A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ensenada vs. Everglades National Park for Food, Backpackers, Attractions, and Families

Should you visit Ensenada or Everglades National Park?

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

Should I visit Ensenada or Everglades National Park? 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.

Ensenada

Ensenada is a outdoorsy, historic, and cultural city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is a pristine, adventure-filled, and unique national park. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking.

Ensenada and Everglades National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Ensenada or Everglades National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ensenada. Although Ensenada and Everglades National Park are both popular with visitors, Ensenada has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Ensenada is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Everglades National Park is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Ensenada is popular for its local cuisine, golf, and outdoor sports. It is also home to Avenida Lopez Mateos. Everglades National Park is popular for its unique habitats and wildlife such as the friendly manatees.

How is Ensenada different from Everglades National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Everglades National Park and Ensenada. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ensenada or Everglades National Park?

Ensenada
Everglades National Park

Ensenada is very good for its historical sights. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its sights and museums.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Ensenada. There are several good museums in town such as the Museo de Historia and Caracol Museo de Ciencias.

Everglades National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. It's worth checking out the Museum of the Everglades, but most visitors prefer to spend their time outdoors exploring the habitats.


Is the Food Better in Ensenada or Everglades National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ensenada
Everglades National Park

Ensenada is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Ensenada has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town is known for its seafood, and fish tacos is one of the most popular dishes. You'll find seafood markets and street cards selling fresh and local items. Sample your way through the city and enjoy all of the local specialties.

Everglades National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are a few casual eateries near the park. The options include taquerias and grills. You'll also find some farm fresh fruit stands on the side of the road and it's definitely worth stopping to pick up a snack.

Is Ensenada or Everglades National Park Better for Nightlife?

Ensenada
Everglades National Park

Ensenada is very good for its evening party scene. However, Everglades National Park is not known for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Ensenada has a few options to choose from. There are a number of bars and nightclubs around town. Head to Avenida López Mateos for many of the best restaurants and bars.

People don't go to Everglades National Park for the nightlife. There are a couple of grills outside of the park, but the nightlife scene is very limited.

Is Ensenada or Everglades National Park Better for Beaches?

Ensenada
Everglades National Park

Ensenada is adequate for the beach. However, Everglades National Park is not a beach destination.

The beach in Ensenada is worth checking out. It's a working port town and the beaches in the area aren't great. You'll find the best options to the south of the city.

Everglades National Park is not a beach destination.


Is Ensenada or Everglades National Park Better for Hiking?

Ensenada
Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Ensenada is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Everglades National Park. The trails take you through a variety of habitats and range in length from short nature walks to longer, in depth hikes. Do be aware that the insects can be brutal. Mosquitos and biting flies are both common.

Ensenada is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ensenada or Everglades National Park?

Ensenada
Everglades National Park

Ensenada is very good for its shopping areas. However, Everglades National Park is not known for shopping.

Ensenada has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Avenida López Mateos is the main shopping street in town. You'll find many shops, but be prepared to pay more than you might elsewhere because shopkeepers are used to cruise ship riders who are willing to pay a high price tag.

Everglades National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There's a park store, but otherwise the shopping is very limited.

Is Ensenada or Everglades National Park Better for Families?

Ensenada
Everglades National Park

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Ensenada or Everglades National Park.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ensenada. You'll find ziplining, horseback riding, and surf lessons in the area. Kids will also enjoy seeing the Water Show or going whale watching.

Everglades National Park offers lots of family activities. An airboat ride is a highlight for many kids. There's also hiking, kayaking, and even Junior Ranger programs. Do be on the lookout for mosquitoes, which can be relentless in the park.


Is Ensenada or Everglades National Park Better for Couples?

Ensenada
Everglades National Park

With fun activities for couples, both Ensenada and Everglades National Park make for a good place to visit.

Ensenada makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has an authentic atmosphere that will let you experience a more genuine side to Mexico.

Everglades National Park is a good city for couples to visit. Hiking and enjoying a bit of nature makes for a nice romantic getaway. Go kayaking or take an airboat ride and then enjoy some time exploring the natural setting.

Is Ensenada or Everglades National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ensenada
Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Ensenada is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Everglades National Park is a great national park to visit for backpackers. There are two drive-in campgrounds (Long Pine Key Campground and Flamingo Campground) that you can reach from the Homestead entrance to the park.

Ensenada is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few hostels and a number of cheap hotels around town.

Is Ensenada or Everglades National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Ensenada
Everglades National Park

Ensenada is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Ensenada. Public transit in the area is limited.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Everglades National Park. There is no real public transportation to the park so an organized tour is your best option if you don't have a vehicle.


