A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mazatlan vs. Avon for Attractions, Food, Backpackers, and Nightlife

Should you visit Mazatlan or Avon?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Mazatlan or Avon? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Mazatlan

Mazatlan is a historical, cultural, and authentic city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Avon

Avon is a scenic, active, and outdoorsy town. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and skiing.

Mazatlan and Avon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mazatlan or Avon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Mazatlan. Although Mazatlan and Avon are popular destinations, Mazatlan has more sights and attractions for tourists. Mazatlan is very popular for its museums, food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Avon attracts visitors for its skiing, resorts, and hiking. Avon is more touristy than Mazatlan and is known for it's affordable accommodation options and its access to Beaver Creek Ski Resort. Mazatlan is famous for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas. It is also well known for the Malecon.

How is Mazatlan different from Avon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Avon and Mazatlan. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Mazatlan or Avon Better for Skiing?

Avon is well known for winter skiing. However, Mazatlan is not a skiing destination.

People head to Avon specifically to take advantage of the area's skiing and winter sports. Beaver Creek is the main ski area near town and it's about a mile away. The town of Avon is below Beaver Creek and is located beside an interstate.

Mazatlan is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Mazatlan or Avon?

Mazatlan is notable for its sights and museums. However, Avon is a mediocre town for its museums and history.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Mazatlan. There are colonial buildings around the Centro Historico. You should also check out the Historic Cathedral and the Angela Peralta Theater.

While most people don't head to Avon specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. While there aren't a ton of museums in the area, it's worth checking out the Walking Mountains Science Center.

Is the Food Better in Mazatlan or Avon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mazatlan is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Mazatlan makes for a great culinary experience. Stewed meats and shrimp are a big part of the cuisine here. Many recipes have a little bit of spice. The restaurants around town are authentic and local, making for a great dining experience.

Avon has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are casual eateries where you can grab a bite to eat, whether you're in the mood for Chinese, pizza, or burgers.

Is Mazatlan or Avon Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Mazatlan and Avon.

Mazatlan has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are plenty of bars and clubs around town, particularly along the beach. Like anywhere else, remember to stay cautious late at night around town. This is considered to be one of the less safe parts of Mexico.

If you're looking for night time activities Avon has a few options to choose from. It's a small town but there are some bars and lively pubs where you can enjoy cold drinks.

Is Mazatlan or Avon Better for Resorts?

Avon is a popular place for its resorts. However, Mazatlan is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Avon makes a nice vacation spot. There are the typical chain resort options, many with beautiful mountain views.

Mazatlan is not a resort destination.

Is Mazatlan or Avon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mazatlan is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Avon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Mazatlan. Most of the diving takes place around the Pajaros, Venados and Lobos islands. This is where you'll see the most tropical fish.

Avon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mazatlan or Avon Better for Beaches?

Mazatlan is notable for its beaches. However, Avon is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Mazatlan for it's beautiful beaches. There are many stretches of beach around town. Most notable is the 13 miles that run along Malecon where there's a boardwalk. Surfing is also popular in the area.

Avon is not a beach destination.

Is Mazatlan or Avon Better for its Old Town?

Mazatlan is notable for its historic old town. However, Avon does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Mazatlan. It's a historic port city with a charming colonial old town.

Avon does not have a historic old town.

Is Mazatlan or Avon Better for Hiking?

Avon is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Mazatlan is not a hiking destination.

Avon is a good destination for hiking. There are paved trails and recreational paths through town that are great for both hiking and biking. The main ones are Eagle Valley Trail and the trails in West Avon Preserve.

Mazatlan is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mazatlan or Avon?

Mazatlan is a good destination for shopping. However, Avon is a mediocre town for its shopping opportunities.

Mazatlan is a great destination for shopping. There are local shops, big box stores, and souvenir vendors where you can pick up anything you may need or items to commemorate your trip.

If you're looking to go shopping, Avon has some nice offerings. There aren't a ton of shopping opportunities in town, but there are enough shops around in case you need to pick up necessities or buy a gift.

Is Mazatlan or Avon Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Mazatlan or Avon.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Mazatlan. Kids will enjoy the all-inclusive resorts and the waterfront setting. There are also many cultural opportunities such as markets, history, and shows. The food is very kid-friendly as well.

Avon offers lots of family activities. There are parks and playgrounds around town and there's easy access to the Beaver Creek Ski Resort. There's also plenty of hiking in the area.

Is Mazatlan or Avon Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Mazatlan and Avon make for a nice place to visit.

Mazatlan makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The resorts are romantic and the beaches are stunning. If you're looking for an idyllic escape that also has culture, authenticity, and great food, then this is your spot.

Avon is a good city for couples to visit. While avid skiers prefer to stay at nearby Beaver Creek, the town of Avon offers a good alternative.

Is Mazatlan or Avon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mazatlan is notable for backpackers. However, Avon is a mediocre town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Mazatlan. The laid back atmosphere makes this a great stopover for backpackers who want to experience the Mexican culture. Stick to the touristy areas if possible.

Avon is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers prefer to stay closer to the ski facilities.

Is Mazatlan or Avon Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Mazatlan and Avon.

You'll find some public transit in Mazatlan, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are city buses around town.

While Avon offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are shuttles and buses that travel through town and to Beaver Creek.

Is Mazatlan or Avon a more walkable city?

Mazatlan is notable for its walkability. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its high level of walkability.

Mazatlan is very walkable. The city is relatively walkable.

Avon is a somewhat walkable place. The town center is small and there are paved walking trails that you can use. It's possible to walk to restaurants or the recreation center, depending on where you're staying.

For even more information, also check out Is Mazatlan Worth Visiting? and Is Avon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Avon or Mazatlan?

How long in Mazatlan or Avon?

It's fun to spend time in either Mazatlan or Avon. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Mazatlan due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mazatlan, and 2-4 days is enough time in Avon.

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

Couples should spend more time in Mazatlan than Avon. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Mazatlan that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mazatlan than Avon 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 Mazatlan.

One day in Mazatlan or Avon?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Mazatlan. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The town of Avon offers skiing and nightlife. 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.

A weekend in Mazatlan or Avon?

Mazatlan is a fun place to experience. It's also a great beach destination, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Avon is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Avon, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Mazatlan or Avon?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the cultural destination of Mazatlan. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Avon is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

A week in Mazatlan or Avon?

The historical city of Mazatlan offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Avon is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mazatlan and Avon, we can see that Avon is more expensive. And not only is Mazatlan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mazatlan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mazatlan 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 Avon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Avon than you might in Mazatlan.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mazatlan Expensive? and Is Avon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Mazatlan or Avon?

Mazatlan has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Avon. When comparing the sizes of Mazatlan and Avon, 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.