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

Should you visit West Palm Beach or Boone?

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

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Boone? 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.

Boone

Boone is a picturesque, charming, and relaxing town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Boone is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Boone travel costs.

West Palm Beach and Boone: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Blue Ridge Parkway


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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Boone than West Palm Beach, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Boone is better known for its skiing, museums and attractions, food, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while West Palm Beach is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. West Palm Beach is well known for its nice resorts, a lively boardwalk, great seafood, and fun watersports. Boone is well known for its proximity to great hiking, skiing, and small town charm. Also, Boone is famous for the Blue Ridge Parkway.

How is West Palm Beach different from Boone?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is West Palm Beach or Boone Better for Skiing?

West Palm Beach
Boone

Boone is a great town for skiing. However, West Palm Beach is not a skiing destination.

Boone offers world-class skiing that is fun for everyone. It's a very popular ski destination in North Carolina. There are family-friendly slopes as well as more challenging options. Head to the popular Appalachian Ski Mountain, nearby Beech Mountain, or Sugar Mountain for some of the area's best skiing.

West Palm Beach is not a skiing destination.


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

West Palm Beach
Boone

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

Boone is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Most people spend the majority of their time exploring the natural beauty, but there are also several small local museums such as the Banner House Museum.

West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

West Palm Beach
Boone

Boone 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 Boone. You'll find farm to table restaurants, local cafes, and all of the standard chain restaurants nearby. Check for a High Country Grown certification if you want to prioritize locally sourced ingredients.

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 Boone Better for Nightlife?

West Palm Beach
Boone

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find great options in both West Palm Beach and Boone.

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.

Boone offers plenty to do in the evening. It's a small town, but there are local breweries and a great nightlife scene that is, in large part, influenced by the large student population.


Is West Palm Beach or Boone Better for Resorts?

West Palm Beach
Boone

West Palm Beach is an amazing beach area to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Boone is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, West Palm Beach is a perfect choice. All of the major names are present including the Hilton, Marriott, and Four Seasons.

Boone is not a resort destination.

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

West Palm Beach
Boone

West Palm Beach is a great beach area for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Boone is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in West Palm Beach. Check out Phil Foster Park in Rivera Beach. It's a man-made reef that is surprisingly clear.

Boone is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Boone Better for Beaches?

West Palm Beach
Boone

West Palm Beach is an amazing beach area to visit for the beach. However, Boone is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, West Palm Beach is a very popular vacation destination. From bustling beaches with a boardwalk to quieter, more relaxing beaches surrounded by parkland, there are are number of options in the area.

Boone is not a beach destination.


Is West Palm Beach or Boone Better for Hiking?

West Palm Beach
Boone

Boone is a great town for hiking. However, West Palm Beach is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Boone for the hiking trails. The area is filled with wonderful hikes, particularly around Grandfather Mountain and along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The famed Appalachian Trail passes through the area as well. Many hikes take you through beautiful forests, passed dramatic waterfalls, and to breathtaking viewpoints.

West Palm Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in West Palm Beach or Boone?

West Palm Beach
Boone

Boone is a great town for shopping. However, West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Boone. Wander along King Street for some of the town's best shopping. There are independent vendors and antique shops that are fun to pop into. The town is also known for its farmer's markets.

West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Boone More Beautiful?

West Palm Beach
Boone

Boone is a great town for its scenery and beauty. However, West Palm Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Boone is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The surrounding area is filled with great natural beauty and wonderful hikes.

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


Is West Palm Beach or Boone Better for Families?

West Palm Beach
Boone

Kids will enjoy a visit to either West Palm Beach or Boone.

West Palm Beach is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Boone is a very kid-friendly beach area. Near town you'll find kid-friendly hikes, such as Linville Falls. There are also several places where kids can go ziplining or rock climbing. Parks and outdoor activities are abundant and the whole family will enjoy the setting.

Is West Palm Beach or Boone Better for Couples?

West Palm Beach
Boone

With fun activities for couples, both West Palm Beach and Boone make for a great 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.

Boone is a very popular place to visit for couples. The charming town has a romantic setting with local restaurants, beautiful hikes, and plenty of shopping. Couples enjoy staying at bed and breakfasts and enjoying the quaint atmosphere.

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

West Palm Beach
Boone

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Boone. While there aren't many hostels in the area, there are plenty of campgrounds. The nearby Appalachian State University also ensures that there are plenty of fun activities for young visitors.

West Palm Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.


Is West Palm Beach or Boone Better for Students?

West Palm Beach
Boone

Boone is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, West Palm Beach is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Boone. This mountain town offers a great setting for students who enjoy hiking and skiing. Appalachian State University is a fun college with plenty of activities going on.

