A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mazatlan vs. San Antonio for Families, Attractions, Food, and Old Town

Should you visit Mazatlan or San Antonio?

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

Should I visit Mazatlan or San Antonio? 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.

San Antonio

San Antonio is a colorful, festive, and fun city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and museums.

Mazatlan and San Antonio: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mazatlan or San Antonio?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Mazatlan than San Antonio. While San Antonio is larger than Mazatlan, Mazatlan has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Mazatlan is very popular for its food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and historical sights, while San Antonio attracts visitors for its music and impressive beauty. Mazatlan is famous for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas. It is also well known for the Malecon. San Antonio is famous for being the home to the Alamo, the popular RiverWalk area, and several world-class amusement parks.

How is Mazatlan different from San Antonio?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the superb sights and museums in both Mazatlan and San Antonio.

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 San Antonio specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. It is known for its role in American history, and the city is famous as the location of the Alamo. It's also where you'll find the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park & Mission Trail, the San Antonio Museum of Art, Witte Museum, and the Guinness World Records Museum, among others.

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

Mazatlan is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

San Antonio has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find a mix of amazing and authentic Mexican food, simpler Tex Mex, and a number of Hill Country specialties. The city is filled with comfort food and the restaurants reflect the diverse character of the population. Popular local dishes include tacos, sweet potato fries, and chicken fried steak.

Is Mazatlan or San Antonio Better for Nightlife?

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

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 San Antonio has a few options to choose from. The city's nightlife scene is diverse, with dance halls, breweries, and clubs. It has seen a recent boom in dance clubs, so there are plenty of places to party hard, or to have a more relaxing night out. The RiverWalk is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene, particularly for tourists. Many conferences stay at hotels near the RiverWalk, so it's not uncommon to see professionals out and about after a day of networking.

Is Mazatlan or San Antonio Better for Music?

San Antonio is a popular place for its live music scene. However, Mazatlan is not a live music destination.

The music scene in San Antonio is active and vibrant. It's worth checking out The Aztec Theater, Sam's Burger Joint, and 502 Bar.

Mazatlan is not a live music destination.

Is Mazatlan or San Antonio Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mazatlan is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, San Antonio is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery 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.

San Antonio is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mazatlan or San Antonio Better for Beaches?

Mazatlan is a great destination for its beaches. However, San Antonio is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Mazatlan for it's beautiful beaches. 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.

San Antonio is not a beach destination.

Is Mazatlan or San Antonio Better for its Old Town?

Mazatlan is a great destination for its historic old town. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Mazatlan. It's a historic port city with a charming colonial old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in San Antonio. The city is famous for its River Walk, which may feel slightly cheesy, but is still a unique and mesmerizing place to wander.

Is the Shopping Better in Mazatlan or San Antonio?

Shopping is a popular activity in both San Antonio 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.

San Antonio has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. From souvenir shops to local boutiques and chain stores, there are several shopping options around town. Check out the historic Market Square or the shops at Rivercenter for some of the city's most interesting shopping.

Is Mazatlan or San Antonio Better for Christmas?

San Antonio is a popular place for its Christmas activities. However, Mazatlan does not offer Christmas activities.

San Antonio offers some nice Christmas activities. It's fun to see the lights along the River Walk at Christmas.

Mazatlan does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Mazatlan or San Antonio Better for Families?

San Antonio is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, San Antonio is a very family-friendly destination. The RiverWalk is a fun family-friendly area. There's also Six Flags, SeaWorld and the San Antonio Zoo as well as a number of museums and other amusement parks in the area. It's easy to spend days having a great family vacation in this area and you can combine history, culture, and entertainment all in one setting.

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 San Antonio Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Mazatlan and San Antonio make for a nice 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.

San Antonio is a good city for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy taking a boat ride and exploring the many sites around town. The RiverWalk has many restaurants and a great atmosphere for a date night. There's also the botanical gardens and many outdoor spaces to explore.

Is Mazatlan or San Antonio Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mazatlan is a great destination for backpackers. However, San Antonio is a city 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.

San Antonio is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While its not on most backpacker's lists, it does have a fun atmosphere and a social setting.

Is Mazatlan or San Antonio Better for Students?

San Antonio is a popular place for students. However, Mazatlan is not popular with students.

San Antonio is popular with students. There are a couple of colleges in the area. This is also a major conference destination so it's possible to network and meet other professionals.

Mazatlan is not popular with students.

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

Mazatlan is a good destination for its public transit. However, San Antonio is a 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 mostly limited in San Antonio. Buses connect most of the city's tourist attractions, but you'll find life much easier if you have your own car.

Is Mazatlan or San Antonio a more walkable city?

Mazatlan is a great destination for its walkability. However, San Antonio is a city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Mazatlan is very walkable. The city is relatively walkable.

San Antonio is generally not a very walkable city. If you stick to the downtown area you will be fine getting around on foot. Outside of that area, you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in San Antonio or Mazatlan?

How long in Mazatlan or San Antonio?

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

Couples should spend more time in Mazatlan than San Antonio. 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 San Antonio 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 San Antonio?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the authentic city of Mazatlan. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The city of San Antonio offers museums and nightlife. 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 San Antonio?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical destination of Mazatlan. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

San Antonio 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in San Antonio, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Mazatlan or San Antonio?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the authentic city of Mazatlan. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

San Antonio 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 San Antonio?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Mazatlan. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

San Antonio is a great place to explore. 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 San Antonio, we can see that San Antonio 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 San Antonio would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Antonio 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 San Antonio Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Mazatlan or San Antonio?

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

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 San Antonio in the Summer?

Both San Antonio and Mazatlan are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Mazatlan for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to San Antonio because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Mazatlan is generally around the same temperature as San Antonio. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 29°C (83°F), and San Antonio fluctuates around 87°F (31°C).

It's quite sunny in San Antonio. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. Mazatlan usually receives less sunshine than San Antonio during summer. Mazatlan gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while San Antonio receives 307 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Mazatlan. In July, Mazatlan usually receives more rain than San Antonio. Mazatlan gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while San Antonio receives 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Mazatlan or San Antonio in the Autumn?

Both San Antonio and Mazatlan during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Mazatlan because of the shopping scene. Furthermore, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to San Antonio this time of year.

Mazatlan is a little warmer than San Antonio in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and San Antonio fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In San Antonio, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. In the autumn, Mazatlan often gets more sunshine than San Antonio. Mazatlan gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Antonio receives 213 hours of full sun.

Mazatlan usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as San Antonio. Mazatlan gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while San Antonio receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or San Antonio in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Mazatlan and San Antonio. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Mazatlan this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to San Antonio for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Mazatlan is much warmer than San Antonio. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mazatlan in January average around 20°C (67°F), and San Antonio averages at about 54°F (12°C).

In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mazatlan usually receives more sunshine than San Antonio during winter. Mazatlan gets 203 hours of sunny skies, while San Antonio receives 155 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Mazatlan usually receives less rain than San Antonio. Mazatlan gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while San Antonio receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Mazatlan or San Antonio in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Mazatlan as well as San Antonio. Many travelers come to Mazatlan for the beaches. Additionally, many visitors come to San Antonio in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Mazatlan is generally around the same temperature as San Antonio. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 22°C (72°F), and San Antonio fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Antonio. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mazatlan this time of the year. In the spring, Mazatlan often gets more sunshine than San Antonio. Mazatlan gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Antonio receives 216 hours of full sun.

Mazatlan usually gets less rain in April than San Antonio. Mazatlan gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while San Antonio receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for San Antonio and Mazatlan