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

Should you visit Tampa or Palm Springs?

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

Should I visit Tampa or Palm Springs? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Tampa

Tampa is a low-key, laid-back, and easy-going city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for food and beaches. See Tampa travel costs.

Palm Springs

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

Tampa and Palm Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tampa or Palm Springs?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Palm Springs than Tampa, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Palm Springs is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, hiking, and shopping, while Tampa is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities. Palm Springs is more touristy than Tampa and is popular for its golfing, shopping, and mid-century modern architecture. Also, Palm Springs is famous for the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Tampa is well known for its amusement parks, wildlife parks, and popularity as a cruise ship port.

How is Tampa different from Palm Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Palm Springs is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Tampa 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.

Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Palm Springs is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Tampa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Palm Springs has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Tampa offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a surprising number of great local restaurants around town as well as a good food truck scene. Some favorite dishes include fresh caught seafood, Grouper sandwiches, and Cuban sandwiches.

Is Tampa or Palm Springs Better for Nightlife?

Palm Springs is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. However, Tampa is lacking in options for nightlife.

Palm Springs has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Tampa is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The city has some good nightclubs, sports bars, and other spots where locals enjoy spending the evening.

Is Tampa or Palm Springs Better for Resorts?

Palm Springs is an amazing city to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Tampa is not a resort destination.

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.

Tampa is not a resort destination.

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

Tampa is a moderate city for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Palm Springs is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Snorkeling is an option in Tampa. While the water isn't always the clearest, there are some nice snorkeling and diving spots in the area. Options include Shell Key and Egmont Key, Crystal River, and Fort De Soto.

Palm Springs is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tampa or Palm Springs Better for Beaches?

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

Tampa is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Popular beaches near Tampa include Ben T. Davis Beach, Fred Howard Park, and Indian Rocks Beach.

Palm Springs is not a beach destination.

Is Tampa or Palm Springs Better for Hiking?

Palm Springs is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Tampa 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.

Tampa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tampa or Palm Springs?

Palm Springs is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Tampa or Palm Springs Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Tampa or Palm Springs.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Tampa. The city has a number of kid-oriented attractions including Busch Gardens Amusement Park, several kid-friendly museums, and a number of animal centers, aquariums, and wildlife rescue facilities.

Palm Springs is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Tampa or Palm Springs Better for Couples?

Palm Springs is an excellent place to visit for couples. However, Tampa is lacking in options 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.

Tampa is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The area does have great restaurants and some fun places to explore, but the downtown area has room for improvement and much of the city is suburban.

Is Tampa 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, Tampa is lacking in 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 Tampa. There is the street car that runs from downtown Tampa to Ybor City and stops at 11 stations.

Is Tampa or Palm Springs a more walkable city?

Palm Springs is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Tampa is lacking in 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.

Tampa is generally not very walkable. While there are some neighborhoods that are considered walkable, you really need a car if you hope to explore Tampa in depth.

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

Should I spend more time in Palm Springs or Tampa?

How long in Tampa or Palm Springs?

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

Families should spend more time in Palm Springs than Tampa. 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 Tampa. 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 Tampa 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 Tampa or Palm Springs?

In Tampa, many people enjoy the food that this laid-back 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.

In Palm Springs, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this chic destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the nightlife. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Tampa or Palm Springs?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Palm Springs. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tampa or Palm Springs?

You'll find food around the low-key destination of Tampa. Most people come for the beaches. 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 fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Palm Springs. Lots of people come for the nightlife. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Tampa or Palm Springs?

Tampa is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the ritzy destination of Palm Springs. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

When comparing the travel costs between Tampa 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 Tampa Expensive? and Is Palm Springs Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tampa or Palm Springs?

Tampa has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Palm Springs. When comparing the sizes of Tampa 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 Tampa 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 Tampa or Palm Springs in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tampa as well as Palm Springs. The beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tampa this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Palm Springs for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

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

Tampa receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tampa usually gets more rain in July than Palm Springs. Tampa gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tampa or Palm Springs in the Autumn?

Both Palm Springs and Tampa are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tampa for the city's sights and attractions. Also, many visitors come to Palm Springs in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Tampa is generally a little warmer than Palm Springs. Daily temperatures in Tampa average around 75°F (24°C), and Palm Springs fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

In October, Tampa usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Tampa gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tampa or Palm Springs in the Winter?

Both Palm Springs and Tampa during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tampa in the winter for the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Palm Springs for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Tampa is around the same temperature as Palm Springs in the winter. The daily temperature in Tampa averages around 60°F (15°C) in January, and Palm Springs fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

Tampa usually gets more rain in January than Palm Springs. Tampa gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 2 inches (52 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tampa or Palm Springs in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tampa and Palm Springs. Most visitors come to Tampa for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Tampa is a little warmer than Palm Springs. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tampa in April average around 71°F (22°C), and Palm Springs averages at about 62°F (17°C).

In April, Tampa usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Tampa gets 2.1 inches (53 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 Tampa