A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cape Canaveral vs. Palm Springs for Attractions, Nightlife, Resorts, and Families

Should you visit Cape Canaveral or Palm Springs?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cape Canaveral or Palm Springs, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Cape Canaveral

Cape Canaveral is a fascinating, wonder-filled, and unique town. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping. See Cape Canaveral travel costs.

Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a chic, outdoorsy, and ritzy city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Palm Springs travel costs.

Cape Canaveral and Palm Springs: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Home to the Kennedy Space Center
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Not as many resort options
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Cape Canaveral or Palm Springs?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Palm Springs than Cape Canaveral, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Palm Springs is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, hiking, and shopping, while Cape Canaveral is more popular for its museums and attractions and beaches. Palm Springs is more touristy than Cape Canaveral and is popular for its golfing, shopping, and mid-century modern architecture. Also, Palm Springs is famous for the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Cape Canaveral is well known for being the location of the Kennedy Space Center and at the heart of space exploration in the United States.

How is Cape Canaveral different from Palm Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cape Canaveral or Palm Springs?

Cape Canaveral
Palm Springs

Cape Canaveral is an amazing town to visit for its sights and museums. Also, Palm Springs is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Cape Canaveral that are not to be missed. The area has become synonymous with the Kennedy Space Center. Visitors head to the Space Coast to see the museums, learn about the space program, or possibly even see a rocket launch. The attractions are world class and offer a truly unique glimpse into the evolution of space travel.

Palm Springs offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.


Is the Food Better in Cape Canaveral or Palm Springs? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cape Canaveral
Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Cape Canaveral is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Palm Springs has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Cape Canaveral offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. It's a small town but there's no shortage of excellent seafood in the area. Many restaurants have outdoor seating and patios that let you take advantage of the Florida sunshine. You'll find crab, mussels, shrimp, and clams on many menus around town.

Is Cape Canaveral or Palm Springs Better for Nightlife?

Cape Canaveral
Palm Springs

Palm Springs is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in Palm Springs is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Most people don't head to Cape Canaveral specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The area isn't known for its nightlife scene, but there are enough places that you can go out for a good meal and drink.

Is Cape Canaveral or Palm Springs Better for Resorts?

Cape Canaveral
Palm Springs

Palm Springs is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. Also, Cape Canaveral is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its resorts.

Palm Springs offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Resorts range from luxurious to more laid back. Most have impressive pools and many have their own spas, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Cape Canaveral has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are a number of resorts in the area that attract visitors. Some of the most popular are the Holiday Inn Club Vacations Resort and the Radisson Resort.


Is Cape Canaveral or Palm Springs Better for Beaches?

Cape Canaveral
Palm Springs

Cape Canaveral is very good for its beaches. However, Palm Springs is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Cape Canaveral to enjoy the beach. You'll likely want to head to the Cocoa Beach area for the best beaches. Jetty Park Beach and Pier is one of the most popular nearby areas for fishing and camping, but visitors must purchase a pass. Other popular beaches include Playalinda Beach and Cherie Down Park.

Palm Springs is not a beach destination.

Is Cape Canaveral or Palm Springs Better for Hiking?

Cape Canaveral
Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a great city for hiking. However, Cape Canaveral is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Palm Springs for the hiking trails. 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.

Cape Canaveral is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Canaveral or Palm Springs?

Cape Canaveral
Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Cape Canaveral is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Cape Canaveral is a great destination for shopping. There are some nice local shopping areas around town. For a little retail therapy, head to Banana River Square, White Rose Shopping Center, or Belair Courtyard.


Is Cape Canaveral or Palm Springs Better for Families?

Cape Canaveral
Palm Springs

Cape Canaveral is an amazing town to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Palm Springs is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Cape Canaveral is one of the most popular family destinations. What sets this area apart is the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. There are many kid-friendly activities that outer space enthusiasts will love. Planet Play is a highlight, and if your timing is right, you might even see a rocket launch. In addition to the Kennedy Space Center, the area is a quintessential beach town. There are parks and outdoor areas as well as places where kids can interact with animals.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Palm Springs is very family-friendly. 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 Cape Canaveral or Palm Springs Better for Couples?

Cape Canaveral
Palm Springs

Cape Canaveral and Palm Springs are both excellent to visit as a couple.

Cape Canaveral is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. The beautiful Florida beaches, combined with the unique opportunity to visit the Kennedy Space Center, make this a fascinating couple's destination. There are also many nice restaurants and great places to relax and enjoy the Florida sunshine.

