A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America West Palm Beach vs. Santa Monica for Beaches, Families, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit West Palm Beach or Santa Monica?

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

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Santa Monica? 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.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a energetic, active, and lively town. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

West Palm Beach and Santa Monica: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in West Palm Beach or Santa Monica?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Santa Monica. Although West Palm Beach and Santa Monica are roughly the same size, Santa Monica has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santa Monica is very popular for its museums, food, and shopping, while West Palm Beach attracts visitors for its resorts and scuba diving & snorkeling. Santa Monica is more touristy than West Palm Beach and is popular for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. It is also well known for the Santa Monica Pier. West Palm Beach is famous for its nice resorts, a lively boardwalk, great seafood, and fun watersports.

How is West Palm Beach different from Santa Monica?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Santa Monica is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There's a thriving arts scene and a number of museums around town. Check out the Museum of Flying, the California Heritage Museum, or the Santa Monica History Museum.

West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica. You'll find a diversity of restaurants in the area, many of which make use of the town's many farmer's markets. The restaurant scene has a beachy vibe with a lot of outdoor dining opportunities. There are also a range of cuisines to choose from such as Mexican, Italian, casual, and upscale.

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 Santa Monica Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find high quality options in both West Palm Beach and Santa Monica.

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.

Santa Monica offers plenty to do in the evening. There's a relaxed and laid back vibe to the nightlife scene. Many venues offer outdoor seating and live music in a casual setting. You can hang out on a patio and enjoy the California climate while you sip cold drinks and the beach town atmosphere.

Is West Palm Beach or Santa Monica Better for Resorts?

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

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.

Santa Monica is not a resort destination.

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

West Palm Beach is notable for its diving and snorkeling. However, Santa Monica 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.

Santa Monica is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Santa Monica Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both West Palm Beach and Santa Monica 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, Santa Monica is a very popular vacation destination. Santa Monica Beach is large and lined with bike trails. It's also filled with activity and you'll find many water sports, beach volleyball, and surfing in the area. There's also the famous Santa Monica Pier, which has an amusement park aquarium, Ferris wheal, dining, and shopping.

Is the Shopping Better in West Palm Beach or Santa Monica?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Santa Monica. It's easy to pass the time shopping in Santa Monica. There are independent vendors, fashion boutiques, and art galleries. Head to Montana Avenue or Main Street for some of the best shopping.

West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Santa Monica Better for Families?

Santa Monica is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, West Palm Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice beach area for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Santa Monica is a very family-friendly destination. Many families spend their days hanging out on the beaches, soaking up the sun, and even trying to surf. There's a boardwalk as well as bike paths that are perfect for people watching. You should also check out the Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, which is a thrilling amusement park.

West Palm Beach is a very kid-friendly beach area. 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.

Is West Palm Beach or Santa Monica Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both West Palm Beach and Santa Monica 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.

Santa Monica is a very popular place to visit for couples. Fun days on the beach, peaceful walks at sunset, and a wild nightlife scene make this the perfect couples destination for couples who enjoy activity and excitement.

Is West Palm Beach or Santa Monica Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santa Monica is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, West Palm Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Santa Monica. There's no shortage of activities in the area, whether you're into surfing, partying, or sunbathing. There's also at least one hostel that's great for budget travelers and backpackers.

West Palm Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Santa Monica 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, Santa Monica does not have public transit.

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.

Santa Monica does not have public transit. The Metro E Line connects the city to downtown Los Angeles. There's also the Big Blue Bus as well the Santa Monica Circuit, which are small electric carts that offer free rides between Wilshire Boulevard and Marine Street, and from the ocean to Fifth Street.

Is West Palm Beach or Santa Monica a more walkable city?

Santa Monica 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.

Santa Monica is very walkable. The city is very walkable, particularly in the more touristy areas.

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 Santa Monica Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Monica or West Palm Beach?

How long in West Palm Beach or Santa Monica?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both West Palm Beach and Santa Monica. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in West Palm Beach than in Santa Monica. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for West Palm Beach, and 1-3 days is enough time in Santa Monica.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica.

One day in West Palm Beach or Santa Monica?

In West Palm Beach, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife that this diverse beach area offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The lively destination of Santa Monica offers nightlife and food. 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 enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in West Palm Beach or Santa Monica?

West Palm Beach is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

The town of Santa Monica offers food and shopping. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Santa Monica?

In West Palm Beach, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife that this fun-filled destination offers. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Lots of people come for the beaches. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Santa Monica 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 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 Santa Monica?

West Palm Beach is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Santa Monica. 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.

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

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 Santa Monica Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, West Palm Beach or Santa Monica?

Santa Monica has a larger population, and is about 8% larger than the population of West Palm Beach. When comparing the sizes of West Palm Beach and Santa Monica, 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 Santa Monica?

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 Santa Monica in the Summer?

Both Santa Monica 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. Furthermore, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Santa Monica this time of year.

In the summer, West Palm Beach is a little warmer than Santa Monica. Typically, the summer temperatures in West Palm Beach in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 70°F (21°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in West Palm Beach. West Palm Beach usually gets more rain in July than Santa Monica. West Palm Beach gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Santa Monica in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both West Palm Beach and Santa Monica. Furthermore, many travelers come to Santa Monica for the shopping scene.

In October, West Palm Beach is generally a little warmer than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in West Palm Beach average around 78°F (25°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

West Palm Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, West Palm Beach usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. West Palm Beach gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 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 Santa Monica in the Winter?

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

West Palm Beach is a little warmer than Santa Monica in the winter. The daily temperature in West Palm Beach averages around 65°F (19°C) in January, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

West Palm Beach usually gets more rain in January than Santa Monica. West Palm Beach gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Santa Monica in the Spring?

Both Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, West Palm Beach is a little warmer than Santa Monica. Typically, the spring temperatures in West Palm Beach in April average around 74°F (23°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 61°F (16°C).

In April, West Palm Beach usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. West Palm Beach gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in West Palm Beach is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Santa Monica and West Palm Beach