A Travel Price Comparison for Mexico La Paz vs. Ensenada for Beaches, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit La Paz or Ensenada?

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 Ensenada 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 beautiful, authentic, and cultural city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Ensenada

Ensenada is a cultural, outdoorsy, and historic city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

La Paz and Ensenada: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in La Paz or Ensenada?

Visitors will generally find more to do in La Paz than Ensenada. While Ensenada is larger than La Paz, La Paz has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. La Paz is well known for its beautiful beaches, fascinating cultural setting, and authentic local atmosphere. Also, La Paz is famous for Balandra Beach. Ensenada is well known for its local cuisine, golf, and outdoor sports.

How is La Paz different from Ensenada?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 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 La Paz or Ensenada? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both La Paz and Ensenada both to be excellent 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.

Ensenada has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Is La Paz or Ensenada Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are notable in both La Paz and Ensenada.

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 Ensenada. There are a number of bars and nightclubs around town. Head to Avenida López Mateos for many of the best restaurants and bars.

Is La Paz or Ensenada Better for Resorts?

La Paz is a popular place for its resorts. However, Ensenada is not a resort destination.

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.

Ensenada is not a resort destination.

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

La Paz is a great destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Ensenada 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.

Ensenada is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is La Paz or Ensenada Better for Beaches?

La Paz is very popular for the beache. However, Ensenada is a city with minimal options for the beach.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in La Paz. 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.

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 La Paz or Ensenada?

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

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

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 La Paz or Ensenada Better for Families?

La Paz is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ensenada is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Ensenada offers lots of family activities. You'll find ziplining, horseback riding, and surf lessons in the area. Kids will also enjoy seeing the Water Show or going whale watching.

Is La Paz or Ensenada Better for Couples?

Both La Paz and Ensenada are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

La Paz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

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

Is La Paz or Ensenada Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

La Paz is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Ensenada is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Ensenada is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few hostels and a number of cheap hotels around town.

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

La Paz 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 La Paz, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a cheap local bus system around town.

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

Is La Paz or Ensenada a more walkable city?

La Paz and Ensenada both are excellent when exploring on foot.

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

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

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

Should I spend more time in Ensenada or La Paz?

How long in La Paz or Ensenada?

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

Families should spend more time in La Paz than Ensenada. 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 Ensenada. 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 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 La Paz.

One day in La Paz or Ensenada?

The city of La Paz offers museums and nightlife. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Ensenada. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in La Paz or Ensenada?

La Paz 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 La Paz, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Ensenada 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 Ensenada?

La Paz is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ensenada. 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 Ensenada?

La Paz is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Ensenada. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Mexico City, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen.

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

Which is Bigger, La Paz or Ensenada?

Ensenada has a larger population, and is about 50% larger than the population of La Paz. When comparing the sizes of La Paz and Ensenada, 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.