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

Should you visit La Paz or New Bern?

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 New Bern 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.

New Bern

New Bern is a quaint, charming, and laid back town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

La Paz and New Bern: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in La Paz or New Bern?

Travelers will usually find more to do in La Paz. Although La Paz and New Bern are popular destinations, La Paz has more sights and attractions for tourists. La Paz is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while New Bern attracts visitors for its small town charm. La Paz is more touristy than New Bern and is known for its beautiful beaches, fascinating cultural setting, and authentic local atmosphere. It is also well known for Balandra Beach. New Bern is famous for being the birthplace of Pepsi.

How is La Paz different from New Bern?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

La Paz is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, New Bern 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.

New Bern offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Many visitors check out the Tryon Palace while they're in town. Other museums include the New Bern Fireman's Museum, the Carolina Creations Fine Art & Contemporary Craft Gallery, and the New Bern Academy Museum.

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

La Paz is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

New Bern has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a number of local eateries, bistros, and cafes in town. You can sample southern favorites or something international. Popular dishes include fresh caught fish, crab cakes, and even tacos.

Is La Paz or New Bern Better for Nightlife?

La Paz is a popular place for nightlife. However, New Bern is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

La Paz has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are many bars and restaurants around the Malecón.

New Bern doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a couple of pubs and breweries around town.

Is La Paz or New Bern Better for Resorts?

La Paz is a popular place for its resorts. However, New Bern 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.

New Bern is not a resort destination.

Is La Paz or New Bern Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

La Paz is well known for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, New Bern 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.

New Bern is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is La Paz or New Bern Better for Beaches?

La Paz is an unbeatable place for its beaches. However, New Bern is not a beach destination.

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.

New Bern is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in La Paz or New Bern?

La Paz is well known for shopping. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular 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 New Bern. There are local shops and boutiques that sell clothing, antiques, and gifts.

Is La Paz or New Bern Better for Families?

La Paz is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, New Bern is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

La Paz is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

For families, New Bern is not always the best place to visit. Stand up paddle boarding and other outdoor activities are a fun way to experience the area with kids. You could also visit the New Bern Fireman's Museum, the Tryon Palace, or one of the parks around town.

Is La Paz or New Bern Better for Couples?

Both La Paz and New Bern 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.

New Bern is a good city for couples to visit. The town's charm and quaint parks make this a nice weekend getaway. There are outdoor activities and the Tryon Palace which is nice to visit. There are also local restaurants around town.

Is La Paz or New Bern Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

La Paz is well known for backpackers. However, New Bern is not particularly known 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.

New Bern is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not popular with backpackers in part because it's a small town that most people breeze through on their way to the beach.

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

La Paz is a popular place for its public transit. However, New Bern is not particularly known 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 quite limited in New Bern. There's no real public transit in the area.

Is La Paz or New Bern a more walkable city?

La Paz is well known for its walkability. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

New Bern is a somewhat walkable place. The downtown area is walkable and nice to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in New Bern or La Paz?

How long in La Paz or New Bern?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in La Paz or New Bern to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in La Paz than New Bern because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for La Paz, and 1-2 days is enough time in New Bern.

Families should spend more time in La Paz than New Bern. 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 New Bern. 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 New Bern 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 New Bern?

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.

New Bern might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in La Paz or New Bern?

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.

New Bern 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 New Bern?

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 New Bern. 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 New Bern?

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.

New Bern is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town 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 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, La Paz or New Bern?

La Paz has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of New Bern. When comparing the sizes of La Paz and New Bern, 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 New Bern?

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 New Bern in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both La Paz and New Bern. Many travelers come to La Paz for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to New Bern in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, La Paz is generally a little warmer than New Bern. Daily temperatures in La Paz average around 30°C (86°F), and New Bern fluctuates around 80°F (27°C).

New Bern receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, La Paz usually receives less rain than New Bern. La Paz gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while New Bern receives 6.6 inches (169 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit La Paz or New Bern in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to La Paz as well as New Bern. Many visitors come to La Paz in the autumn for the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to New Bern for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months.

La Paz is a little warmer than New Bern in the autumn. The daily temperature in La Paz averages around 27°C (80°F) in October, and New Bern fluctuates around 65°F (18°C).

La Paz usually gets less rain in October than New Bern. La Paz gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while New Bern receives 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit La Paz or New Bern in the Winter?

Both New Bern and La Paz are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to La Paz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to New Bern because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, La Paz is much warmer than New Bern. Typically, the winter temperatures in La Paz in January average around 18°C (65°F), and New Bern averages at about 44°F (7°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in New Bern. In January, La Paz usually receives less rain than New Bern. La Paz gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while New Bern receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit La Paz or New Bern in the Spring?

Both New Bern and La Paz during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to La Paz because of the beaches. Also, the small town charm are the main draw to New Bern this time of year.

In April, La Paz is generally a little warmer than New Bern. Daily temperatures in La Paz average around 23°C (73°F), and New Bern fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

La Paz usually gets less rain in April than New Bern. La Paz gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while New Bern receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for New Bern and La Paz