A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers West Palm Beach vs. Vernon for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit West Palm Beach or Vernon?

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

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Vernon? 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. Other popular activities here include beaches, nightlife, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See West Palm Beach travel costs.

Vernon

Vernon is a peaceful, relaxing, and quiet town. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and hiking. See Vernon travel costs.

West Palm Beach and Vernon: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


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

Visitors will usually find more to do in West Palm Beach than Vernon, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. West Palm Beach is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Vernon is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, hiking, and shopping. West Palm Beach is more touristy than Vernon and is popular for its nice resorts, a lively boardwalk, great seafood, and fun watersports. Also, West Palm Beach is famous for Rosemary Square. Vernon is well known for its surrounding valley with lakes and hiking trails.

How is West Palm Beach different from Vernon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

West Palm Beach
Vernon

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

Vernon is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are local galleries and museums that offer information on the region's history and culture. You can visit the Canadian Wildlife Museum, the Caetani Center, the Museum and Archives of Vernon, the Paddlewheel Park Stationhouse Museum, and the Vernon Public Art Gallery.

West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


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

West Palm Beach
Vernon

Vernon 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 Vernon. The region is known for its vineyards and wineries and many of the local restaurants have been around for generations. The food is often locally produced and prepared with traditional recipes.

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 Vernon Better for Nightlife?

West Palm Beach
Vernon

West Palm Beach is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Vernon is not a good town for nightlife.

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 Vernon. The town gets very quiet in the evenings, so you won't find much of a nightlife scene.

Is West Palm Beach or Vernon Better for Resorts?

West Palm Beach
Vernon

West Palm Beach is terrific for its resorts. However, Vernon 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.

Vernon is not a resort destination.


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

West Palm Beach
Vernon

West Palm Beach is a well-known place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Vernon 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.

Vernon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Vernon Better for Beaches?

West Palm Beach
Vernon

West Palm Beach is terrific for the beach. However, Vernon 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.

Vernon is not a beach destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Vernon Better for Hiking?

West Palm Beach
Vernon

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

Many visitors go to Vernon for the hiking trails. The surrounding valley has more than 300 kilometers of hiking trails. They run along pristine lakes, pass by granite rock formations, and take you to impressive viewpoints.

West Palm Beach is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in West Palm Beach or Vernon?

West Palm Beach
Vernon

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Vernon. There are a number of boutique shops that are fun to explore in the downtown area.

West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Vernon Better for Families?

West Palm Beach
Vernon

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

West Palm Beach is known to be 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.

Vernon is a family-friendly beach area. There are biking and hiking trails as well as other outdoor activities. You can also visit the Allan Brooks Nature Center or the Rock Garden Climbing Center.

Is West Palm Beach or Vernon Better for Couples?

West Palm Beach
Vernon

West Palm Beach is a well-known place for couples. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

West Palm Beach is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Vernon is a nice destination for couples. It offers a peaceful getaway for couples. You can visit the Okanagan wineries or enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also nice restaurants to try.


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

West Palm Beach
Vernon

West Palm Beach is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Vernon is not a good town 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 mostly limited in Vernon. There is a bus system, but it's better not to rely on it.

Is West Palm Beach or Vernon a more walkable city?

West Palm Beach
Vernon

West Palm Beach is a nice place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Vernon is not a good town for its walkability.

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

Vernon is generally not a very walkable beach area. You'll really want to have a car to make the most of your time here.

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

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

How long in West Palm Beach or Vernon?

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

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


  • How many days in West Palm Beach or Vernon? Ideal Length of Stay
    West Palm Beach 3-7 
    Vernon 1-3

One day in West Palm Beach or Vernon?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the destination of West Palm Beach. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The quiet destination of Vernon offers shopping and museums. 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 enough time to experience most activities.


A weekend in West Palm Beach or Vernon?

West Palm Beach is a great place to explore. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

The town of Vernon 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 Vernon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in West Palm Beach. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Vernon 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 Vernon?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the diverse destination of West Palm Beach. This beach area offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Vernon. 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, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada, and The Best Adventure Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Vernon 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
    Vernon Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    West Palm Beach $378
    Vernon $49

The average daily cost (per person) in West Palm Beach is $378, while the average daily cost in Vernon is $49. 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 Vernon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    West Palm Beach $234
    Vernon $4.81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    West Palm Beach $468
    Vernon $9.62
Compare Hotels in West Palm Beach and Vernon

Looking for a hotel in West Palm Beach or Vernon? 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 Vernon


