A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Playa del Carmen vs. Redwood National Park for Beaches, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Redwood National Park?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Redwood National Park? 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.

Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is a vibrant, picture-perfect, and scenic town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a monumental, grand, and impressive park. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include beaches and hiking.

Playa del Carmen and Redwood National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Playa del Carmen or Redwood National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Playa del Carmen. Although Playa del Carmen and Redwood National Park are popular destinations, Playa del Carmen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Playa del Carmen is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Redwood National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Playa del Carmen is more touristy than Redwood National Park and is known for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. It is also well known for La Quinta Avenida. Redwood National Park is famous for being the home of the world's tallest trees.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Redwood National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Redwood National Park and Playa del Carmen. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Playa del Carmen or Redwood National Park?

Playa del Carmen is a town with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Playa del Carmen offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. If you're willing to head out of town, there are world class Mayan ruins not far away, but if you want to hang out near town, then you'll likely spend most of your time enjoying outdoor water activities.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Redwood National Park. There is little in the form of museums, but you can visit the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center on the south side of the park and see exhibits about Yurok culture and the area's ecology.

Is the Food Better in Playa del Carmen or Redwood National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Playa del Carmen is a good destination for its restaurant scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Playa del Carmen area. You'll find a good number of overpriced tourist restaurants in the area, but if you do some research you'll also find amazing and authentic Mexican food as well. There is everything from food trucks to fine dining that offer ceviche, tacos, or burritos. There are also plenty of places to grab pizza or burgers.

While Redwood National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There are no dining or grocery options within the park but there are some options just outside the park.

Is Playa del Carmen or Redwood National Park Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its evening party scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for nightlife.

Playa del Carmen has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It rivals some of the country's best nightlife and you'll find plenty of venues to choose from, ranging from dive bars to swanky cocktail lounges. Head to the main walking street for some of the most active venues.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Redwood National Park The laid back setting offers little in the form of nightlife.

Is Playa del Carmen or Redwood National Park Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its resorts. However, Redwood National Park is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Playa del Carmen for its luxury resorts. You'll find a huge number of luxury resorts in the area, particularly along the beach. There are fancy pools and beachfront properties that offer the perfect vacation retreat.

Redwood National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Redwood National Park Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Redwood National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Playa del Carmen. There's not a lot to see right off of the beach, but there are plenty of snorkeling excursions in the area that take you to beautiful reefs. The diving is world class as well and you'll find wonderful reefs, bull sharks, and hidden gems.

Redwood National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Redwood National Park Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for the beach. Also, Redwood National Park is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

Playa del Carmen offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The area is filled with world class beaches, long stretches of white sand, and beautiful blue water. You might even stumble across a sea turtle or two while you're swimming.

Redwood National Park is a good option for a beach vacation. The park runs along the Pacific coastline and there are 70 miles of coastal trail in the park. Beaches are rugged and sandy and favorite sections include Gold Bluff Beach, Crescent Beach, and Enderts Beach, which has great tidal pools.

Is Playa del Carmen or Redwood National Park Better for Hiking?

Redwood National Park is an amazing park to visit for its hiking experiences. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

People visit Redwood National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Hikes range from coastal trails to world-renowned hikes through the redwoods. You'll feel humbled in the presence of these grand and majestic trees. Several of the most well-known hikes include Fern Canyon, the Cathedral Trees Trail, and Redwood Creek Trail.

Many people include a hike when visiting Playa del Carmen. There are well marked trails in the area that get you out in nature or take you along the coastline.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or Redwood National Park?

Playa del Carmen is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for shopping.

Many visitors go to Playa del Carmen to go shopping. Much of the shopping is geared towards the tourists, but you'll find some local items, interesting galleries, and colorful markets to explore.

Shopping in Redwood National Park can be found for those interested. You'll find park stores at the visitor centers if you want to pick up a small gift or souvenir.

Is Playa del Carmen or Redwood National Park Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Redwood National Park is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Playa del Carmen is very family-friendly. From eco parks to kid-friendly snorkeling opportunities, there are many activities for kids of all ages. There are also adventure parks and playgrounds that are perfect for a fun afternoon.

