A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Acapulco de Juarez vs. Wilmington for Nightlife, Couples, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Acapulco de Juarez or Wilmington?

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

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Wilmington? 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 built-up, well-known, and vibrant city. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food. See Acapulco de Juarez travel costs.

Wilmington

Wilmington is a welcoming, charming, and historic city. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Wilmington travel costs.

Acapulco de Juarez and Wilmington: Pros and Cons

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

You'll generally find more things to do in Acapulco de Juarez than Wilmington. Acapulco de Juarez is bigger than Wilmington, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Acapulco de Juarez is better known for its nightlife, resorts, and scuba diving & snorkeling, while Wilmington is more popular for its museums and attractions and historical sights. Acapulco de Juarez is more touristy than Wilmington and is popular for its large hotels, golf courses, and lively bars and clubs. Also, Acapulco de Juarez is famous for the cliff divers of La Quebrada. Wilmington is well known for its laid back beaches, historical waterfront area, and university setting.

How is Acapulco de Juarez different from Wilmington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Wilmington is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Acapulco de Juarez is a city with minimal options for its historical sights.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Wilmington. There are art, history, and science museums around town. The Battleship North Carolina is a popular destination. Science enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science or the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. For art, head to the Cameron Art Museum or Art in Bloom Gallery.

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.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Acapulco de Juarez and Wilmington 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 Wilmington. Head to the waterfront for local seafood restaurants that offer outdoor seating and fresh caught fish. There are also farm-to-table restaurants and local diners with casual food.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Wilmington Better for Nightlife?

Acapulco de Juarez is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Acapulco de Juarez is a world class party destination. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Wilmington. Live music is popular around town. There are also bars, lounges and dance clubs. When the weather is warm, many places make use of the outdoor setting, which makes for a relaxed and fun evening.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Wilmington Better for Resorts?

Acapulco de Juarez is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Wilmington is not a resort destination.

Acapulco de Juarez offers an unforgettable resort vacation. You'll find no shortage of resorts in the city, most with large pools and beachfront views.

Wilmington is not a resort destination.

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

Acapulco de Juarez is great for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Wilmington is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Acapulco de Juarez to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. There are plenty of dive shops that offer snorkeling and scuba diving trips to premier spots.

Wilmington is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Wilmington Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Acapulco de Juarez and Wilmington are very good 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.

Wilmington is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Nearby you'll find Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They have long stretches of sand and great waves. The water is usually warm enough for swimming between the months of April and October. During these peak months parking can be challenging, but during the quieter times, you shouldn't have trouble.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Wilmington Better for its Old Town?

Wilmington is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Acapulco de Juarez does not have a historic old town.

Wilmington offers a nice historic old town area. The Historic District is along the waterfront and has 18th and 19th century architecture. There are also great restaurants and interesting shops.

Acapulco de Juarez does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Acapulco de Juarez or Wilmington?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Wilmington and Acapulco de Juarez.

Many visitors go to Acapulco de Juarez to go shopping. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Wilmington. Head downtown for the most interesting local shops. You'll find boutiques and souvenir shops where you can pick up art, accessories, or antiques.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Wilmington Better for Families?

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

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.

Wilmington is a very family-friendly destination. Near town you'll find several beaches - Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They're all family-friendly and perfect for a day's activity. The city also has the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, the Children's Museum of Wilmington, and the Wilmington Railroad Museum. For a rainy day there are also indoor play areas and entertainment centers.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Wilmington Better for Couples?

Acapulco de Juarez is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Acapulco de Juarez has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Wilmington is a very popular place to visit for couples. The beaches are great for a relaxing day of swimming and sunbathing. In the evening head into town and enjoy one of the local seafood restaurants on the waterfront. You'll also find great shopping and historical sights in the area.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Wilmington Better for Students?

Wilmington is a popular place for students. However, Acapulco de Juarez is not popular with students.

Wilmington is popular with students. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a popular school that brings many students to town.

Acapulco de Juarez is not popular with students.

