A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mazatlan vs. Myrtle Beach for Nightlife, Food, Beaches, and Backpackers

Should you visit Mazatlan or Myrtle Beach?

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

Should I visit Mazatlan or Myrtle Beach? 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 authentic, historical, and cultural city. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is a busy, jam-packed, and high energy beach city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife and beaches.

Mazatlan and Myrtle Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mazatlan or Myrtle Beach?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Mazatlan. Although Mazatlan and Myrtle Beach are both popular with visitors, Mazatlan has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Mazatlan is more popular for its museums, food, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, and shopping, while Myrtle Beach is known for its nightlife, resorts, and big city activities. Myrtle Beach is more touristy than Mazatlan and is known for its party-hard atmosphere, spring break crowds, and beachfront nightlife scene. Mazatlan is popular for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas. It is also home to the Malecon.

How is Mazatlan different from Myrtle Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Mazatlan is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Mazatlan specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are colonial buildings around the Centro Historico. You should also check out the Historic Cathedral and the Angela Peralta Theater.

Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Mazatlan is a great destination for its restaurant scene. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Mazatlan is an experience not to be missed. 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.

Myrtle Beach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Slices of pizza and seafood buffets are the most common options in the area. There are also themed restaurants and dinner shows that make for a fun night, even if the food isn't the highest quality.

Is Mazatlan or Myrtle Beach Better for Nightlife?

Myrtle Beach is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

People head to Myrtle Beach just to party. This beach is famous for its nightlife. From all-night bars and clubs, to music concerts and outdoor venues, there's no shortage of things to do. Bachelor and Bachelorette parties and spring break crowds make this the place to be for a party.

If you're looking for night time activities Mazatlan has a few options to choose from. 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.

Is Mazatlan or Myrtle Beach Better for Resorts?

Myrtle Beach is a beach city with a few options for its resorts. However, Mazatlan is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Myrtle Beach offers a few options. While there are a handful of resorts in the area, like the popular Marriott Vacation Club, most hotels are crowded and lacking in space.

Mazatlan is not a resort destination.

Is Mazatlan or Myrtle Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mazatlan is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Myrtle Beach is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving 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.

Myrtle Beach is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mazatlan or Myrtle Beach Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Mazatlan and Myrtle Beach are great choices.

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.

Myrtle Beach is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Most people head to the center of town and boardwalk for the nightlife and vibrant activities more than the actual beach. The stretches north and south have nice beaches lined with hotels and resorts, and a much more family-friendly atmosphere. If you want a more relaxed beach setting without the huge crowds, check out Myrtle Beach State Park.

Is Mazatlan or Myrtle Beach Better for its Old Town?

Mazatlan is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Myrtle Beach does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Mazatlan. It's a historic port city with a charming colonial old town.

Myrtle Beach does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Mazatlan or Myrtle Beach?

Mazatlan is very good for its shopping areas. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for shopping.

Many visitors go to Mazatlan to go 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.

Myrtle Beach is a good destination for shopping. The town is filled with souvenir shops, t-shirt shops, and candy vendors that make shopping entertaining.

Is Mazatlan or Myrtle Beach Better for Families?

Mazatlan is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

For families, Myrtle Beach is not always the best place to visit. While this area isn't generally considered a family destination, there are some newer vacation clubs and resorts that cater specifically to families and have become popular. The Marriott Vacation Club is one of the most popular with families in Myrtle Beach.

Is Mazatlan or Myrtle Beach Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Mazatlan and Myrtle Beach make for a good 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.

Myrtle Beach is a good city for couples to visit. The beach area isn't exactly a romantic destination but for couples who enjoy going out and having fun together, there is no shortage of night time activities.

Is Mazatlan or Myrtle Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mazatlan is a great destination for backpackers. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Mazatlan is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Myrtle Beach is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The nightlife scene brings the young crowd, but this isn't exactly a backpacker destination.

