A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cabo San Lucas vs. Gainesville for Nightlife, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Cabo San Lucas or Gainesville?

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 Gainesville 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 wild, adventurous, and scenic city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Gainesville

Gainesville is a active, vibrant, and high energy city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cabo San Lucas and Gainesville: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cabo San Lucas or Gainesville?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cabo San Lucas. Although Cabo San Lucas and Gainesville are both popular with visitors, Cabo San Lucas has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cabo San Lucas is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Gainesville is known for its museums & sights. Cabo San Lucas is more touristy than Gainesville and is known for its beautiful coastline, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife scene. It is also home to Land's End. Gainesville is popular for being the home of the University of Florida

How is Cabo San Lucas different from Gainesville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Gainesville 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 Gainesville. There's a surprising number of museums around town such as the Florida Museum of Natural History, the Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art, and the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention. Also fascinating is the Historic Haile Homestead, the Butterfly Rainforest, and the city's planetarium.

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 Gainesville? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cabo San Lucas is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Gainesville has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Casual eateries are popular around town, particularly with the student population. There are grills, diners, and bistros that serve local dishes at affordable prices.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Gainesville Better for Nightlife?

Cabo San Lucas is very popular for nightlife. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Cabo San Lucas is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

Gainesville has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The nightlife centers around the student population. The two main party areas are Midtown and Downtown. Midtown is between Northwest 17th Street and Northwest 18th Street and it's convenient for students who live on campus. The area has a great stretch of bars and clubs. The Downtown area has many of the city's top clubs, and it's popular with upperclassmen and students who live off campus.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Gainesville Better for Resorts?

Cabo San Lucas is notable for its resorts. However, Gainesville is not a resort destination.

Cabo San Lucas is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. 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.

Gainesville is not a resort destination.

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

Cabo San Lucas is notable for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Gainesville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Cabo San Lucas to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Gainesville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Gainesville Better for Beaches?

Cabo San Lucas is notable for its beaches. However, Gainesville is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Cabo San Lucas. 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.

Gainesville is not a beach destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Gainesville Better for its Old Town?

Cabo San Lucas is notable for its historic old town. However, Gainesville does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Cabo San Lucas to see the historical old town. 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.

Gainesville does not have a historic old town.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Gainesville Better for Hiking?

Cabo San Lucas is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Gainesville is not a hiking destination.

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

Gainesville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cabo San Lucas or Gainesville?

Cabo San Lucas is notable for shopping. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Gainesville. You'll find all of the standard shopping options around town such as malls, shopping centers, and retail outlets. Two popular areas are the Neighborhoods at Butler and Celebration Pointe.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Gainesville Better for Families?

Cabo San Lucas is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Gainesville is a family-friendly city. You'll find outdoor activities, nature parks, and a couple of museums that will appeal to all ages. Highlights for families include A. Quinn Jones Museum and Cultural Center, the Adventure Outpost, and Alfred A. Ring Park.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Gainesville Better for Couples?

Cabo San Lucas is very popular for romance. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Cabo San Lucas has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Gainesville makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can enjoy wine tasting and fine dining or enjoying the city's many outdoor activities. Go on a picnic or explore one of the museums in Downtown Gainesville.

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

Cabo San Lucas is notable for backpackers. However, Gainesville is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Cabo San Lucas. It's a popular tourist destination, and there are a number of hostels and activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Gainesville is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the list for many travelers, but there are some cheap motels where budget travelers can stay.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Gainesville Better for Students?

Gainesville is a great destination for students. However, Cabo San Lucas is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Gainesville. As the location of the University of Florida, you'll find many students around town. This keeps the energy high with plenty of evening activities and affordable entertainment options.

Cabo San Lucas is not popular with students.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Gainesville 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 Gainesville.

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 Gainesville offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a decent bus system that's free to students and employees of the university.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Gainesville a more walkable city?

Cabo San Lucas is notable for its walkability. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Gainesville is a somewhat walkable place. Biking is actually a popular way to get around town and some areas are pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Gainesville or Cabo San Lucas?

How long in Cabo San Lucas or Gainesville?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cabo San Lucas or Gainesville to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Cabo San Lucas than Gainesville because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Cabo San Lucas, and 1-2 days is enough time in Gainesville.

Families should spend more time in Cabo San Lucas than Gainesville. 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 Gainesville. 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 Gainesville 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 Gainesville?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the scenic city of Cabo San Lucas. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the nightlife. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Gainesville, you'll find museums and nightlife. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Cabo San Lucas or Gainesville?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the wild destination of Cabo San Lucas. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Gainesville is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Cabo San Lucas or Gainesville?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the scenic city of Cabo San Lucas. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Gainesville. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Cabo San Lucas or Gainesville?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Cabo San Lucas. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the nightlife. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Gainesville. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, The Best Budget Tours to Mexico, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Cabo San Lucas or Gainesville?

Gainesville has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Cabo San Lucas. When comparing the sizes of Cabo San Lucas and Gainesville, 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.