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

Should you visit La Paz or San Diego?

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 San Diego 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. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See La Paz travel costs.

San Diego

San Diego is a idyllic, fun-filled, and hip coastal city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. San Diego is a beautiful place to visit, too. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and shopping. See San Diego travel costs.

La Paz and San Diego: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in La Paz or San Diego?

You'll generally find more things to do in San Diego than La Paz. San Diego is bigger than La Paz, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. San Diego is better known for its nightlife, music, hiking, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while La Paz is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling and shopping. San Diego is more touristy than La Paz and is popular for its relaxed coastal atmosphere, its many kid-friendly sights, and its beautiful beaches with critter-filled tidal pools. Also, San Diego is famous for The San Diego Zoo. La Paz is well known for its beautiful beaches, fascinating cultural setting, and authentic local atmosphere.

How is La Paz different from San Diego?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 San Diego. While the city is famous for it's beaches, zoos, and aquariums, don't overlook the museums and other landmarks. Popular options include the Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, the Old Town State Historic Park, and Point Loma and Cabrillo Monument.

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

Foodies will find both La Paz and San Diego 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.

San Diego has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city has great seafood and a diversity of cuisines. There are many casual dining options that serve informal foods like burgers or salads, but there are also award-winning fine dining restaurants with elegant atmospheres. Popular local dishes include fish tacos and California burritos.

Is La Paz or San Diego Better for Nightlife?

San Diego 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.

San Diego has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The heart of the city's nightlife scene is in the Gaslamp District, which is filled with bars, clubs, and music venues. There's a young student population that keeps the nightlife scene casual and fun.

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 San Diego Better for Music?

San Diego is notable for its live music scene. However, La Paz is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in San Diego. Popular venues include the House of Blues, The Belly Up, and The Shout House.

La Paz is not a live music destination.

Is La Paz or San Diego Better for Resorts?

If luxury resorts are your style, both La Paz and San Diego have notable 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.

San Diego has a few great resort options. Most people prefer to stay in hotels or VRBOs, but several popular resorts include Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Paradise Point, and the famous Hotel del Coronado.

Is La Paz or San Diego Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

La Paz is great for its diving and snorkeling. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for snorkeling and scuba diving.

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.

San Diego has a few good snorkeling spots. Popular snorkeling and diving spots include La Jolla Cove, Mission Bay, and Turtle Town. The water's a bit chili, but it's still worth going for a dive or popping on a mask and snorkeling around for a bit.

Is La Paz or San Diego Better for Beaches?

Both La Paz and San Diego are considered to be fantastic 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.

San Diego offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The city has great beaches with tidal pools and interesting sea life at low tide. Adults and kids alike will enjoy hitting the beach when the tides are out and looking for local critters in the tidal pools. Popular beaches in the area include La Jolla Cove Beach, Coronado Beach, and Pacific Beach.

Is La Paz or San Diego Better for Hiking?

San Diego is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, La Paz is not a hiking destination.

San Diego is a popular spot for hiking. The city is filled with parks and has tons of natural beauty. There is plenty of urban hiking in town, or you can visit more natural areas just out of town. Head to Torrey Pines State Park or Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail for some nice hikes.

La Paz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in La Paz or San Diego?

La Paz is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its shopping areas.

La Paz is well-known for its shopping. Local boutiques, souvenir shops, and art galleries all make for interesting shopping opportunities.

Many visitors go to San Diego to go shopping. Head to Fashion Valley or Westfield UTC for some fun shopping. There are suburban shopping malls in the area as well as souvenir shops in the more touristy areas.

Is La Paz or San Diego More Beautiful?

San Diego is a coastal city with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, La Paz is not a destination known for its beauty.

San Diego is a beautiful place to visit, too. Many people enjoy city's beautiful coastline and surrounding natural beauty.

La Paz is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is La Paz or San Diego Better for Families?

San Diego 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.

San Diego is an extremely popular coastal city to visit for families. The city is filled with kid-friendly activities that everyone can enjoy. There's the world-class zoo, several amusement parks, the beaches, aquariums, and more. The year-round warm weather makes it easy to spend plenty of time outdoors in parks, playgrounds, and beaches where kids can stretch their legs and run around.

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 San Diego Better for Couples?

San Diego is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

San Diego is a great coastal city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. For adventurous couples, there are many outdoor activities that you can enjoy together. The beaches offer a great playground for adults who enjoy the water and warm weather. There are also restaurants and a great nightlife in San Diego.

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 San Diego Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

La Paz is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for backpackers.

Many 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 San Diego. Backpackers will enjoy the young vibe of the city. There are a few great hostels near the beach or in town.

Is La Paz or San Diego Better for Students?

San Diego is a world-class destination for students. However, La Paz is not popular with students.

San Diego is a very popular coastal city for students. With its young population and many universities, international students will feel right at home in San Diego. There are also many great outdoor activities for the adventurous.

La Paz is not popular with students.

Is La Paz or San Diego 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, San Diego is not a good destination for its public transit.

While La Paz offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a cheap local bus system around town.

Public transit is generally limited in San Diego. The city has a trolley (light rail system) as well as a bus system. Most people depend on cars to get around, and you'll likely enjoy your trip a bit more if you have your own vehicle.

Is La Paz or San Diego a more walkable city?

La Paz is great for its high level of walkability. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its ease of walking around.

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

San Diego is a somewhat walkable city. The downtown area is walkable, but if you want to travel further, you'll need to find a different form of transportation.

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

Should I spend more time in San Diego or La Paz?

How long in La Paz or San Diego?

In either La Paz or San Diego, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in San Diego than La Paz because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for La Paz, and 3-5 days is enough time in San Diego.

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

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

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of La Paz. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the destination of San Diego. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in La Paz or San Diego?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the cultural destination of La Paz. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

San Diego 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 San Diego?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the cultural city of La Paz. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the beaches. 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 San Diego. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 San Diego?

La Paz is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the energetic destination of San Diego. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, The Best Luxury Tours to Mexico, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.

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

Which is Bigger, La Paz or San Diego?

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

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 San Diego in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to La Paz as well as San Diego. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to La Paz this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to San Diego for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

La Paz is a little warmer than San Diego in the summer. The daily temperature in La Paz averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and San Diego fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Diego. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in La Paz this time of the year. In the summer, La Paz often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Diego. La Paz gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 306 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit La Paz or San Diego in the Autumn?

Both San Diego and La Paz are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to La Paz for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to San Diego in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, La Paz is a little warmer than San Diego. Typically, the autumn temperatures in La Paz in October average around 27°C (80°F), and San Diego averages at about 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in San Diego. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Paz. La Paz usually receives more sunshine than San Diego during autumn. La Paz gets 272 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 244 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, La Paz usually receives more rain than San Diego. La Paz gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit La Paz or San Diego in the Winter?

Both San Diego and La Paz during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to La Paz in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to San Diego for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, La Paz is generally a little warmer than San Diego. Daily temperatures in La Paz average around 18°C (65°F), and San Diego fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In San Diego, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in La Paz. In the winter, La Paz often gets less sunshine than San Diego. La Paz gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 239 hours of full sun.

La Paz usually gets less rain in January than San Diego. La Paz gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit La Paz or San Diego in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both La Paz and San Diego. Most visitors come to La Paz for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to San Diego because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

La Paz is a little warmer than San Diego in the spring. The daily temperature in La Paz averages around 23°C (73°F) in April, and San Diego fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Diego this time of the year. In La Paz, it's very sunny this time of the year. La Paz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Diego during spring. La Paz gets 292 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 277 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, La Paz usually receives less rain than San Diego. La Paz gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for San Diego and La Paz