A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Acapulco de Juarez vs. Tampa for Nightlife, Couples, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, and Beaches

Should you visit Acapulco de Juarez or Tampa?

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

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Tampa? 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.

Acapulco de Juarez

Acapulco de Juarez is a vibrant, built-up, and well-known city. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Tampa

Tampa is a easy-going, low-key, and laid-back city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include food and beaches.

Acapulco de Juarez and Tampa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Acapulco de Juarez or Tampa?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Acapulco de Juarez than Tampa. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Acapulco de Juarez is very popular for its museums, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and shopping, while Tampa attracts visitors for its big city activities. Acapulco de Juarez is more touristy than Tampa and is popular for its large hotels, golf courses, and lively bars and clubs. It is also well known for the cliff divers of La Quebrada. Tampa is famous for its amusement parks, wildlife parks, and popularity as a cruise ship port.

How is Acapulco de Juarez different from Tampa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Tampa and Acapulco de Juarez. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Acapulco de Juarez or Tampa?

Acapulco de Juarez is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Acapulco de Juarez specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of history and cultural museums in the city that can be a nice way to spend a rainy day.

Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Acapulco de Juarez or Tampa? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Acapulco de Juarez and Tampa can be an enjoyable experience.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Acapulco de Juarez area. The local cuisine is influenced by the area's indigenous cultures combined with Hispanic influences. Seafood is common as well.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Tampa. There are a surprising number of great local restaurants around town as well as a good food truck scene. Some favorite dishes include fresh caught seafood, Grouper sandwiches, and Cuban sandwiches.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Tampa Better for Nightlife?

Acapulco de Juarez is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. However, Tampa is lacking in options for nightlife.

Acapulco de Juarez has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is part of what originally put this city on the map. Spring break is a prime time for partying and you'll find many bars along Costera Street, with the liveliest around Condesa Beach.

Tampa is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The city has some good nightclubs, sports bars, and other spots where locals enjoy spending the evening.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Tampa Better for Resorts?

Acapulco de Juarez is an amazing city to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Tampa is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Acapulco de Juarez is a great choice. You'll find no shortage of resorts in the city, most with large pools and beachfront views.

Tampa is not a resort destination.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Tampa Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Acapulco de Juarez is an excellent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Tampa is lacking in options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Acapulco de Juarez. There are plenty of dive shops that offer snorkeling and scuba diving trips to premier spots.

Tampa has a few snorkeling spots. While the water isn't always the clearest, there are some nice snorkeling and diving spots in the area. Options include Shell Key and Egmont Key, Crystal River, and Fort De Soto.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Tampa Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Acapulco de Juarez and Tampa are high quality choices.

Acapulco de Juarez is considered a top beach destination. The beaches are well developed with restaurants, hotels and bars lining the long stretches of sand. You'll find all kinds of water sports and activities nearby and several of the most popular beaches include Condesa Beach, Caleta Beach, and Icacos Beach.

Tampa is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Popular beaches near Tampa include Ben T. Davis Beach, Fred Howard Park, and Indian Rocks Beach.

Is the Shopping Better in Acapulco de Juarez or Tampa?

Acapulco de Juarez is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Acapulco de Juarez has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find tons of beachside shops where you can pick up any beach supplies you may need as well as souvenirs from your trip. The city also has retail outlets and shopping centers.

Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Tampa Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Acapulco de Juarez or Tampa.

Acapulco de Juarez is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It may have been made famous by spring breakers, but families with kids will find plenty to do as well. There are water parks, playgrounds, museums and, of course, the beach.

Tampa is a very family-friendly destination. The city has a number of kid-oriented attractions including Busch Gardens Amusement Park, several kid-friendly museums, and a number of animal centers, aquariums, and wildlife rescue facilities.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Tampa Better for Couples?

Acapulco de Juarez is an amazing city to visit for couples. However, Tampa is lacking in options for romance.

Acapulco de Juarez makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Whether you're looking for an active nightlife scene, or romantic sunset walks, then this city has it all. The beach is active and beautiful, there are also botanical gardens and wonderful restaurants to experience.

Tampa is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The area does have great restaurants and some fun places to explore, but the downtown area has room for improvement and much of the city is suburban.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Tampa Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Acapulco de Juarez is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Tampa is lacking in options for its public transit.

Acapulco de Juarez has some public transit options. There's an elaborate and fun bus system that travels around the city.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Tampa. There is the street car that runs from downtown Tampa to Ybor City and stops at 11 stations.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Tampa a more walkable city?

Acapulco de Juarez is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Tampa is lacking in options for its walkability.

