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

Should you visit West Palm Beach or Galveston?

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

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Galveston? 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 diverse, vibrant, and fun-filled beach area. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and nightlife. See West Palm Beach travel costs.

Galveston

Galveston is a historic, charming, and coastal town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Galveston travel costs.

West Palm Beach and Galveston: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will generally find more to do in Galveston than West Palm Beach. While West Palm Beach is larger than Galveston, Galveston has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Galveston is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while West Palm Beach attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. West Palm Beach is famous for its nice resorts, a lively boardwalk, great seafood, and fun watersports. Galveston is famous for its long history that is centered around the shipping industry and hurricanes. It is also well known for Pleasure Pier.

How is West Palm Beach different from Galveston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Galveston offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. With its long history and Victorian homes, there are a number of museums around town. A favorite mansion is the 1892 Bishop's Palace. There's also the Galveston Railroad Museum and the Galveston Arts Center.

West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Galveston 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 Galveston. There's a great mix of seafood and Texas favorites. Seafood-lovers will enjoy the oysters, crab cakes, and po boys while land-lovers will like the brisket, Tex Mex, and Texas chili.

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 Galveston Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Galveston offers plenty to do in the evening. There's a bit of a party town vibe in the evenings. Head to Pleasure Pier for rides and entertainment. The town also has taverns, lounges, and bars that you can check out.

Is West Palm Beach or Galveston Better for Resorts?

West Palm Beach is an amazing beach area to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Galveston 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.

Galveston is not a resort destination.

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

West Palm Beach is great for its diving and snorkeling. However, Galveston 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.

Galveston is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Galveston Better for Beaches?

West Palm Beach is an amazing beach area to visit for the beach. Also, Galveston is not as popular, but is still a nice town for the beach.

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.

Galveston has a beach worth visiting. There are miles of beaches that spread out from town. Some of the best include Babe's Beach, Stewart Beach, and Crystal Beach. Because of the proximity to the Mississippi River, the water can be a bit murky, but the beaches are still fun.

Is West Palm Beach or Galveston Better for its Old Town?

Galveston is a popular place for its historic old town. However, West Palm Beach does not have a historic old town.

Galveston is a good destination for visiting its old town. The East End Historic District is filled with historic mansions with beautiful porches. It's possible to take a tour or you could explore independently.

West Palm Beach does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in West Palm Beach or Galveston?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Galveston. There are plenty of places to pick up souvenirs like shell jewelry or t-shirts. There are also more eclectic shops as well as shopping centers and malls.

West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Galveston Better for Families?

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

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.

Galveston is a very kid-friendly beach area. Head to Pier 21 where you'll find museums, harbor tours, and other kid-friendly activities. The city also offers a number of pirate-themed activities that kids enjoy as well as spooky ghost tours. For a bit of a thrill you can check out the rides at Galveston Pleasure Pier. And, of course, there are the beaches.

Is West Palm Beach or Galveston Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both West Palm Beach and Galveston 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.

Galveston is a very popular place to visit for couples. The Historic District is the perfect place to enjoy a nice meal and soak up the charm. The area's beaches and parks also offer a bit of romance and there are plenty of outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, or swimming.

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

West Palm Beach is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Galveston is not a good destination 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 Galveston. While there are buses and trolley buses, a car is the best way to get around with the greatest flexibility and convenience.

Is West Palm Beach or Galveston a more walkable city?

West Palm Beach and Galveston are nice when it comes to 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.

Galveston is a somewhat walkable place. There are some walkable areas such as the Historic District.

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

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

How long in West Palm Beach or Galveston?

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

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

One day in West Palm Beach or Galveston?

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 historic destination of Galveston offers nightlife and food. 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 Galveston?

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 town of Galveston 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 Galveston?

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.

Galveston is a great place to explore. 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 Galveston?

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

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 Galveston Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, West Palm Beach or Galveston?

West Palm Beach has a larger population, and is about 46% larger than the population of Galveston. When comparing the sizes of West Palm Beach and Galveston, 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 Galveston?

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 Galveston in the Summer?

Both Galveston and West Palm Beach are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to West Palm Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Galveston for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, West Palm Beach is around the same temperature as Galveston. Typically, the summer temperatures in West Palm Beach in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Galveston averages at about 84°F (29°C).

It's quite rainy in West Palm Beach. In July, West Palm Beach usually receives more rain than Galveston. West Palm Beach gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Galveston and West Palm Beach during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Galveston in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In October, West Palm Beach is generally a little warmer than Galveston. Daily temperatures in West Palm Beach average around 78°F (25°C), and Galveston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in West Palm Beach. West Palm Beach usually gets more rain in October than Galveston. West Palm Beach gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in West Palm Beach is the hurricane season.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both West Palm Beach and Galveston. Many visitors come to West Palm Beach in the winter for the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Galveston for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

West Palm Beach is much warmer than Galveston in the winter. The daily temperature in West Palm Beach averages around 65°F (19°C) in January, and Galveston fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

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

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

The spring brings many poeple to West Palm Beach as well as Galveston. Most visitors come to West Palm Beach for the beaches during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Galveston because of the beaches and the small town charm.

In the spring, West Palm Beach is around the same temperature as Galveston. Typically, the spring temperatures in West Palm Beach in April average around 74°F (23°C), and Galveston averages at about 70°F (21°C).

West Palm Beach usually gets more rain in April than Galveston. West Palm Beach gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in West Palm Beach is June to November.

Typical Weather for Galveston and West Palm Beach