A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Hilton Head Island vs. Palm Springs for Resorts, Families, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Hilton Head Island or Palm Springs?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Hilton Head Island and Palm Springs can help you decide which place is right for you.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a peaceful, beautiful, and resort-filled coastal town. Hilton Head Island is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping. See Hilton Head Island travel costs.

Palm Springs

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

Hilton Head Island and Palm Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hilton Head Island or Palm Springs?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Palm Springs than Hilton Head Island, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Palm Springs is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, resorts, hiking, and shopping, while Hilton Head Island is more popular for its beaches and impressive beauty. Palm Springs is more touristy than Hilton Head Island and is popular for its golfing, shopping, and mid-century modern architecture. Also, Palm Springs is famous for the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Hilton Head Island is well known for its long sandy beaches, many golf courses, popular tennis camps, and accessible bike trails.

How is Hilton Head Island different from Palm Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hilton Head Island or Palm Springs?

Palm Springs is very good for its museums and history. However, Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Hilton Head Island or Palm Springs? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Hilton Head Island and Palm Springs.

Hilton Head Island has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The island has many famous restaurants but reservations during the summer are a must. Restaurants can get very crowded during peak times. For some of the best restaurants head to Shelter Cove or Harbour Town. Popular local dishes include fried seafood and oysters.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Palm Springs makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Hilton Head Island or Palm Springs Better for Nightlife?

Palm Springs is terrific for its evening party scene. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Palm Springs is a must-see 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Hilton Head Island. There are a few sports bars and comedy clubs, but nightlife isn't really a thing in Hilton Head. This is very much a family destination that shuts down with the sunset.

Is Hilton Head Island or Palm Springs Better for Resorts?

Palm Springs is terrific for its luxury resorts. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

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.

Hilton Head Island is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Most of the accommodation in the area is in the form of weekly condo rentals, which usually include a pool and outdoor space. Tennis and golf are also popular on the island so many resorts have facilities for each.

Is Hilton Head Island or Palm Springs Better for Beaches?

Hilton Head Island is notable for its beaches. However, Palm Springs is not a beach destination.

Hilton Head Island is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The island has nice beaches that are popular with families. They are great for swimming during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. While some beaches may get a bit crowded during peak holidays, they're usually pretty relaxed and less crowded than many nearby beaches.

Palm Springs is not a beach destination.

Is Hilton Head Island or Palm Springs Better for Hiking?

Palm Springs is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Hilton Head Island is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

Hilton Head Island is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hilton Head Island or Palm Springs?

Palm Springs is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Hilton Head Island is a great destination for shopping. The area has upscale shopping with designer names and local venues. Popular shopping areas include Shelter Cove Town Center and Harbor Town.

Is Hilton Head Island or Palm Springs More Beautiful?

Hilton Head Island is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Palm Springs is not a destination known for its beauty.

Hilton Head Island is a gorgeous place to visit. The island has many beautiful waterways that are best explored by boat or kayak. The beaches are also beautiful and striking.

Palm Springs is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hilton Head Island or Palm Springs Better for Families?

Hilton Head Island is an amazing coastal 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.

Hilton Head Island is one of the most popular family destinations. This area is a popular family-friendly beach destination with a number of summer events for the whole family, peaceful beaches, and family-friendly restaurants throughout. Older kids will enjoy cycling around the island's many bike trails or attending a popular tennis camp.

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 Hilton Head Island or Palm Springs Better for Couples?

Palm Springs is a very popular place for couples. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Hilton Head Island is a nice destination for couples. While the area is most popular with families, it is a fun place to explore as a couple because of the many high end restaurants and the beautiful setting. Couples can rent bikes to explore or play a friendly game of tennis.

Is Hilton Head Island or Palm Springs Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Palm Springs is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options 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 Hilton Head Island. You must have a car to get most places on the island, unless you bike. Rush hour during summer months can have intense traffic.

Is Hilton Head Island or Palm Springs a more walkable city?

Palm Springs is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options 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.

Hilton Head Island is generally not very walkable. You really need a car to get around, but for those who are motivated, there is a great network of bike trails. It's mostly used for recreational purposes though.

For even more information, also check out Is Hilton Head Island Worth Visiting? and Is Palm Springs Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Palm Springs or Hilton Head Island?

How long in Hilton Head Island or Palm Springs?

It's fun to spend time in either Hilton Head Island or Palm Springs. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Hilton Head Island due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Hilton Head Island, and 2-4 days is enough time in Palm Springs.

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

Couples should spend more time in Palm Springs than Hilton Head Island. 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 Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island or Palm Springs?

In Hilton Head Island, many people enjoy the shopping and food that this family-friendly coastal town 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 Hilton Head Island or Palm Springs?

Hilton Head Island 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. 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 Hilton Head Island or Palm Springs?

In Hilton Head Island, many people enjoy the shopping and food that this family-friendly 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. 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 Hilton Head Island or Palm Springs?

Hilton Head Island 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.

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 Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Hilton Head Island or Palm Springs?

Palm Springs has a larger population, and is about 24% larger than the population of Hilton Head Island. When comparing the sizes of Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island or Palm Springs in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hilton Head Island as well as Palm Springs. The summer months attract visitors to Hilton Head Island because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Palm Springs this time of year.

In the summer, Hilton Head Island is a little warmer than Palm Springs. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hilton Head Island in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Palm Springs averages at about 73°F (23°C).

Hilton Head Island receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hilton Head Island usually gets more rain in July than Palm Springs. Hilton Head Island gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hilton Head Island or Palm Springs in the Autumn?

Both Palm Springs and Hilton Head Island are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hilton Head Island this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Palm Springs for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Hilton Head Island is generally around the same temperature as Palm Springs. Daily temperatures in Hilton Head Island average around 68°F (20°C), and Palm Springs fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

In October, Hilton Head Island usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Hilton Head Island gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hilton Head Island or Palm Springs in the Winter?

Both Palm Springs and Hilton Head Island during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Hilton Head Island for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Palm Springs in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Hilton Head Island is much colder than Palm Springs in the winter. The daily temperature in Hilton Head Island averages around 48°F (9°C) in January, and Palm Springs fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

Hilton Head Island usually gets more rain in January than Palm Springs. Hilton Head Island gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 2 inches (52 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hilton Head Island or Palm Springs in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hilton Head Island and Palm Springs. Many visitors come to Hilton Head Island in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Hilton Head Island is a little warmer than Palm Springs. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hilton Head Island in April average around 67°F (19°C), and Palm Springs averages at about 62°F (17°C).

In April, Hilton Head Island usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Hilton Head Island gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.9 inches (24 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Palm Springs and Hilton Head Island