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 Vernon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    West Palm Beach $49
    Vernon -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in West Palm Beach

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

  • Port of Palm Beach to Palm Beach Intl Airport (PBI) - Departure Private Transfer: $42
  • Palm Beach International Airport: Transfer to Palm Beach: $70
  • Private Transfer from Palm Beach Airport (PBI) to Palm Beach Port: $72
  • Private Transfer from Cruise Port of Palm Beach to Palm Beach: $72
  • Private Transfer from Palm Beach to Palm Beach Cruise Port: $72
  • Cruise Port of Palm Beach to Palm Beach hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $109
  • Limo Service Transfer To or From Palm Beach Airport and Hotels: $139
  • Private Transfer from PBI to Palm Beach City : $149
  • Cruise Port of Palm Beach to Palm Beach Arrival Private Transfer: $155
  • Palm Beach Airport (PBI) to Palm Beach City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $212

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

Prices for flights to both Vernon 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
    Vernon $43

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    West Palm Beach $19
    Vernon -

Tours and Activities in West Palm Beach

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

  • Wish You Were Here Tourism in the Palm Beaches Exhibit Entry: $12
  • 45-Minute Candy Evolution Tour with Guide: $13
  • Bulk Candy Store Tour: $13
  • Sound Bath Meditation and Yoga Experience: Retail Therapy Gift for Women: $25
  • Stuart Ghost Tour: Sinister Sins & Shadows Ghost Tour: $32
  • Flamingle Happy Hour Cruise: $40
  • 2 ½ - Hour Guided Snorkel Tour of Phil Foster park, Free Videos!: $44
  • Guided Snorkel Experience, Free Videos in West Palm Beach: $45
  • Experience Peanut Island Adventures: $50
  • Sun & Sightseeing Hakuna Matata Catamaran Cruise in Palm Beach: $51
  • Scenic Sunset Cruise in West Palm Beach: $51
  • Palm Beach: Sightseeing Catamaran Cruise: $54

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    West Palm Beach $39
    Vernon $13


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

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 Vernon Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, West Palm Beach or Vernon?

West Palm Beach has a larger population, and is about 74% larger than the population of Vernon. When comparing the sizes of West Palm Beach and Vernon, 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 Vernon?

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 Vernon in the Summer?

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

In July, West Palm Beach is generally a little warmer than Vernon. Daily temperatures in West Palm Beach average around 82°F (28°C), and Vernon fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in West Palm Beach. West Palm Beach usually gets more rain in July than Vernon. West Palm Beach gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    West Palm Beach 82°F (28°C) 
    Vernon 23°C (73°F)

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both West Palm Beach and Vernon. Also, most visitors come to Vernon for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

West Palm Beach is much warmer than Vernon in the autumn. The daily temperature in West Palm Beach averages around 78°F (25°C) in October, and Vernon fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

West Palm Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, West Palm Beach usually receives more rain than Vernon. West Palm Beach gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in West Palm Beach is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    West Palm Beach 78°F (25°C) 
    Vernon 11°C (51°F)

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

The winter brings many poeple to West Palm Beach as well as Vernon. Most visitors come to West Palm Beach for the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Vernon because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Vernon can be very cold. In the winter, West Palm Beach is much warmer than Vernon. Typically, the winter temperatures in West Palm Beach in January average around 65°F (19°C), and Vernon averages at about -3°C (27°F).

West Palm Beach usually gets more rain in January than Vernon. West Palm Beach gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    West Palm Beach 65°F (19°C) 
    Vernon -3°C (27°F)

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

Both Vernon and West Palm Beach are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to West Palm Beach because of the beaches.

In April, West Palm Beach is generally much warmer than Vernon. Daily temperatures in West Palm Beach average around 74°F (23°C), and Vernon fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In April, West Palm Beach usually receives more rain than Vernon. West Palm Beach gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in West Palm Beach.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    West Palm Beach 74°F (23°C) 
    Vernon 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Vernon and West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach Vernon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 65°F (19°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) -3°C (27°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Feb 66°F (19°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 2°C (35°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 70°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 7°C (44°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 74°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 12°C (53°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
May 78°F (25°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm) 16°C (61°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 8.1 inches (207 mm) 21°C (69°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (166 mm) 23°C (73°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (176 mm) 23°C (73°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 9.8 inches (250 mm) 17°C (63°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Oct 78°F (25°C) 8.7 inches (222 mm) 11°C (51°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Nov 72°F (22°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm) 4°C (39°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Dec 67°F (20°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) -1°C (30°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)