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

Should you visit Mazatlan or Roanoke?

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

Should I visit Mazatlan or Roanoke? 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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Roanoke

Roanoke is a laid back, scenic, and outdoorsy town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Mazatlan and Roanoke: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mazatlan or Roanoke?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Mazatlan than Roanoke, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Mazatlan is more popular for its museums, food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and historical sights, while Roanoke is known for its hiking. Mazatlan is popular for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas. It is also home to the Malecon. Roanoke is popular for its welcoming hospitality and convenient access to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

How is Mazatlan different from Roanoke?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Mazatlan is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

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.

Roanoke is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several museums and sights around town such as the Living-Coral Reef Aquarium, the Science Museum of Western Virginia, and the Taubman Museum of Art. There's also the Harrison Museum of African American Culture and even the Roanoke Pinball Museum.

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

Mazatlan is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Roanoke is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Mazatlan has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Roanoke offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are burger joints, pizza restaurants, and plenty of other casual eateries where you can grab a quick meal.

Is Mazatlan or Roanoke Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Mazatlan and Roanoke.

Mazatlan has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Roanoke has a few options to choose from. There are local venues in the area that have drinks and often live music. You'll find jazz, country, rock, and bluegrass, particularly along Crooked Road in Franklin County.

Is Mazatlan or Roanoke Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mazatlan is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Roanoke 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.

Roanoke is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mazatlan or Roanoke Better for Beaches?

Mazatlan is a great city for the beach. However, Roanoke 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.

Roanoke is not a beach destination.

Is Mazatlan or Roanoke Better for its Old Town?

Mazatlan is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Roanoke 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.

Roanoke does not have a historic old town.

Is Mazatlan or Roanoke Better for Hiking?

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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Roanoke. The surrounding countryside is filled with mountain hikes. The Blue Ridge Mountains are crossed by trails that take you to waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and through serene forest. McAfee Knob, Sharp Top Mountain, and Roaring Run Trail some of the best hikes in the area.

Mazatlan is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mazatlan or Roanoke?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Roanoke 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.

Roanoke has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Market Street in Downtown Roanoke is lined with local vendors, particularly at the Historic Roanoke City Market. The town also has a mall and several shopping centers.

Is Mazatlan or Roanoke Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Mazatlan or Roanoke.

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.

Roanoke offers lots of family activities. The Blue Ridge Parkway is filled with kid-friendly hiking trails and fun outdoor activities. You can visit the Blue Ridge Institute & Farm Museum or Smith Mountain Lake Farm. There's also Virginia Children's Theater.

Is Mazatlan or Roanoke Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Roanoke frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Staying at a quaint bed and breakfast, tucked into the beautiful mountain setting is the perfect romantic getaway. Nearby there are vineyards and wine cellars, as well as gardens, hikes, and other outdoor activities.

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 Roanoke Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mazatlan is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers 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.

Roanoke is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are several campgrounds in the area as well as great hiking trails.

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

Mazatlan is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Roanoke is not known for its public transit.

While Mazatlan offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are city buses around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Roanoke. There are buses as well as a free trolley service through the downtown, but you really do need a car to get most places.

Is Mazatlan or Roanoke a more walkable city?

Mazatlan is a great city for its ease of walking around. However, Roanoke is not known for its walkability.

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

Roanoke is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, with sidewalks and more dense development styles.

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

Should I spend more time in Roanoke or Mazatlan?

How long in Mazatlan or Roanoke?

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

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

In Mazatlan, you'll find shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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

In Mazatlan, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Roanoke 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 Roanoke, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Mazatlan or Roanoke?

Mazatlan is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Mazatlan has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Roanoke 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 Roanoke?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mazatlan. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Mazatlan. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Roanoke 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 from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Mazatlan or Roanoke?

Mazatlan has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Roanoke. When comparing the sizes of Mazatlan and Roanoke, 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 Roanoke?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Roanoke in the Summer?

Both Roanoke and Mazatlan during the summer are popular places to visit. 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 Roanoke this time of year.

In the summer, Mazatlan is around the same temperature as Roanoke. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mazatlan in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Roanoke averages at about 79°F (26°C).

In Roanoke, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. In the summer, Mazatlan often gets less sunshine than Roanoke. Mazatlan gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Roanoke receives 273 hours of full sun.

Roanoke gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. Mazatlan usually gets more rain in July than Roanoke. Mazatlan gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Roanoke receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Roanoke in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Mazatlan and Roanoke. The shopping scene are the main draw to Mazatlan this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Roanoke for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Mazatlan is generally much warmer than Roanoke. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 27°C (81°F), and Roanoke fluctuates around 60°F (16°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Roanoke this time of the year. In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mazatlan usually receives more sunshine than Roanoke during autumn. Mazatlan gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Roanoke receives 210 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Mazatlan usually receives less rain than Roanoke. Mazatlan gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Roanoke receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Roanoke in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Mazatlan as well as Roanoke. Many travelers come to Mazatlan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Roanoke in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Roanoke can get quite cold in the winter. Mazatlan is much warmer than Roanoke in the winter. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 20°C (67°F) in January, and Roanoke fluctuates around 38°F (3°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mazatlan this time of the year. In the winter, Mazatlan often gets more sunshine than Roanoke. Mazatlan gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Roanoke receives 165 hours of full sun.

Mazatlan usually gets less rain in January than Roanoke. Mazatlan gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Roanoke receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Roanoke in the Spring?

Both Roanoke and Mazatlan are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Mazatlan in the spring for the beaches.

In the spring, Mazatlan is a little warmer than Roanoke. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mazatlan in April average around 22°C (72°F), and Roanoke averages at about 59°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Roanoke. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. Mazatlan usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Roanoke during spring. Mazatlan gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Roanoke receives 246 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Mazatlan usually receives less rain than Roanoke. Mazatlan gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Roanoke receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Roanoke and Mazatlan