A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Isla Mujeres vs. Boone for Families, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Isla Mujeres or Boone?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Isla Mujeres and Boone. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is a relaxing, laid back, and idyllic island. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Boone

Boone is a charming, relaxing, and quaint town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and skiing.

Isla Mujeres and Boone: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Isla Mujeres or Boone?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Boone. Although Isla Mujeres and Boone are both popular with visitors, Boone has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Boone is more popular for its skiing, museums, nightlife, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Isla Mujeres is known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Isla Mujeres is popular for its award-winning beaches, underwater marine life, and tranquil atmosphere. Boone is popular for its proximity to great hiking, skiing, and small town charm. It is also home to the Blue Ridge Parkway.

How is Isla Mujeres different from Boone?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Boone and Isla Mujeres. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Isla Mujeres or Boone Better for Skiing?

Boone is notable for snow skiing. However, Isla Mujeres is not a skiing destination.

People head to Boone specifically to take advantage of the area's skiing and winter sports. It's a very popular ski destination in North Carolina. There are family-friendly slopes as well as more challenging options. Head to the popular Appalachian Ski Mountain, nearby Beech Mountain, or Sugar Mountain for some of the area's best skiing.

Isla Mujeres is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Isla Mujeres or Boone?

Boone is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Isla Mujeres is a mediocre island for its museums and history.

Boone offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Most people spend the majority of their time exploring the natural beauty, but there are also several small local museums such as the Banner House Museum.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Isla Mujeres. Nobody really heads to this island for the museums.

Is the Food Better in Isla Mujeres or Boone? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Isla Mujeres is a great island for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Boone is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Isla Mujeres has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The island has many restaurants, particularly along Hidalgo Street in the Centro area. They typically have a laid back island vibe and serve local seafood or other popular cuisines.

Boone offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find farm to table restaurants, local cafes, and all of the standard chain restaurants nearby. Check for a High Country Grown certification if you want to prioritize locally sourced ingredients.

Is Isla Mujeres or Boone Better for Nightlife?

Boone is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Isla Mujeres is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its evening party scene.

Boone has plenty to do after the sun goes down. It's a small town, but there are local breweries and a great nightlife scene that is, in large part, influenced by the large student population.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Isla Mujeres. Many people visit the island as a day trip, but those who spend the night will enjoy hanging out at the beach bars along Playa Norte. Many have a laid back vibe and some have live music or DJs.

Is Isla Mujeres or Boone Better for Resorts?

Isla Mujeres is an amazing island to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Boone is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Isla Mujeres is a perfect choice. Despite its small size, there are a range of impressive resorts on the island. Accommodation ranges from affordable hostels to stunning luxury resorts.

Boone is not a resort destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Boone Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Isla Mujeres is an amazing island to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Boone is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Isla Mujeres is not to be missed. There are many great snorkeling and diving areas just off the island. It's easy to arrange tours that will take you to the best spots. Popular areas include Manchones Reef, the Underwater Museum of Art, and Garrafon Natural Park.

Boone is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Boone Better for Beaches?

Isla Mujeres is an amazing island to visit for the beach. However, Boone is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Isla Mujeres is a very popular vacation destination. The island has spectacular beaches where the white sand meets the blue water. The idyllic setting is the perfect place to relax with a drink or soak up the island vibe. Playa Norte is an award winning beach that has calm water and stunning snorkeling. Playa Centro has many restaurants and bars, and you'll likely see people sunbathing topless. There's a beach club at Playa Albatros as well as hammocks, umbrellas, and recreational activities.

Boone is not a beach destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Boone Better for Hiking?

Boone is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Isla Mujeres is not a hiking destination.

Boone is a popular spot for hiking. The area is filled with wonderful hikes, particularly around Grandfather Mountain and along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The famed Appalachian Trail passes through the area as well. Many hikes take you through beautiful forests, passed dramatic waterfalls, and to breathtaking viewpoints.

Isla Mujeres is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Isla Mujeres or Boone?

Boone is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Isla Mujeres is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its shopping areas.

Boone is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Wander along King Street for some of the town's best shopping. There are independent vendors and antique shops that are fun to pop into. The town is also known for its farmer's markets.

Isla Mujeres has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head downtown for the best opportunities to pick up gifts or souvenirs. You'll find local jewelry, art, and handicrafts.

Is Isla Mujeres or Boone Better for Families?

Isla Mujeres is an amazing island to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Boone is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

Isla Mujeres is one of the most popular family destinations. Kids will love the outdoor sports, which include kayaking, surfing, cave exploration, and snorkeling or diving. There are also opportunities to get up close with marine life or spend the day playing at a water park.

Boone is a very family-friendly place to visit. Near town you'll find kid-friendly hikes, such as Linville Falls. There are also several places where kids can go ziplining or rock climbing. Parks and outdoor activities are abundant and the whole family will enjoy the setting.

Is Isla Mujeres or Boone Better for Couples?

Isla Mujeres is an amazing island to visit for couples. Also, Boone is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Isla Mujeres has plenty to offer. It's a world class honeymoon destination and couples enjoy the white powdery sand beaches, turquoise blue waters, and laid back island vibe. There's diving and snorkeling as well as romantic hotels and wonderful local restaurants.

Boone is a very popular place to visit for couples. The charming town has a romantic setting with local restaurants, beautiful hikes, and plenty of shopping. Couples enjoy staying at bed and breakfasts and enjoying the quaint atmosphere.

Is Isla Mujeres or Boone Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Isla Mujeres is a great island for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Boone is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Isla Mujeres. There are a handful of hostels on the island that offer budget accommodation and a social atmosphere.

It's common for backpackers to visit Boone. While there aren't many hostels in the area, there are plenty of campgrounds. The nearby Appalachian State University also ensures that there are plenty of fun activities for young visitors.

Is Isla Mujeres or Boone Better for Students?

Boone is an unbeatable place for students. However, Isla Mujeres is not popular with students.

Boone is a very popular place to visit for students. This mountain town offers a great setting for students who enjoy hiking and skiing. Appalachian State University is a fun college with plenty of activities going on.

Isla Mujeres is not popular with students.

Is Isla Mujeres or Boone Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Isla Mujeres is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Boone is not known for its public transit.

While Isla Mujeres offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are two bus routes around the island that are operated by Isleños Bus.

Public transit is generally limited in Boone. You really need a car to make the most of your time.

Is Isla Mujeres or Boone a more walkable city?

Isla Mujeres and Boone both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Isla Mujeres is a very walkable island. The most walkable part of the island is the North part, which is the town center.

Boone is a very walkable destination. Head to King Street for the best shopping and the most pedestrian-friendly part of town.

For even more information, also check out Is Isla Mujeres Worth Visiting? and Is Boone Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Boone or Isla Mujeres?

How long in Isla Mujeres or Boone?

It's fun to spend time in either Isla Mujeres or Boone. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Boone due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Isla Mujeres, and 2-4 days is enough time in Boone.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Isla Mujeres than Boone 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 Isla Mujeres.

One day in Isla Mujeres or Boone?

In Isla Mujeres, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this relaxing destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Boone is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

A weekend in Isla Mujeres or Boone?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Isla Mujeres. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Boone is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.

Five days in Isla Mujeres or Boone?

Isla Mujeres is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Isla Mujeres. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Boone is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

A week in Isla Mujeres or Boone?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the idyllic destination of Isla Mujeres. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Boone is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Isla Mujeres Expensive? and Is Boone Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Isla Mujeres or Boone?

Boone has a larger population, and is about 3% larger than the population of Isla Mujeres. When comparing the sizes of Isla Mujeres and Boone, 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.