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

Should you visit La Paz or Mystic?

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 Mystic 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. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Mystic

Mystic is a quaint, laid back, and charming town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

La Paz and Mystic: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in La Paz or Mystic?

Travelers will usually find more to do in La Paz. Although La Paz and Mystic are popular destinations, La Paz has more sights and attractions for tourists. La Paz is famous for its beautiful beaches, fascinating cultural setting, and authentic local atmosphere. It is also well known for Balandra Beach. Mystic is famous for its New England charm and local character.

How is La Paz different from Mystic?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

La Paz
Mystic

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

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 Mystic. There's a decent selection of museums around town with some of the favorites being the Mystic Seaport Museum, the Mystic Museum of Art, the Denison Homestead Museum, and the Old Lighthouse Museum, The Mystic Aquarium is also a popular destination.


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

La Paz
Mystic

La Paz is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Mystic. As a coastal town, you'll find no shortage of seafood at many restaurants. Popular dishes include oysters, shrimp, or fish. There are also many casual restaurants that serve comfort food for classic American favorites like mac and cheese, pasta, or burgers.

Is La Paz or Mystic Better for Nightlife?

La Paz
Mystic

Evening events are nice in both La Paz and Mystic.

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 Mystic. Head downtown for the most interesting bars and breweries. You can sip wine or enjoy a cocktail at a laid back pub with friends or family.

Is La Paz or Mystic Better for Resorts?

La Paz
Mystic

La Paz is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Mystic 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.

Mystic is not a resort destination.


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

La Paz
Mystic

La Paz is an excellent place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Mystic is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Mystic is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is La Paz or Mystic Better for Beaches?

La Paz
Mystic

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

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.

Mystic is considered a top beach destination. The beaches are accessible from town and offer a laid back setting that's not overly developed. Families will like Ocean Beach Park but Williams Beach Park is one of the easiest beaches to access. If you're willing to drive a bit out of town, you should check out Misquamicut State Beach.

Is the Shopping Better in La Paz or Mystic?

La Paz
Mystic

Both La Paz and Mystic 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 Mystic. Head downtown for scenic shopping streets with boutiques, artisan craft shops, and jewelry stores.


Is La Paz or Mystic Better for Families?

La Paz
Mystic

Both La Paz and Mystic are very good 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 Mystic. Animal lovers will enjoy wandering around the many trails at Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center or visiting the famous Mystic Aquarium. You can also visit the shops around Olde Mistick Village or dine at one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.

Is La Paz or Mystic Better for Couples?

La Paz
Mystic

Both La Paz and Mystic are nice 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.

Mystic is a good city for couples to visit. Check out Mystic Seaport or drive down the coastline and visit the lighthouses. You'll also find breweries around town as well as many fun or romantic restaurants.

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

La Paz
Mystic

La Paz is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Mystic is lacking in options for backpackers.

La Paz is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The city offers an authentic experience and hostels that make it a budget-friendly option for backpackers.

Mystic is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's not high on the list for most backpackers.


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

La Paz
Mystic

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

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Mystic. There is a bus but it has limited stops and only runs on weekdays.

Is La Paz or Mystic a more walkable city?

La Paz
Mystic

La Paz is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. However, Mystic is lacking in options for its high level of walkability.

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

Mystic is generally not very walkable. While parts of town are very walkable, you'll need a car if you want to see the sights that are a bit further away.

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

Should I spend more time in Mystic or La Paz?

How long in La Paz or Mystic?

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

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


  • How many days in La Paz or Mystic? Ideal Length of Stay
    La Paz 2-4 
    Mystic 2-3

One day in La Paz or Mystic?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of La Paz. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Mystic. 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 Mystic?

La Paz is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Mystic 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 Mystic?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in La Paz. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mystic. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Mystic?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural destination of La Paz. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Mystic. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting 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 Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Mystic or La Paz?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in La Paz is $118, while the average daily cost in Mystic is $210. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for La Paz and Mystic in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    La Paz $52
    Mystic $125
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    La Paz $104
    Mystic $250
Compare Hotels in La Paz and Mystic

Looking for a hotel in La Paz or Mystic? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in La Paz


Hotels in Mystic


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: La Paz Hotel Prices and Mystic Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    La Paz $22
    Mystic $56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Paz

Some specific examples of transportation prices in La Paz:

  • Private Transfer from La Paz to Cabo San Lucas: $241
  • Roundtrip Transfer to La Paz International Airport: $73
  • La Paz International Airport (LAP) to La Paz hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $53
  • La Paz Int. Airport (LAP): Private Transfer to La Paz hotels: $174
  • La Paz Airport: Private Roundtrip Transfer to La Ventan: $259
  • La Paz Airport to Costa Baja Private Roundtrip Transfer: $89

Is it cheaper to fly into La Paz or Mystic?

