A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cabo San Lucas vs. Boca Raton for Nightlife, Beaches, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Cabo San Lucas or Boca Raton?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cabo San Lucas and Boca Raton can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is a idyllic, wild, and adventurous city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Boca Raton

Boca Raton is a outdoorsy, relaxed, and luxurious coastal city. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Cabo San Lucas and Boca Raton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cabo San Lucas or Boca Raton?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cabo San Lucas than Boca Raton, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cabo San Lucas is better known for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Boca Raton is more popular for its museums and beaches. Cabo San Lucas is more touristy than Boca Raton and is popular for its beautiful coastline, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife scene. Also, Cabo San Lucas is famous for Land's End. Boca Raton is well known for its golf courses, outdoor recreational activities, and safe atmosphere.

How is Cabo San Lucas different from Boca Raton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Boca Raton and Cabo San Lucas. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cabo San Lucas or Boca Raton?

Boca Raton is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Cabo San Lucas is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Boca Raton. While most visitors focus on the beaches and outdoor activities in the area, there are also a surprising number of museums that you can visit. On a rainy day head to the Boca Raton Museum of Art or the Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum. Sports enthusiasts will like the Sports Immortals Museum and kids will want to check out the Children's Science Explorium.

Cabo San Lucas offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several historical sights in the area such as the Church of Saint Luke and San Jose del Cabo.

Is the Food Better in Cabo San Lucas or Boca Raton? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Cabo San Lucas and Boca Raton both to be very good destinations.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Cabo San Lucas makes for a great culinary experience. If you step away from the all-you-can-eat buffets in the resorts, and the tourist hot spots, you'll find some excellent local Mexican cuisine and nice fine dining restaurants. Fresh seafood and local produce make the dishes unique.

Boca Raton has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find a mix of local and international flavors with both casual and upscale dining available. Reservations are recommended, particularly on weekend nights. For the health-conscious, there's also a nice selection of healthy eateries to choose from.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Boca Raton Better for Nightlife?

Cabo San Lucas is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. Also, Boca Raton is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for nightlife.

People head to Cabo San Lucas just to party. It has a long reputation of being one of Mexico's best party destinations. There are wild, all-night dance parties, crazy and crowded clubs, and music that lasts well into the morning. The best nightlife can be found in the blocks around Plaza Bonita, near the marina boardwalk.

Boca Raton has plenty to do after the sun goes down. You'll find plenty of upscale wine bars, cocktail bars, and live music venues that will keep you entertained late into the evening.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Boca Raton Better for Resorts?

If luxury resorts are your style, both Cabo San Lucas and Boca Raton have very good options.

In Cabo San Lucas, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Many of the resorts are along parts of the coastline where it's not safe to swim. If you really want to enjoy swimming at a beachfront property, make sure you do some research in advance. Medano Beach is a nice area to consider.

There are plenty of resorts in Boca Raton to choose from. You'll find many luxury beachside resorts that offer all of the amenities, from access to golf course to family-friendly kids clubs.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Boca Raton Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cabo San Lucas is great for snorkeling and scuba diving. Also, Boca Raton is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Cabo San Lucas. There are many snorkeling and scuba diving excursions that go out on half day and full day trips. Some of the best snorkeling is found at Cabo Pulmo, which has the only living coral reef in the Sea of Cortez.

Boca Raton has a few good snorkeling spots. Head to the "Aqua Zoo", which is just to the south of Boca Inlet to see stingrays, groupers, and moray eels. Red Reef Park offers excellent snorkeling as well.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Boca Raton Better for Beaches?

Boca Raton is a world-class destination for its beaches. Also, Cabo San Lucas is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beache.

Boca Raton is considered to be a world-class beach destination. There's a two mile stretch of beautiful sandy beaches that are all monitored by lifeguards. The beaches offer all of the facilities that you might need such as picnic areas, restrooms, and showers. Many beaches are part of park land and some offer nice snorkeling. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Spanish River Park, Bark Park Dog Beach, Red Reef Beach, and South Beach Park.

Many people visit Cabo San Lucas for it's beautiful beaches. Because of the water conditions, it's not safe to swim at many of the beaches in the area. This is particularly true on the Pacific side of the city. Many people consider Medano Beach to be one of the best in the area, but also nice are Lover's Beach, the ironically named Divorce Beach, and Chileno Beach.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Boca Raton Better for its Old Town?

Cabo San Lucas is great for its historic old town charm. However, Boca Raton does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Cabo San Lucas. San Jose del Cabo is an "old town" that's a bit outside of town. It's particularly nice to visit on Thursdays when there's a nice market.

