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

Should you visit La Paz or Monterey?

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 Monterey 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 authentic, cultural, and beautiful city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Monterey

Monterey is a relaxing, nature-oriented, and laid back city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

La Paz and Monterey: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in La Paz or Monterey?

Tourists will generally find more to do in La Paz. Although La Paz and Monterey are both popular with visitors, La Paz has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. La Paz is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Monterey is known for its nightlife. La Paz is popular for its beautiful beaches, fascinating cultural setting, and authentic local atmosphere. It is also home to Balandra Beach. Monterey is popular for its rugged coastline, diverse marine life, and excellent seafood.

How is La Paz different from Monterey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the very good sights and museums in both La Paz and Monterey.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into La Paz. 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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Monterey. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a not-to-be-missed destination in town. You can also visit the Monterey State Historic Park or the Monterey Museum of Art.

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

Foodies will find both La Paz and Monterey both to be very good 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.

Monterey has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Seafood and local produce are what make the food special. There are many great restaurants to you can choose from that will let you enjoy the classic seafood dishes like clam chowder or oysters, as well as fresh artichokes and local wine.

Is La Paz or Monterey Better for Nightlife?

Monterey is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Monterey has plenty to do after the sun goes down. There's a buzzing atmosphere at night with bars, breweries, and casual eateries all coming to life. Some of the best venues are found at the Old Fisherman's Wharf and along Alvarado Street.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in La Paz. There are many bars and restaurants around the Malecón.

Is La Paz or Monterey Better for Resorts?

La Paz is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Monterey is not a resort destination.

La Paz has a few great resort options. There are a number of hotels and resorts around town that make for a nice vacation.

Monterey is not a resort destination.

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

La Paz is a very popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. Also, Monterey is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near 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.

Monterey has a few good snorkeling spots. Scuba diving offers an unforgettable experience. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary gives you the unique experience of seeing sea lions, otters, kelp forests, crabs, and more.

Is La Paz or Monterey Better for Beaches?

La Paz is an amazing city to visit for the beach. Also, Monterey is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

La Paz offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around 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.

Monterey is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches highlight the laid by California vibe with sunbathers and beachgoers soaking up the atmosphere. There are both inlets and sandy beaches where you can see sea lions or explore the tidal pools.

Is the Shopping Better in La Paz or Monterey?

Both La Paz and Monterey are very good 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 Monterey. You'll find both local vendors and tourist shops around town. Cannery Row is a popular destination, as is Old Fisherman's Wharf and the Old Farmer's Market.

Is La Paz or Monterey Better for Families?

Monterey is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Monterey is an extremely popular city to visit for families. Monterey Bay Aquarium is a highlight for kids and adults alike. There's also the Monterey Zoo as well as lighthearted activities like a mirror maze. MY Museum is an interactive museum that's perfect for younger kids. There are also whale watching trips and nearby beaches.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in La Paz. 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.

Is La Paz or Monterey Better for Couples?

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

Monterey is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many romantic inns in town as well as quaint restaurants and fun activities. There are also spas, wine bars, and plenty of shopping for couples to enjoy as well.

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 Monterey Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

La Paz is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Monterey is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit La Paz. The city offers an authentic experience and hostels that make it a budget-friendly option for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Monterey. There's a hostel in town as well as fun activities that will appeal to backpackers.

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

La Paz is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Monterey is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Monterey. There is a bus system through the area.

Is La Paz or Monterey a more walkable city?

La Paz and Monterey both are very good when exploring on foot.

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

Monterey is a very walkable destination. If you stay near the town center, it's very walkable and easy to get around on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Monterey or La Paz?

How long in La Paz or Monterey?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both La Paz and Monterey. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in La Paz than in Monterey. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for La Paz, and 1-3 days is enough time in Monterey.

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

Couples should spend more time in Monterey than La Paz. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Monterey 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 Monterey 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 Monterey?

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 scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Monterey. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in La Paz or Monterey?

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.

Monterey 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 Monterey?

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 Monterey. 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 Monterey?

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 nightlife and food when visiting the relaxing destination of Monterey. 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 Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, La Paz or Monterey?

La Paz has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Monterey. When comparing the sizes of La Paz and Monterey, 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 Monterey?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit La Paz or Monterey in the Summer?

Both Monterey and La Paz during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to La Paz this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Monterey for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, La Paz is much warmer than Monterey. Typically, the summer temperatures in La Paz in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Monterey averages at about 63°F (17°C).

La Paz usually gets more rain in July than Monterey. La Paz gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Monterey receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit La Paz or Monterey in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both La Paz and Monterey. Many travelers come to La Paz for the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Monterey in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In October, La Paz is generally much warmer than Monterey. Daily temperatures in La Paz average around 27°C (80°F), and Monterey fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In October, La Paz usually receives less rain than Monterey. La Paz gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Monterey receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit La Paz or Monterey in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to La Paz as well as Monterey. Many visitors come to La Paz in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Monterey for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

La Paz is much warmer than Monterey in the winter. The daily temperature in La Paz averages around 18°C (65°F) in January, and Monterey fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

La Paz usually gets less rain in January than Monterey. La Paz gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Monterey receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit La Paz or Monterey in the Spring?

Both Monterey and La Paz are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to La Paz for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Monterey because of the beaches.

In the spring, La Paz is much warmer than Monterey. Typically, the spring temperatures in La Paz in April average around 23°C (73°F), and Monterey averages at about 56°F (13°C).

In April, La Paz usually receives less rain than Monterey. La Paz gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Monterey receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Monterey and La Paz