A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ensenada vs. Jacksonville for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Ensenada or Jacksonville?

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

Should I visit Ensenada or Jacksonville? 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a fun, vibrant, and under-rated city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Ensenada and Jacksonville: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ensenada or Jacksonville?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Jacksonville than Ensenada, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Ensenada is more touristy than Jacksonville and is popular for its local cuisine, golf, and outdoor sports. Jacksonville is popular for its beautiful beaches and lively downtown area. It is also home to Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens.

How is Ensenada different from Jacksonville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Jacksonville is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Ensenada is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Jacksonville offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city has a number of museums that range from art museums to science or kid-friendly museums. Some favorites are the Museum of Science and History, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Mandarin Museum and Historical Society, and Kingsley Plantation.

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.

Is the Food Better in Ensenada or Jacksonville? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Ensenada and Jacksonville offer superb local cuisine and restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Ensenada. 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.

Jacksonville has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Local cuisine has its own identity. Unique dishes around town include garlic crabs, seafood boil, gumbo, and shrimp and grits. The local cuisine is similar to Lowcountry dishes with a lot of Cajun influence. If you want something different from seafood, you should try the barbecue.

Is Ensenada or Jacksonville Better for Nightlife?

Jacksonville is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Ensenada is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Jacksonville know how to have a good time. The young population brings out the nightlife scene. There's a great concentration of bars and clubs in the area known as The Elbow, which is at the intersection of N. Ocean and E. Bay Street. You'll find plenty of cocktail bars, lounges, and clubs around town that make for a fun night out.

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.

Is Ensenada or Jacksonville Better for Beaches?

Jacksonville is a great destination for the beache. However, Ensenada is a city with minimal options for the beach.

Jacksonville is considered a top beach destination. There are a number of beaches that are just a short distance from the city. Some have a historic vibe while others are more lively. Atlantic Beach is about a half hour drive from the city. For a laid back vibe head to Neptune Beach and the most popular beach in the area is Jacksonville Beach.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Ensenada or Jacksonville?

Jacksonville is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Ensenada is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Jacksonville is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are countless malls and shopping districts around town. Some of the best shopping is found at St. John's Center, Five Points, and Avondale.

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.

Is Ensenada or Jacksonville Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Ensenada or Jacksonville.

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.

Jacksonville offers lots of family activities. It's filled with adventure parks, zoos, animal farms, nature centers, and gardens. Adults will have as much fun as kids exploring the city and all of its family-friendly attractions.

Is Ensenada or Jacksonville Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ensenada and Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville is a good city for couples to visit. It's a young city that's near nature and has plenty of adventurous activities. There's sailing, botanical gardens, restaurants, and plenty of bars around town.

Is Ensenada or Jacksonville Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ensenada and Jacksonville are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Ensenada. There are a few hostels and a number of cheap hotels around town.

Jacksonville is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few hostels in town as well as affordable motels. The city has a young population with plenty to do. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there's a surprising and underrated appeal to the backpacker crowd.

Is Ensenada or Jacksonville Better for Students?

Jacksonville is a popular place for students. However, Ensenada is not popular with students.

Jacksonville is popular with students. There are a few colleges and universities in town. The city's population is also very young, making it a great place to study.

Ensenada is not popular with students.

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

Jacksonville is a popular place for its public transit. However, Ensenada is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Jacksonville, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The public transportation system includes trolleys, the Skyway, buses, water taxis, and the ferry.

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

Is Ensenada or Jacksonville a more walkable city?

Ensenada is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

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

Jacksonville is somewhat walkable. Downtown Jacksonville is the most walkable part of the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Ensenada Worth Visiting? and Is Jacksonville Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Jacksonville or Ensenada?

How long in Ensenada or Jacksonville?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Jacksonville than Ensenada 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 Jacksonville.

One day in Ensenada or Jacksonville?

In Ensenada, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this cultural city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The city of Jacksonville offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Jacksonville?

Ensenada is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Jacksonville is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Jacksonville, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Ensenada or Jacksonville?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Ensenada. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville?

Ensenada is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Jacksonville is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city 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 Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Ensenada or Jacksonville?

Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Ensenada. When comparing the sizes of Ensenada and Jacksonville, 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.