A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers La Paz vs. Duck for Beaches, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit La Paz or Duck?

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 Duck 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.

Duck

Duck is a compact, charming, and laid-back beach 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 food, beaches, and hiking.

La Paz and Duck: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in La Paz or Duck?

Travelers will usually find more to do in La Paz. Although La Paz and Duck are popular destinations, La Paz has more sights and attractions for tourists. La Paz is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and scuba diving & snorkeling, while Duck attracts visitors for its hiking, small town charm, 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. Duck is famous for its quaint atmosphere and small town charm.

How is La Paz different from Duck?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

La Paz is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Duck is not a good beach town for its museums and history.

La Paz offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Duck. Hanging out at the beach and enjoy water sports or outdoor activities are the main draw of this town. You won't find much in the form of museums or indoor activities.

Is the Food Better in La Paz or Duck? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

La Paz is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Duck is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its restaurants.

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

Duck has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. For such a small town, there's a decent selection of restaurants that range from local seafood eateries to pizza delivery. Homemade ice cream is a favorite in the area, but you also can't skip out on the flagship Duck Donuts store.

Is La Paz or Duck Better for Nightlife?

La Paz is a popular place for nightlife. However, Duck is not a good beach town for nightlife and partying.

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

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Duck. It's known as a family-friendly destination that isn't often associated with a strong nightlife, but there is often live music and other festivals during the summer months.

Is La Paz or Duck Better for Resorts?

If luxury resorts are your style, both La Paz and Duck have nice options.

With a selection of resorts, La Paz makes a nice vacation spot. There are a number of hotels and resorts around town that make for a nice vacation.

Duck has a few great resort options. Most of the accommodation around town is in the form of vacation beach rental houses that are perfect for family gatherings or larger groups.

Is La Paz or Duck Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting La Paz. There are organized diving and snorkeling excursions available around town. It's location by the Sea of Cortez makes diving a world class experience.

Duck is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is La Paz or Duck Better for Beaches?

Both La Paz and Duck are considered to be terrific beach destinations.

La Paz is considered to be a world-class beach destination. 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.

Duck offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Long sandy beaches with great surf and a wonderful boardwalk make this a great beach destination. Kids play in the tidal pools and families relax under their beach umbrellas in a classic beach setting.

Is La Paz or Duck Better for Hiking?

Duck is a beach town with good options for the nearby hiking options. However, La Paz is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Duck. The Duck Trail runs for six miles and passes through town. It's popular with walkers, cyclists, and inline skaters.

La Paz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in La Paz or Duck?

Both La Paz and Duck are excellent shopping destinations.

La Paz is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Local boutiques, souvenir shops, and art galleries all make for interesting shopping opportunities.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Duck. Head to the Waterfront Shops for some of the town's best shopping. You can wander along the boardwalk and check out the independent vendors and local restaurants.

Is La Paz or Duck Better for Families?

Both La Paz and Duck are excellent 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 Duck. Kid-friendly beaches, local ice cream joints, and the famed Duck Donuts all make this an ideal kid's beach destination. There's a waterpark nearby and plenty of water sports that the whole family can enjoy. The boardwalk is also a very family-friendly environment.

Is La Paz or Duck Better for Couples?

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

Duck is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a charming beach town with great local restaurants and a beautiful and peaceful setting. For couples who want to enjoy a relaxing beach town without the energy of a larger destination, then this is the perfect place. Much of the accommodation is in the form of rental houses, which can be a bit much for a couple, but the setting is perfect for a weekend escape.

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 Duck Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

La Paz is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Duck is not a good beach town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit La Paz. The city offers an authentic experience and hostels that make it a budget-friendly option for backpackers.

Duck is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's an upscale town with many beach houses available for rent, and very little in the form of budget accommodation.

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

La Paz is a popular place for its public transit. However, Duck is not a good beach town 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 Duck. It's best to have a car if you want to exploring the Outer Banks and its many activities.

Is La Paz or Duck a more walkable city?

Duck is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Duck on foot. It's a wonderfully walkable and pedestrian-friendly town with a great boardwalk and many walking and cycling paths.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Duck or La Paz?

How long in La Paz or Duck?

Both La Paz and Duck have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Duck than in La Paz. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for La Paz, and 5-7 days is enough time in Duck.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Paz than Duck 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 Duck?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of La Paz. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Duck might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in La Paz or Duck?

La Paz is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the beaches. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Duck is a great place to explore. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in La Paz or Duck?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the beautiful destination of La Paz. This city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Duck. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in La Paz or Duck?

The authentic city of La Paz offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Duck is a small town with plenty to do. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Mexico, The Best Tours for Seniors to Mexico, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.

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

Which is Bigger, La Paz or Duck?

La Paz has a larger population, and is about 310 times larger than the population of Duck. When comparing the sizes of La Paz and Duck, 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 Duck?

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 Duck in the Summer?

Both Duck and La Paz are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to La Paz for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Duck in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, La Paz is generally a little warmer than Duck. Daily temperatures in La Paz average around 30°C (86°F), and Duck fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Duck. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Paz. La Paz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Duck during summer. La Paz gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Duck receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Duck. In July, La Paz usually receives less rain than Duck. La Paz gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Duck receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit La Paz or Duck in the Autumn?

Both Duck and La Paz during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to La Paz in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Duck for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

La Paz is much warmer than Duck in the autumn. The daily temperature in La Paz averages around 27°C (80°F) in October, and Duck fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

In Duck, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in La Paz. In the autumn, La Paz often gets more sunshine than Duck. La Paz gets 272 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Duck receives 211 hours of full sun.

La Paz usually gets less rain in October than Duck. La Paz gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Duck receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit La Paz or Duck in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both La Paz and Duck. Most visitors come to La Paz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Duck because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The weather in Duck can be very cold. In the winter, La Paz is much warmer than Duck. Typically, the winter temperatures in La Paz in January average around 18°C (65°F), and Duck averages at about 41°F (5°C).

In La Paz, it's very sunny this time of the year. La Paz usually receives more sunshine than Duck during winter. La Paz gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Duck receives 168 hours of full sun in the winter.

Duck receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, La Paz usually receives less rain than Duck. La Paz gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Duck receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit La Paz or Duck in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to La Paz as well as Duck. The spring months attract visitors to La Paz because of the beaches. Additionally, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Duck this time of year.

In April, La Paz is generally much warmer than Duck. Daily temperatures in La Paz average around 23°C (73°F), and Duck fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Duck. 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 Duck. La Paz gets 292 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Duck receives 253 hours of full sun.

La Paz usually gets less rain in April than Duck. La Paz gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Duck receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Duck and La Paz