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

Should you visit West Palm Beach or Arlington?

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

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Arlington? 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 vibrant, fun-filled, and diverse beach area. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See West Palm Beach travel costs.

Arlington

Arlington is a international, historical, and educational city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Arlington travel costs.

West Palm Beach and Arlington: Pros and Cons

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

Both Arlington and West Palm Beach have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. West Palm Beach is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Arlington is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, and shopping. West Palm Beach is well known for its nice resorts, a lively boardwalk, great seafood, and fun watersports. Arlington is well known for its international connections, its biking and walking trails, and being the location of the Pentagon.

How is West Palm Beach different from Arlington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Arlington 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 Arlington?

Arlington is a great city for its historical sights. However, West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Arlington offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Arlington National Cemetery is where you'll find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as well as the tomb of John F. Kennedy Jr. There are many memorials around town, with the most famous being the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial. There are also several museums like the DEA Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Arlington is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, West Palm Beach is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Arlington. It's a global city, and the restaurants reflect that. You'll find amazing Thai, Japanese, and Mexican restaurants. There are also less common cuisines to choose from such as Ethiopian, Moroccan, and Peruvian.

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 Arlington Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find very good options in both West Palm Beach and Arlington.

The nightlife in West Palm Beach has something for everybody. 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.

Arlington offers plenty to do in the evening. The city has a huge young population that drives the nightlife scene. There are clubs, bars, and lounges in many neighborhoods. There are also comedy clubs and plenty of live music.

Is West Palm Beach or Arlington Better for Resorts?

West Palm Beach is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Arlington is not a resort destination.

West Palm Beach offers an unforgettable resort vacation. All of the major names are present including the Hilton, Marriott, and Four Seasons.

Arlington is not a resort destination.

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

West Palm Beach is an excellent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Arlington is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to West Palm Beach to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. Check out Phil Foster Park in Rivera Beach. It's a man-made reef that is surprisingly clear.

Arlington is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Arlington Better for Beaches?

West Palm Beach is terrific for the beach. However, Arlington is not a beach destination.

The beaches in West Palm Beach are among the best in the world. From bustling beaches with a boardwalk to quieter, more relaxing beaches surrounded by parkland, there are are number of options in the area.

Arlington is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in West Palm Beach or Arlington?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Arlington. Many neighborhoods have local shops or farmer's markets. There are also shopping centers and malls such as Ballston Quarter, The Crossing Clarendon, and The Village at Shirlington.

West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Arlington Better for Families?

West Palm Beach is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

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

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Arlington. Kids will enjoy seeing the planes talk off from Gravelly Point park. There are also plenty of outdoor spaces and educational opportunities in the area, including world class museums.

Is West Palm Beach or Arlington Better for Couples?

West Palm Beach is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

West Palm Beach makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Arlington is a nice destination for couples. There's a vibrant cultural scene and many international restaurants that couples can enjoy. It's also a great place to take in a show or concert.

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

Arlington is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, West Palm Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Arlington is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a couple of hostels and many free activities nearby. There's also great public transportation that makes for a convenient backpacker destination.

West Palm Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Arlington Better for Students?

Arlington is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, West Palm Beach is not popular with students.

Arlington is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There are a huge number of colleges and museums in the area as well as many great internship and educational opportunities.

West Palm Beach is not popular with students.

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

Arlington is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, West Palm Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice beach area for its public transit.

Arlington has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. There is a reliable bus system around town as well as many metro connections.

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.

Is West Palm Beach or Arlington a more walkable city?

Arlington is a great city for its walkability. Also, West Palm Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice beach area for its high level of walkability.

Arlington is very walkable. There are many pedestrian-friendly areas around town, particularly in the neighborhoods that are concentrated around metro stations.

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

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

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

How long in West Palm Beach or Arlington?

It's fun to spend time in either West Palm Beach or Arlington. Generally, people tend to spend more time in West Palm Beach due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for West Palm Beach, and 2-4 days is enough time in Arlington.

Families should spend more time in West Palm Beach than Arlington. 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 Arlington. 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 Arlington 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 Arlington.

One day in West Palm Beach or Arlington?

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 historical destination of Arlington offers nightlife and food. 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 West Palm Beach or Arlington?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the diverse 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 Arlington offers food and shopping. 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 Arlington?

You'll find nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling around the vibrant 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.

Arlington is a great place to explore. 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 Arlington?

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 museums and nightlife when visiting Arlington. 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 Arlington, we can see that West Palm Beach is more expensive. And not only is Arlington much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Arlington would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Arlington 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 Arlington.

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 Arlington Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, West Palm Beach or Arlington?

Arlington has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of West Palm Beach. When comparing the sizes of West Palm Beach and Arlington, 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 Arlington?

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 West Palm Beach or Arlington in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both West Palm Beach and Arlington. Many travelers come to West Palm Beach for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Arlington in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, West Palm Beach is generally around the same temperature as Arlington. Daily temperatures in West Palm Beach average around 82°F (28°C), and Arlington fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Arlington this time of the year. In West Palm Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. West Palm Beach usually receives more sunshine than Arlington during summer. West Palm Beach gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Arlington receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.

West Palm Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, West Palm Beach usually receives more rain than Arlington. West Palm Beach gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to West Palm Beach as well as Arlington. Additionally, most visitors come to Arlington for the shopping scene during these months.

West Palm Beach is much warmer than Arlington in the autumn. The daily temperature in West Palm Beach averages around 78°F (25°C) in October, and Arlington fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in West Palm Beach this time of the year. In the autumn, West Palm Beach often gets more sunshine than Arlington. West Palm Beach gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arlington receives 197 hours of full sun.

West Palm Beach receives a lot of rain in the autumn. West Palm Beach usually gets more rain in October than Arlington. West Palm Beach gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in West Palm Beach.

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

Both Arlington and West Palm Beach are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to West Palm Beach for the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Arlington because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Arlington can be very cold. In the winter, West Palm Beach is much warmer than Arlington. Typically, the winter temperatures in West Palm Beach in January average around 65°F (19°C), and Arlington averages at about 35°F (1°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in West Palm Beach. West Palm Beach usually receives more sunshine than Arlington during winter. West Palm Beach gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Arlington receives 139 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, West Palm Beach usually receives around the same amount of rain as Arlington. West Palm Beach gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Arlington and West Palm Beach during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to West Palm Beach because of the beaches.

In April, West Palm Beach is generally much warmer than Arlington. Daily temperatures in West Palm Beach average around 74°F (23°C), and Arlington fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

In Arlington, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in West Palm Beach. In the spring, West Palm Beach often gets more sunshine than Arlington. West Palm Beach gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arlington receives 228 hours of full sun.

West Palm Beach usually gets more rain in April than Arlington. West Palm Beach gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in West Palm Beach is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Arlington and West Palm Beach