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

Should you visit Ensenada or Lewisburg?

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

Should I visit Ensenada or Lewisburg? 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 historic, cultural, and outdoorsy city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Lewisburg

Lewisburg is a charming, historical, and quaint town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the shopping and museums.

Ensenada and Lewisburg: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Ensenada or Lewisburg?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ensenada. Although Ensenada and Lewisburg are popular destinations, Ensenada has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ensenada is very popular for its food, nightlife, and beaches, while Lewisburg attracts visitors for its historical sights and small town charm. Ensenada is more touristy than Lewisburg and is known for its local cuisine, golf, and outdoor sports. It is also well known for Avenida Lopez Mateos. Lewisburg is famous for its historical charm and friendly personality.

How is Ensenada different from Lewisburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ensenada
Lewisburg

Plenty of people visit the nice sights and museums in both Ensenada and Lewisburg.

Ensenada offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several good museums in town such as the Museo de Historia and Caracol Museo de Ciencias.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Lewisburg. There are several cultural and historical museums in town as well as a fun children's museum.


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

Ensenada
Lewisburg

Ensenada is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Lewisburg is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Ensenada makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Lewisburg. There are bistros and cafes as well as all the standard chain restaurants.

Is Ensenada or Lewisburg Better for Nightlife?

Ensenada
Lewisburg

Ensenada is a popular place for nightlife. However, Lewisburg is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Ensenada has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are a number of bars and nightclubs around town. Head to Avenida López Mateos for many of the best restaurants and bars.

Lewisburg doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. While there are some bars, most people don't come here for the nightlife.

Is Ensenada or Lewisburg Better for Beaches?

Ensenada
Lewisburg

Ensenada is a city with a few options for its beaches. However, Lewisburg is not a beach destination.

Ensenada is a good spot to see the beach. 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.

Lewisburg is not a beach destination.


Is Ensenada or Lewisburg Better for its Old Town?

Ensenada
Lewisburg

Lewisburg is a popular place for its old town. However, Ensenada does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Lewisburg to see the old town. There are a huge number of historical buildings in the downtown area that contribute to the town's charm and character.

Ensenada does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Ensenada or Lewisburg?

Ensenada
Lewisburg

Shopping is a popular activity in both Lewisburg and Ensenada.

Ensenada offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Lewisburg has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are some quaint local shops that sell local items and unique art works.

Is Ensenada or Lewisburg Better for Families?

Ensenada
Lewisburg

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Ensenada or Lewisburg.

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.

Lewisburg offers lots of family activities. The Lewisburg Children's Museum is worth checking out, as is Reptiland and the many different indoor and outdoor play areas.


Is Ensenada or Lewisburg Better for Couples?

Ensenada
Lewisburg

Ensenada is a popular place for romance. However, Lewisburg is not particularly known for its romantic activities.

Ensenada is a nice destination for couples. The city has an authentic atmosphere that will let you experience a more genuine side to Mexico.

Most people don't think of Lewisburg as a couple's destination. There are several quaint inns and beautiful gardens that you can explore. There are also spas and restaurants where you can enjoy a nice meal.

Is Ensenada or Lewisburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ensenada
Lewisburg

Ensenada is a popular place for backpackers. However, Lewisburg is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Lewisburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not really on the radar for most backpackers.

Is Ensenada or Lewisburg Better for Students?

Ensenada
Lewisburg

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

Lewisburg is popular with students. Many students enjoy living here while they attend Bucknell University.

Ensenada is not popular with students.


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

Ensenada
Lewisburg

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Ensenada and Lewisburg.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Lewisburg. Public transportation in the area is limited.

Is Ensenada or Lewisburg a more walkable city?

Ensenada
Lewisburg

Ensenada is well known for its walkability. Also, Lewisburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

Lewisburg is a somewhat walkable place. It's small with a relatively compact downtown.

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

Should I spend more time in Lewisburg or Ensenada?

How long in Ensenada or Lewisburg?

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

Families should spend more time in Ensenada than Lewisburg. 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 Lewisburg. 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 Lewisburg 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 Lewisburg? Ideal Length of Stay
    Ensenada 2-3 
    Lewisburg 1-2

One day in Ensenada or Lewisburg?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Ensenada. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The town of Lewisburg offers museums and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


A weekend in Ensenada or Lewisburg?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Ensenada. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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

Five days in Ensenada or Lewisburg?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic city of Ensenada. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Lewisburg 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 Lewisburg?

Ensenada is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Lewisburg is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town 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 Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Lewisburg 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 Lewisburg is $136. 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 Lewisburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ensenada $47
    Lewisburg $70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ensenada $94
    Lewisburg $140
Compare Hotels in Ensenada and Lewisburg

Looking for a hotel in Ensenada or Lewisburg? 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 Lewisburg


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
    Lewisburg $53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ensenada

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ensenada:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Ensenada or Lewisburg?

Prices for flights to both Lewisburg 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
    Lewisburg $34

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ensenada $11
    Lewisburg $18

Tours and Activities in Ensenada

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

  • Rondo del Valley Winery Tour with 5 Tastings: $26
  • Lavender Field Guided Tour: $34
  • Lavender Field Guided Tour: $37
  • From La Bufadora Geyser Tour: $39
  • Ensenada : The unique bufadora private tour: $39
  • Tacos, Brews and Views Tour : $40
  • La Bufadora Punta Banda Tour: $41
  • Private La Bufadora Tour (blowhole): $41
  • La Bufadora Tour in Baja California: $42
  • Horseback Riding Experience in Las Cañadas Campamento: $44
  • The Bufadora private Tour: $44
  • Las Cañadas Canopy Tour in Ensenada: $52

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ensenada $11
    Lewisburg $12

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 Lewisburg, we can see that Lewisburg 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 Lewisburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lewisburg 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 Lewisburg Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ensenada or Lewisburg?

Ensenada has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Lewisburg. When comparing the sizes of Ensenada and Lewisburg, 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.