A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Fort Lauderdale vs. Palm Springs for Nightlife, Resorts, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Fort Lauderdale or Palm Springs?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Fort Lauderdale and Palm Springs. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is a bustling, spirited, and luxury coastal city. Fort Lauderdale is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and nightlife. See Fort Lauderdale travel costs.

Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a outdoorsy, ritzy, and chic city. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping. See Palm Springs travel costs.

Fort Lauderdale and Palm Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fort Lauderdale or Palm Springs?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Fort Lauderdale. Although Fort Lauderdale and Palm Springs are both popular with visitors, Fort Lauderdale has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Fort Lauderdale is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Palm Springs is known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, hiking, and shopping. Fort Lauderdale is popular for its canals, beaches, walkable waterfront, and luxury resorts. It is also home to The Local Beaches. Palm Springs is popular for its golfing, shopping, and mid-century modern architecture.

How is Fort Lauderdale different from Palm Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Fort Lauderdale or Palm Springs?

Palm Springs is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

Palm Springs is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Fort Lauderdale or Palm Springs? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Fort Lauderdale and Palm Springs offer a number of high quality restaurants to choose from.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Fort Lauderdale makes for a great culinary experience. Seafood is the obvious option with popular dishes being fish tacos, sea bass, and scallop risotto. There are many waterfront restaurants or you could head to Las Olas Boulevard, which has many bistros, cafes, and restaurants.

Palm Springs has a huge number of terrific 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.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Palm Springs Better for Nightlife?

Palm Springs is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Fort Lauderdale is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

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.

The nightlife in Fort Lauderdale has something for everybody. Trendy and upscale partying is the name of the game in this Florida city. Most people head to the beach, Las Olas Blvd, River Front and The New Hard Rock Seminole Hotel Complex for the best bars and clubs. You'll find the most activity around the weekends, but there really is something going on any night of the week.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Palm Springs Better for Resorts?

There are first-rate resorts to choose from in both Fort Lauderdale and Palm Springs.

Vacationers flock to Fort Lauderdale for its luxury resorts. Luxury beachfront resorts are plentiful in the area. Several of the most impressive include the Ritz-Carlton, W Fort Lauderdale, and the Dalmar. Most resorts have a beachfront pool, hot tubs, and depending on the resort, a kid's club.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Palm Springs is a great choice. Resorts range from luxurious to more laid back. Most have impressive pools and many have their own spas, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Palm Springs Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Fort Lauderdale is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Palm Springs is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Fort Lauderdale. Although the snorkeling doesn't compare to what you'll find further south around the Florida Keys, there are some great places to pull your mask and fins out in the area. Popular snorkeling spots nearby include the Vista Park Reef, Pompano Beach, and Hollywood North Beach Park.

Palm Springs is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Palm Springs Better for Beaches?

Fort Lauderdale is an amazing coastal city to visit for its beaches. However, Palm Springs is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Fort Lauderdale is a very popular vacation destination. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches, a fun boardwalk, and impressive views, the beaches here are among the best in the area. They are surprisingly walkable and, while there can be crowds, there's still a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere.

Palm Springs is not a beach destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Palm Springs Better for Hiking?

Palm Springs is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Fort Lauderdale 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.

Fort Lauderdale is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Fort Lauderdale or Palm Springs?

Palm Springs is a great destination for shopping. Also, Fort Lauderdale is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Palm Springs is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Fort Lauderdale. For interesting local boutiques head to Las Olas Boulevard and for name brand stores you'll want to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Palm Springs More Beautiful?

Fort Lauderdale is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Palm Springs is not a destination known for its beauty.

Fort Lauderdale is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Seven miles of scenic coastline with a boardwalk to explore make this a beautiful Florida beach destination.

Palm Springs is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Palm Springs Better for Families?

Both Fort Lauderdale and Palm Springs are high quality family-friendly destinations.

Fort Lauderdale is a very family-friendly place to visit. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches and a number of kid-oriented activities, the kids will love it here. Fun activities include Bluefoot Pirate Adventures, Butterfly World, and Funderdome. On sunny days there are many outdoor recreation areas and when the weather isn't cooperating, there are hands-on museums.

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 Fort Lauderdale or Palm Springs Better for Couples?

Fort Lauderdale is an amazing coastal 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, Fort Lauderdale has plenty to offer. Fine dining, beautiful beaches, and great shopping make for a great romantic getaway. Couples and honeymooners love relaxing at the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. A sunset walk on the beach and a stay at a romantic resort will make for an unforgettable trip.

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 Fort Lauderdale or Palm Springs Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Fort Lauderdale and Palm Springs.

Public transit is generally limited in Fort Lauderdale. Transportation options include a water taxi and the Sun Trolley Hop-on Bus.

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 Fort Lauderdale or Palm Springs a more walkable city?

Fort Lauderdale is notable for its walkability. Also, Palm Springs is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

Fort Lauderdale is very walkable. It is one of the most walkable Florida communities with a boardwalk and several pedestrian areas that are fun to wander around.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Palm Springs or Fort Lauderdale?

How long in Fort Lauderdale or Palm Springs?

It's fun to spend time in either Fort Lauderdale or Palm Springs. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Fort Lauderdale due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Fort Lauderdale, and 2-4 days is enough time in Palm Springs.

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

Couples should spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than Palm Springs. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale or Palm Springs?

In Fort Lauderdale, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this spirited coastal 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.

The ritzy destination of Palm Springs offers nightlife and food. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that nightlife 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 Fort Lauderdale or Palm Springs?

Fort Lauderdale 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 city of Palm Springs offers food and shopping. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Fort Lauderdale or Palm Springs?

In Fort Lauderdale, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this spirited 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.

Palm Springs is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Fort Lauderdale or Palm Springs?

Fort Lauderdale 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 Palm Springs. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.

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

Which is Bigger, Fort Lauderdale or Palm Springs?

Fort Lauderdale has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Palm Springs. When comparing the sizes of Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale or Palm Springs in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Fort Lauderdale and Palm Springs. Many travelers come to Fort Lauderdale for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Palm Springs in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Fort Lauderdale is a little warmer than Palm Springs in the summer. The daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 83°F (28°C) in July, and Palm Springs fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Fort Lauderdale gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Fort Lauderdale usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Palm Springs in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Fort Lauderdale as well as Palm Springs. Many visitors come to Fort Lauderdale in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Palm Springs for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Fort Lauderdale is a little warmer than Palm Springs. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Fort Lauderdale in October average around 78°F (26°C), and Palm Springs averages at about 69°F (20°C).

Fort Lauderdale receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Fort Lauderdale usually gets more rain in October than Palm Springs. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Palm Springs in the Winter?

Both Palm Springs and Fort Lauderdale are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Fort Lauderdale for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Palm Springs because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Fort Lauderdale is generally a little warmer than Palm Springs. Daily temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 67°F (20°C), and Palm Springs fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In January, Fort Lauderdale usually receives around the same amount of rain as Palm Springs. Fort Lauderdale gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 2 inches (52 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Palm Springs in the Spring?

Both Palm Springs and Fort Lauderdale during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Fort Lauderdale because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Fort Lauderdale is a little warmer than Palm Springs in the spring. The daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 75°F (24°C) in April, and Palm Springs fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Fort Lauderdale usually gets more rain in April than Palm Springs. Fort Lauderdale gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.9 inches (24 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Palm Springs and Fort Lauderdale