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

Should you visit West Palm Beach or Newport?

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

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Newport? 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.

Newport

Newport is a charming, coastal, and seaside town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

West Palm Beach and Newport: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Newport than West Palm Beach, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Newport is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, 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. Newport is well known for its sailing regattas, its mansions along Bellevue Avenue, and its maritime history. Also, Newport is famous for Thames Street.

How is West Palm Beach different from Newport?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

West Palm Beach
Newport

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

Newport offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The historic mansions and local museums educate visitors on the town's maritime past and colonial roots. Some of the more popular places to visit include The Breakers, The Elms Mansion, The Marble House, and Chateau-sur-mer Mansion.

West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


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

West Palm Beach
Newport

Newport is a great town 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 Newport. Find a waterfront restaurant and enjoy fresh seafood and a charming atmosphere. Many restaurants are influenced by the town's Portuguese and Irish roots. You'll find classic pubs as well as brunch cafes and traditional taverns.

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 Newport Better for Nightlife?

West Palm Beach
Newport

West Palm Beach is a very popular place for its evening party scene. Also, Newport is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for 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.

Newport has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a lively atmosphere in the evening with many pubs, taverns, and bars that keep the energy high.

Is West Palm Beach or Newport Better for Resorts?

West Palm Beach
Newport

West Palm Beach is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Newport is not a resort destination.

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.

Newport is not a resort destination.


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

West Palm Beach
Newport

West Palm Beach is a very popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Newport 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.

Newport is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Newport Better for Beaches?

West Palm Beach
Newport

West Palm Beach is terrific for the beach. Also, Newport is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

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.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Newport. Tucked in along the rocky coastline are many beautiful sandy beaches. You'll find popular and active beaches where you can lounge in a chair and people watch, as well as more secluded spots where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. The largest beach is Easton's Beach (also known as First Beach). Surfers and boaters enjoy Sachuest Beach (or Second Beach), and a less popular, but very rewarding beach is also King Park Beach.

Is West Palm Beach or Newport Better for its Old Town?

West Palm Beach
Newport

Newport is a great town for its historic old town. However, West Palm Beach does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Newport. The Historic District is filled with colonial buildings and impressive mansions. There are cobblestone streets and a charming loop through the town's Old Quarter.

West Palm Beach does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in West Palm Beach or Newport?

West Palm Beach
Newport

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Newport. Walk along the charming cobblestone streets and pop in the many local boutiques and shops.

West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Newport Better for Families?

West Palm Beach
Newport

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

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.

Newport is a very kid-friendly beach area. For an educational and interactive experience, head to Save The Bay Exploration Center & Aquarium. The Norman Bird Sanctuary also has a lot of land and places to explore. Kids will enjoy a visit to the beach or running around Breton Point State Park as well. On a rainy day, Ryans Family Amusements is the perfect way to pass some time.

Is West Palm Beach or Newport Better for Couples?

West Palm Beach
Newport

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

Newport makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's a coastal town with a lot of charm that makes for a perfect romantic escape. Enjoy dining and shopping along Thames Street or take a walk along the coast. There are many local restaurants and evening activities for couples as well.

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 Newport Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

West Palm Beach
Newport

West Palm Beach and Newport both offer notable public transit to get you around.

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.

Newport has a few public transit options. There are buses operated by RIPTA. You can visit most of the attractions in the downtown area by catching a ride on one of the classic green and gold hybrid trolley buses.

Is West Palm Beach or Newport a more walkable city?

West Palm Beach
Newport

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

Newport is very walkable. The town's downtown are compact and fun to explore on foot. There is a nice concentration of shops, restaurants, hotels and sights.

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 Newport Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in West Palm Beach or Newport?

In either West Palm Beach or Newport, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in West Palm Beach than Newport because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for West Palm Beach, and 2-5 days is enough time in Newport.

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

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

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


  • How many days in West Palm Beach or Newport? Ideal Length of Stay
    West Palm Beach 3-7 
    Newport 2-5

One day in West Palm Beach or Newport?

In West Palm Beach, you'll find nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This beach area offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The coastal destination of Newport offers nightlife and food. 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 Newport?

In West Palm Beach, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

The town of Newport offers food and shopping. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Newport?

