A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers La Paz vs. Columbia River Gorge for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit La Paz or Columbia River Gorge?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between La Paz and Columbia River Gorge 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.

La Paz

La Paz is a cultural, beautiful, and authentic city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Columbia River Gorge

Columbia River Gorge is a natural, beautiful, and scenic region. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and hiking.

La Paz and Columbia River Gorge: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in La Paz or Columbia River Gorge?

Travelers will usually find more to do in La Paz. Although La Paz and Columbia River Gorge are popular destinations, La Paz has more sights and attractions for tourists. La Paz is very popular for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Columbia River Gorge attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. La Paz is famous for its beautiful beaches, fascinating cultural setting, and authentic local atmosphere. It is also well known for Balandra Beach. Columbia River Gorge is famous for its hiking, biking, and high number of waterfalls.

How is La Paz different from Columbia River Gorge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Columbia River Gorge and La Paz. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in La Paz or Columbia River Gorge?

La Paz is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to La Paz can be an interesting and educational experience. Sights and landmarks around town include La Paz Cathedral, the Museo de Antropología e Historia de Baja California Sur, the the Museo de Arte de Baja California Sur, and Teatro Juarez.

While most people don't head to Columbia River Gorge specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most visitors spend their time exploring the region's natural beauty.

Is the Food Better in La Paz or Columbia River Gorge? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both La Paz and Columbia River Gorge both to be high quality destinations.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit La Paz. As the capital of Baja California Sur, you'll find many local restaurants that serve traditional and authentic Mexican cuisine. The recipes include seafood and local produce. You'll find everything from food stalls to high end restaurants around town.

Columbia River Gorge has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find many great restaurants in the area that serve local dishes that make use of the region's agricultural scene.

Is La Paz or Columbia River Gorge Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are nice in both La Paz and Columbia River Gorge.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in La Paz. There are many bars and restaurants around the Malecón.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Columbia River Gorge. Local breweries, wineries, and bars offer a relaxing setting with a local vibe.

Is La Paz or Columbia River Gorge Better for Resorts?

La Paz is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a resort destination.

La Paz has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are a number of hotels and resorts around town that make for a nice vacation.

Columbia River Gorge is not a resort destination.

Is La Paz or Columbia River Gorge Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

La Paz is a well-known place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to La Paz to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. There are organized diving and snorkeling excursions available around town. It's location by the Sea of Cortez makes diving a world class experience.

Columbia River Gorge is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is La Paz or Columbia River Gorge Better for Beaches?

La Paz is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a beach destination.

The beaches in La Paz are among the best in the world. The beaches in the area are the main draw, and you'll find beaches that are family-friendly, romantic, or full of amenities. Some consider the beaches in the area among the best in Mexico.

Columbia River Gorge is not a beach destination.

Is La Paz or Columbia River Gorge Better for Hiking?

Columbia River Gorge is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, La Paz is not a hiking destination.

Columbia River Gorge is a popular spot for hiking. There are world-class hikes that take you to iconic waterfalls, breathtaking viewpoints, and along scenic waterways.

La Paz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in La Paz or Columbia River Gorge?

La Paz is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Columbia River Gorge is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its shopping opportunities.

La Paz is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Local boutiques, souvenir shops, and art galleries all make for interesting shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Columbia River Gorge. Art galleries feature local artwork and artisan crafts. There are photography shops and other venues that sell items highlighting the region's beauty.

Is La Paz or Columbia River Gorge Better for Families?

Both La Paz and Columbia River Gorge are high quality to visit with kids.

La Paz is a very kid-friendly city. Older kids will enjoy swimming with whale sharks, whale watching, and experiencing the region's wildlife. There are also many beaches in the area where kids can play.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Columbia River Gorge. Kids will love exploring the waterfalls and mountains as much as the adults do. There are kid-friendly hikes as well as bakeries and restaurants with many kid options.

Is La Paz or Columbia River Gorge Better for Couples?

Columbia River Gorge is notable for its romantic activities. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Columbia River Gorge is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples will love the romantic hikes and waterfalls. There are also beautiful scenic viewpoints and wonderful restaurants.

La Paz is a good city for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy walking along the beach promenade known as Malecon. There are also beaches and amazing animal experiences such as whale watching or dolphin viewing.

