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

Should you visit Mazatlan or Tampa?

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

Should I visit Mazatlan or Tampa? 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.

Tampa

Tampa is a laid-back, easy-going, and low-key city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food and beaches.

Mazatlan and Tampa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mazatlan or Tampa?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Mazatlan. Although Mazatlan and Tampa are roughly the same size, Mazatlan has more sights and attractions for tourists. Mazatlan is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, and shopping, while Tampa is known for its big city activities. Mazatlan is more touristy than Tampa and is popular for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas. It is also home to the Malecon. Tampa is popular for its amusement parks, wildlife parks, and popularity as a cruise ship port.

How is Mazatlan different from Tampa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Mazatlan is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Mazatlan is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Tampa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Tampa offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a surprising number of great local restaurants around town as well as a good food truck scene. Some favorite dishes include fresh caught seafood, Grouper sandwiches, and Cuban sandwiches.

Is Mazatlan or Tampa Better for Nightlife?

Mazatlan is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Tampa is lacking in options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Tampa is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The city has some good nightclubs, sports bars, and other spots where locals enjoy spending the evening.

Is Mazatlan or Tampa Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mazatlan is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Tampa is lacking in options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

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.

Tampa has a few snorkeling spots. While the water isn't always the clearest, there are some nice snorkeling and diving spots in the area. Options include Shell Key and Egmont Key, Crystal River, and Fort De Soto.

Is Mazatlan or Tampa Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Mazatlan and Tampa 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.

Tampa is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Popular beaches near Tampa include Ben T. Davis Beach, Fred Howard Park, and Indian Rocks Beach.

Is Mazatlan or Tampa Better for its Old Town?

Mazatlan is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Tampa 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.

Tampa does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Mazatlan or Tampa?

Mazatlan is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Mazatlan or Tampa Better for Families?

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

Tampa is a very kid-friendly city. The city has a number of kid-oriented attractions including Busch Gardens Amusement Park, several kid-friendly museums, and a number of animal centers, aquariums, and wildlife rescue facilities.

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 Tampa Better for Couples?

Mazatlan is a popular place for couples. However, Tampa is lacking in options for romance.

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.

Tampa is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The area does have great restaurants and some fun places to explore, but the downtown area has room for improvement and much of the city is suburban.

Is Mazatlan or Tampa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mazatlan is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Tampa is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Tampa is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Mazatlan or Tampa 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, Tampa is lacking in options for its public transit.

Mazatlan has some public transit options. There are city buses around town.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Tampa. There is the street car that runs from downtown Tampa to Ybor City and stops at 11 stations.

Is Mazatlan or Tampa a more walkable city?

Mazatlan is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Tampa is lacking in options for its walkability.

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

Tampa is generally not very walkable. While there are some neighborhoods that are considered walkable, you really need a car if you hope to explore Tampa in depth.

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

Should I spend more time in Tampa or Mazatlan?

How long in Mazatlan or Tampa?

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

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

In Mazatlan, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this cultural destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The city of Tampa offers 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 Tampa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mazatlan. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Tampa 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Tampa, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Mazatlan or Tampa?

Mazatlan is a fun place to experience. In Mazatlan, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Tampa 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 Tampa?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Mazatlan. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Tampa 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 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 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 Tampa, we can see that Tampa 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 Tampa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tampa 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 Tampa Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Mazatlan or Tampa?

Mazatlan has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Tampa. When comparing the sizes of Mazatlan and Tampa, 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 Tampa?

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 Tampa in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Mazatlan as well as Tampa. The summer months attract visitors to Mazatlan because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tampa this time of year.

In the summer, Mazatlan is around the same temperature as Tampa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mazatlan in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Tampa averages at about 82°F (28°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tampa. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mazatlan this time of the year. In the summer, Mazatlan often gets less sunshine than Tampa. Mazatlan gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tampa receives 265 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Tampa. Mazatlan receives a lot of rain in the summer. Mazatlan usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Tampa. Mazatlan gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Tampa receives 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Tampa in the Autumn?

Both Tampa and Mazatlan are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene are the main draw to Mazatlan this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Tampa for the city's sights and attractions.

In October, Mazatlan is generally a little warmer than Tampa. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 27°C (81°F), and Tampa fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Tampa. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. Mazatlan usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Tampa during autumn. Mazatlan gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Tampa receives 234 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Mazatlan usually receives more rain than Tampa. Mazatlan gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Tampa receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Tampa in the Winter?

Both Tampa and Mazatlan during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Mazatlan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Tampa in the winter for the cuisine.

Mazatlan is a little warmer than Tampa in the winter. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 20°C (67°F) in January, and Tampa fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

In Tampa, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. In the winter, Mazatlan often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Tampa. Mazatlan gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tampa receives 200 hours of full sun.

Mazatlan usually gets less rain in January than Tampa. Mazatlan gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Tampa receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Tampa in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Mazatlan and Tampa. Many visitors come to Mazatlan in the spring for the beaches. Furthermore, most visitors come to Tampa for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Mazatlan is around the same temperature as Tampa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mazatlan in April average around 22°C (72°F), and Tampa averages at about 71°F (22°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tampa this time of the year. In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mazatlan usually receives less sunshine than Tampa during spring. Mazatlan gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Tampa receives 299 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Mazatlan usually receives less rain than Tampa. Mazatlan gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Tampa receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Tampa and Mazatlan