Palm Springs is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Cape Canaveral or Palm Springs Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cape Canaveral
Palm Springs

Palm Springs is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Cape Canaveral. There are very limited public transportation options, but there are a few shuttle buses and SCAT (the Space Coast Area Transit). Route 9 travels from Cocoa to Port Canaveral with service available Monday through Saturday.


Is Cape Canaveral or Palm Springs a more walkable city?

Cape Canaveral
Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a nice place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for its walkability.

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

Cape Canaveral is not a walkable town. It's not a walkable area, which can be particularly challenging if you're arriving by cruise ship.

For even more information, also check out Is Cape Canaveral Worth Visiting? and Is Palm Springs Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Palm Springs or Cape Canaveral?

How long in Cape Canaveral or Palm Springs?

It's fun to spend time in either Cape Canaveral or Palm Springs. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Palm Springs due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cape Canaveral, and 2-4 days is enough time in Palm Springs.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Palm Springs than Cape Canaveral 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.


  • How many days in Cape Canaveral or Palm Springs? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cape Canaveral 1-3 
    Palm Springs 2-4

One day in Cape Canaveral or Palm Springs?

In Cape Canaveral, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this iconic town offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

In Palm Springs, you'll find museums and nightlife. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cape Canaveral or Palm Springs?

Cape Canaveral is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the museums. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Palm Springs is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.


Five days in Cape Canaveral or Palm Springs?

You'll find food and shopping around the fascinating destination of Cape Canaveral. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Palm Springs. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Cape Canaveral or Palm Springs?

Cape Canaveral is a popular place to visit. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Palm Springs. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. One week 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Palm Springs or Cape Canaveral?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Cape Canaveral Prices
    USA Prices
    Palm Springs Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cape Canaveral $251
    Palm Springs $244

The average daily cost (per person) in Cape Canaveral is $251, while the average daily cost in Palm Springs is $244. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Cape Canaveral and Palm Springs in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Canaveral $155
    Palm Springs $120
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Canaveral $310
    Palm Springs $240
Compare Hotels in Cape Canaveral and Palm Springs

Looking for a hotel in Cape Canaveral or Palm Springs? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Cape Canaveral


Hotels in Palm Springs


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Palm Springs Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cape Canaveral $35
    Palm Springs $52

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cape Canaveral

Also for Cape Canaveral, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Cape Canaveral Private Transfer to MCO Orlando Airport : $80
  • MCO Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral One Way Private Transfers: $85
  • Port Canaveral to MCO Orlando Airport One Way Private Transfers: $85
  • Cruise Ship Van Transfer Port Canaveral to Orlando Int Airport: $100
  • Port Canaveral to Orlando Airport MCO and Hotels Private Transfer: $155
  • Private Transfer: Port Canaveral to Orlando Airport MCO in Luxury SUV: $167
  • MCO Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral Round Trip Private Transfer: $170
  • Private SUV Transfer from Port Canaveral to Orlando Theme Parks: $210
  • Private SUV Transfer from Port Canaveral to Orlando Airport MCO : $215
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Melbourne: $237
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Vista Cay: $253
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Pointe Orlando: $254

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Palm Springs

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Palm Springs:

  • Private Airport Transfer in Palm Springs: $214
  • Desert Hot Springs to Palm Springs Airport PSP Departure Transfer: $201
  • Palm Springs Airport (PSP) to Desert Hot Springs Arrival Transfer: $201
  • Private Transfer from PSP to Vía La Quinta, Indio, CA : $173

Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Canaveral or Palm Springs?

Prices for flights to both Palm Springs and Cape Canaveral change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Cape Canaveral $74
    Palm Springs $92

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cape Canaveral

For Cape Canaveral, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Port Canaveral Food Tours : $125

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Palm Springs

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Palm Springs.

  • Private Palm Springs Cooking Class with a Fun Local Chef Stephen: $199

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cape Canaveral $17
    Palm Springs $29

Tours and Activities in Cape Canaveral

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Cape Canaveral.

