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

Should you visit Mazatlan or Juneau?

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

Should I visit Mazatlan or Juneau? 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 cultural, authentic, and historical city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Juneau

Juneau is a breathtaking, historic, and scenic city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Mazatlan and Juneau: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mazatlan or Juneau?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Mazatlan than Juneau, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Mazatlan is better known for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and historical sights, while Juneau is more popular for its hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Juneau is more touristy than Mazatlan and is known for its wildlife, natural beauty, and Gold Rush in 1880. Mazatlan is well known for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas. Also, Mazatlan is famous for the Malecon.

How is Mazatlan different from Juneau?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the high quality sights and museums in both Mazatlan and Juneau.

Mazatlan offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are colonial buildings around the Centro Historico. You should also check out the Historic Cathedral and the Angela Peralta Theater.

Many visitors head to Juneau specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Many museums focus on the history in the area, including the Gold Rush and the mining industry. You can visit several historic mines as well as the Last Chance Mining Museum. Other museums around town include the Juneau-Douglas City Museum, the Walter Soboleff Building, and the Alaska State Museum.

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

Foodies will find both Mazatlan and Juneau both to be high quality 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.

Juneau has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The seafood is superb and visitors will regret if they miss out on the salmon, halibut, and crab. There are many local restaurants and local chefs serving up the freshest caught fish. For the best seafood, head to the waterfront, and if you're looking for something other than seafood, the downtown is where you'll want to be.

Is Mazatlan or Juneau Better for Nightlife?

Mazatlan is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Juneau is not a good city for its evening party scene.

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 Juneau. There are a couple of bars and breweries, but most people relax in the evening.

Is Mazatlan or Juneau Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mazatlan is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Juneau is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Mazatlan has a few good snorkeling spots. Most of the diving takes place around the Pajaros, Venados and Lobos islands. This is where you'll see the most tropical fish.

Juneau is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mazatlan or Juneau Better for Beaches?

Mazatlan is a well-known place for the beache. However, Juneau is not a beach destination.

Mazatlan is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Juneau is not a beach destination.

Is Mazatlan or Juneau Better for its Old Town?

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

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

Juneau does not have a historic old town.

Is Mazatlan or Juneau Better for Hiking?

Juneau is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. However, Mazatlan is not a hiking destination.

People visit Juneau specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. You'll find more than 250 miles of hiking trails in the area, and this really is the best way to experience Alaska. The area is known for its wildlife, but there are also glacier hikes, meadows, mountains, and more. In downtown Juneau there's the Perseverance Trail, the Granite Creek Trail, and the Mount Roberts Trail. From the Mendenhall Visitor Center there's the East Glacier Loop Trail, the West Glacier Trail, and the Nugget Falls Trail. There are also trails on Douglas Island and many options just outside of town.

Mazatlan is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mazatlan or Juneau?

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

Juneau is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There's a mix of contemporary art and traditional artisan crafts. You'll find gift shops and art galleries around, particularly downtown and in the Mendenhall Valley business district. Visitors often enjoy buying art, wood carvings, jewelry, pottery, quilts, or dolls.

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 Juneau Better for Families?

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

Juneau is a very kid-friendly city. Its is filled with adventure that the whole family will enjoy. There's whale watching, dog sled tours, helicopter rides, hiking, and the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway. This bucket-list destination will have an impact on kids and adults alike.

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 Juneau Better for Couples?

Juneau is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Juneau makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples who enjoy exploring and adventuring will be in awe of this destination. Glacier trekking, superb gardens, and romantic helicopter rides will leave you feeling like a contestant on "The Bachelor". There are also opportunities for romantic evenings out and cozy hotels where you can stay in.

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 Juneau Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mazatlan and Juneau are high quality places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Mazatlan is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Juneau. It's a popular destination with budget hotels and even a hostel or two.

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

Mazatlan is a popular place for its public transit. However, Juneau is not a good city 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 Juneau. You can only reach Juneau by boat or plane and there are three bus routes through town.

Is Mazatlan or Juneau a more walkable city?

Mazatlan and Juneau both are high quality when exploring on foot.

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

Juneau is a very walkable destination. The downtown is very walkable and many places can be reached within a reasonable walk.

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

Should I spend more time in Juneau or Mazatlan?

How long in Mazatlan or Juneau?

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

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

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Mazatlan. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The beautiful city of Juneau 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 Juneau?

Mazatlan 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.

Juneau is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city 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 Juneau, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Mazatlan or Juneau?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mazatlan. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Juneau is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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 Juneau?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the authentic destination of Mazatlan. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Juneau is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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 city 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Mazatlan or Juneau?

Mazatlan has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Juneau. When comparing the sizes of Mazatlan and Juneau, 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 Juneau?

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 Juneau in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Mazatlan and Juneau. The summer months attract visitors to Mazatlan because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Juneau this time of year.

Mazatlan is much warmer than Juneau in the summer. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Juneau fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mazatlan usually receives more sunshine than Juneau during summer. Mazatlan gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Juneau receives 179 hours of full sun in the summer.

Juneau 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 Juneau. Mazatlan gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Juneau receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Juneau in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Mazatlan as well as Juneau. The shopping scene are the main draw to Mazatlan this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Juneau for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Mazatlan is much warmer than Juneau. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Mazatlan in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Juneau averages at about 42°F (6°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mazatlan this time of the year. In the autumn, Mazatlan often gets more sunshine than Juneau. Mazatlan gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Juneau receives 69 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Juneau. Mazatlan usually gets less rain in October than Juneau. Mazatlan gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Juneau receives 7.8 inches (199 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Juneau in the Winter?

Both Juneau and Mazatlan are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Mazatlan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Juneau in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Juneau can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Mazatlan is generally much warmer than Juneau. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 20°C (67°F), and Juneau fluctuates around 24°F (-4°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. Mazatlan usually receives more sunshine than Juneau during winter. Mazatlan gets 203 hours of sunny skies, while Juneau receives 87 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Juneau. In January, Mazatlan usually receives less rain than Juneau. Mazatlan gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Juneau receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Juneau in the Spring?

Both Juneau and Mazatlan during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Mazatlan in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Juneau for the natural beauty during these months.

Juneau can be very cold during spring. Mazatlan is much warmer than Juneau in the spring. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 22°C (72°F) in April, and Juneau fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. In the spring, Mazatlan often gets more sunshine than Juneau. Mazatlan gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Juneau receives 185 hours of full sun.

Mazatlan usually gets less rain in April than Juneau. Mazatlan gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Juneau receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Juneau and Mazatlan