Is Mazatlan or Myrtle Beach Better for Students?

Myrtle Beach is well known for students. However, Mazatlan is not popular with students.

Myrtle Beach is a very popular beach city for students and younger travelers. University students flock to the area for spring break and end of year celebrations. If you're a student during those times, this is the place to be, otherwise, the area is best avoided.

Mazatlan is not popular with students.

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

Mazatlan is very good for its public transit. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is quite limited in Myrtle Beach. There are no real public transit options so you'll need a car to get around.

Is Mazatlan or Myrtle Beach a more walkable city?

Mazatlan is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its walkability.

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

Myrtle Beach is generally not a very walkable city. By the Boardwalk, it's easy to walk around, but traffic can still be congested and once you're out of the main strip, a car is essential.

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

Should I spend more time in Myrtle Beach or Mazatlan?

How long in Mazatlan or Myrtle Beach?

Both Mazatlan and Myrtle Beach have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Myrtle Beach than in Mazatlan. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mazatlan, and 2-7 days is enough time in Myrtle Beach.

Families should spend more time in Mazatlan than Myrtle Beach. 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 Myrtle Beach. 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 Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach?

In Mazatlan, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The beach city of Myrtle Beach offers nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Myrtle Beach?

Mazatlan is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Myrtle Beach is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this beach city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Myrtle Beach, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Mazatlan or Myrtle Beach?

In Mazatlan, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this cultural destination offers. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Myrtle Beach is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Myrtle Beach, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Mazatlan or Myrtle Beach?

Mazatlan is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Myrtle Beach is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Myrtle Beach has to offer. This beach 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 Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Mazatlan or Myrtle Beach?

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

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 Myrtle Beach in the Summer?

Both Myrtle Beach and Mazatlan are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Mazatlan this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Myrtle Beach for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Mazatlan is around the same temperature as Myrtle Beach. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mazatlan in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Myrtle Beach averages at about 81°F (27°C).

It's quite sunny in Myrtle Beach. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. Mazatlan usually receives less sunshine than Myrtle Beach during summer. Mazatlan gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Myrtle Beach receives 283 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Myrtle Beach. It's quite rainy in Mazatlan. In July, Mazatlan usually receives around the same amount of rain as Myrtle Beach. Mazatlan gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Myrtle Beach receives 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Myrtle Beach in the Autumn?

Both Myrtle Beach and Mazatlan during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Mazatlan for the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Myrtle Beach in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Mazatlan is generally a little warmer than Myrtle Beach. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 27°C (81°F), and Myrtle Beach fluctuates around 65°F (18°C).

In Myrtle Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. In the autumn, Mazatlan often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Myrtle Beach. Mazatlan gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Myrtle Beach receives 227 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Mazatlan or Myrtle Beach in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Mazatlan and Myrtle Beach. Many visitors come to Mazatlan in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Myrtle Beach for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Mazatlan is much warmer than Myrtle Beach in the winter. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 20°C (67°F) in January, and Myrtle Beach fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mazatlan usually receives more sunshine than Myrtle Beach during winter. Mazatlan gets 203 hours of sunny skies, while Myrtle Beach receives 180 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Mazatlan usually receives less rain than Myrtle Beach. Mazatlan gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Myrtle Beach receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Myrtle Beach in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Mazatlan as well as Myrtle Beach. Most visitors come to Mazatlan for the beaches during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Myrtle Beach because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Mazatlan is a little warmer than Myrtle Beach. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mazatlan in April average around 22°C (72°F), and Myrtle Beach averages at about 62°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Myrtle Beach. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mazatlan this time of the year. In the spring, Mazatlan often gets less sunshine than Myrtle Beach. Mazatlan gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Myrtle Beach receives 278 hours of full sun.

Mazatlan usually gets less rain in April than Myrtle Beach. Mazatlan gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Myrtle Beach receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Myrtle Beach and Mazatlan