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

Should you visit West Palm Beach or Vail?

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

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Vail? 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. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and nightlife.

Vail

Vail is a vibrant, upscale, and resort-filled ski town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping.

West Palm Beach and Vail: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Vail. Although West Palm Beach and Vail are popular destinations, Vail has more sights and attractions for tourists. Vail is very popular for its skiing, food, music, hiking, shopping, christmas markets, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while West Palm Beach attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Vail is more touristy than West Palm Beach and is known for its world-class skiing, charming mountain town atmosphere, and adventurous outdoor activities. It is also well known for The Vail Ski Resort. West Palm Beach is famous for its nice resorts, a lively boardwalk, great seafood, and fun watersports.

How is West Palm Beach different from Vail?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is West Palm Beach or Vail Better for Skiing?

Vail is very popular for skiing. However, West Palm Beach is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Vail should be on your list. This ski town has produced its share of Olympians. Vail is the third largest ski resort in the US and it has 31 lifts and 195 runs. There are five different bowls that offer beautiful views.

West Palm Beach is not a skiing destination.

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

Vail 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 Vail. The town has a diverse sampling of restaurants that include different ethnic options as well as taverns with comfort food. It's easy to find mountain-friendly restaurants where you can refuel during your ski vacation.

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 Vail Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Vail offers plenty to do in the evening. Happy Hours start early, and then the partying can go late into the night. There are bars, lounges, breweries and live music that keep the atmosphere light and offer entertainment after your long day on the slopes. Do keep in mind that many places close or dramatically reduce their hours during the off-peak fall and spring months.

Is West Palm Beach or Vail Better for Music?

Vail is a popular place for live music. However, West Palm Beach is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Vail is active and vibrant. You can often find live music at Shakedown Bar, Bridge Street Bar, and the Red Lion.

West Palm Beach is not a live music destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Vail Better for Resorts?

West Palm Beach is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. Also, Vail is not as popular, but is still a nice ski town for its resorts.

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.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Vail. Designed as a resort town, Vail offers great accommodation. Nice resorts include Four Seasons Resort and Residences, the Ritz Carlton Club, and the Grand Hyatt.

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

West Palm Beach is a great beach area for its diving and snorkeling. However, Vail 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.

Vail is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Vail Better for Beaches?

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

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.

Vail is not a beach destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Vail Better for Hiking?

Vail is a great ski town for hiking. However, West Palm Beach is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Vail for the hiking trails. During the warmer months, this resort town is surrounded by world-class hiking trails. You can enjoy the wildflowers, search for wildlife, or take in the sweeping mountain views. Popular hikes near Vail include Booth Falls, Davos Trail, and Shrine Ridge.

West Palm Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in West Palm Beach or Vail?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Vail. The cobblestone streets are lined with boutiques and ski shops that sell everything from evening dresses to outdoor gear. It's easy to pop into the many shops around downtown Vail and find anything you might need.

West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Vail Better for Christmas?

Vail is very popular for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, West Palm Beach does not offer Christmas activities.

People travel from all around to experience the Christmas season in Vail. The town is a winter wonderland during the holidays. Check out the iconic Christmas tree lighting and wander through the fairytale streets.

West Palm Beach does not offer Christmas activities.

Is West Palm Beach or Vail Better for Christmas Markets?

Vail is a great ski town for visiting Christmas markets. However, West Palm Beach does not offer Christmas markets.

Vail is a popular destination to visit Christmas markets. The town's Christmas Market is picturesque, and the perfect place to pick up some unique gifts.

West Palm Beach does not offer Christmas markets.

Is West Palm Beach or Vail Better for Families?

Vail 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, Vail is a very family-friendly destination. With its world class skiing, rock climbing, ice skating, and ice cream, kids love this ski resort. The resort town has two terrain parks - Golden Peak and Avanti. Avanti is perfect for kids. It has small jumps, wide rails, and kid-friendly amenities. Golden Peak is designed for more advanced athletes. Vail also has nice beginner slopes that are great for kids.

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 Vail Better for Couples?

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

Vail makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples who enjoy skiing and outdoor adventure will appreciate everything that this ski town has to offer. There are nice restaurants, beautiful gardens, and plenty of romantic activities to choose from.

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 Vail Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Vail. This ski town isn't completely closed off to budget travelers as there are a couple of hostels around town.

West Palm Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

West Palm Beach and Vail both offer nice 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.

Vail has a few public transit options. There is a free bus service through the area.

Is West Palm Beach or Vail a more walkable city?

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

Vail is a very easy ski town to get around on foot. The main downtown is pedestrian-only and perfect for popping in shops and restaurants.

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 Vail Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in West Palm Beach or Vail?

Both West Palm Beach and Vail have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Vail has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Vail than West Palm Beach. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in West Palm Beach or Vail?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the destination of West Palm Beach. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Vail is a small town with plenty to do. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that skiing is why people visit. 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 Vail?

West Palm Beach is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the beaches. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Vail might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Vail?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the vibrant destination of West Palm Beach. This beach area offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Vail is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that skiing is why people visit. This ski 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 Vail?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the diverse beach area of West Palm Beach. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Vail is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and skiing. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 comparing the travel costs between West Palm Beach and Vail, we can see that West Palm Beach is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Vail Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, West Palm Beach or Vail?

West Palm Beach has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Vail. When comparing the sizes of West Palm Beach and Vail, 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.