A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Palm Springs vs. Santa Fe for Nightlife, Food, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Palm Springs or Santa Fe?

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 Palm Springs and Santa Fe can help you decide which place is right for you.

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.

Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a artsy, cultural, and historic historic town. Santa Fe is a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for skiing, live music, and food. See Santa Fe travel costs.

Palm Springs and Santa Fe: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palm Springs or Santa Fe?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Santa Fe than Palm Springs, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Santa Fe is better known for its skiing, music, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Palm Springs is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, and hiking. Palm Springs is more touristy than Santa Fe and is popular for its golfing, shopping, and mid-century modern architecture. Santa Fe is well known for its strong arts scene, its Pueblo-style architecture, and its unique local cuisine. Also, Santa Fe is famous for The Museum of New Mexico Complex.

How is Palm Springs different from Santa Fe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Palm Springs or Santa Fe Better for Skiing?

Santa Fe is very good for snow skiing. However, Palm Springs is not a skiing destination.

Santa Fe is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. There are a few good ski resorts not far from Santa Fe. Popular options include Taos Ski Valley, Ski Santa Fe, Pajarito Mountain Ski Area, and Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort.

Palm Springs is not a skiing destination.

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

Both Palm Springs and Santa Fe have notable landmarks and museums for visitors.

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.

Santa Fe offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Head to the Museum of New Mexico Complex, which has four museums that give a great overview of the history of the area. Also make sure you visit the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi and the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum.

Is the Food Better in Palm Springs or Santa Fe? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Palm Springs and Santa Fe can be difficult as they are each very good in their own way.

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.

Santa Fe has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are many local restaurants that use regional ingredients and offer great flavors. There are also cafes and bistros where you can enjoy breakfast or brunch. Local dishes include sopaipillas made with Native American fry bread, slow-cooked beans, and anything made with red and green chili peppers.

Is Palm Springs or Santa Fe Better for Nightlife?

Palm Springs is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. However, Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. While most of the town quiets down at night, the city has a few areas that stay active late into the night. Live music is popular and diverse. It often includes different genres such as the blues, country, salsa or bluegrass.

Is Palm Springs or Santa Fe Better for Music?

Santa Fe is very good for live music. However, Palm Springs is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Santa Fe. The town has an eclectic music scene that includes a mix of the blues, country, Latin American music, and bluegrass.

Palm Springs is not a live music destination.

Is Palm Springs or Santa Fe Better for Resorts?

Palm Springs is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Santa Fe is not a resort destination.

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.

Santa Fe is not a resort destination.

Is Palm Springs or Santa Fe Better for its Old Town?

Santa Fe is notable for its historic old town. However, Palm Springs does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Santa Fe. As the 2nd oldest city in the United States, the old town historic district is filled with charm. The Pueblo-style buildings are brightly colored and there are churches throughout.

Palm Springs does not have a historic old town.

Is Palm Springs or Santa Fe Better for Hiking?

Palm Springs is a great city for hiking. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Santa Fe has hiking trails worth exploring. Because it's located right by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, there are many beautiful hikes right outside of town. Popular trails include the Picacho Peak Trail and the Nambe Lake Trail. Bandelier National also has many places to hike.

Is the Shopping Better in Palm Springs or Santa Fe?

Both Palm Springs and Santa Fe are very good shopping destinations.

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.

Santa Fe is well-known for its shopping. There are many unique shops and art galleries that feature local artists and craftsmen.

Is Palm Springs or Santa Fe More Beautiful?

Santa Fe is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Palm Springs is not a destination known for its beauty.

Santa Fe is a gorgeous place to visit. This cultural city has a unique beauty that is hard to find anywhere else.

Palm Springs is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Palm Springs or Santa Fe Better for Families?

Palm Springs is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Palm Springs. 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.

Santa Fe is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a few kids' museums in Santa Fe including the Santa Fe Children's Museum and the Meow Wolf Art Complex. Kids also enjoy the botanical gardens at Museum Hill and Bandelier National Monument just outside of the city.

Is Palm Springs or Santa Fe Better for Couples?

Palm Springs is a great city for couples. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town for romance.

Palm Springs is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Santa Fe is a nice destination for couples. There are many romantic inns around town, each with a lot of character. The town also has a lot of atmosphere that makes for a romantic getaway.

Is Palm Springs or Santa Fe Better for Students?

Santa Fe is very good for students. However, Palm Springs is not popular with students.

Santa Fe is a good historic town to visit for students. There are a few colleges and universities in town and students will appreciate the reasonable cost of living and outdoor activities nearby.

Palm Springs is not popular with students.

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

Both Palm Springs and Santa Fe offer respectable public transit options.

Public transit is generally 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 mostly limited in Santa Fe. There is a bus system - the Santa Fe Trails Bus Service.

Is Palm Springs or Santa Fe a more walkable city?

Santa Fe 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.

Santa Fe is very walkable. The historic district is walkable and it's easy to visit most of the tourist sights in this area on foot.

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 Palm Springs Worth Visiting? and Is Santa Fe Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Fe or Palm Springs?

How long in Palm Springs or Santa Fe?

In either Palm Springs or Santa Fe, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Santa Fe than Palm Springs because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Palm Springs, and 2-5 days is enough time in Santa Fe.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Fe than Palm Springs 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 Santa Fe.

One day in Palm Springs or Santa Fe?

The city of Palm Springs offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Santa Fe, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural historic town offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

A weekend in Palm Springs or Santa Fe?

Palm Springs is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Palm Springs, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Santa Fe is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Palm Springs or Santa Fe?

Palm Springs is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Santa Fe, many people enjoy the skiing and live music that this cultural destination offers. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

A week in Palm Springs or Santa Fe?

Palm Springs is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Santa Fe is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Palm Springs or Santa Fe?

Santa Fe has a larger population, and is about 62% larger than the population of Palm Springs. When comparing the sizes of Palm Springs and Santa Fe, 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.