Boca Raton does not have a historic old town.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Boca Raton Better for Hiking?

Cabo San Lucas is great for hiking. Also, Boca Raton is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Cabo San Lucas for the hiking trails. It's not hard to get out into nature and you'll find many great hiking trails that go through varied and beautiful landscapes.

Boca Raton is a good destination for hiking. There's a surprising number of nature parks in the area that have hiking trails, nature walks, and beach paths that are fun to explore.

Is the Shopping Better in Cabo San Lucas or Boca Raton?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Boca Raton and Cabo San Lucas.

Cabo San Lucas is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are many great shopping areas where you can pick up souvenirs or other interesting items to remember your trip. There are mall, markets, and boutique vendors that sell a variety of products.

Boca Raton is well-known for its shopping. It's an upscale area, and you'll find no shortage of luxury shopping around town. Popular areas for shopping include Downtown Boca, Mizner Park, and the Town Center at Boca Raton.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Boca Raton Better for Families?

Both Cabo San Lucas and Boca Raton are very good to visit with kids.

Cabo San Lucas is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the snorkeling, boat rides, and kid-friendly cuisine. There are many places where kids can get up close and personal with animals, such as Wild Canyon’s Kingdom or camel riding. You might even be able to see migrating whales during your visit. Surfing, fishing, and hiking are also popular in the area.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Boca Raton is very family-friendly. It's an upscale area with a family-friendly atmosphere and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Many of the hotels have kids clubs that will keep the young ones entertained. The area also has nature centers, children's museums, and waterparks that will ensure everyone stays entertained.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Boca Raton Better for Couples?

Cabo San Lucas is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Boca Raton is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for romance.

Cabo San Lucas is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It has long been a favorite honeymoon destination and couples who enjoy a beach paradise with wildlife, diving, and outdoor adventures will appreciate Cabo San Lucas. There's also amazing Mexican food and world class resorts.

Boca Raton is a very popular place to visit for couples. There's an upscale vibe with plenty of nature trails and nice beaches. Many of the hotels offer a touch of luxury that honeymooning couples will appreciate. You can also head to the downtown area for music, events, and museums.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Boca Raton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cabo San Lucas is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Boca Raton is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Cabo San Lucas. It's a popular tourist destination, and there are a number of hostels and activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Boca Raton is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's known for its upscale luxury, and you won't find much in the form of hostels or backpacker-friendly accommodation.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Boca Raton Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Cabo San Lucas and Boca Raton.

You'll find some public transit in Cabo San Lucas, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses make up the main form of public transit. They are called Subercabos and run between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.

While Boca Raton offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The Downtowner is a fleet of free, oversized golf cars that shuttle visitors around town, passing by many top sites such as Mizner Park, Red Reef Park, and the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. There's also a public bus system, Palm Tran, that offers service around town.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Boca Raton a more walkable city?

Cabo San Lucas is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Boca Raton is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its walkability.

Cabo San Lucas is a very walkable destination. The town is relatively easy to walk around with many things close together.

Boca Raton is somewhat walkable. There are some communities within the city that are more walkable than others, particularly East Boca Raton, Royal Palm Place, and Mizner Park. There are also many pedestrian and bike paths around town. Even so, you really must have a car to explore the area in depth.

For even more information, also check out Is Cabo San Lucas Worth Visiting? and Is Boca Raton Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Boca Raton or Cabo San Lucas?

How long in Cabo San Lucas or Boca Raton?

In either Cabo San Lucas or Boca Raton, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cabo San Lucas than Boca Raton because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Cabo San Lucas, and 3-5 days is enough time in Boca Raton.

Families should spend more time in Cabo San Lucas than Boca Raton. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Cabo San Lucas, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Cabo San Lucas than Boca Raton. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cabo San Lucas that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cabo San Lucas than Boca Raton 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 Cabo San Lucas.

One day in Cabo San Lucas or Boca Raton?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the adventurous city of Cabo San Lucas, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Boca Raton, you'll find nightlife and food. Most people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cabo San Lucas or Boca Raton?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Cabo San Lucas, 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.

Boca Raton is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Cabo San Lucas or Boca Raton?

Cabo San Lucas, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Boca Raton. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Cabo San Lucas or Boca Raton?

Cabo San Lucas is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the coastal city of Boca Raton. It's also a great beach destination, too. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. One week 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cabo San Lucas Expensive? and Is Boca Raton Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cabo San Lucas or Boca Raton?

Boca Raton has a larger population, and is about 89% larger than the population of Cabo San Lucas. When comparing the sizes of Cabo San Lucas and Boca Raton, 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.