A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America West Palm Beach vs. Anchorage for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit West Palm Beach or Anchorage?

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

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Anchorage? 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.

West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is a fun-filled, diverse, and vibrant beach area. It's also known for nightlife, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See West Palm Beach travel costs.

Anchorage

Anchorage is a outdoorsy, scenic, and breathtaking city. Many visitors also come to Anchorage because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and hiking. See Anchorage travel costs.

West Palm Beach and Anchorage: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in West Palm Beach or Anchorage?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Anchorage than West Palm Beach, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Anchorage is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while West Palm Beach is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. West Palm Beach is popular for its nice resorts, a lively boardwalk, great seafood, and fun watersports. Anchorage is popular for its breathtaking natural beauty, impressive wildlife, stunning hiking trails, and unique local culture. It is also home to Chugach State Park.

How is West Palm Beach different from Anchorage?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in West Palm Beach or Anchorage?

Anchorage is a popular place for its historical sights. However, West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Anchorage is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. While most people visit for the outdoor experiences, there are a few museums where you can learn about the local culture and wildlife. Popular museums include the the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center, the Alaska Aviation Museum, and the Alaska Museum of Science and Nature.

West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in West Palm Beach or Anchorage? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Anchorage is a popular place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, West Palm Beach is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Anchorage. Food is expensive in town, but there are some unique local specialties that you must try. Many restaurants offer fresh seafood and local meats. Favorites include yak meat, king crab, and fresh oysters.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in West Palm Beach. Oceanfront restaurants usually have a great view and offer local and fresh seafood. There are also many local restaurants concentrated around Clematis Street and CityPlace districts.

Is West Palm Beach or Anchorage Better for Nightlife?

West Palm Beach is a well-known place for nightlife. However, Anchorage is not a good city for nightlife and partying.

West Palm Beach offers plenty to do in the evening. With rooftop bars and clubs, oceanfront venues, and plenty of nightlife options downtown, this city rivals most places when it comes to nightlife. The nightlife scene is particularly active during spring break, when university students head to town.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Anchorage. The town's nightlife mostly consists of local bars where you can hang out. Check out Koot's, which is a longstanding favorite.

Is West Palm Beach or Anchorage Better for Resorts?

West Palm Beach is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Anchorage is not a resort destination.

West Palm Beach is a world class resort vacation destination. All of the major names are present including the Hilton, Marriott, and Four Seasons.

Anchorage is not a resort destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Anchorage Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

West Palm Beach is a well-known place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Anchorage is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

West Palm Beach is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. Check out Phil Foster Park in Rivera Beach. It's a man-made reef that is surprisingly clear.

Anchorage is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Anchorage Better for Beaches?

West Palm Beach is an unbeatable place for its beaches. However, Anchorage is not a beach destination.

West Palm Beach is considered to be a world-class beach destination. From bustling beaches with a boardwalk to quieter, more relaxing beaches surrounded by parkland, there are are number of options in the area.

Anchorage is not a beach destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Anchorage Better for Hiking?

Anchorage is very popular for hiking. However, West Palm Beach is not a hiking destination.

People visit Anchorage specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The town is surrounded by wilderness and it's not hard to escape into nature. You can choose between short walks, long day trips, and multi-day treks, with everything in between available as well. There are more than 300 miles of hiking trails near town and several favorites include Byron Glacier Trail, Thunderbird Falls Trail, and Flattop Mountain.

West Palm Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in West Palm Beach or Anchorage?

Anchorage is a popular place for shopping. However, West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Anchorage. There are plenty of local gift shops and boutiques where you can pick up local Alaskan crafts and products. There's no sales tax, but prices can still be a bit steep. But if you're looking for something uniquely local to remember your trip, you don't have to look hard.

West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Anchorage More Beautiful?

Anchorage is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, West Palm Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Anchorage because of it's amazing beauty. The city offers access to spectacular beauty. It's surrounded by awe-inspiring mountains, breathtaking glaciers, and vast wilderness.

West Palm Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is West Palm Beach or Anchorage Better for Families?

West Palm Beach is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

West Palm Beach is a very family-friendly place to visit. Animal lovers will appreciate the zoos and aquariums in the area. Check out McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary, Manatee Lagoon, the Palm Beach Zoo, and the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium.

Anchorage is a family-friendly beach area. Kids who appreciate nature will appreciate this unique setting. Everyone will enjoy a glacier cruise, but you can hang out with the locals in Westchester Lagoon, see the animals at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and learn about the area at the Anchorage Museum.

Is West Palm Beach or Anchorage Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both West Palm Beach and Anchorage make for a excellent place to visit.

West Palm Beach is a great beach area if you're traveling as a couple. Couples will enjoy kayaking, dining out, or simply relaxing on the beach. It's fun to spend a day exploring the botanical gardens and an evening wandering around Clematis Street.