Is Ensenada or Everglades National Park a more walkable city?

Ensenada
Everglades National Park

Ensenada is a great city for its ease of walking around. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its walkability.

Ensenada is a very walkable destination. The downtown area is walkable and easy to explore on foot.

Everglades National Park is generally not very walkable. While there are hiking trails, to really explore the park you'll want to have a car or take an organized tour.

For even more information, also check out Is Ensenada Worth Visiting? and Is Everglades National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Everglades National Park or Ensenada?

How long in Ensenada or Everglades National Park?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ensenada and Everglades National Park. In our opinion, Ensenada has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Ensenada than Everglades National Park. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Ensenada than Everglades National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Ensenada that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ensenada than Everglades National Park 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 Ensenada.


  • How many days in Ensenada or Everglades National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Ensenada 2-3 
    Everglades National Park 2-3

One day in Ensenada or Everglades National Park?

With food and shopping around the historic city of Ensenada, there's plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

The national park of Everglades National Park offers . Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Ensenada or Everglades National Park?

With shopping and museums around the historic destination of Ensenada, there's plenty to do. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation.A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Everglades National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this national park makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Everglades National Park, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in Ensenada or Everglades National Park?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural city of Ensenada. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Everglades National Park is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Ensenada or Everglades National Park?

Ensenada is a great place to explore. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Everglades National Park is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This national park offers something for everyone.


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


Which place is cheaper, Everglades National Park or Ensenada?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Ensenada is $99, while the average daily cost in Everglades National Park is $146. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Ensenada and Everglades National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ensenada $47
    Everglades National Park $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ensenada $94
    Everglades National Park $160
Compare Hotels in Ensenada and Everglades National Park

Looking for a hotel in Ensenada or Everglades National Park? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Ensenada


Hotels in Everglades National Park


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Ensenada Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ensenada $21
    Everglades National Park $56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ensenada

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ensenada:

  • Transfer: From Tijuana to Valle de Guadalupe & Ensenada: $408
  • Border and Tijuana Airport Transfers to Ensenada or Valle de Guadalupe: $120

Is it cheaper to fly into Ensenada or Everglades National Park?

Prices for flights to both Everglades National Park and Ensenada change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Ensenada $39
    Everglades National Park $31

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ensenada $11
    Everglades National Park $28

Tours and Activities in Ensenada

Here are a few actual costs in Ensenada for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 8 Hour Private Tour : $131
  • ATV Off-Road Adventure through Valle de Guadalupe + Winery Visit: $77
  • Adventure in Ensenada with Zipline, Marine Geyser and Shops: $99
  • Bike and wine amazing Adventure in Valle de Guadalupe": $130
  • City tour on electric horse wagon.: $58
  • Couple Tour: $125
  • Electric Motorcycle Tour and rental.: $140
  • Ensenada : The unique bufadora private tour: $39
  • Ensenada Shore Excursion: Blowhole and La Bufadora Tour with Horseback Riding: $81
  • Ensenada Taco Tour by local guide: $94
  • A thrilled family adventure of ziplines: $70
  • Mezcal, Tequila, Ceviches and shoping Tasting Tour: $70

Tours and Activities in Everglades National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Everglades National Park.

  • Flamingo Everglades Boat Tours: $48
  • 2 Hour Chokoloskee Island Kayak Tour: $80
  • Everglades National Park Dolphin, Birding and Wildlife Boat Tour (2 hours): $120
  • Two-Hour Everglades National Park Dolphin, Birding and Wildlife Boat Tour: $120
  • 4 Hour Everglades Kayak Tour: $120
  • 6 Hour Everglades Mangroves Kayak Tour: $200

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ensenada $11
    Everglades National Park $7.86

Sample the Local Flavors in Ensenada

Also in Ensenada, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Private Wine Tasting Experience in Maglén: $29
  • Xecue Wine Tasting in the Guadalupe Valley: $39
  • Wine tour valley of guadalupe: $60
  • Valle de Guadalupe Wine Tasting Tour: $78
  • From Wine Tasting at Guadalupe Valley Ensenada: $87
  • From Ojos Negros Valley Cheese & Wine Tasting Tour: $97
  • Wine Tasting Tour in Valle de Guadalupe: $115
  • Private Wine Tour at Valle de Guadalupe (A wine tasting included).: $119
  • wine tours and driver service through valle de guadalupe, Ensenada B.C. Mexico: $135
  • Wine tasting tour for Cruise Ship Visitors. All Inclusive!: $199
  • Private and custom group Wine tour Valle de Guadalupe : $220
  • Valle Experience by Ansell Wine Tours: $269


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ensenada Expensive? and Is Everglades National Park Expensive?.