  • Wizard of OZ Museum tour: $30
  • Wizard of Oz Museum Entry Ticket: $32
  • Self-Guided Kayaking Manatee and Dolphin Tour: $55
  • Canaveral Private Fishing Charter Experience,: $55
  • Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures ticket: $56
  • Cocoa Beach: Aerial Adventure Park Ticket: $56
  • Dolphin & Manatee Kayaking Tour in Orlando Area: $65
  • Kennedy Space Center from Port Canaveral & return to Cruise Ship : $70
  • Cape Canaveral Private Surf Lesson with Experienced Instructor: $70
  • Fully Guided Kayaking Backwater Manatee and Dolphin Tour: $75
  • Cocoa Beach Night Time Bioluminescence Kayak Tour: $79
  • Bioluminescence Kayak Tour Near Orlando: $80

Tours and Activities in Palm Springs

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Palm Springs are as follows:

  • Palm Springs Windmill Guided Tour by Golf Cart: $55
  • 10+ Self-Guided Driving Tours from Las Vegas: $45
  • 100+ Self-Guided Audio Tours: Driving & Walking Bundle: $100
  • All-In-One California Self-Guided Driving & Walking Bundle Tour: $50
  • Bombay Beach Salton Sea and Salvation Mountain Guided Art Tour: $225
  • Covered Wagon Adventure & BBQ: $129
  • Death Valley National Park Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15
  • Drag Queen Hosted Mobile Theater Palm Springs Sightseeing Tours: $125
  • Earthquake Canyon Express Downhill Bicycle Adventure: $149
  • Food Adventure Game: $99
  • French Bicycle Tour of Palm Springs: $152
  • Golf Cart Tour in a 6 Passenger Cart in Palm Springs California: $195

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cape Canaveral $13
    Palm Springs $13


When comparing the travel costs between Cape Canaveral and Palm Springs, we can see that Cape Canaveral 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 Cape Canaveral Expensive? and Is Palm Springs Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cape Canaveral or Palm Springs?

Palm Springs has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Cape Canaveral. When comparing the sizes of Cape Canaveral 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 Cape Canaveral or Palm Springs?

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 Cape Canaveral or Palm Springs in the Summer?

Both Palm Springs and Cape Canaveral during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cape Canaveral for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Palm Springs because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cape Canaveral is a little warmer than Palm Springs. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cape Canaveral in July average around 80°F (27°C), and Palm Springs averages at about 73°F (23°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cape Canaveral. Cape Canaveral usually gets more rain in July than Palm Springs. Cape Canaveral gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cape Canaveral 80°F (27°C) 
    Palm Springs 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Palm Springs in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Canaveral and Palm Springs. The autumn months attract visitors to Cape Canaveral because of the shopping scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Palm Springs this time of year.

In October, Cape Canaveral is generally a little warmer than Palm Springs. Daily temperatures in Cape Canaveral average around 74°F (24°C), and Palm Springs fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

Cape Canaveral gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Cape Canaveral usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Cape Canaveral gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Cape Canaveral.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cape Canaveral 74°F (24°C) 
    Palm Springs 69°F (20°C)

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Palm Springs in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cape Canaveral as well as Palm Springs. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cape Canaveral this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Palm Springs for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Cape Canaveral is around the same temperature as Palm Springs in the winter. The daily temperature in Cape Canaveral averages around 60°F (15°C) in January, and Palm Springs fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

Cape Canaveral usually gets more rain in January than Palm Springs. Cape Canaveral gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 2 inches (52 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cape Canaveral 60°F (15°C) 
    Palm Springs 57°F (14°C)

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Palm Springs in the Spring?

Both Palm Springs and Cape Canaveral are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cape Canaveral for the beaches.

In the spring, Cape Canaveral is a little warmer than Palm Springs. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cape Canaveral in April average around 70°F (21°C), and Palm Springs averages at about 62°F (17°C).

In April, Cape Canaveral usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Cape Canaveral gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.9 inches (24 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Cape Canaveral is the hurricane season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cape Canaveral 70°F (21°C) 
    Palm Springs 62°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for Palm Springs and Cape Canaveral

Cape Canaveral Palm Springs
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2 inches (52 mm)
Feb 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 58°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Mar 65°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 59°F (15°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Apr 70°F (21°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.9 inches (24 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 65°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
Jun 78°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (181 mm) 69°F (20°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Jul 80°F (27°C) 8.3 inches (211 mm) 73°F (23°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 6.7 inches (171 mm) 74°F (24°C) 0.2 inches (4 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.2 inches (183 mm) 73°F (23°C) 0.4 inches (9 mm)
Oct 74°F (24°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 69°F (20°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Nov 64°F (18°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm) 62°F (17°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm)
Dec 62°F (16°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 57°F (14°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)