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

Should you visit West Palm Beach or Santa Fe?

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

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Santa Fe? 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.

Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a charming, artsy, and cultural historic town. Santa Fe is a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Santa Fe travel costs.

West Palm Beach and Santa Fe: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in West Palm Beach or Santa Fe?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Santa Fe than West Palm Beach, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Santa Fe is better known for its skiing, museums and attractions, food, music, historical sights, hiking, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while West Palm Beach is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. West Palm Beach is more touristy than Santa Fe and is known for its nice resorts, a lively boardwalk, great seafood, and fun watersports. Santa Fe is well known for its strong arts scene, its Pueblo-style architecture, and its unique local cuisine. Also, Santa Fe is famous for The Museum of New Mexico Complex.

How is West Palm Beach different from Santa Fe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is West Palm Beach or Santa Fe Better for Skiing?

Santa Fe is a popular place for skiing. However, West Palm Beach is not a skiing destination.

Santa Fe is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. There are a few good ski resorts not far from Santa Fe. Popular options include Taos Ski Valley, Ski Santa Fe, Pajarito Mountain Ski Area, and Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort.

West Palm Beach is not a skiing destination.

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

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

Santa Fe is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Head to the Museum of New Mexico Complex, which has four museums that give a great overview of the history of the area. Also make sure you visit the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi and the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum.

West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Santa Fe is a great historic town 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 Santa Fe. There are many local restaurants that use regional ingredients and offer great flavors. There are also cafes and bistros where you can enjoy breakfast or brunch. Local dishes include sopaipillas made with Native American fry bread, slow-cooked beans, and anything made with red and green chili peppers.

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 Santa Fe Better for Nightlife?

West Palm Beach is a great beach area for its evening party scene. However, Santa Fe is not known for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Santa Fe specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. While most of the town quiets down at night, the city has a few areas that stay active late into the night. Live music is popular and diverse. It often includes different genres such as the blues, country, salsa or bluegrass.

Is West Palm Beach or Santa Fe Better for Music?

Santa Fe is a popular place for live music. However, West Palm Beach is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Santa Fe is active and vibrant. The town has an eclectic music scene that includes a mix of the blues, country, Latin American music, and bluegrass.

West Palm Beach is not a live music destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Santa Fe Better for Resorts?

West Palm Beach is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Santa Fe 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.

Santa Fe is not a resort destination.

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

West Palm Beach is a great beach area for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Santa Fe 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.

Santa Fe is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Santa Fe Better for Beaches?

West Palm Beach is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Santa Fe 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.

Santa Fe is not a beach destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Santa Fe Better for its Old Town?

Santa Fe is a great historic town for its historic old town. However, West Palm Beach does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Santa Fe. As the 2nd oldest city in the United States, the old town historic district is filled with charm. The Pueblo-style buildings are brightly colored and there are churches throughout.

West Palm Beach does not have a historic old town.

Is West Palm Beach or Santa Fe Better for Hiking?

Santa Fe is a popular place for hiking. However, West Palm Beach is not a hiking destination.

Santa Fe is a good destination for hiking. Because it's located right by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, there are many beautiful hikes right outside of town. Popular trails include the Picacho Peak Trail and the Nambe Lake Trail. Bandelier National also has many places to hike.

West Palm Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in West Palm Beach or Santa Fe?

Santa Fe is a great historic town for shopping. However, West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Santa Fe. There are many unique shops and art galleries that feature local artists and craftsmen.

West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Santa Fe More Beautiful?

Santa Fe is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, West Palm Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Santa Fe is a gorgeous place to visit. This cultural city has a unique beauty that is hard to find anywhere else.

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

Is West Palm Beach or Santa Fe Better for Families?

West Palm Beach is a great beach area for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town 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.

Santa Fe is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a few kids' museums in Santa Fe including the Santa Fe Children's Museum and the Meow Wolf Art Complex. Kids also enjoy the botanical gardens at Museum Hill and Bandelier National Monument just outside of the city.

Is West Palm Beach or Santa Fe Better for Couples?

West Palm Beach is a great beach area for couples. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town for romance.

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.

Santa Fe is a nice destination for couples. There are many romantic inns around town, each with a lot of character. The town also has a lot of atmosphere that makes for a romantic getaway.

Is West Palm Beach or Santa Fe Better for Students?

Santa Fe is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, West Palm Beach is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Santa Fe. There are a few colleges and universities in town and students will appreciate the reasonable cost of living and outdoor activities nearby.

West Palm Beach is not popular with students.

Is West Palm Beach or Santa Fe 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, Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe. There is a bus system - the Santa Fe Trails Bus Service.

Is West Palm Beach or Santa Fe a more walkable city?

Santa Fe is a great historic 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.

Santa Fe is very walkable. The historic district is walkable and it's easy to visit most of the tourist sights in this area on foot.

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 Santa Fe Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Fe or West Palm Beach?

How long in West Palm Beach or Santa Fe?

In either West Palm Beach or Santa Fe, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in West Palm Beach than Santa Fe because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for West Palm Beach, and 2-5 days is enough time in Santa Fe.

Families should spend more time in West Palm Beach than Santa Fe. 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 Santa Fe. 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 Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe.

One day in West Palm Beach or Santa Fe?

The beach area of West Palm Beach offers scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The historic destination of Santa Fe offers live music and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Santa Fe?

West Palm Beach is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

The historic town of Santa Fe offers food and shopping. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Santa Fe?

West Palm Beach is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in West Palm Beach, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Santa Fe is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This historic town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in West Palm Beach or Santa Fe?

West Palm Beach is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that West Palm Beach has to offer. This beach area offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the museums and skiing when visiting Santa Fe. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Santa Fe, we can see that West Palm Beach is more expensive. And not only is Santa Fe much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Santa Fe would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe.

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 Santa Fe Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, West Palm Beach or Santa Fe?

West Palm Beach has a larger population, and is about 19% larger than the population of Santa Fe. When comparing the sizes of West Palm Beach and Santa Fe, 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.