Prices for flights to both Mystic and La Paz change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    La Paz $38
    Mystic $52

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Paz

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in La Paz.

  • 4 Hours of Guided La Paz Street Food Tour: $82

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    La Paz $13
    Mystic $24

Tours and Activities in La Paz

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for La Paz are as follows:

  • 1 Day Espiritu Santo Island Wonders, Sea Lions and Paddleboard Adventure : $249
  • Adventure to Espiritu Santo Island: Snorkel with Sea Lions and Beach: $133
  • Balandra & San Rafaelito: Sightseeing & Snorkelling: $135
  • Balandra Beach and City Tour: $128
  • Balandra Snorkel & Sea Lion Adventure: $135
  • Can-Am X3 Turbo Adventure: Cabo Desert Trails & Beach Ride: $291
  • City Tour & Beaches from La Paz: $91
  • Cruise Date Delight! Swim with Sea Lions! Apr-02: $186
  • Espíritu Santo Island snorkel and sightseeing tour on Small Group: $169
  • Espiritu Santo Island Day Tour: $170
  • Espiritu Santo Island Snorkel & Sea Lion Adventure: $145
  • Espiritu Santo Island Tour: $139

Tours and Activities in Mystic

For Mystic, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Mystic Moonlit Graveyard Ghost Tour: $30
  • Downtown Mystic Ghost Tour: $30
  • Ghosts of Christmas Past Downtown Walking Tour: $30
  • Mystic Seaport Museum Adventure : $31
  • Moonlit Mystic Graveyard Ghost Tour: $35
  • Guided Ghost Tour of Downtown Mystic at Night: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    La Paz $12
    Mystic $31

Sample the Local Flavors in Mystic

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Mystic:

  • Paranormal Pub Crawl: Beer Tour: $75
  • Paranormal Pub Crawl: Beer Tour: $75
  • Spirits of Cocktail Pub Crawl: $100
  • Spirits of Cocktail Pub Crawl: $100


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


Which is Bigger, La Paz or Mystic?

La Paz has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Mystic. When comparing the sizes of La Paz and Mystic, 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 Mystic?

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 Mystic in the Summer?

Both Mystic 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. Also, many travelers come to Mystic for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, La Paz is generally a little warmer than Mystic. Daily temperatures in La Paz average around 30°C (86°F), and Mystic fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In Mystic, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in La Paz. In the summer, La Paz often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mystic. La Paz gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mystic receives 293 hours of full sun.

La Paz usually gets less rain in July than Mystic. La Paz gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Mystic receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    La Paz 30°C (86°F) 
    Mystic 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit La Paz or Mystic in the Autumn?

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

La Paz is much warmer than Mystic in the autumn. The daily temperature in La Paz averages around 27°C (80°F) in October, and Mystic fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mystic this time of the year. In La Paz, it's very sunny this time of the year. La Paz usually receives more sunshine than Mystic during autumn. La Paz gets 272 hours of sunny skies, while Mystic receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, La Paz usually receives less rain than Mystic. La Paz gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Mystic receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    La Paz 27°C (80°F) 
    Mystic 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit La Paz or Mystic in the Winter?

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

Mystic can be very cold during winter. In the winter, La Paz is much warmer than Mystic. Typically, the winter temperatures in La Paz in January average around 18°C (65°F), and Mystic averages at about 28°F (-2°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in La Paz this time of the year. In the winter, La Paz often gets more sunshine than Mystic. La Paz gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mystic receives 170 hours of full sun.

La Paz usually gets less rain in January than Mystic. La Paz gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Mystic receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    La Paz 18°C (65°F) 
    Mystic 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit La Paz or Mystic in the Spring?

Both Mystic 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 Mystic because of the beaches.

In April, La Paz is generally much warmer than Mystic. Daily temperatures in La Paz average around 23°C (73°F), and Mystic fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

It's quite sunny in Mystic. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Paz. La Paz usually receives more sunshine than Mystic during spring. La Paz gets 292 hours of sunny skies, while Mystic receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, La Paz usually receives less rain than Mystic. La Paz gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Mystic receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    La Paz 23°C (73°F) 
    Mystic 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Mystic and La Paz

La Paz Mystic
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (65°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 19°C (66°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 20°C (69°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 25°C (77°F) 1 mm (0 in) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 30°C (86°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 30°C (87°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 30°C (85°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 20°C (67°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)