A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Acapulco de Juarez vs. Palm Springs for Nightlife, Resorts, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Acapulco de Juarez or Palm Springs?

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

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Palm Springs? 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.

Acapulco de Juarez

Acapulco de Juarez is a built-up, well-known, and vibrant city. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and nightlife. See Acapulco de Juarez travel costs.

Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a chic, outdoorsy, and ritzy city. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Palm Springs travel costs.

Acapulco de Juarez and Palm Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Acapulco de Juarez or Palm Springs?

Both Palm Springs and Acapulco de Juarez have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Acapulco de Juarez is better known for its scuba diving & snorkeling and beaches, while Palm Springs is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, hiking, and shopping. Palm Springs is more touristy than Acapulco de Juarez and is known for its golfing, shopping, and mid-century modern architecture. Acapulco de Juarez is well known for its large hotels, golf courses, and lively bars and clubs.

How is Acapulco de Juarez different from Palm Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Acapulco de Juarez or Palm Springs?

Palm Springs is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Acapulco de Juarez is a city with minimal options for its historical sights.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Palm Springs. The Palm Springs Air Museum has an impressive collection of military planes. It's also worth visiting the Palm Springs Art Museum, which has a mix of fine art, natural history, and performing arts. You'll also find botanical gardens and even a zoo around town.

While most people don't head to Acapulco de Juarez specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of history and cultural museums in the city that can be a nice way to spend a rainy day.

Is the Food Better in Acapulco de Juarez or Palm Springs? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Palm Springs is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Acapulco de Juarez is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Palm Springs is an experience not to be missed. Fresh ingredients and typical California cuisine is common around town. Brunch is a popular option for visitors and you'll find countless brunch cafes in the area. You'll also find Mexican food, pizza, and plenty of vegan and vegetarian options.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Acapulco de Juarez. The local cuisine is influenced by the area's indigenous cultures combined with Hispanic influences. Seafood is common as well.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Palm Springs Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Acapulco de Juarez or Palm Springs has a better nightlife scene.

The nightlife in Acapulco de Juarez is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The nightlife scene is part of what originally put this city on the map. Spring break is a prime time for partying and you'll find many bars along Costera Street, with the liveliest around Condesa Beach.

Palm Springs is a world class party destination. The area is filled with nightlife options that range from cocktail bars to nightclubs or breweries. You can party into the early morning at the dance clubs or enjoy a bottle of wine with friends at one of the lounges.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Palm Springs Better for Resorts?

Acapulco de Juarez and Palm Springs offer a relatively similar set of world-class luxury resort options.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Acapulco de Juarez is a great choice. You'll find no shortage of resorts in the city, most with large pools and beachfront views.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Palm Springs is a perfect choice. Resorts range from luxurious to more laid back. Most have impressive pools and many have their own spas, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Palm Springs Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Acapulco de Juarez is notable for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Palm Springs is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Acapulco de Juarez. There are plenty of dive shops that offer snorkeling and scuba diving trips to premier spots.

Palm Springs is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Palm Springs Better for Beaches?

Acapulco de Juarez is notable for its beaches. However, Palm Springs is not a beach destination.

Acapulco de Juarez is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The beaches are well developed with restaurants, hotels and bars lining the long stretches of sand. You'll find all kinds of water sports and activities nearby and several of the most popular beaches include Condesa Beach, Caleta Beach, and Icacos Beach.

Palm Springs is not a beach destination.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Palm Springs Better for Hiking?

Palm Springs is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Acapulco de Juarez is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Palm Springs. There are more than 100 trails in the Greater Palm Springs area that take you through scenic desert landscapes and unique ecosystems. Some of the most popular trails include Andreas Canyon Trail and Araby Trail.

Acapulco de Juarez is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Acapulco de Juarez or Palm Springs?

Palm Springs is a great destination for its shopping areas. Also, Acapulco de Juarez is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Palm Springs. Shopping ranges from outlets to boutique vendors. For the most local options head to Palm Canyon Drive and for an upscale shopping experience, visit the El Paseo shopping district.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Acapulco de Juarez. You'll find tons of beachside shops where you can pick up any beach supplies you may need as well as souvenirs from your trip. The city also has retail outlets and shopping centers.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Palm Springs Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Acapulco de Juarez or Palm Springs.

Acapulco de Juarez is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It may have been made famous by spring breakers, but families with kids will find plenty to do as well. There are water parks, playgrounds, museums and, of course, the beach.

Palm Springs is a very family-friendly destination. The year round sunny weather and diversity of outdoor activities make this a great family-friendly destination. There are desert hikes, zoos, and even a dinosaur museum. Kids can also pass their time playing at the pool or enjoying the waterslides.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Palm Springs Better for Couples?