West Palm Beach is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that West Palm Beach has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in West Palm Beach. In West Palm Beach, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Newport. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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, Newport 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 Newport is $159. 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 Newport in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    West Palm Beach $234
    Newport $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    West Palm Beach $468
    Newport $184
Compare Hotels in West Palm Beach and Newport

Looking for a hotel in West Palm Beach or Newport? 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 Newport


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 Newport Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    West Palm Beach $49
    Newport $36

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Newport

Also for Newport, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Newport Port to Boston Logan Airport (BOS) : $88
  • Private Transfer from Newport Cruise Port to Boston city hotels: $88
  • Private Transfer from Newport Port to Providence city Hotels: $61
  • Private Transfer from Newport Port to Providence Airport (PVD): $49

Is it cheaper to fly into West Palm Beach or Newport?

Prices for flights to both Newport 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
    Newport $45

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Newport

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

  • Newport Neighborhood Food Tour: $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    West Palm Beach $19
    Newport $17

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 Newport

For Newport, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Newport Ghosts: Seaside Hauntings and Hags Tour: $27
  • Afternoon Grand Tour | Gansett Cruises in Newport, RI: $38
  • Discover Newport's Grandeur: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Downtown Westerly Ghost Tour: $30
  • Evening Voyage with Gansett Cruises in Newport, RI: $45
  • Historic Highlights with the Gilded Age Private Van Tour: $225
  • Lighthouse and Mimosa Cruise of Narragansett Bay from Newport: $42
  • Morning Mimosa Cruise with Gansett Cruises in Newport, RI: $38
  • Morning Mimosa Sightseeing Sail on Schooner Madeleine in Newport: $45
  • Newport Afternoon Sightseeing Sail on Classic Sailboat: $45
  • Newport Beach Private Tour & Whale Watching Cruise: $395
  • Newport Cliff Walk & Ocean Drive Self-Guided Tours Bundle: $14

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    West Palm Beach $39
    Newport $14


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

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 Newport Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, West Palm Beach or Newport?

West Palm Beach has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Newport. When comparing the sizes of West Palm Beach and Newport, 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 Newport?

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 Newport in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both West Palm Beach and Newport. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to West Palm Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Newport for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, West Palm Beach is generally a little warmer than Newport. Daily temperatures in West Palm Beach average around 82°F (28°C), and Newport fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Newport this time of the year. In West Palm Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. West Palm Beach usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Newport during summer. West Palm Beach gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Newport receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

West Palm Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, West Palm Beach usually receives more rain than Newport. West Palm Beach gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    West Palm Beach 82°F (28°C) 
    Newport 73°F (23°C)

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

The autumn brings many poeple to West Palm Beach as well as Newport. Also, many visitors come to Newport in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Newport. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in West Palm Beach this time of the year. In the autumn, West Palm Beach often gets more sunshine than Newport. West Palm Beach gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newport receives 211 hours of full sun.

West Palm Beach receives a lot of rain in the autumn. West Palm Beach usually gets more rain in October than Newport. West Palm Beach gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in West Palm Beach.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    West Palm Beach 78°F (25°C) 
    Newport 53°F (12°C)

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

Both Newport and West Palm Beach are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to West Palm Beach in the winter for the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Newport for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Newport can be very cold during winter. In the winter, West Palm Beach is much warmer than Newport. Typically, the winter temperatures in West Palm Beach in January average around 65°F (19°C), and Newport averages at about 28°F (-2°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in West Palm Beach. West Palm Beach usually receives more sunshine than Newport during winter. West Palm Beach gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Newport receives 170 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, West Palm Beach usually receives less rain than Newport. West Palm Beach gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    West Palm Beach 65°F (19°C) 
    Newport 28°F (-2°C)

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

Both Newport and West Palm Beach during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to West Palm Beach for the beaches during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Newport because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, West Palm Beach is generally much warmer than Newport. Daily temperatures in West Palm Beach average around 74°F (23°C), and Newport fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In Newport, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in West Palm Beach. In the spring, West Palm Beach often gets more sunshine than Newport. West Palm Beach gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newport receives 225 hours of full sun.

West Palm Beach usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Newport. West Palm Beach gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in West Palm Beach is the hurricane season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    West Palm Beach 74°F (23°C) 
    Newport 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Newport and West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach Newport
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 65°F (19°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 66°F (19°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 70°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 74°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 78°F (25°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 8.1 inches (207 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (166 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (176 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 9.8 inches (250 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 78°F (25°C) 8.7 inches (222 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 72°F (22°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 67°F (20°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)