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

Should you visit West Palm Beach or Wilmington?

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

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Wilmington? 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 fun-filled, diverse, and vibrant beach area. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Wilmington

Wilmington is a charming, historic, and welcoming city. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

West Palm Beach and Wilmington: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Wilmington. Although West Palm Beach and Wilmington are about the same size, Wilmington has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Wilmington is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping, while West Palm Beach is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. West Palm Beach is more touristy than Wilmington and is known for its nice resorts, a lively boardwalk, great seafood, and fun watersports. Wilmington is popular for its laid back beaches, historical waterfront area, and university setting. It is also home to the Battleship North Carolina.

How is West Palm Beach different from Wilmington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Wilmington is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are art, history, and science museums around town. The Battleship North Carolina is a popular destination. Science enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science or the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. For art, head to the Cameron Art Museum or Art in Bloom Gallery.

West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Wilmington 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 Wilmington. Head to the waterfront for local seafood restaurants that offer outdoor seating and fresh caught fish. There are also farm-to-table restaurants and local diners with casual food.

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 Wilmington Better for Nightlife?

West Palm Beach is great for nightlife. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to West Palm Beach for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Wilmington. Live music is popular around town. There are also bars, lounges and dance clubs. When the weather is warm, many places make use of the outdoor setting, which makes for a relaxed and fun evening.

Is West Palm Beach or Wilmington Better for Resorts?

West Palm Beach is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Wilmington 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.

Wilmington is not a resort destination.

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

West Palm Beach is great for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Wilmington 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.

Wilmington is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Wilmington Better for Beaches?

West Palm Beach is a must-visit destination for its beaches. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the beache.

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.

The beaches at Wilmington attract visitors from all over. Nearby you'll find Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They have long stretches of sand and great waves. The water is usually warm enough for swimming between the months of April and October. During these peak months parking can be challenging, but during the quieter times, you shouldn't have trouble.

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

Wilmington is a popular place for its historic old town. However, West Palm Beach does not have a historic old town.

Wilmington is a good destination for visiting its old town. The Historic District is along the waterfront and has 18th and 19th century architecture. There are also great restaurants and interesting shops.

West Palm Beach does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in West Palm Beach or Wilmington?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Wilmington. Head downtown for the most interesting local shops. You'll find boutiques and souvenir shops where you can pick up art, accessories, or antiques.

West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Wilmington Better for Families?

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

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.

Wilmington is a very kid-friendly beach area. Near town you'll find several beaches - Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They're all family-friendly and perfect for a day's activity. The city also has the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, the Children's Museum of Wilmington, and the Wilmington Railroad Museum. For a rainy day there are also indoor play areas and entertainment centers.

Is West Palm Beach or Wilmington Better for Couples?

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

Wilmington is a very popular place to visit for couples. The beaches are great for a relaxing day of swimming and sunbathing. In the evening head into town and enjoy one of the local seafood restaurants on the waterfront. You'll also find great shopping and historical sights in the area.

Is West Palm Beach or Wilmington Better for Students?

Wilmington is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, West Palm Beach is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Wilmington. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a popular school that brings many students to town.

West Palm Beach is not popular with students.

Is West Palm Beach or Wilmington 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, Wilmington is not a good destination 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 Wilmington. There are public buses around town, but for practical reasons, you'll want to have your own vehicle.

Is West Palm Beach or Wilmington a more walkable city?

West Palm Beach and Wilmington are good when it comes to walkability.

West Palm Beach is somewhat walkable. West Palm Beach has a surprisingly walkable area and it's possible to explore the downtown area on foot.

Wilmington is a somewhat walkable place. The Historic District is best explored on foot. You can also get around Wrightsville Beach on foot, but traveling between these places requires a car.

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

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

How long in West Palm Beach or Wilmington?

In either West Palm Beach or Wilmington, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in West Palm Beach than Wilmington 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 Wilmington.

Couples should spend more time in West Palm Beach than Wilmington. 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 Wilmington 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 Wilmington.

One day in West Palm Beach or Wilmington?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the diverse beach area of West Palm Beach, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The welcoming destination of Wilmington 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 Wilmington?

With nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling around the destination of West Palm Beach, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

The city of Wilmington 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 Wilmington?

West Palm Beach, a popular beach area, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this beach area. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

West Palm Beach is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this beach area makes for a great vacation. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this beach area has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

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 Wilmington Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, West Palm Beach or Wilmington?

Wilmington has a larger population, and is about 13% larger than the population of West Palm Beach. When comparing the sizes of West Palm Beach and Wilmington, 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 Wilmington?

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 Wilmington in the Summer?

Both Wilmington 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 Wilmington in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

West Palm Beach is around the same temperature as Wilmington in the summer. The daily temperature in West Palm Beach averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Wilmington fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

It's quite sunny in Wilmington. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in West Palm Beach. West Palm Beach usually receives more sunshine than Wilmington during summer. West Palm Beach gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Wilmington receives 283 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Wilmington. It's quite rainy in West Palm Beach. In July, West Palm Beach usually receives less rain than Wilmington. West Palm Beach gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Wilmington receives 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Wilmington and West Palm Beach during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Wilmington for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, West Palm Beach is a little warmer than Wilmington. Typically, the autumn temperatures in West Palm Beach in October average around 78°F (25°C), and Wilmington averages at about 65°F (18°C).

In Wilmington, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in West Palm Beach. In the autumn, West Palm Beach often gets more sunshine than Wilmington. West Palm Beach gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wilmington receives 227 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 Wilmington. West Palm Beach gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Wilmington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in West Palm Beach is June to November.

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

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

In January, West Palm Beach is generally much warmer than Wilmington. Daily temperatures in West Palm Beach average around 65°F (19°C), and Wilmington fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

In West Palm Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. West Palm Beach usually receives more sunshine than Wilmington during winter. West Palm Beach gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Wilmington receives 180 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, West Palm Beach usually receives less rain than Wilmington. West Palm Beach gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Wilmington receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

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

West Palm Beach is a little warmer than Wilmington in the spring. The daily temperature in West Palm Beach averages around 74°F (23°C) in April, and Wilmington fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wilmington. 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 Wilmington. West Palm Beach gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wilmington receives 278 hours of full sun.

West Palm Beach usually gets more rain in April than Wilmington. West Palm Beach gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Wilmington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in West Palm Beach.

Typical Weather for Wilmington and West Palm Beach