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

Should you visit Mazatlan or Williamsburg?

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

Should I visit Mazatlan or Williamsburg? 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. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a quaint, well-preserved, and historic town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Mazatlan and Williamsburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mazatlan or Williamsburg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Mazatlan. Although Mazatlan and Williamsburg are both popular with visitors, Mazatlan has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Mazatlan is more popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Williamsburg is known for its historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Williamsburg is more touristy than Mazatlan and is known for its historic and colonial charm, its award winning amusement parks, and its historical reenactments. Mazatlan is popular for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas. It is also home to the Malecon.

How is Mazatlan different from Williamsburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Williamsburg specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Colonial Williamsburg is like a living museum with reenactments and historic buildings that date back to the colonial days. In addition to the historic area, there are folk art museums and other historic sights in the area.

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

Foodies will find both Mazatlan and Williamsburg both to be superb 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.

Williamsburg has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Head to Historic Williamsburg if you want to try some colonial classics. There are historic taverns that maintain their old world charm and serve dishes such as peanut soup and stewed beef. Around town you'll also find casual restaurants with pizza, macaroni and cheese, and burgers.

Is Mazatlan or Williamsburg Better for Nightlife?

Mazatlan is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

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.

Williamsburg doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Despite its student population, there isn't much of a nightlife scene in town. There are restaurants where you can enjoy fine wine or cocktails, but nightclubs and bars are limited.

Is Mazatlan or Williamsburg Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mazatlan is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mazatlan or Williamsburg Better for Beaches?

Mazatlan is a great destination for the beach. However, Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg is not a beach destination.

Is Mazatlan or Williamsburg Better for its Old Town?

Williamsburg is a world-class destination for its old town. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

The historic old town of Williamsburg is revered around the world. Colonial Williamsburg is an impressively maintained area with museums, shops, and taverns. There are live reenactments of historic events as well as blacksmiths, wig shops, and carriage rides. You can wander around without a ticket, but for access to many parts of the historic area you'll need to purchase a pass.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Mazatlan. It's a historic port city with a charming colonial old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Mazatlan or Williamsburg?

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

Williamsburg is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Charming shops both in the historic area and just outside sell unique items that reflect the city's past. There are souvenirs, food items, cookbooks, and home decor to choose from.

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 Williamsburg Better for Families?

Williamsburg 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, Williamsburg is a very family-friendly destination. Older kids will appreciate the history in the area. For kids of all ages there are a number of amusement parks and water parks such as Great Wolf Lodge, Busch Gardens, and the award winning Water Country USA.

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 Williamsburg Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Williamsburg frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Historic Williamsburg is filled with inns and charming restaurants that make this a beautiful destination for couples. There are quaint restaurants that serve colonial food and interesting southern shops with unique trinkets. You can also wander around the campus of William and Mary College.

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 Williamsburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mazatlan is a great destination for backpackers. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Mazatlan is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Williamsburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a number of restaurants and bars that cater to the student population, but there's little else that attracts backpackers.

Is Mazatlan or Williamsburg Better for Students?

Williamsburg is a world-class destination for students. However, Mazatlan is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Williamsburg. The College of William and Mary has a beautiful campus and students enjoy the charming atmosphere with colonial architecture around town. There are also good restaurants and a great collegiate vibe.

Mazatlan is not popular with students.

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

Mazatlan is a good destination for its public transit. However, Williamsburg is a town 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 Williamsburg. There are buses around town, and they offer access to Historic Williamsburg, but for most places you'll need to have your own car.

Is Mazatlan or Williamsburg a more walkable city?

Mazatlan is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for its walkability.

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

Williamsburg is generally not a very walkable city. Historic Williamsburg and the neighborhoods around the College of William and Mary are all walkable, but if you plan to visit the amusement parks then you'll absolutely need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Williamsburg or Mazatlan?

How long in Mazatlan or Williamsburg?

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

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

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

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

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.

The town of Williamsburg offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Williamsburg?

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.

Williamsburg 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 visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Williamsburg, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Mazatlan or Williamsburg?

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.

Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg?

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.

Williamsburg is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Photography Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Mazatlan or Williamsburg?

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

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 Williamsburg in the Summer?

Both Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Mazatlan is around the same temperature as Williamsburg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mazatlan in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Williamsburg averages at about 78°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Williamsburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. Mazatlan usually receives less sunshine than Williamsburg during summer. Mazatlan gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Williamsburg receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Williamsburg. It's quite rainy in Mazatlan. In July, Mazatlan usually receives more rain than Williamsburg. Mazatlan gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Williamsburg in the Autumn?

Both Williamsburg 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 and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Williamsburg this time of year.

In October, Mazatlan is generally much warmer than Williamsburg. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 27°C (81°F), and Williamsburg fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

In Williamsburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. In the autumn, Mazatlan often gets more sunshine than Williamsburg. Mazatlan gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Williamsburg receives 211 hours of full sun.

Mazatlan usually gets more rain in October than Williamsburg. Mazatlan gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Williamsburg in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Williamsburg. Mazatlan is much warmer than Williamsburg in the winter. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 20°C (67°F) in January, and Williamsburg fluctuates around 38°F (4°C).

In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mazatlan usually receives more sunshine than Williamsburg during winter. Mazatlan gets 203 hours of sunny skies, while Williamsburg receives 168 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Mazatlan usually receives less rain than Williamsburg. Mazatlan gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Williamsburg in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Mazatlan is much warmer than Williamsburg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mazatlan in April average around 22°C (72°F), and Williamsburg averages at about 57°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Williamsburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mazatlan this time of the year. In the spring, Mazatlan often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Williamsburg. Mazatlan gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Williamsburg receives 253 hours of full sun.

Mazatlan usually gets less rain in April than Williamsburg. Mazatlan gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Williamsburg and Mazatlan