A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mazatlan vs. Beaufort for Attractions, Food, Beaches, and Old Town

Should you visit Mazatlan or Beaufort?

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

Should I visit Mazatlan or Beaufort? 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.

Beaufort

Beaufort is a character-filled, southern, and charming town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Mazatlan and Beaufort: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mazatlan or Beaufort?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Mazatlan. Although Mazatlan and Beaufort are popular destinations, Mazatlan has more sights and attractions for tourists. Mazatlan is very popular for its museums, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Beaufort attracts visitors for its small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Mazatlan is famous for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas. It is also well known for the Malecon. Beaufort is famous for its Lowcountry cuisine and historic homes.

How is Mazatlan different from Beaufort?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Mazatlan is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Beaufort is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Mazatlan can be an interesting and educational experience. There are colonial buildings around the Centro Historico. You should also check out the Historic Cathedral and the Angela Peralta Theater.

Beaufort offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The town's museums highlight the region's past. There are four popular museums that you can visit - the Beaufort History Museum, Parris Island Museum, Verdier House Museum, and York W. Bailey Museum.

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

Foodies will find both Mazatlan and Beaufort both to be very good 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.

Beaufort has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Soak up the charming atmosphere by dining at one of the local restaurants. Many serve Lowcountry cuisine which includes She-crab soup, fried green tomatoes, shrimp burgers, and barbecue.

Is Mazatlan or Beaufort Better for Nightlife?

Mazatlan is a nice place to visit for nightlife. However, Beaufort is a mediocre 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Beaufort. You'll find bars, grills, and taverns in town, but most people don't visit for the nightlife scene.

Is Mazatlan or Beaufort Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mazatlan is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Beaufort is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Mazatlan has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Most of the diving takes place around the Pajaros, Venados and Lobos islands. This is where you'll see the most tropical fish.

Beaufort is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mazatlan or Beaufort Better for Beaches?

Mazatlan is notable for its beaches. Also, Beaufort is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for the beache.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Mazatlan. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Beaufort. The town has a nice waterfront, but you have to head about half an hour out of town for a real beach. One of the best options is Hunting Island State Park.

Is Mazatlan or Beaufort Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the very good old towns in both Mazatlan and Beaufort.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Mazatlan. It's a historic port city with a charming colonial old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Beaufort. Historic homes, some that were built before the Civil War, offer a glimpse into the past. Beaufort is the second oldest town in South Carolina and it holds on to much of its charm and character.

Is the Shopping Better in Mazatlan or Beaufort?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Beaufort and Mazatlan.

Mazatlan offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Beaufort has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head downtown for some souvenir shopping or to check out the art galleries or fashion boutiques.

Is Mazatlan or Beaufort Better for Families?

Mazatlan is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for its kid-friendly activities.

Mazatlan is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Beaufort is not always a place people visit with their families. There are parks and outdoor activities in the area, but one of the best options is to head out of town to the beach.

Is Mazatlan or Beaufort Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Beaufort frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many charming and romantic spots around town as well as historic inns where you can stay. Couples will enjoy the waterfront area or exploring one of the nature parks that are nearby. There are also quaint local restaurants that make for a nice date night.

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 Beaufort Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mazatlan is notable for backpackers. However, Beaufort 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.

Beaufort is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. There aren't any real places for backpackers to stay in the area.

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

Mazatlan is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Beaufort is a mediocre 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 quite limited in Beaufort. There is no reliable public transportation system in the area.

Is Mazatlan or Beaufort a more walkable city?

Mazatlan and Beaufort both are very good when exploring on foot.

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

Beaufort is a very walkable destination. The quaint downtown is walkable and offers easy access to art galleries, restaurants, and shops.

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

Should I spend more time in Beaufort or Mazatlan?

How long in Mazatlan or Beaufort?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Mazatlan and Beaufort. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Mazatlan than in Beaufort. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mazatlan, and 1-3 days is enough time in Beaufort.

Families should spend more time in Mazatlan than Beaufort. 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 Beaufort. 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 Beaufort 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 Beaufort?

The city of Mazatlan offers museums and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

Beaufort is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Mazatlan or Beaufort?

Mazatlan is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Beaufort 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Beaufort, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Mazatlan or Beaufort?

Mazatlan is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Mazatlan, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Beaufort 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 Beaufort?

Mazatlan is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

Beaufort is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Beaufort, we can see that Beaufort 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 Beaufort would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Beaufort 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 Beaufort Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Mazatlan or Beaufort?

Mazatlan has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Beaufort. When comparing the sizes of Mazatlan and Beaufort, 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 Beaufort?

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 Beaufort in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Mazatlan and Beaufort. Many travelers come to Mazatlan for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Beaufort in the summer for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Mazatlan is generally around the same temperature as Beaufort. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 29°C (83°F), and Beaufort fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beaufort this time of the year. In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mazatlan usually receives less sunshine than Beaufort during summer. Mazatlan gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Beaufort receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.

Beaufort receives a lot of rain in the summer. Mazatlan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Mazatlan usually receives around the same amount of rain as Beaufort. Mazatlan gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Beaufort receives 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Beaufort in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Mazatlan as well as Beaufort. Many visitors come to Mazatlan in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Beaufort for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Mazatlan is a little warmer than Beaufort in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Beaufort fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beaufort. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mazatlan this time of the year. In the autumn, Mazatlan often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Beaufort. Mazatlan gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beaufort receives 223 hours of full sun.

Mazatlan usually gets more rain in October than Beaufort. Mazatlan gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Beaufort receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Beaufort in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Mazatlan is much warmer than Beaufort. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mazatlan in January average around 20°C (67°F), and Beaufort averages at about 48°F (9°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. Mazatlan usually receives more sunshine than Beaufort during winter. Mazatlan gets 203 hours of sunny skies, while Beaufort receives 176 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Mazatlan usually receives less rain than Beaufort. Mazatlan gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Beaufort receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Beaufort in the Spring?

Both Beaufort and Mazatlan during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Mazatlan because of the beaches. Furthermore, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Beaufort this time of year.

In April, Mazatlan is generally a little warmer than Beaufort. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 22°C (72°F), and Beaufort fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

In Beaufort, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. In the spring, Mazatlan often gets less sunshine than Beaufort. Mazatlan gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beaufort receives 275 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Beaufort and Mazatlan