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

Should you visit La Paz or San Francisco?

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 Francisco 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.

San Francisco

San Francisco is a beautiful, outdoorsy, and quirky coastal city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums.

La Paz and San Francisco: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in San Francisco than La Paz, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. San Francisco is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, music, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while La Paz is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. San Francisco is more touristy than La Paz and is popular for its striking bayfront setting, stunning urban hikes, quirky personality, and reputation within the tech industry. It is also home to The Golden Gate Bridge. La Paz is popular for its beautiful beaches, fascinating cultural setting, and authentic local atmosphere.

How is La Paz different from San Francisco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

San Francisco is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in San Francisco are among the most recognizable in the world. The city's landmarks are as diverse as the people who live there. The most recognizable landmark is the famous Golden Gate Bridge, but visitors also enjoy seeing Alcatraz Island, the Legion of Honor, the Palace of Fine Arts, as well as the small but fascinating Cable Car Museum.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Is La Paz or San Francisco Better for Theater?

San Francisco is a coastal city with good options for its theatre productions. However, La Paz is not a theatre destination.

San Francisco offers a number of shows and performances. The city has around a dozen theaters where you can enjoy musicals or plays.

La Paz is not a theatre destination.

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

San Francisco is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in San Francisco have been singled out for their culinary prowess. There are local dives as well as five star restaurants, with everything in between. Popular local dining experiences include sourdough bread bowls and Dungeness crab at Fisherman's Wharf, and dim sum in Chinatown. Head away from the touristy neighborhoods if you want to sample some of the more local restaurants around town.

La Paz has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Is La Paz or San Francisco Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are good in both La Paz and San Francisco.

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 San Francisco. It has a great nightlife with many local bars and trendy clubs. For the best nightlife away from the tourists, head to Valencia Street or Polk Street. If you want to be in a more touristy area, check out Union Square. Popular clubs in the city include Temple San Francisco, Monarch, and Audio Nightclub.

Is La Paz or San Francisco Better for Music?

San Francisco is a coastal city with good options for its live music scene. However, La Paz is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in San Francisco. Well known music venues include the Great American Music Hall, Slim's, and The Chapel.

La Paz is not a live music destination.

Is La Paz or San Francisco Better for Resorts?

La Paz is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, San Francisco 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.

San Francisco is not a resort destination.

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

La Paz is a great city for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, San Francisco is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to La Paz to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. 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 Francisco is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is La Paz or San Francisco Better for Beaches?

La Paz is an amazing city to visit for the beach. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its beaches.

The beaches in La Paz are among the best in 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.

The beaches at San Francisco attract visitors from all over. Whether you're interested in surfing or simply taking in the dramatic views, the beaches of San Francisco will take your breath away. Some of the best beaches include Ocean Beach, Baker Beach, and Muir Beach.

Is La Paz or San Francisco Better for Hiking?

San Francisco is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. However, La Paz is not a hiking destination.

Around San Francisco visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The city's hikes take in the dramatic views of the bay and city. Just outside of town there are also countless hikes through the Redwoods and along the coastline. Popular hikes in the area include Lands End, Tomales Point Trail at Point Reyes National Seashore, and Muir Woods.

La Paz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in La Paz or San Francisco?

San Francisco is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in San Francisco make it a world-class shopping destination. The city has excellent shopping from local vendors to recognizable brands. Union Square, Embarcadero, Fillmore Street and Haight Street are some of the best neighborhoods for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in La Paz. Local boutiques, souvenir shops, and art galleries all make for interesting shopping opportunities.

Is La Paz or San Francisco Better for Families?

San Francisco 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 Francisco is an extremely popular coastal city to visit for families. With its many outdoor parks, hiking trails, beaches, and kid-friendly museums, this city makes a great family-friendly destination. There are also many amazing playgrounds with stunning views of the bay and city. Head to Chinatown for some unique and kid-friendly food, or down to Pier 39 for fun activities that the whole family can enjoy.

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 Francisco Better for Couples?

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

San Francisco is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples enjoy the romantic backdrop of this beautiful city. There are world-class restaurants and plenty of spas that couples can enjoy during a honeymoon or romantic getaway. There are also many scenic walks and breathtaking views that couples can appreciate.

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 Francisco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both La Paz and San Francisco are high quality destinations for backpackers.

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.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit San Francisco. The city is one of the more backpacker friendly cities in the United States. There are a handful of hostels throughout, many concentrated in the popular Union Square and Downtown neighborhoods of the city.

Is La Paz or San Francisco Better for Students?

San Francisco is notable for students. However, La Paz is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in San Francisco. As a large and dynamic city, the area is popular with international students who want to experience this unique side of the United States. Major universities in the area include University of San Francisco, San Francisco State University, and nearby, the University of California, Berkeley.

La Paz is not popular with students.

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

San Francisco is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in San Francisco can get you around easily. The transit network includes a subway (the BART), trams, cable cars, ferries, and buses.

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

Is La Paz or San Francisco a more walkable city?

La Paz and San Francisco both are high quality when exploring on foot.

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

San Francisco is a very walkable destination. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but given the large hills, it's a bit of a challenge, even for the most fit among us.

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

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

How long in La Paz or San Francisco?

Both La Paz and San Francisco have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in San Francisco than in La Paz. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for La Paz, and 3-7 days is enough time in San Francisco.

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

Couples should spend more time in San Francisco than La Paz. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in San Francisco that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Francisco than La Paz 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 San Francisco.

One day in La Paz or San Francisco?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the cultural destination of La Paz. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

San Francisco is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 Francisco?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in La Paz. Most people come for the beaches. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

San Francisco is a great place to explore. 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 Francisco?

Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the authentic destination of La Paz. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

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

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the city of La Paz. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

San Francisco is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Mexico, The Best Tours for Seniors to Mexico, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, La Paz or San Francisco?

San Francisco has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of La Paz. When comparing the sizes of La Paz and San Francisco, 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 Francisco?

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 Francisco in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to La Paz as well as San Francisco. Most visitors come to La Paz for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to San Francisco because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

La Paz usually gets more rain in July than San Francisco. La Paz gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both San Francisco and La Paz are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to La Paz because of the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to San Francisco this time of year.

In October, La Paz is generally much warmer than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in La Paz average around 27°C (80°F), and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In October, La Paz usually receives less rain than San Francisco. La Paz gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

Both San Francisco and La Paz during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to La Paz this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to San Francisco for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

La Paz is much warmer than San Francisco in the winter. The daily temperature in La Paz averages around 18°C (65°F) in January, and San Francisco fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

La Paz usually gets less rain in January than San Francisco. La Paz gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both La Paz and San Francisco. Many travelers come to La Paz for the beaches. Furthermore, many visitors come to San Francisco in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, La Paz is much warmer than San Francisco. Typically, the spring temperatures in La Paz in April average around 23°C (73°F), and San Francisco averages at about 58°F (14°C).

In April, La Paz usually receives less rain than San Francisco. La Paz gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for San Francisco and La Paz