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

Acapulco de Juarez is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Wilmington is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Acapulco de Juarez offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's an elaborate and fun bus system that travels around the city.

Public transit is generally limited in Wilmington. There are public buses around town, but for practical reasons, you'll want to have your own vehicle.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Wilmington a more walkable city?

Acapulco de Juarez and Wilmington both are notable when exploring on foot.

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.

Wilmington is somewhat walkable. The Historic District is best explored on foot. You can also get around Wrightsville Beach on foot, but traveling between these places requires a car.

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

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

How long in Acapulco de Juarez or Wilmington?

In either Acapulco de Juarez or Wilmington, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Acapulco de Juarez has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Acapulco de Juarez than Wilmington. In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Acapulco de Juarez, and 2-5 days is enough time in Wilmington.

Couples should spend more time in Acapulco de Juarez than Wilmington. 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.

One day in Acapulco de Juarez or Wilmington?

With shopping and nightlife around the well-known city of Acapulco de Juarez, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the historic destination of Wilmington. 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 Wilmington?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Acapulco de Juarez, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Wilmington is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming city of Wilmington. 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 Wilmington has to offer.

Five days in Acapulco de Juarez or Wilmington?

Acapulco de Juarez, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Wilmington. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Most people come for the beaches. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Wilmington has to offer.

A week in Acapulco de Juarez or Wilmington?

Acapulco de Juarez is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Wilmington 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 Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Acapulco de Juarez and Wilmington, we can see that Wilmington 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 Wilmington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Wilmington 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 Wilmington Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Acapulco de Juarez or Wilmington?

Acapulco de Juarez has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Wilmington. When comparing the sizes of Acapulco de Juarez and Wilmington, 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 Wilmington?

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 Wilmington in the Summer?

Both Wilmington and Acapulco de Juarez during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Acapulco de Juarez for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Wilmington in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Acapulco de Juarez is around the same temperature as Wilmington. Typically, the summer temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Wilmington averages at about 81°F (27°C).

In Wilmington, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Acapulco de Juarez. In the summer, Acapulco de Juarez often gets less sunshine than Wilmington. Acapulco de Juarez gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wilmington receives 283 hours of full sun.

Wilmington gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Acapulco de Juarez. Acapulco de Juarez usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Wilmington. Acapulco de Juarez gets 209 mm (8.2 in) of rain, while Wilmington receives 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Acapulco de Juarez and Wilmington. Many visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Wilmington for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Acapulco de Juarez is generally much warmer than Wilmington. Daily temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez average around 28°C (83°F), and Wilmington fluctuates around 65°F (18°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wilmington this time of the year. In Acapulco de Juarez, it's very sunny this time of the year. Acapulco de Juarez usually receives more sunshine than Wilmington during autumn. Acapulco de Juarez gets 245 hours of sunny skies, while Wilmington receives 227 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Acapulco de Juarez gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Acapulco de Juarez usually receives more rain than Wilmington. Acapulco de Juarez gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Wilmington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

The winter brings many poeple to Acapulco de Juarez as well as Wilmington. Most visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Wilmington because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Acapulco de Juarez is much warmer than Wilmington in the winter. The daily temperature in Acapulco de Juarez averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Wilmington fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Acapulco de Juarez this time of the year. In the winter, Acapulco de Juarez often gets more sunshine than Wilmington. Acapulco de Juarez gets 272 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wilmington receives 180 hours of full sun.

Acapulco de Juarez usually gets less rain in January than Wilmington. Acapulco de Juarez gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Wilmington receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Wilmington and Acapulco de Juarez are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Acapulco de Juarez because of the beaches. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Wilmington this time of year.

In the spring, Acapulco de Juarez is much warmer than Wilmington. Typically, the spring temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Wilmington averages at about 63°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Wilmington. 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 Wilmington during spring. Acapulco de Juarez gets 274 hours of sunny skies, while Wilmington receives 278 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Acapulco de Juarez usually receives less rain than Wilmington. Acapulco de Juarez gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Wilmington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Wilmington and Acapulco de Juarez