Is La Paz or Columbia River Gorge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both La Paz and Columbia River Gorge are high quality destinations for backpackers.

La Paz is a great city to visit for backpackers. The city offers an authentic experience and hostels that make it a budget-friendly option for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Columbia River Gorge. You'll find hostels and campgrounds in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is La Paz or Columbia River Gorge Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

La Paz is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for times when you don't have a car.

La Paz has a few public transit options. There's a cheap local bus system around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Columbia River Gorge. There are some buses, but don't rely on them to efficiently explore.

Is La Paz or Columbia River Gorge a more walkable city?

La Paz is a well-known place for its walkability. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for its high level of walkability.

La Paz is very walkable. The city is very walkable.

Columbia River Gorge is not a very walkable city. You really need a car to explore the area, but some visitors rely on a bike.

For even more information, also check out Is La Paz Worth Visiting? and Is Columbia River Gorge Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Columbia River Gorge or La Paz?

How long in La Paz or Columbia River Gorge?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both La Paz and Columbia River Gorge. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in La Paz than in Columbia River Gorge. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for La Paz, and 2-3 days is enough time in Columbia River Gorge.

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

Couples should spend more time in La Paz than Columbia River Gorge. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in La Paz that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Paz than Columbia River Gorge 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 La Paz.

One day in La Paz or Columbia River Gorge?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of La Paz. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Columbia River Gorge. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in La Paz or Columbia River Gorge?

La Paz is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

Columbia River Gorge is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in La Paz or Columbia River Gorge?

Many people visit La Paz for five days. You'll find shopping and museums around the city of La Paz. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Columbia River Gorge. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in La Paz or Columbia River Gorge?

The authentic destination of La Paz offers museums and nightlife. It's also a great beach destination, too. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the natural destination of Columbia River Gorge. This region offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Mexico, The Best Tours for Seniors to Mexico, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is La Paz Expensive? and Is Columbia River Gorge Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, La Paz or Columbia River Gorge?

La Paz has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Columbia River Gorge. When comparing the sizes of La Paz and Columbia River Gorge, 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.

When is the best time to visit La Paz or Columbia River Gorge?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit La Paz or Columbia River Gorge in the Summer?

Both Columbia River Gorge and La Paz are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to La Paz for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Columbia River Gorge because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, La Paz is generally a little warmer than Columbia River Gorge. Daily temperatures in La Paz average around 30°C (86°F), and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Columbia River Gorge. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Paz. La Paz usually receives less sunshine than Columbia River Gorge during summer. La Paz gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia River Gorge receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, La Paz usually receives less rain than Columbia River Gorge. La Paz gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit La Paz or Columbia River Gorge in the Autumn?

Both Columbia River Gorge and La Paz during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to La Paz because of the shopping scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Columbia River Gorge this time of year.

La Paz is much warmer than Columbia River Gorge in the autumn. The daily temperature in La Paz averages around 27°C (80°F) in October, and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

It's quite sunny in La Paz. In the autumn, La Paz often gets more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge. La Paz gets 272 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia River Gorge receives 155 hours of full sun.

La Paz usually gets less rain in October than Columbia River Gorge. La Paz gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit La Paz or Columbia River Gorge in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both La Paz and Columbia River Gorge. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to La Paz this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Columbia River Gorge for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Columbia River Gorge. In the winter, La Paz is much warmer than Columbia River Gorge. Typically, the winter temperatures in La Paz in January average around 18°C (65°F), and Columbia River Gorge averages at about 40°F (4°C).

In La Paz, it's very sunny this time of the year. La Paz usually receives more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge during winter. La Paz gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia River Gorge receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

Columbia River Gorge receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, La Paz usually receives less rain than Columbia River Gorge. La Paz gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit La Paz or Columbia River Gorge in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to La Paz as well as Columbia River Gorge. Many travelers come to La Paz for the beaches. Additionally, many visitors come to Columbia River Gorge in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, La Paz is generally much warmer than Columbia River Gorge. Daily temperatures in La Paz average around 23°C (73°F), and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Columbia River Gorge. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in La Paz this time of the year. In the spring, La Paz often gets more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge. La Paz gets 292 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia River Gorge receives 231 hours of full sun.

La Paz usually gets less rain in April than Columbia River Gorge. La Paz gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Columbia River Gorge and La Paz