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

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Zion National Park?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Zion 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. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Zion National Park

Zion National Park is a stunning, world-renowned, and breathtaking park. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include hiking.

Playa del Carmen and Zion National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Playa del Carmen than Zion National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Playa del Carmen is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Zion National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Playa del Carmen is well known for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. Also, Playa del Carmen is famous for La Quinta Avenida. Zion National Park is well known for its iconic hiking trails, dramatic canyon, and world-class rock climbing.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Zion National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Zion 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 Zion National Park?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Playa del Carmen or Zion National Park.

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.

While most people don't head to Zion National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The best museum in the area is the Zion Human History Museum.

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

Playa del Carmen is a nice place to visit for its restaurant scene. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Playa del Carmen offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Zion National Park. Within the park there are a couple of restaurants, but it's far better to bring your own food that you can enjoy as a picnic or meal by a campfire.

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

Playa del Carmen is a must-visit destination for nightlife. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Playa del Carmen is a world class party destination. 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 Zion National Park Stargazing and relaxing by a campfire is how most visitors enjoy the evening hours.

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

Playa del Carmen is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its luxury resorts.

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.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Zion National Park offers a few options. There's a lodge within the park and many hotel options outside of the park.

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

Playa del Carmen is a must-visit destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Zion National Park 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.

Zion National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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

Playa del Carmen is a must-visit destination for its beaches. However, Zion National Park is not a beach destination.

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.

Zion National Park is not a beach destination.

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

Zion 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 Zion National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. This park is known for its iconic hikes, which include Angels Landing, the Narrows, and the Emerald Pools Trail. There are hikes that range from easy to incredibly difficult, and many visits see this destination as a bucket list hiking opportunity.

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 Zion National Park?

Playa del Carmen is a nice place to visit for shopping. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its shopping opportunities.

Playa del Carmen is a great destination for 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 Zion National Park can be found for those interested. There are park stores, but few other shopping opportunities in the area.

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

Playa del Carmen is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Zion National Park is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Playa del Carmen is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Zion National Park is very family-friendly. One of the most kid-friendly hikes is the Watchman Trail, which starts conveniently near the Visitor Center. Other favorites include the Lower Emerald Pool Trail, the Pa'rus Trail, and the Riverside Walk.

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

Playa del Carmen is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Zion National Park is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

Zion National Park is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. There are world-class hiking trails, spectacular views, and many opportunities for a romantic moment in this well-known park. While the crowds can be intense, particularly during peak seasons, the park is large enough that you should be able to find a moment of solitude.

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

Zion 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.

Zion National Park is a very popular park to visit for backpackers. This is a world-famous rock climbing, hiking, and backpacking destination. There are many opportunities for backcountry camping, but you are required to purchase a permit.

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 Zion National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Playa del Carmen and Zion National Park.

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.

While Zion National Park offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are free shuttles that travel around the park. They operate during the most popular seasons but the service isn't available during most of the winter months.

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

Playa del Carmen is a must-visit destination for its walkability. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its high level of 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.

Zion National Park is not a very walkable town. The park is large, and most trailheads are spread out and require a vehicle to access.

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

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

How long in Playa del Carmen or Zion National Park?

Both Playa del Carmen and Zion National Park have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Playa del Carmen has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Zion National Park. 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 Zion 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 Zion 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 Zion 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 Zion National Park?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the vibrant destination of Playa del Carmen. This town offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find around the breathtaking destination of Zion 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 Zion National Park?

Playa del Carmen is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the scenic town of Playa del Carmen. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find around the stunning park of Zion 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 Zion National Park?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Playa del Carmen. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Most people come for the beaches. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Playa del Carmen has to offer.

Zion 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 Zion National Park?

Playa del Carmen is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. It offers something for everyone. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Zion National Park 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. Most people head to the area for the hiking. 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 Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.

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