Anchorage is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city makes a good base for couples who want to explore the surrounding beauty. The landscapes make a beautiful backdrop for a romantic trip, and the adventure activities will make for an unforgettable experience. There are plenty of outdoor activities and adventure sports that couples can enjoy together and the beauty of the region is breathtaking.

Is West Palm Beach or Anchorage Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Anchorage is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, West Palm Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Anchorage. There are a few good budget places to stay, and backpackers will also have plenty of outdoor wilderness to explore near town. It's important to remember that Alaska is known for its challenging wilderness so, unless you're experienced, you should take a guide.

West Palm Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Anchorage Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

West Palm Beach is a beach area with good options for its public transit. However, Anchorage is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

West Palm Beach has a few public transit options. There's a downtown trolley, a commuter trail line (connecting West Palm Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale), and a bus system with about 30 lines.

Public transit is quite limited in Anchorage. There is the People Mover bus system that transports riders around town, but to truly experience the region, you must have a car.

Is West Palm Beach or Anchorage a more walkable city?

West Palm Beach is a beach area with good options for its walkability. However, Anchorage is not a good city for its high level of walkability.

West Palm Beach is somewhat walkable. West Palm Beach has a surprisingly walkable area and it's possible to explore the downtown area on foot.

Anchorage is generally not a very walkable beach area. The downtown area is compact so you can wander to the nearby shops and restaurants on foot, but most people visit with the goal of exploring outside of town. For that you need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is West Palm Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Anchorage Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Anchorage or West Palm Beach?

How long in West Palm Beach or Anchorage?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both West Palm Beach and Anchorage. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in West Palm Beach than in Anchorage. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for West Palm Beach, and 1-3 days is enough time in Anchorage.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Anchorage than West Palm Beach 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 Anchorage.

One day in West Palm Beach or Anchorage?

You'll find nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling around the beach area of West Palm Beach. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The artsy destination of Anchorage offers shopping and museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in West Palm Beach or Anchorage?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the vibrant destination of West Palm Beach. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This beach area offers a variety of activities to choose from.

The city of Anchorage offers museums and food. 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 West Palm Beach or Anchorage?

You'll find nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling around the fun-filled beach area of West Palm Beach. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this beach area makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this beach area has to offer.

Anchorage is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It's no surprise that hiking 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 West Palm Beach or Anchorage?

West Palm Beach is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in West Palm Beach, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Anchorage. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, West Palm Beach or Anchorage?

Anchorage has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of West Palm Beach. When comparing the sizes of West Palm Beach and Anchorage, 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 West Palm Beach or Anchorage?

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 West Palm Beach or Anchorage in the Summer?

Both Anchorage and West Palm Beach during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to West Palm Beach in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Anchorage for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

West Palm Beach is much warmer than Anchorage in the summer. The daily temperature in West Palm Beach averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Anchorage fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

In Anchorage, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in West Palm Beach. In the summer, West Palm Beach often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. West Palm Beach gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 240 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in West Palm Beach. West Palm Beach usually gets more rain in July than Anchorage. West Palm Beach gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Anchorage in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both West Palm Beach and Anchorage. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Anchorage because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

The weather in Anchorage can be very cold. In the autumn, West Palm Beach is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the autumn temperatures in West Palm Beach in October average around 78°F (25°C), and Anchorage averages at about 35°F (2°C).

In West Palm Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. West Palm Beach usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during autumn. West Palm Beach gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 118 hours of full sun in the autumn.

West Palm Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, West Palm Beach usually receives more rain than Anchorage. West Palm Beach gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in West Palm Beach is the hurricane season.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Anchorage in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to West Palm Beach as well as Anchorage. The winter months attract visitors to West Palm Beach because of the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Anchorage this time of year.

It's quite cold in Anchorage in the winter. In January, West Palm Beach is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in West Palm Beach average around 65°F (19°C), and Anchorage fluctuates around 15°F (-9°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in West Palm Beach this time of the year. In the winter, West Palm Beach often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. West Palm Beach gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 80 hours of full sun.

West Palm Beach usually gets more rain in January than Anchorage. West Palm Beach gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Anchorage in the Spring?

Both Anchorage and West Palm Beach are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches are the main draw to West Palm Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Anchorage for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Anchorage. West Palm Beach is much warmer than Anchorage in the spring. The daily temperature in West Palm Beach averages around 74°F (23°C) in April, and Anchorage fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).

It's quite sunny in Anchorage. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in West Palm Beach. West Palm Beach usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during spring. West Palm Beach gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 233 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, West Palm Beach usually receives more rain than Anchorage. West Palm Beach gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in West Palm Beach is June to November.

Typical Weather for Anchorage and West Palm Beach