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

Should you visit West Palm Beach or Lancaster?

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

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Lancaster? 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.

Lancaster

Lancaster is a scenic, traditional, and picturesque town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

West Palm Beach and Lancaster: Pros and Cons

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

You'll generally find more things to do in West Palm Beach than Lancaster. West Palm Beach is bigger than Lancaster, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. West Palm Beach is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Lancaster is more popular for its museums, food, shopping, and impressive beauty. West Palm Beach is more touristy than Lancaster and is known for its nice resorts, a lively boardwalk, great seafood, and fun watersports. Also, West Palm Beach is famous for Rosemary Square. Lancaster is well known for its history and long running Amish community.

How is West Palm Beach different from Lancaster?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lancaster is a great town for its historical sights. However, West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Lancaster offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Filled with history and local culture, there are many educational opportunities in the area where you can learn about Amish traditions. The Amish Village has tours and unique experiences. The town also has James Buchanan's Wheatland, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, the National Toy Train Museum, the Ephrata Cloister, and the National Watch & Clock Museum, among many others.

West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Lancaster 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 Lancaster. You can sample authentic Pennsylvania Dutch dishes at one of the Amish restaurants in the area. Many places serve food family-style and dishes include chicken pot pie, ham balls, and pork and sauerkraut. Whoopie pies also originated in the area.

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 Lancaster Better for Nightlife?

West Palm Beach is a great beach area for its evening party scene. However, Lancaster is not known for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Lancaster specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town, but you'll still find local pubs and cozy bars where you can enjoy a drink in a laid back atmosphere.

Is West Palm Beach or Lancaster Better for Resorts?

West Palm Beach is an amazing beach area to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Lancaster is not a resort destination.

West Palm Beach offers an unforgettable resort vacation. All of the major names are present including the Hilton, Marriott, and Four Seasons.

Lancaster is not a resort destination.

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

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

Many visitors go to West Palm Beach to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. Check out Phil Foster Park in Rivera Beach. It's a man-made reef that is surprisingly clear.

Lancaster is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Lancaster Better for Beaches?

West Palm Beach is an amazing beach area to visit for the beach. However, Lancaster is not a beach destination.

The beaches in West Palm Beach are among the best in 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.

Lancaster is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in West Palm Beach or Lancaster?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Lancaster. Many visitors pick up hand-crafted Amish items while they're in town. Furniture and Amish quilts are particularly popular. Farmers markets and antique shopping are both unique in the area and there are also art galleries and several outlet stores that you can visit.

West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Lancaster Better for Families?

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

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.

Lancaster is a very kid-friendly beach area. In you area you'll find farms and petting zoos, amusement parks, and train rides. They can learn about a unique lifestyle at the Amish Experience or soak up the local beauty and farmland in the surrounding countryside.

Is West Palm Beach or Lancaster Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both West Palm Beach and Lancaster make for a very good 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.

Lancaster is a very popular place to visit for couples. This region is known for it's local beauty and serene farmland, making it a relaxing and peaceful destination for couples. There are walking trails, outdoor activities, buggy rides, and a variety of dining experiences. You can also stay at a bed and breakfast or local inn.

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

West Palm Beach is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Lancaster 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 Lancaster. The city has buses and several transportation options, but once you're outside of the urban core, your options are limited.

Is West Palm Beach or Lancaster a more walkable city?

West Palm Beach is a nice place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Lancaster is not known 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.

Lancaster is generally not very walkable. While the city itself has walkable areas, most visitors want to get out and explore the countryside, which requires a car.

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

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

How long in West Palm Beach or Lancaster?

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

Families should spend more time in West Palm Beach than Lancaster. 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 Lancaster. 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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster.

One day in West Palm Beach or Lancaster?

You'll find nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling around the beach area of West Palm Beach. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The picturesque destination of Lancaster offers shopping and museums. 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 Lancaster?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the fun-filled destination of West Palm Beach. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This beach area offers a variety of activities to choose from.

The town of Lancaster offers museums and food. 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 Lancaster?

You'll find nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling around the vibrant beach area of West Palm Beach. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this beach area makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this beach area has to offer.

Lancaster is a great place to explore. This town 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 Lancaster?

West Palm Beach is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in West Palm Beach, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Lancaster. 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 Lancaster, we can see that West Palm Beach is more expensive. And not only is Lancaster much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lancaster would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lancaster 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 Lancaster.

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 Lancaster Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, West Palm Beach or Lancaster?

West Palm Beach has a larger population, and is about 50% larger than the population of Lancaster. When comparing the sizes of West Palm Beach and Lancaster, 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 Lancaster?

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 Lancaster in the Summer?

Both Lancaster and West Palm Beach are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to West Palm Beach for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Lancaster in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, West Palm Beach is generally a little warmer than Lancaster. Daily temperatures in West Palm Beach average around 82°F (28°C), and Lancaster fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in Lancaster. 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 Lancaster during summer. West Palm Beach gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 310 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 Lancaster. West Palm Beach gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Lancaster and West Palm Beach during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Lancaster for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

West Palm Beach is much warmer than Lancaster in the autumn. The daily temperature in West Palm Beach averages around 78°F (25°C) in October, and Lancaster fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in West Palm Beach. West Palm Beach usually gets more rain in October than Lancaster. West Palm Beach gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.9 inches (75 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 Lancaster in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both West Palm Beach and Lancaster. Most visitors come to West Palm Beach for the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Lancaster because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Lancaster can be very cold. In the winter, West Palm Beach is much warmer than Lancaster. Typically, the winter temperatures in West Palm Beach in January average around 65°F (19°C), and Lancaster averages at about 30°F (-1°C).

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

In January, West Palm Beach usually receives less rain than Lancaster. West Palm Beach gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to West Palm Beach as well as Lancaster. The spring months attract visitors to West Palm Beach because of the beaches. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Lancaster this time of year.

In April, West Palm Beach is generally much warmer than Lancaster. Daily temperatures in West Palm Beach average around 74°F (23°C), and Lancaster fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lancaster. 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 Lancaster. West Palm Beach gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 237 hours of full sun.

West Palm Beach usually gets more rain in April than Lancaster. West Palm Beach gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in West Palm Beach is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Lancaster and West Palm Beach