A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Playa del Carmen vs. San Francisco for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or San Francisco?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or San Francisco? 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 picture-perfect, scenic, and stunning town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

San Francisco

San Francisco is a one-of-a-kind, scenic, and beautiful coastal city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include museums, theater, and nightlife.

Playa del Carmen and San Francisco: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Playa del Carmen or San Francisco?

Tourists will generally find more to do in San Francisco than Playa del Carmen. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. San Francisco is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, music, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Playa del Carmen attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Playa del Carmen is famous for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. San Francisco is famous for its striking bayfront setting, stunning urban hikes, quirky personality, and reputation within the tech industry. It is also well known for The Golden Gate Bridge.

How is Playa del Carmen different from San Francisco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

San Francisco is an amazing coastal city to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Playa del Carmen is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put San Francisco on the map. The city's landmarks are as diverse as the people who live there. The most recognizable landmark is the famous Golden Gate Bridge, but visitors also enjoy seeing Alcatraz Island, the Legion of Honor, the Palace of Fine Arts, as well as the small but fascinating Cable Car Museum.

While most people don't head to Playa del Carmen specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. 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.

Is Playa del Carmen or San Francisco Better for Theater?

San Francisco is a popular place for its shows and theatre. However, Playa del Carmen is not a theatre destination.

With some theater and performance venues, you might want to see a show in San Francisco. The city has around a dozen theaters where you can enjoy musicals or plays.

Playa del Carmen is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Playa del Carmen or San Francisco? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

San Francisco is an amazing coastal city to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, San Francisco is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are local dives as well as five star restaurants, with everything in between. Popular local dining experiences include sourdough bread bowls and Dungeness crab at Fisherman's Wharf, and dim sum in Chinatown. Head away from the touristy neighborhoods if you want to sample some of the more local restaurants around town.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Playa del Carmen. 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.

Is Playa del Carmen or San Francisco Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its evening party scene. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in San Francisco. It has a great nightlife with many local bars and trendy clubs. For the best nightlife away from the tourists, head to Valencia Street or Polk Street. If you want to be in a more touristy area, check out Union Square. Popular clubs in the city include Temple San Francisco, Monarch, and Audio Nightclub.

Is Playa del Carmen or San Francisco Better for Music?

San Francisco is a popular place for its music scene. However, Playa del Carmen is not a live music destination.

The music scene in San Francisco is active and vibrant. Well known music venues include the Great American Music Hall, Slim's, and The Chapel.

Playa del Carmen is not a live music destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or San Francisco Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its luxury resorts. However, San Francisco is not a resort destination.

Playa del Carmen offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.

San Francisco is not a resort destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or San Francisco Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

People travel to Playa del Carmen specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. 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.

San Francisco is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or San Francisco Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for the beach. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its beaches.

The beaches in Playa del Carmen are among the best in 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.

The beaches at San Francisco attract visitors from all over. Whether you're interested in surfing or simply taking in the dramatic views, the beaches of San Francisco will take your breath away. Some of the best beaches include Ocean Beach, Baker Beach, and Muir Beach.

Is Playa del Carmen or San Francisco Better for Hiking?

San Francisco is an amazing coastal city to visit for its hiking experiences. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

People visit San Francisco specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The city's hikes take in the dramatic views of the bay and city. Just outside of town there are also countless hikes through the Redwoods and along the coastline. Popular hikes in the area include Lands End, Tomales Point Trail at Point Reyes National Seashore, and Muir Woods.

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 San Francisco?

San Francisco is an amazing coastal city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

San Francisco is a world class destination for shoppers. The city has excellent shopping from local vendors to recognizable brands. Union Square, Embarcadero, Fillmore Street and Haight Street are some of the best neighborhoods for shopping.

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

Is Playa del Carmen or San Francisco Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Playa del Carmen or San Francisco.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Playa del Carmen is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

San Francisco is one of the most popular family destinations. With its many outdoor parks, hiking trails, beaches, and kid-friendly museums, this city makes a great family-friendly destination. There are also many amazing playgrounds with stunning views of the bay and city. Head to Chinatown for some unique and kid-friendly food, or down to Pier 39 for fun activities that the whole family can enjoy.

Is Playa del Carmen or San Francisco Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for couples. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for romance.

Playa del Carmen has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

San Francisco is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples enjoy the romantic backdrop of this beautiful city. There are world-class restaurants and plenty of spas that couples can enjoy during a honeymoon or romantic getaway. There are also many scenic walks and breathtaking views that couples can appreciate.

Is Playa del Carmen or San Francisco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Francisco is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

San Francisco is a very popular coastal city for backpackers and budget travelers. The city is one of the more backpacker friendly cities in the United States. There are a handful of hostels throughout, many concentrated in the popular Union Square and Downtown neighborhoods of the city.

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 San Francisco Better for Students?

San Francisco is a great destination for students. However, Playa del Carmen is not popular with students.

San Francisco is a very popular coastal city for students and younger travelers. As a large and dynamic city, the area is popular with international students who want to experience this unique side of the United States. Major universities in the area include University of San Francisco, San Francisco State University, and nearby, the University of California, Berkeley.

Playa del Carmen is not popular with students.

Is Playa del Carmen or San Francisco Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

San Francisco is an amazing coastal city to visit for its public transit. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in San Francisco is top-notch. The transit network includes a subway (the BART), trams, cable cars, ferries, and buses.

While Playa del Carmen offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local buses, collectivos and the ADO bus.

Is Playa del Carmen or San Francisco a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its walkability.

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

San Francisco is very walkable. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but given the large hills, it's a bit of a challenge, even for the most fit among us.

For even more information, also check out Is Playa del Carmen Worth Visiting? and Is San Francisco Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Francisco or Playa del Carmen?

How long in Playa del Carmen or San Francisco?

Both Playa del Carmen and San Francisco have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, San Francisco has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in San Francisco than Playa del Carmen. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Playa del Carmen than San Francisco. 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 San Francisco. 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 San Francisco than Playa del Carmen 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 San Francisco.

One day in Playa del Carmen or San Francisco?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the picture-perfect destination of Playa del Carmen. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

People visit San Francisco because there is so much to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Playa del Carmen or San Francisco?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Playa del Carmen. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

People visit San Francisco because there is so much to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. 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 San Francisco?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the stunning destination of Playa del Carmen. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

San Francisco 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 San Francisco?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the beautiful town of Playa del Carmen. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

San Francisco is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers 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 Playa del Carmen and San Francisco, we can see that San Francisco 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 San Francisco would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Francisco 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 San Francisco Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or San Francisco?

San Francisco has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and San Francisco, 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 Playa del Carmen or San Francisco?

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 Playa del Carmen or San Francisco in the Summer?

Both San Francisco and Playa del Carmen during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to San Francisco in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Playa del Carmen is much warmer than San Francisco in the summer. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in July than San Francisco. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or San Francisco in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and San Francisco. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to San Francisco for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than San Francisco. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Playa del Carmen in October average around 26°C (79°F), and San Francisco averages at about 63°F (17°C).

Playa del Carmen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or San Francisco in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as San Francisco. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to San Francisco because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

In January, Playa del Carmen is generally much warmer than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 23°C (73°F), and San Francisco fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in January than San Francisco. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or San Francisco in the Spring?

Both San Francisco and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to San Francisco this time of year.

Playa del Carmen is much warmer than San Francisco in the spring. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and San Francisco fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

In April, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than San Francisco. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.

Typical Weather for San Francisco and Playa del Carmen