A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mazatlan vs. West Palm Beach for Beaches, Food, Nightlife, and Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

Should you visit Mazatlan or West Palm Beach?

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

Should I visit Mazatlan or West Palm 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 historical, cultural, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is a diverse, vibrant, and fun-filled beach area. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and nightlife.

Mazatlan and West Palm Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mazatlan or West Palm Beach?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Mazatlan than West Palm Beach. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Mazatlan is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping, while West Palm Beach attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. West Palm Beach is more touristy than Mazatlan and is popular for its nice resorts, a lively boardwalk, great seafood, and fun watersports. Mazatlan is famous for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas. It is also well known for the Malecon.

How is Mazatlan different from West Palm Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Mazatlan is a great city for its historical sights. However, West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in West Palm Beach. Oceanfront restaurants usually have a great view and offer local and fresh seafood. There are also many local restaurants concentrated around Clematis Street and CityPlace districts.

Is Mazatlan or West Palm Beach Better for Nightlife?

West Palm Beach is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

West Palm Beach is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. With rooftop bars and clubs, oceanfront venues, and plenty of nightlife options downtown, this city rivals most places when it comes to nightlife. The nightlife scene is particularly active during spring break, when university students head to town.

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 West Palm Beach Better for Resorts?

West Palm Beach is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Mazatlan is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, West Palm Beach is a great choice. All of the major names are present including the Hilton, Marriott, and Four Seasons.

Mazatlan is not a resort destination.

Is Mazatlan or West Palm Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

West Palm Beach is well known for its diving and snorkeling. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting West Palm Beach. Check out Phil Foster Park in Rivera Beach. It's a man-made reef that is surprisingly clear.

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.

Is Mazatlan or West Palm Beach Better for Beaches?

West Palm Beach is a world-class destination for the beache. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in West Palm Beach. From bustling beaches with a boardwalk to quieter, more relaxing beaches surrounded by parkland, there are are number of options in the area.

Mazatlan is a very popular place to visit for its 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.

Is Mazatlan or West Palm Beach Better for its Old Town?

Mazatlan is a great city for its historic old town. However, West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Mazatlan or West Palm Beach?

Mazatlan is a popular place for shopping. However, West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Mazatlan. 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.

West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Mazatlan or West Palm Beach Better for Families?

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

West Palm Beach is a very kid-friendly beach area. Animal lovers will appreciate the zoos and aquariums in the area. Check out McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary, Manatee Lagoon, the Palm Beach Zoo, and the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium.

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 West Palm Beach Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit West Palm Beach frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples will enjoy kayaking, dining out, or simply relaxing on the beach. It's fun to spend a day exploring the botanical gardens and an evening wandering around Clematis Street.

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 West Palm Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mazatlan is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, West Palm Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Mazatlan is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

West Palm Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Mazatlan and West Palm Beach.

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

While West Palm Beach offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a downtown trolley, a commuter trail line (connecting West Palm Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale), and a bus system with about 30 lines.

Is Mazatlan or West Palm Beach a more walkable city?

Mazatlan is a great city for its walkability. Also, West Palm Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice beach area for its high level of walkability.

Mazatlan is very walkable. The city is relatively walkable.

West Palm Beach is a somewhat walkable place. West Palm Beach has a surprisingly walkable area and it's possible to explore the downtown area on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in West Palm Beach or Mazatlan?

How long in Mazatlan or West Palm Beach?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mazatlan than West Palm 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 West Palm Beach?

The cultural destination of Mazatlan offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The beach area of West Palm Beach offers scuba diving and snorkeling and 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 West Palm Beach?

The city of Mazatlan offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

West Palm Beach is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Mazatlan or West Palm Beach?

Mazatlan is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

West Palm Beach is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in West Palm 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 West Palm Beach?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Mazatlan. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

West Palm Beach is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches 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 West Palm Beach has to offer. This beach area 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Mazatlan or West Palm Beach?

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

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 West Palm Beach in the Summer?

Both West Palm Beach 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 beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to West Palm Beach this time of year.

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

In West Palm Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. In the summer, Mazatlan often gets less sunshine than West Palm Beach. Mazatlan gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while West Palm Beach receives 316 hours of full sun.

West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach. Mazatlan gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or West Palm Beach in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Mazatlan and West Palm Beach. The shopping scene are the main draw to Mazatlan this time of year.

Mazatlan is around the same temperature as West Palm Beach in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and West Palm Beach fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in West Palm Beach this time of the year. In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mazatlan usually receives less sunshine than West Palm Beach during autumn. Mazatlan gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while West Palm Beach receives 275 hours of full sun in the autumn.

West Palm Beach receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Mazatlan usually receives less rain than West Palm Beach. Mazatlan gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in West Palm Beach is June to November.

Should I visit Mazatlan or West Palm Beach in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Mazatlan is around the same temperature as West Palm Beach. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mazatlan in January average around 20°C (67°F), and West Palm Beach averages at about 65°F (19°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in West Palm Beach. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mazatlan this time of the year. In the winter, Mazatlan often gets less sunshine than West Palm Beach. Mazatlan gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while West Palm Beach receives 243 hours of full sun.

Mazatlan usually gets less rain in January than West Palm Beach. Mazatlan gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or West Palm Beach in the Spring?

Both West Palm Beach 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. Also, most visitors come to West Palm Beach for the beaches during these months.

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

It's quite sunny in West Palm Beach. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. Mazatlan usually receives less sunshine than West Palm Beach during spring. Mazatlan gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while West Palm Beach receives 300 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Mazatlan usually receives less rain than West Palm Beach. Mazatlan gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in West Palm Beach.

Typical Weather for West Palm Beach and Mazatlan