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

Should you visit Cabo San Lucas or Roanoke?

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 Roanoke 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Roanoke

Roanoke is a outdoorsy, laid back, and scenic town. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cabo San Lucas and Roanoke: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cabo San Lucas than Roanoke, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cabo San Lucas is more touristy than Roanoke and is popular for its beautiful coastline, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife scene. Also, Cabo San Lucas is famous for Land's End. Roanoke is well known for its welcoming hospitality and convenient access to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

How is Cabo San Lucas different from Roanoke?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Cabo San Lucas and Roanoke have notable landmarks and museums for visitors.

Cabo San Lucas is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several historical sights in the area such as the Church of Saint Luke and San Jose del Cabo.

Roanoke offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several museums and sights around town such as the Living-Coral Reef Aquarium, the Science Museum of Western Virginia, and the Taubman Museum of Art. There's also the Harrison Museum of African American Culture and even the Roanoke Pinball Museum.

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

Cabo San Lucas is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Roanoke is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Cabo San Lucas has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Roanoke offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are burger joints, pizza restaurants, and plenty of other casual eateries where you can grab a quick meal.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Roanoke Better for Nightlife?

Cabo San Lucas is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife.

Cabo San Lucas is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Roanoke. There are local venues in the area that have drinks and often live music. You'll find jazz, country, rock, and bluegrass, particularly along Crooked Road in Franklin County.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Roanoke Better for Resorts?

Cabo San Lucas is a great city for its luxury resorts. However, Roanoke is not a resort destination.

Cabo San Lucas is known as a popular and fun resort destination. 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.

Roanoke is not a resort destination.

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

Cabo San Lucas is a great city for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Roanoke is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting 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.

Roanoke is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Roanoke Better for Beaches?

Cabo San Lucas is a great city for the beach. However, Roanoke is not a beach destination.

Cabo San Lucas is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Roanoke is not a beach destination.

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

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

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Roanoke does not have a historic old town.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Roanoke Better for Hiking?

Both Cabo San Lucas and Roanoke are destinations which offer excellent hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Cabo San Lucas. It's not hard to get out into nature and you'll find many great hiking trails that go through varied and beautiful landscapes.

Many visitors go to Roanoke for the hiking trails. The surrounding countryside is filled with mountain hikes. The Blue Ridge Mountains are crossed by trails that take you to waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and through serene forest. McAfee Knob, Sharp Top Mountain, and Roaring Run Trail some of the best hikes in the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Cabo San Lucas or Roanoke?

Cabo San Lucas is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Cabo San Lucas. 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.

Roanoke is a great destination for shopping. Market Street in Downtown Roanoke is lined with local vendors, particularly at the Historic Roanoke City Market. The town also has a mall and several shopping centers.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Roanoke Better for Families?

Cabo San Lucas is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Cabo San Lucas. 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.

Roanoke is a family-friendly place to visit. The Blue Ridge Parkway is filled with kid-friendly hiking trails and fun outdoor activities. You can visit the Blue Ridge Institute & Farm Museum or Smith Mountain Lake Farm. There's also Virginia Children's Theater.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Roanoke Better for Couples?

Cabo San Lucas is renowned for couples. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

Cabo San Lucas makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Roanoke is a very popular place to visit for couples. Staying at a quaint bed and breakfast, tucked into the beautiful mountain setting is the perfect romantic getaway. Nearby there are vineyards and wine cellars, as well as gardens, hikes, and other outdoor activities.

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

Cabo San Lucas is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Roanoke is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are several campgrounds in the area as well as great hiking trails.

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

Cabo San Lucas is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Roanoke is not known for its public transit.

While Cabo San Lucas offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Buses make up the main form of public transit. They are called Subercabos and run between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.

Public transit is generally limited in Roanoke. There are buses as well as a free trolley service through the downtown, but you really do need a car to get most places.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Roanoke a more walkable city?

Cabo San Lucas is a great city for its ease of walking around. However, Roanoke is not known for its walkability.

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

Roanoke is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, with sidewalks and more dense development styles.

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

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

How long in Cabo San Lucas or Roanoke?

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

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

In Cabo San Lucas, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Roanoke, you'll find nightlife and shopping. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Cabo San Lucas or Roanoke?

In Cabo San Lucas, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Roanoke is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Roanoke?

Cabo San Lucas is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cabo San Lucas has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Roanoke. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Roanoke?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cabo San Lucas. In Cabo San Lucas, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the town of Roanoke. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours 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 Cabo San Lucas and Roanoke, we can see that Roanoke 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 Roanoke would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Roanoke 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 Roanoke Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cabo San Lucas or Roanoke?

Roanoke has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Cabo San Lucas. When comparing the sizes of Cabo San Lucas and Roanoke, 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.