A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America West Palm Beach vs. Pocono Mountains for Resorts, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit West Palm Beach or Pocono Mountains?

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

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Pocono Mountains? 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 diverse, vibrant, and fun-filled beach area. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and nightlife.

Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a relaxing, scenic, and beautiful region. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

West Palm Beach and Pocono Mountains: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in West Palm Beach or Pocono Mountains?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Pocono Mountains. Although West Palm Beach and Pocono Mountains are popular destinations, Pocono Mountains has more sights and attractions for tourists. Pocono Mountains is very popular for its skiing, museums, food, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while West Palm Beach attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. West Palm Beach is famous for its nice resorts, a lively boardwalk, great seafood, and fun watersports. Pocono Mountains is famous for its hiking trails, boating and fishing, and small towns. It is also well known for Bushkill Falls.

How is West Palm Beach different from Pocono Mountains?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is West Palm Beach or Pocono Mountains Better for Skiing?

Pocono Mountains is a great region for skiing. However, West Palm Beach is not a skiing destination.

Pocono Mountains offers world-class skiing that is fun for everyone. There are a number of ski resorts in the area that offer family-friendly skiing or more advanced options. Some of the most popular ski areas are Big Boulder, Blue Mountain, Camelback Mountain, and Jack Frost Mountain.

West Palm Beach is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in West Palm Beach or Pocono Mountains?

Pocono Mountains is a popular place for its historical sights. However, West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Pocono Mountains is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Visiting a local museum is a great way to learn about the area's history and Native American population. For a glimpse back in time, you can visit the Asa Packer Mansion, Grey Towers National Historic Landmark, or Columns Museum. The Old Jail Museum is a fascinating place to visit and even offers ghost tours. The Pocono Indian Museum and Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm are both worth a visit as well.

West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains. Family-friendly restaurants are common. Many serve up casual American cuisine like burgers or pasta. There are also more upscale restaurants, some with impressive views, that will elevate your culinary experience. For a local experience, find a restaurant with a seasonal menu that makes the most of the local ingredients.

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 Pocono Mountains Better for Nightlife?

West Palm Beach is notable for nightlife and partying. However, Pocono Mountains is a mediocre region for its evening party scene.

West Palm Beach has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Pocono Mountains. There are some resorts with casinos and bars as well as local breweries and bars. You'll also find a theater or two in the area.

Is West Palm Beach or Pocono Mountains Better for Resorts?

West Palm Beach is a must-visit destination for its resorts. Also, Pocono Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its luxury resorts.

West Palm Beach is a world class resort vacation destination. All of the major names are present including the Hilton, Marriott, and Four Seasons.

Pocono Mountains has a few great resort options. Resorts range from family-friendly to romantic. Many have indoor pools or even water parks. Some also have spas, restaurants, and plenty of amenities.

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

West Palm Beach is notable for its diving and snorkeling. However, Pocono Mountains is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

West Palm Beach is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. Check out Phil Foster Park in Rivera Beach. It's a man-made reef that is surprisingly clear.

Pocono Mountains is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Pocono Mountains Better for Beaches?

West Palm Beach is a must-visit destination for the beache. However, Pocono Mountains is not a beach destination.

West Palm Beach is considered to be a world-class beach destination. From bustling beaches with a boardwalk to quieter, more relaxing beaches surrounded by parkland, there are are number of options in the area.

Pocono Mountains is not a beach destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Pocono Mountains Better for Hiking?

Pocono Mountains is a great region for hiking. However, West Palm Beach is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Pocono Mountains for the hiking trails. There are miles of hiking trails that take you through forests or to spectacular waterfalls. Trails range from easy to challenging and each offers a great way to escape into nature. Some of the more popular trails are found in Tobyhanna State Park and Promised Land State Park. The Appalachian Trail also passes through the area.

West Palm Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in West Palm Beach or Pocono Mountains?

Pocono Mountains is a popular place for shopping. However, West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Pocono Mountains. Head to the towns for some the best local shopping. The downtown areas in each of the major towns - Jim Thorpe, Stroudsburg, Milford, and Honesdale - have local vendors, antique shops, and the occasional flea market or farmer's market.

West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Pocono Mountains Better for Families?

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

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.

Pocono Mountains is a very kid-friendly beach area. There's horseback riding in the warmer seasons and kid-friendly skiing in the winter. The kids will also enjoy the hiking, ziplining, and indoor waterparks in the area. Animal farms and petting zoos are also popular, particularly with the younger kids.