West Palm Beach is not popular with students.

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

West Palm Beach
Boone

West Palm Beach is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Boone is not known for its public transit.

While West Palm Beach offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. 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 generally limited in Boone. You really need a car to make the most of your time.

Is West Palm Beach or Boone a more walkable city?

West Palm Beach
Boone

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

Boone is very walkable. Head to King Street for the best shopping and the most pedestrian-friendly part of town.

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 Boone Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in West Palm Beach or Boone?

It's fun to spend time in either West Palm Beach or Boone. 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 Boone.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Boone 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 Boone.


  • How many days in West Palm Beach or Boone? Ideal Length of Stay
    West Palm Beach 3-7 
    Boone 2-4

One day in West Palm Beach or Boone?

In West Palm Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling that this fun-filled destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the beaches. This beach area 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.

Boone is a small town with plenty to do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Boone?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in West Palm Beach. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Boone might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Boone?

West Palm Beach is a fun place to experience. In West Palm Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the beaches. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Boone is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This town 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 Boone?

In West Palm Beach, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife that this fun-filled destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. 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 beaches. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Since Boone is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Boone or West Palm Beach?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • West Palm Beach Prices
    USA Prices
    Boone Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    West Palm Beach $378
    Boone $211

The average daily cost (per person) in West Palm Beach is $378, while the average daily cost in Boone is $211. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for West Palm Beach and Boone in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    West Palm Beach $234
    Boone $91
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    West Palm Beach $468
    Boone $182
Compare Hotels in West Palm Beach and Boone

Looking for a hotel in West Palm Beach or Boone? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in West Palm Beach


Hotels in Boone


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: West Palm Beach Hotel Prices and Boone Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    West Palm Beach $49
    Boone $33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in West Palm Beach

Also for West Palm Beach, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Palm Beach Airport (PBI) to Palm Beach City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $213
  • Cruise Port of Palm Beach to Palm Beach Arrival Private Transfer: $155
  • Private Transfer from PBI to Palm Beach City : $149
  • Limo Service Transfer To or From Palm Beach Airport and Hotels: $139
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Palm Beach Airport PBI to Palm Beach in Luxury SUV: $119
  • Palm Beach hotels to Cruise Port of Palm Beach - Departure Private Transfer : $109
  • Cruise Port of Palm Beach to Palm Beach hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $109
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Palm Beach Airport PBI to Palm Beach in Business Car: $103
  • Palm Beach Intl Airport (PBI) to Port of Palm Beach - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $84
  • Private Transfer from Palm Beach to Palm Beach Cruise Port: $72
  • Private Transfer from Palm Beach Airport (PBI) to Palm Beach Port: $72
  • Private Transfer from Cruise Port of Palm Beach to Palm Beach: $72

Is it cheaper to fly into West Palm Beach or Boone?

Prices for flights to both Boone and West Palm Beach change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    West Palm Beach $114
    Boone $91

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in West Palm Beach

For West Palm Beach, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Mornings in the Market Food Tour: $75
  • Mornings in the Market Food Tour: $75
  • Downtown West Palm Beach Food Tour: $94
  • Downtown Food Tour: $94
  • Food Tour of Historic West Palm Beach Neighborhoods: $105
  • Prohibition Dinner & Drinks Tour: $110
  • Prohibition Dinner & Drinks Tour: $110

Typical Food Prices in Boone

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Boone:


  • Restaurant Lunch for 2
    $20

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    West Palm Beach $19
    Boone $53

Tours and Activities in West Palm Beach

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for West Palm Beach.

  • 2 ½ - Hour Guided Snorkel Tour of Phil Foster park, Free Videos!: $44
  • 3 Hour Cruise & Swimming Excursion from Downtown West Palm Beach: $77
  • Beginner Scuba Diving Experience With Videos in West Palm Beach: $99
  • Blue Heron Bridge Guided Snorkel Tour : $80
  • Bulk Candy Store Tour: $13
  • Clear Kayak Eco Tour in Jupiter, Florida: $75
  • Clear Kayak Peanut Island Guided Tour Palm Beach Singer Island: $90
  • Cruise the Palm Beach Intracoastal on a 90 minute Tour : $65
  • Experience Peanut Island Adventures: $50
  • Experience Peanut Island Adventures with Go Pro : $300
  • Flamingle Happy Hour Cruise: $40
  • Guided Clear Kayak Eco-Tour of Jupiter: $89

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    West Palm Beach $39
    Boone $26


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

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 Boone Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, West Palm Beach or Boone?

West Palm Beach has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Boone. When comparing the sizes of West Palm Beach and Boone, 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.