Acapulco de Juarez is a somewhat walkable city. The downtown and beachfront areas are the most walkable and many sights are within a short distance of each other.

Tampa is generally not very walkable. While there are some neighborhoods that are considered walkable, you really need a car if you hope to explore Tampa in depth.

For even more information, also check out Is Acapulco de Juarez Worth Visiting? and Is Tampa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Tampa or Acapulco de Juarez?

How long in Acapulco de Juarez or Tampa?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Acapulco de Juarez and Tampa. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Acapulco de Juarez than in Tampa. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Acapulco de Juarez, and 2-3 days is enough time in Tampa.

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

Couples should spend more time in Acapulco de Juarez than Tampa. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Acapulco de Juarez that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Acapulco de Juarez than Tampa 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 Acapulco de Juarez.

One day in Acapulco de Juarez or Tampa?

In Acapulco de Juarez, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this vibrant destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the nightlife. This city 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.

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the laid-back destination of Tampa. This city offers something for everyone. 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.

A weekend in Acapulco de Juarez or Tampa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Acapulco de Juarez. 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.

Tampa is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the low-key city of Tampa. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Tampa has to offer.

Five days in Acapulco de Juarez or Tampa?

Acapulco de Juarez is a fun place to experience. In Acapulco de Juarez, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the nightlife. 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.

Many people enjoy the food when visiting Tampa. Most people come for the beaches. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

A week in Acapulco de Juarez or Tampa?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the built-up destination of Acapulco de Juarez. 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 nightlife. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Tampa is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Acapulco de Juarez and Tampa, we can see that Tampa is more expensive. And not only is Acapulco de Juarez much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Acapulco de Juarez would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Acapulco de Juarez 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 Tampa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tampa than you might in Acapulco de Juarez.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Acapulco de Juarez Expensive? and Is Tampa Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Acapulco de Juarez or Tampa?

Acapulco de Juarez has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Tampa. When comparing the sizes of Acapulco de Juarez and Tampa, 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 Acapulco de Juarez or Tampa?

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 Acapulco de Juarez or Tampa in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Acapulco de Juarez as well as Tampa. The summer months attract visitors to Acapulco de Juarez because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tampa this time of year.

Acapulco de Juarez is around the same temperature as Tampa in the summer. The daily temperature in Acapulco de Juarez averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Tampa fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tampa. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Acapulco de Juarez this time of the year. In the summer, Acapulco de Juarez often gets less sunshine than Tampa. Acapulco de Juarez gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tampa receives 265 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Tampa. Acapulco de Juarez receives a lot of rain in the summer. Acapulco de Juarez usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Tampa. Acapulco de Juarez gets 209 mm (8.2 in) of rain, while Tampa receives 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Tampa in the Autumn?

Both Tampa and Acapulco de Juarez are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene are the main draw to Acapulco de Juarez this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Tampa for the city's sights and attractions.

In the autumn, Acapulco de Juarez is a little warmer than Tampa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez in October average around 28°C (83°F), and Tampa averages at about 75°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Tampa. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Acapulco de Juarez. Acapulco de Juarez usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Tampa during autumn. Acapulco de Juarez gets 245 hours of sunny skies, while Tampa receives 234 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Acapulco de Juarez. In October, Acapulco de Juarez usually receives more rain than Tampa. Acapulco de Juarez gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Tampa receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Tampa in the Winter?

Both Tampa and Acapulco de Juarez during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Acapulco de Juarez for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Tampa in the winter for the cuisine.

In January, Acapulco de Juarez is generally much warmer than Tampa. Daily temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez average around 26°C (79°F), and Tampa fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

In Tampa, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Acapulco de Juarez. In the winter, Acapulco de Juarez often gets more sunshine than Tampa. Acapulco de Juarez gets 272 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tampa receives 200 hours of full sun.

Acapulco de Juarez usually gets less rain in January than Tampa. Acapulco de Juarez gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Tampa receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Tampa in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Acapulco de Juarez and Tampa. Many visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Tampa for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

Acapulco de Juarez is a little warmer than Tampa in the spring. The daily temperature in Acapulco de Juarez averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Tampa fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tampa this time of the year. In Acapulco de Juarez, it's very sunny this time of the year. Acapulco de Juarez usually receives less sunshine than Tampa during spring. Acapulco de Juarez gets 274 hours of sunny skies, while Tampa receives 299 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Acapulco de Juarez usually receives less rain than Tampa. Acapulco de Juarez gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Tampa receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Tampa and Acapulco de Juarez