Is West Palm Beach or Pocono Mountains Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both West Palm Beach and Pocono Mountains make for a excellent 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.

Pocono Mountains is a very popular place to visit for couples. Romantic resorts, cozy cabins, and luxurious spas all make this a wonderful couples destination. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the hiking and adventure sports in the area, while those looking for a more relaxed experience will appreciate the dining and cultural activities.

Is West Palm Beach or Pocono Mountains Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pocono Mountains is a great region for backpackers and budget travelers. However, West Palm Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Pocono Mountains is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There's no shortage of campgrounds, cabins, and hiking opportunities that will let backpackers enjoy a bit of nature.

West Palm Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

West Palm Beach is a beach area with good options for its public transit. However, Pocono Mountains is a mediocre region 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 Pocono Mountains. There are some bus services that run between a few towns, but they're not an efficient way to get around.

Is West Palm Beach or Pocono Mountains a more walkable city?

West Palm Beach is a beach area with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Pocono Mountains is a mediocre region for its ease of walking around.

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.

Pocono Mountains is generally not a very walkable beach area. While there are plenty of hiking trails and some walkable towns, you really need a car to explore the area.

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

Should I spend more time in Pocono Mountains or West Palm Beach?

How long in West Palm Beach or Pocono Mountains?

Both West Palm Beach and Pocono Mountains have a number of activities to choose from. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in West Palm Beach than Pocono Mountains. 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 Pocono Mountains. 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 Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains.

One day in West Palm Beach or Pocono Mountains?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the vibrant destination of West Palm Beach. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This beach area offers a variety of activities to choose from.

The magnificent destination of Pocono Mountains offers skiing and food. 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 Pocono Mountains?

You'll find nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling around the fun-filled beach area of West Palm Beach. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

The region of Pocono Mountains offers food and shopping. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Pocono Mountains?

West Palm Beach is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Pocono Mountains is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This region 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 Pocono Mountains?

West Palm Beach is a great place to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the beaches. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

The beautiful region of Pocono Mountains offers museums and skiing. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Pocono Mountains, we can see that West Palm Beach is more expensive. And not only is Pocono Mountains much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pocono Mountains would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains.

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 Pocono Mountains Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, West Palm Beach or Pocono Mountains?

West Palm Beach has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Pocono Mountains. When comparing the sizes of West Palm Beach and Pocono Mountains, 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 Pocono Mountains?

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 Pocono Mountains in the Summer?

Both Pocono Mountains and West Palm Beach during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to West Palm Beach in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Pocono Mountains for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, West Palm Beach is a little warmer than Pocono Mountains. Typically, the summer temperatures in West Palm Beach in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Pocono Mountains averages at about 75°F (24°C).

In Pocono Mountains, 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 Pocono Mountains. West Palm Beach gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pocono Mountains receives 288 hours of full sun.

Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains. West Palm Beach gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Pocono Mountains in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both West Palm Beach and Pocono Mountains. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Pocono Mountains because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, West Palm Beach is generally much warmer than Pocono Mountains. Daily temperatures in West Palm Beach average around 78°F (25°C), and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

In West Palm Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. West Palm Beach usually receives more sunshine than Pocono Mountains during autumn. West Palm Beach gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Pocono Mountains receives 168 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 Pocono Mountains. West Palm Beach gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in West Palm Beach.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Pocono Mountains in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to West Palm Beach as well as Pocono Mountains. The winter months attract visitors to West Palm Beach because of the cuisine. Additionally, the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Pocono Mountains this time of year.

It's quite cold in Pocono Mountains in the winter. West Palm Beach is much warmer than Pocono Mountains in the winter. The daily temperature in West Palm Beach averages around 65°F (19°C) in January, and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 28°F (-2°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 Pocono Mountains. West Palm Beach gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pocono Mountains receives 127 hours of full sun.

West Palm Beach usually gets less rain in January than Pocono Mountains. West Palm Beach gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Pocono Mountains in the Spring?

Both Pocono Mountains and West Palm Beach are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches are the main draw to West Palm Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pocono Mountains for the natural beauty.

In the spring, West Palm Beach is much warmer than Pocono Mountains. Typically, the spring temperatures in West Palm Beach in April average around 74°F (23°C), and Pocono Mountains averages at about 51°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in Pocono Mountains. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in West Palm Beach. West Palm Beach usually receives more sunshine than Pocono Mountains during spring. West Palm Beach gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Pocono Mountains receives 213 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, West Palm Beach usually receives less rain than Pocono Mountains. West Palm Beach gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in West Palm Beach is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Pocono Mountains and West Palm Beach