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

Should you visit Mazatlan or Cherokee?

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

Should I visit Mazatlan or Cherokee? 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.

Cherokee

Cherokee is a genuine, fascinating, and cultural town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Mazatlan and Cherokee: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mazatlan or Cherokee?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Mazatlan. Although Mazatlan and Cherokee are popular destinations, Mazatlan has more sights and attractions for tourists. Mazatlan is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and historical sights, while Cherokee attracts visitors for its hiking. Mazatlan is famous for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas. It is also well known for the Malecon. Cherokee is famous for its cultural experiences and nearby hiking trails.

How is Mazatlan different from Cherokee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Mazatlan is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Cherokee 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.

Cherokee offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Many of the museums educate visitors on the Native American culture. Oconaluftee Indian Village, the Museum of the Cherokee People, and the Mountain Farm Museum each offer a unique and interesting perspective.

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

Mazatlan is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Cherokee 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.

Cherokee has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are casual sandwich shops as well as several places that offer traditional Cherokee foods such as fry bread.

Is Mazatlan or Cherokee Better for Nightlife?

Mazatlan is a nice place to visit for nightlife. However, Cherokee 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 Cherokee. The town is generally quiet but you can head to Harrah's Cherokee Casino for drinks and entertainment.

Is Mazatlan or Cherokee Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mazatlan is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Cherokee 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.

Cherokee is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mazatlan or Cherokee Better for Beaches?

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

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.

Cherokee is not a beach destination.

Is Mazatlan or Cherokee Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Mazatlan to see the historical old town. It's a historic port city with a charming colonial old town.

Cherokee does not have a historic old town.

Is Mazatlan or Cherokee Better for Hiking?

Cherokee is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Mazatlan is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Cherokee. There are many trails in the area that pass through forests, wander by waterfalls, and take you to spectacular viewpoints. The fall foliage is particularly nice during the autumn months.

Mazatlan is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mazatlan or Cherokee?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Cherokee 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.

Cherokee has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are craft shops and artisan vendors in the downtown area. It's fun to wander around for a few hours.

Is Mazatlan or Cherokee Better for Families?

Cherokee is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Cherokee is a very kid-friendly town. It's proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park make this a fun destination for families. There are countless outdoor adventure activities. The town is also filled with Cherokee history and culture, so it offers educational experiences as well.

Mazatlan offers lots of family activities. 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.

Is Mazatlan or Cherokee Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Cherokee frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Nearby there are many outdoor activities and adventure experiences. Couples who enjoy nature and exploring will appreciate a stay here.

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 Cherokee Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mazatlan is notable for backpackers. Also, Cherokee is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Cherokee is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are several great campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hiking opportunities.

Is Mazatlan or Cherokee 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, Cherokee 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 mostly limited in Cherokee. There are some bus and shuttle routes, but a private vehicle is important if you want to make the most of your visit.

Is Mazatlan or Cherokee a more walkable city?

Mazatlan is notable for its walkability. However, Cherokee is a mediocre town for its high level of walkability.

Mazatlan is very walkable. The city is relatively walkable.

Cherokee is generally not a very walkable city. If you want to explore the area, you'll need a car to reach most places.

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

Should I spend more time in Cherokee or Mazatlan?

How long in Mazatlan or Cherokee?

It's fun to spend time in either Mazatlan or Cherokee. 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 Cherokee.

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

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.

The town of Cherokee offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Cherokee?

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.

Cherokee 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 spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cherokee, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Mazatlan or Cherokee?

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.

Cherokee 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 Cherokee?

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.

Cherokee is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Mazatlan or Cherokee?

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

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 Cherokee in the Summer?

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

In July, Mazatlan is generally around the same temperature as Cherokee. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 29°C (83°F), and Cherokee fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cherokee this time of the year. In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mazatlan usually receives less sunshine than Cherokee during summer. Mazatlan gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Cherokee receives 294 hours of full sun in the summer.

Cherokee receives a lot of rain in the summer. Mazatlan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Mazatlan usually receives more rain than Cherokee. Mazatlan gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Cherokee receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Cherokee in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Mazatlan as well as Cherokee. Many visitors come to Mazatlan in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Cherokee for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

Mazatlan is much warmer than Cherokee in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Cherokee fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cherokee. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mazatlan this time of the year. In the autumn, Mazatlan often gets more sunshine than Cherokee. Mazatlan gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cherokee receives 213 hours of full sun.

Mazatlan usually gets more rain in October than Cherokee. Mazatlan gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Cherokee receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Cherokee in the Winter?

Both Cherokee 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 Cherokee because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Cherokee can be very cold. In the winter, Mazatlan is much warmer than Cherokee. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mazatlan in January average around 20°C (67°F), and Cherokee averages at about 40°F (5°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. Mazatlan usually receives more sunshine than Cherokee during winter. Mazatlan gets 203 hours of sunny skies, while Cherokee receives 134 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cherokee. In January, Mazatlan usually receives less rain than Cherokee. Mazatlan gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Cherokee receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Cherokee in the Spring?

Both Cherokee and Mazatlan during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Mazatlan because of the beaches.

In April, Mazatlan is generally a little warmer than Cherokee. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 22°C (72°F), and Cherokee fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In Cherokee, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. In the spring, Mazatlan often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cherokee. Mazatlan gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cherokee receives 263 hours of full sun.

Mazatlan usually gets less rain in April than Cherokee. Mazatlan gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Cherokee receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cherokee and Mazatlan