach and River Float: $245
  • Grand Canyon Full Day Small Group Tour: $299
  • Grand Canyon Landmarks Tour by Airplane with Optional Hummer Tour: $179
  • Grand Canyon Signature Hummer Tour with Optional Sunset Views: $121
  • Grand Canyon South & East Rim Self-Driving, Walking & Shuttling Tour: $17

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    West Palm Beach $39
    Grand Canyon National Park $11


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