A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Augustine vs. Palm Springs for Nightlife, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Saint Augustine or Palm Springs?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine is a historic, notable, and colonial city. Saint Augustine is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Saint Augustine travel costs.

Palm Springs

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

Saint Augustine and Palm Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Augustine or Palm Springs?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Saint Augustine. Although Saint Augustine and Palm Springs are both popular with visitors, Saint Augustine has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Saint Augustine is more popular for its museums and attractions, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Palm Springs is known for its nightlife, resorts, and hiking. Palm Springs is more touristy than Saint Augustine and is known for its golfing, shopping, and mid-century modern architecture. Saint Augustine is popular for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States. It is also home to the Colonial Quarter.

How is Saint Augustine different from Palm Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Saint Augustine is notable 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.

Many visitors head to Saint Augustine specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. It's history is brought to life with many monuments and museums. The Lightner Museum, the Old Jail Museum, the Lincolnville Museum, and Castillo De San Marcos are among the city's most notable sights. Also worth a visit is the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum.

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 Saint Augustine or Palm Springs? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Saint Augustine and Palm Springs offer excellent local cuisine and restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Saint Augustine makes for a great culinary experience. The food scene is influenced by the long history of the city. You'll find flavors that are influenced by Spanish, African, and Native American cultures. There are several popular dishes around town such as fried shrimp, clam chowder, and shrimp and grits.

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 Saint Augustine or Palm Springs Better for Nightlife?

Palm Springs is very popular for nightlife. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Palm Springs is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint Augustine has a few options to choose from. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.

Is Saint Augustine or Palm Springs Better for Resorts?

Palm Springs is very popular for its resorts. However, Saint Augustine is not a resort destination.

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.

Saint Augustine is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Augustine or Palm Springs Better for Beaches?

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

Saint Augustine is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Head to the beach to relax and swim. There are miles of sandy beach nearby, with some of the most popular being Ponte Vedra Beach, known for its golf courses, Vilano Beach, with its charming atmosphere, and the scenic Anastasia State Park.

Palm Springs is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Augustine or Palm Springs Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town. However, Palm Springs does not have a historic old town.

Saint Augustine offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. As the longest running, continuously occupied city in the United States, the Historic Downtown is at the heart of the city. It's filled with quaint restaurants, historic hotels, and charming streets. You can take carriage rides or wander through the historic sites. Many of the buildings date back to the 1700s and offer a glimpse into Florida's past.

Palm Springs does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint Augustine or Palm Springs Better for Hiking?

Palm Springs is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Augustine or Palm Springs?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Palm Springs and Saint Augustine.

Saint Augustine is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The Historic Downtown has unique art galleries and boutiques. St. George Street is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir and Aviles Street is the oldest street in the United States. It's also filled with artisan boutiques. Plaza de la Constitución is known for its long running public market and it often has live entertainment.

Palm Springs is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Is Saint Augustine or Palm Springs More Beautiful?

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

Saint Augustine is a gorgeous place to visit. Colonial architecture and a charming atmosphere give this historic town a unique beauty.

Palm Springs is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Saint Augustine or Palm Springs Better for Families?

Saint Augustine and Palm Springs are both excellent destinations for the whole family.

Saint Augustine is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the Alligator Farm but there's also a surprisingly fascinating archaeological park - The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The Colonial Quarter is fun for all ages as well, as is a visit to Fort Castillo De San Marcos. If you have some time, head outside of town to the Marineland Dolphin Adventure, which is well worth the trip.

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 Saint Augustine or Palm Springs Better for Couples?

Saint Augustine and Palm Springs are both excellent to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Saint Augustine frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The Ancient City has a charm that is unique in Florida. There is beautiful architecture and a historical atmosphere that is romantic and genuine. You can enjoy a carriage ride and then sample some local cuisine before heading to the beach.

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.

Is Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine and Palm Springs.

Public transit is generally limited in Saint Augustine. The Old Town Trolley travels through the historic center. There's also a bus service through the region, but you really need a private vehicle to explore everything.

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 Saint Augustine or Palm Springs a more walkable city?

Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine is very walkable. It's one of the more walkable cities in the area. Downtown, Uptown, and even near the beach have accessible areas with sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly zones.

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 Saint Augustine Worth Visiting? and Is Palm Springs Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Palm Springs or Saint Augustine?

How long in Saint Augustine or Palm Springs?

It's fun to spend time in either Saint Augustine or Palm Springs. In our opinion, Saint Augustine has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Saint Augustine than Palm Springs. In general, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Augustine, and 2-4 days is enough time in Palm Springs.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine.

One day in Saint Augustine or Palm Springs?

In Saint Augustine, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this notable city 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.

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 Saint Augustine or Palm Springs?

Saint Augustine 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.

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 Saint Augustine or Palm Springs?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the colonial destination of Saint Augustine. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

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 Saint Augustine or Palm Springs?

Saint Augustine 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.

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 Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Saint Augustine or Palm Springs?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Augustine and Palm Springs. Most visitors come to Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine is a little warmer than Palm Springs in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Palm Springs fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Saint Augustine gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Saint Augustine usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Saint Augustine gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Palm Springs in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Augustine as well as Palm Springs. The autumn months attract visitors to Saint Augustine because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Palm Springs this time of year.

In the autumn, Saint Augustine is around the same temperature as Palm Springs. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Augustine in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Palm Springs averages at about 69°F (20°C).

Saint Augustine usually gets more rain in October than Palm Springs. Saint Augustine gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Saint Augustine is June to November.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Palm Springs in the Winter?

Both Palm Springs and Saint Augustine are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint Augustine this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Palm Springs for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Saint Augustine is generally cooler than Palm Springs. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 53°F (12°C), and Palm Springs fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In January, Saint Augustine usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Saint Augustine gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 2 inches (52 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Palm Springs in the Spring?

Both Palm Springs and Saint Augustine during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Saint Augustine for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Saint Augustine is a little warmer than Palm Springs in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Palm Springs fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Saint Augustine usually gets more rain in April than Palm Springs. Saint Augustine gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.9 inches (24 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Augustine.

Typical Weather for Palm Springs and Saint Augustine