A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mazatlan vs. Saint Simons for Attractions, Food, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Mazatlan or Saint Simons?

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

Should I visit Mazatlan or Saint Simons? 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.

Saint Simons

Saint Simons is a laid back, scenic, and relaxing island. 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. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and food.

Mazatlan and Saint Simons: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mazatlan or Saint Simons?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Mazatlan. Although Mazatlan and Saint Simons are popular destinations, Mazatlan has more sights and attractions for tourists. Mazatlan is very popular for its museums, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and historical sights, while Saint Simons attracts visitors for its resorts, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Saint Simons is more touristy than Mazatlan and is known for its beaches, charter fishing, and golf courses. Mazatlan is famous for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas. It is also well known for the Malecon.

How is Mazatlan different from Saint Simons?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Mazatlan is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

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.

While most people don't head to Saint Simons specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. St. Simons Lighthouse is a highlight for many visitors. There's a maritime museum attached to the lighthouse as well. Fort Frederica National Monument is another historic site that is worth a visit.

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

Foodies will find both Mazatlan and Saint Simons 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.

Saint Simons has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are more than 70 restaurants on the island that range from cafes to fine dining. You can enjoy an eggs benedict for brunch, crab cakes for lunch, and shrimp and grits for dinner. Many restaurants take advantage of the mild climate by offering outdoor seating. There are also several dessert places with ice cream or donuts.

Is Mazatlan or Saint Simons Better for Nightlife?

Mazatlan is a popular place for nightlife. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

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.

Saint Simons doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are several family-friendly bars with laid back atmospheres around town, but if you're looking for a wild night out, there aren't a lot of places to go.

Is Mazatlan or Saint Simons Better for Resorts?

Saint Simons is a popular place for its resorts. However, Mazatlan is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Saint Simons makes a nice vacation spot. There are a handful of nice resorts with pools and beachfront settings.

Mazatlan is not a resort destination.

Is Mazatlan or Saint Simons Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mazatlan is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Saint Simons 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.

Saint Simons is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mazatlan or Saint Simons Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Mazatlan and Saint Simons are high quality 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.

Saint Simons is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There's golden sand and a beautiful setting. Visitors enjoy swimming or walking along the coastline. You'll also find piers and playgrounds. East Beach is one of the most popular.

Is Mazatlan or Saint Simons Better for its Old Town?

Mazatlan is a great destination for its historic old town. However, Saint Simons 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.

Saint Simons does not have a historic old town.

Is Mazatlan or Saint Simons Better for Hiking?

Saint Simons is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Mazatlan is not a hiking destination.

Saint Simons is a good destination for hiking. There are several parks and natural areas where you can enjoy a walk in nature. Cannon's Point Preserve has a nice trail system. Other trails on the island include John Gilbert Nature Trail, Earth Day Nature Trail, and Wanderer Memorial Trail.

Mazatlan is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mazatlan or Saint Simons?

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

Saint Simons is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. You'll find a good concentration of gift shops and clothing boutiques on the island. Antiquing is also popular. Head to Pier Village for a nice mix of shops.

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 Saint Simons Better for Families?

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

Saint Simons is a very kid-friendly island. The beaches are kid-friendly and there are many family-friendly restaurants in town. There's also the St. Simons Lighthouse, minigolf, and kayaking, as well as Neptune Park Fun Zone.

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 Saint Simons Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Saint Simons frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are romantic restaurants, beautiful beaches, and nice hotels. Sunset walks on the beach or a round of golf all make this a favorite couple's destination.

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 Saint Simons Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mazatlan is a great destination for backpackers. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options 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.

Saint Simons is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are campgrounds in the area that offer access to the island.

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

Mazatlan is a popular place for its public transit. However, Saint Simons is a island 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 Saint Simons. While there are trolley tours available, public transportation is basically non-existent.

Is Mazatlan or Saint Simons a more walkable city?

Mazatlan is a great destination for its walkability. Also, Saint Simons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Mazatlan is very walkable. The city is relatively walkable.

Saint Simons is a somewhat walkable place. The downtown area is walkable, but to access much of what is available, you'll want to have a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Saint Simons or Mazatlan?

How long in Mazatlan or Saint Simons?

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

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

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

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

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.

Saint Simons is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. 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 Saint Simons?

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.

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

Five days in Mazatlan or Saint Simons?

In Mazatlan, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this historical 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.

Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons?

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.

Saint Simons is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island 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 Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Mazatlan or Saint Simons?

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

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 Saint Simons in the Summer?

Both Saint Simons and Mazatlan are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Mazatlan because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint Simons this time of year.

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

It's quite sunny in Saint Simons. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. Mazatlan usually receives less sunshine than Saint Simons during summer. Mazatlan gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Simons receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Simons. It's quite rainy in Mazatlan. In July, Mazatlan usually receives more rain than Saint Simons. Mazatlan gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Saint Simons receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Saint Simons in the Autumn?

Both Saint Simons and Mazatlan during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Mazatlan this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Saint Simons for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Mazatlan is a little warmer than Saint Simons in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Saint Simons fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

In Saint Simons, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. In the autumn, Mazatlan often gets more sunshine than Saint Simons. Mazatlan gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Simons receives 214 hours of full sun.

Mazatlan usually gets more rain in October than Saint Simons. Mazatlan gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Saint Simons receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Saint Simons in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Mazatlan and Saint Simons. Many travelers come to Mazatlan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Saint Simons in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Mazatlan is much warmer than Saint Simons. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mazatlan in January average around 20°C (67°F), and Saint Simons averages at about 53°F (12°C).

In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mazatlan usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Simons during winter. Mazatlan gets 203 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Simons receives 191 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Mazatlan usually receives less rain than Saint Simons. Mazatlan gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Saint Simons receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Saint Simons in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Mazatlan as well as Saint Simons. Many visitors come to Mazatlan in the spring for the beaches. Additionally, most visitors come to Saint Simons for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Mazatlan is generally a little warmer than Saint Simons. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 22°C (72°F), and Saint Simons fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Simons. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mazatlan this time of the year. In the spring, Mazatlan often gets less sunshine than Saint Simons. Mazatlan gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Simons receives 285 hours of full sun.

Mazatlan usually gets less rain in April than Saint Simons. Mazatlan gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Saint Simons receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Saint Simons and Mazatlan