Acapulco de Juarez is an amazing city to visit for romance. Also, Palm Springs is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Acapulco de Juarez has plenty to offer. Whether you're looking for an active nightlife scene, or romantic sunset walks, then this city has it all. The beach is active and beautiful, there are also botanical gardens and wonderful restaurants to experience.

Palm Springs makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Whether you're on a honeymoon or simply looking to escape the city, there are many romantic options in the area. From cozy inns to resort spa hotels, there are a range of accommodation options. Outdoor dining, hiking, and shopping are also popular.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Palm Springs Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Acapulco de Juarez is very good for its public transit. However, Palm Springs is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

Acapulco de Juarez has a few public transit options. There's an elaborate and fun bus system that travels around the city.

Public transit is mostly limited in Palm Springs. There are nine bus routes operated by SunLine Transit Agency, but most visitors prefer to have a car to get around.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Palm Springs a more walkable city?

Acapulco de Juarez and Palm Springs both are notable when exploring on foot.

Acapulco de Juarez is a somewhat walkable city. The downtown and beachfront areas are the most walkable and many sights are within a short distance of each other.

Palm Springs is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are very walkable, particularly the touristy areas along Palm Canyon Drive.

For even more information, also check out Is Acapulco de Juarez Worth Visiting? and Is Palm Springs Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Palm Springs or Acapulco de Juarez?

How long in Acapulco de Juarez or Palm Springs?

It's fun to spend time in either Acapulco de Juarez or Palm Springs. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Acapulco de Juarez due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Acapulco de Juarez, and 2-4 days is enough time in Palm Springs.

Couples should spend more time in Acapulco de Juarez than Palm Springs. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Acapulco de Juarez that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Palm Springs than Acapulco de Juarez 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 Palm Springs.

One day in Acapulco de Juarez or Palm Springs?

In Acapulco de Juarez, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this well-known city 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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the chic destination of Palm Springs. This city offers something for everyone. Most people visit for the nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Acapulco de Juarez or Palm Springs?

Acapulco de Juarez 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 nightlife. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Palm Springs is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the ritzy city of Palm Springs. Most people visit for the nightlife. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Palm Springs has to offer.

Five days in Acapulco de Juarez or Palm Springs?

In Acapulco de Juarez, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this vibrant 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 nightlife. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Palm Springs. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the nightlife. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

A week in Acapulco de Juarez or Palm Springs?

Acapulco de Juarez is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Palm Springs is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Acapulco de Juarez and Palm Springs, we can see that Palm Springs is more expensive. And not only is Acapulco de Juarez much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Acapulco de Juarez would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Acapulco de Juarez 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 Palm Springs would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Palm Springs than you might in Acapulco de Juarez.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Acapulco de Juarez Expensive? and Is Palm Springs Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Acapulco de Juarez or Palm Springs?

Acapulco de Juarez has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Palm Springs. When comparing the sizes of Acapulco de Juarez and Palm Springs, 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 Acapulco de Juarez or Palm Springs?

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 Acapulco de Juarez or Palm Springs in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Acapulco de Juarez and Palm Springs. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Acapulco de Juarez this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Palm Springs for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Acapulco de Juarez is a little warmer than Palm Springs. Typically, the summer temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Palm Springs averages at about 73°F (23°C).

Acapulco de Juarez gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Acapulco de Juarez usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Acapulco de Juarez gets 209 mm (8.2 in) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Palm Springs in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Acapulco de Juarez as well as Palm Springs. Many travelers come to Acapulco de Juarez for the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Palm Springs in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Acapulco de Juarez is generally a little warmer than Palm Springs. Daily temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez average around 28°C (83°F), and Palm Springs fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

Acapulco de Juarez receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Acapulco de Juarez usually gets more rain in October than Palm Springs. Acapulco de Juarez gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Palm Springs in the Winter?

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

Acapulco de Juarez is much warmer than Palm Springs in the winter. The daily temperature in Acapulco de Juarez averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Palm Springs fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In January, Acapulco de Juarez usually receives less rain than Palm Springs. Acapulco de Juarez gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 2 inches (52 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Palm Springs in the Spring?

Both Palm Springs and Acapulco de Juarez during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Acapulco de Juarez is much warmer than Palm Springs. Typically, the spring temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Palm Springs averages at about 62°F (17°C).

Acapulco de Juarez usually gets less rain in April than Palm Springs. Acapulco de Juarez gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.9 inches (24 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Palm Springs and Acapulco de Juarez