A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mazatlan vs. Bar Harbor for Food, Beaches, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Mazatlan or Bar Harbor?

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

Should I visit Mazatlan or Bar Harbor? 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.

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a charming, picturesque, and relaxed coastal town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and food.

Mazatlan and Bar Harbor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mazatlan or Bar Harbor?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Mazatlan. Although Mazatlan and Bar Harbor are popular destinations, Mazatlan has more sights and attractions for tourists. Mazatlan is very popular for its museums, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and historical sights, while Bar Harbor attracts visitors for its resorts, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Bar Harbor is more touristy than Mazatlan and is known for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park. Mazatlan is famous for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas. It is also well known for the Malecon.

How is Mazatlan different from Bar Harbor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Mazatlan or Bar Harbor?

Mazatlan is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Mazatlan. There are colonial buildings around the Centro Historico. You should also check out the Historic Cathedral and the Angela Peralta Theater.

Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Mazatlan and Bar Harbor both to be excellent destinations.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Mazatlan. 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.

Bar Harbor has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town is famous for its Maine lobster, but there are also countless other types of fresh seafood available. You'll find waterfront restaurants with beautiful views and fresh ingredients.

Is Mazatlan or Bar Harbor Better for Nightlife?

Mazatlan is a city with good options for nightlife. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Mazatlan. 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.

Bar Harbor doesn't offer many options. It's a peaceful and sleepy town, so you wont find much in the way of nightlife.

Is Mazatlan or Bar Harbor Better for Resorts?

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

With a selection of resorts, Bar Harbor makes a nice vacation spot. The town is all about the cute hotel. Several favorites include Sand Bar Cottage Inn, Bluenose Inn, and Bar Harbor Inn and Spa.

Mazatlan is not a resort destination.

Is Mazatlan or Bar Harbor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mazatlan is a city with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Bar Harbor is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life 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.

Bar Harbor is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mazatlan or Bar Harbor Better for Beaches?

Mazatlan is a well-known place for its beaches. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for the beache.

The beaches at Mazatlan attract visitors from all over. 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.

Bar Harbor offers a nice beach destination. A nice beach is close by but do note that the sand is very shelly and there is a big difference between high and low tides.

Is Mazatlan or Bar Harbor Better for its Old Town?

Mazatlan is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Bar Harbor does not have a historic old town.

Mazatlan is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. It's a historic port city with a charming colonial old town.

Bar Harbor does not have a historic old town.

Is Mazatlan or Bar Harbor Better for Hiking?

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

Bar Harbor is a good destination for hiking. Nearby Acadia National Park has plenty of hiking options. There's also the Bar Harbor Shore Path that wanders along the coastline and offers beautiful views.

Mazatlan is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mazatlan or Bar Harbor?

Bar Harbor is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Bar Harbor is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Filled with plenty of local boutique shops, its fun to enjoy some shopping around town.

Mazatlan has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Is Mazatlan or Bar Harbor Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Mazatlan or Bar Harbor.

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.

Bar Harbor offers lots of family activities. It is a small town with a lot of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. Whale watching, kayaking, and wildlife spotting are all fun activities for all ages.

Is Mazatlan or Bar Harbor Better for Couples?

Bar Harbor is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Bar Harbor frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It is a quaint coastal town that is perfect for a couple's getaway or a short honeymoon. There are romantic restaurants, scenic walks, and beautiful views that make this a wonderful retreat.

Mazatlan is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Is Mazatlan or Bar Harbor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mazatlan is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal 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.

Bar Harbor is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's a small town with mostly high end accommodation so budget travelers and backpackers will struggle to find a place to stay.

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

Mazatlan is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for times when you don't have a car.

Mazatlan has a few public transit options. There are city buses around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Bar Harbor. There is a free shuttle bus that will help you get around town if needed.

Is Mazatlan or Bar Harbor a more walkable city?

Mazatlan and Bar Harbor both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Mazatlan is a very walkable city. The city is relatively walkable.

Bar Harbor is a very walkable destination. The town is small enough that it's easily explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bar Harbor or Mazatlan?

How long in Mazatlan or Bar Harbor?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Mazatlan and Bar Harbor. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Mazatlan than in Bar Harbor. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mazatlan, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bar Harbor.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mazatlan than Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the cultural city of Mazatlan, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Bar Harbor is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. 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 Bar Harbor?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Mazatlan, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

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

Five days in Mazatlan or Bar Harbor?

Mazatlan, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor?

Mazatlan is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Bar Harbor 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 coastal 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Mazatlan or Bar Harbor?

Mazatlan has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Bar Harbor. When comparing the sizes of Mazatlan and Bar Harbor, 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 Mazatlan or Bar Harbor?

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 Mazatlan or Bar Harbor in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Mazatlan and Bar Harbor. Many visitors come to Mazatlan in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bar Harbor for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Mazatlan is generally a little warmer than Bar Harbor. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 29°C (83°F), and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

Mazatlan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Mazatlan usually receives more rain than Bar Harbor. Mazatlan gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Bar Harbor in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Mazatlan as well as Bar Harbor. Most visitors come to Mazatlan for the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Bar Harbor because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Mazatlan is much warmer than Bar Harbor in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

Mazatlan usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Bar Harbor. Mazatlan gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Bar Harbor in the Winter?

Both Bar Harbor and Mazatlan are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Mazatlan because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Bar Harbor this time of year.

It's quite cold in Bar Harbor in the winter. In the winter, Mazatlan is much warmer than Bar Harbor. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mazatlan in January average around 20°C (67°F), and Bar Harbor averages at about 18°F (-8°C).

In January, Mazatlan usually receives less rain than Bar Harbor. Mazatlan gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Bar Harbor in the Spring?

Both Bar Harbor and Mazatlan during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches are the main draw to Mazatlan this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bar Harbor for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Mazatlan is generally much warmer than Bar Harbor. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 22°C (72°F), and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

Mazatlan usually gets less rain in April than Bar Harbor. Mazatlan gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bar Harbor and Mazatlan