Redwood National Park is a very family-friendly destination. There are plenty of kid-friendly hikes in the park and the kids will love exploring the varied landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Less than a mile long, Fern Canyon is the perfect hike for little kids and it's not-to-be-missed. Cathedral Trees Trail is three miles, and also a highlight of any trip to the park.

Is Playa del Carmen or Redwood National Park Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for couples. Also, Redwood National Park is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Playa del Carmen is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Beautiful beaches and tropical jungles make this a paradise honeymoon destination. You'll find luxury resorts, fine dining restaurants, and countless opportunities to enjoy the stunning setting. Take a sunset cruise of explore one of the many natural wonders in the area.

Redwood National Park is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. There are historic lodges that make for a romantic getaway. You can fill your days with hikes through magical landscapes and breathtaking settings surrounded by the impressive redwoods.

Is Playa del Carmen or Redwood National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Redwood National Park is an amazing park to visit for backpackers. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Redwood National Park is a very popular park to visit for backpackers. There are miles of backcountry trails that let you can explore the park in relative peace and solitude. This is an amazing way to experience the park, but do make sure you purchase a permit in advance.

Playa del Carmen is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's filled with tourists staying at luxury resorts, but you'll also find a couple of hostels tucked away in town. If you're interesting in scuba diving, then it's well worth the trip.

Is Playa del Carmen or Redwood National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Playa del Carmen is a good destination for its public transit. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Playa del Carmen, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses, collectivos and the ADO bus.

Public transit is quite limited in Redwood National Park. There's no public transportation within the park.

Is Playa del Carmen or Redwood National Park a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its walkability.

Getting around Playa del Carmen on foot is easy. It's a compact and very walkable town. La Quinta is the main strip and it's pedestrian-only.

Redwood National Park is not a very walkable town. The park is large and spread out, so you'll need a car to get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Playa del Carmen Worth Visiting? and Is Redwood National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Redwood National Park or Playa del Carmen?

How long in Playa del Carmen or Redwood National Park?

In either Playa del Carmen or Redwood National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Redwood National Park because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Playa del Carmen, and 3-5 days is enough time in Redwood National Park.

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

Couples should spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Redwood National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Playa del Carmen that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Redwood National Park 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 Playa del Carmen.

One day in Playa del Carmen or Redwood National Park?

In Playa del Carmen, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find around the monumental destination of Redwood National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Playa del Carmen or Redwood National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Playa del Carmen. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It offers something for everyone.

You'll find around the monumental park of Redwood National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the hiking. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Playa del Carmen or Redwood National Park?

Playa del Carmen is a fun place to experience. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Redwood National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Playa del Carmen or Redwood National Park?

In Playa del Carmen, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

Redwood National Park is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers 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 Playa del Carmen and Redwood National Park, we can see that Redwood National Park is more expensive. And not only is Playa del Carmen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Playa del Carmen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Playa del Carmen 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 Redwood National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Redwood National Park than you might in Playa del Carmen.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Playa del Carmen Expensive? and Is Redwood National Park Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Playa del Carmen or Redwood National Park?

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 Playa del Carmen or Redwood National Park in the Summer?

Both Redwood National Park and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Redwood National Park because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Redwood National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Redwood National Park. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives less sunshine than Redwood National Park during summer. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Redwood National Park receives 274 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Playa del Carmen. In July, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than Redwood National Park. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 0.1 inches (3 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Redwood National Park in the Autumn?

Both Redwood National Park and Playa del Carmen during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Redwood National Park this time of year.

In the autumn, Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Redwood National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Playa del Carmen in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Redwood National Park averages at about 55°F (13°C).

It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the autumn, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Redwood National Park. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Redwood National Park receives 177 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in October than Redwood National Park. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Redwood National Park in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Redwood National Park. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year.

In January, Playa del Carmen is generally much warmer than Redwood National Park. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 23°C (73°F), and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Redwood National Park during winter. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Redwood National Park receives 135 hours of full sun in the winter.

Redwood National Park receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Redwood National Park. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 6 inches (152 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Redwood National Park in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Redwood National Park. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Redwood National Park in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Redwood National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Redwood National Park. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In the spring, Playa del Carmen often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Redwood National Park. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Redwood National Park receives 254 hours of full sun.

Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in April than Redwood National Park. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to October is the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen.

Typical Weather for Redwood National Park and Playa del Carmen