A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Islamorada vs. Palm Springs for Nightlife, Resorts, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Islamorada or Palm Springs?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Islamorada 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.

Islamorada

Islamorada is a adventurous, relaxing, and tropical village. Islamorada is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Islamorada travel costs.

Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a outdoorsy, ritzy, and chic city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Palm Springs travel costs.

Islamorada and Palm Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Islamorada or Palm Springs?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Palm Springs. Although Islamorada and Palm Springs are both popular with visitors, Palm Springs has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Palm Springs is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, hiking, and shopping, while Islamorada is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Palm Springs is more touristy than Islamorada and is popular for its golfing, shopping, and mid-century modern architecture. It is also home to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Islamorada is popular for its sportfishing, state parks, and local vibe.

How is Islamorada different from Palm Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the good sights and museums in either Islamorada or Palm Springs.

Islamorada is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a variety of museums and aquariums in the area such as the History of Diving Museum, the Keys History and Discovery Center, and the famous Theater of the Sea.

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 Islamorada or Palm Springs? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at excellent restaurants in both Islamorada and Palm Springs.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Islamorada. Has a sports fishing destination, you'll find no shortage of seafood options in the area. There are cafes and bistros that have an old school Florida Key's atmosphere. Popular dishes include grilled fish and curry seafood.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Palm Springs. 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 Islamorada or Palm Springs Better for Nightlife?

Palm Springs is renowned for nightlife. Also, Islamorada is not as popular, but is still a nice village for nightlife and partying.

Palm Springs is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Islamorada. The nightlife consists of mostly bars and restaurants that serve cocktails and frozen drinks. There are sports bars and casual eateries where you can enjoy a drink in a relaxed atmosphere.

Is Islamorada or Palm Springs Better for Resorts?

Palm Springs is renowned for its luxury resorts. Also, Islamorada is not as popular, but is still a nice village 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.

With a selection of resorts, Islamorada makes a nice vacation spot. You'll find plenty of resorts with spas, pools or oceanfront views in the area.

Is Islamorada or Palm Springs Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Islamorada 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 Islamorada. There are plenty of dive shops that offer snorkeling and dive trips to the surrounding areas. You could also grab a mask and head out into the water on your own. You're sure to see some beautiful marine life.

Palm Springs is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Islamorada or Palm Springs Better for Beaches?

Islamorada is notable for its beaches. However, Palm Springs is not a beach destination.

Islamorada is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Blue water and white sand make the beaches a true paradise. Favorite beaches in the area include Anne's Beach, which has a boardwalk and mangroves, Library Beach, which is small and well maintained, Holiday Isle Beach, which is near the hotels and restaurants, and Long Key State Park, which has camping and picnic spots.

Palm Springs is not a beach destination.

Is Islamorada or Palm Springs Better for Hiking?

Palm Springs is a great city for hiking. However, Islamorada 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.

Islamorada is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Islamorada or Palm Springs?

Palm Springs is a great city for shopping. Also, Islamorada is not as popular, but is still a nice village for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Islamorada offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find a few jewelry boutiques as well as sporting goods shops and souvenir stands.

Is Islamorada or Palm Springs More Beautiful?

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

Islamorada is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Striking blue water and white sand make this a truly tropical paradise. You can sip frozen drinks and relax in the sun as your troubles slip away.

Palm Springs is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Islamorada or Palm Springs Better for Families?

Islamorada is an amazing village 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.

Islamorada is one of the most popular family destinations. Theater of the Sea is a highlight for kids and adults alike. You'll have the opportunity to interact with many types of sea life including dolphins, sea lions, and even sharks. Founders Park is another great place to take the kids. You can have a picnic, hang out at the beach, or hit up the playground. There's also plenty of snorkeling and diving in the area, particularly around Alligator Reef Lighthouse.

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 Islamorada or Palm Springs Better for Couples?

Islamorada is an amazing village 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, Islamorada has plenty to offer. Couples will enjoy the resorts, spas, beaches, and adventures in the area. Head to Little Palm Spa for a little relaxation or hit up Florida Keys Brewing Company for some live music. There's also snorkeling, diving, and some good restaurants nearby as well.

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

Palm Springs is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Islamorada 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 Islamorada. There's no real public transit in the area and you must have your own vehicle.

Is Islamorada or Palm Springs a more walkable city?

Palm Springs is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Islamorada is not known for its high level of walkability.

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

Islamorada is not a walkable village. Like the rest of the Florida Keys, it's not very walkable and you'll need a car to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Palm Springs or Islamorada?

How long in Islamorada or Palm Springs?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Palm Springs than Islamorada 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 Islamorada or Palm Springs?

In Islamorada, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this tropical village 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.

With museums and nightlife around the ritzy city of Palm Springs, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Islamorada or Palm Springs?

Islamorada is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Palm Springs, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Islamorada or Palm Springs?

In Islamorada, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this relaxing 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.

Palm Springs, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Islamorada or Palm Springs?

Islamorada 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. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Islamorada and Palm Springs, we can see that Palm Springs is more expensive. And not only is Islamorada much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Islamorada would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Islamorada 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 Islamorada.

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

Which is Bigger, Islamorada or Palm Springs?

Palm Springs has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Islamorada. When comparing the sizes of Islamorada 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 Islamorada 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 Islamorada or Palm Springs in the Summer?

Both Palm Springs and Islamorada during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Islamorada for the beaches, snorkeling, 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.

Islamorada is a little warmer than Palm Springs in the summer. The daily temperature in Islamorada averages around 84°F (29°C) in July, and Palm Springs fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Islamorada usually gets more rain in July than Palm Springs. Islamorada gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Islamorada or Palm Springs in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Islamorada is a little warmer than Palm Springs. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Islamorada in October average around 80°F (27°C), and Palm Springs averages at about 69°F (20°C).

Islamorada gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Islamorada usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Islamorada gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Islamorada is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Islamorada or Palm Springs in the Winter?

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

In January, Islamorada is generally a little warmer than Palm Springs. Daily temperatures in Islamorada average around 70°F (21°C), and Palm Springs fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

Islamorada usually gets less rain in January than Palm Springs. Islamorada gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 2 inches (52 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Islamorada or Palm Springs in the Spring?

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

Islamorada is much warmer than Palm Springs in the spring. The daily temperature in Islamorada averages around 77°F (25°C) in April, and Palm Springs fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In April, Islamorada usually receives less rain than Palm Springs. Islamorada gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.9 inches (24 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Islamorada is June to November.

Typical Weather for Palm Springs and Islamorada