A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Puerto Vallarta vs. Boone for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Puerto Vallarta or Boone?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Puerto Vallarta and Boone can help you decide which place is right for you.

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a laid-back, cultural, and coastal town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Boone

Boone is a charming, relaxing, and quaint town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping.

Puerto Vallarta and Boone: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Puerto Vallarta or Boone?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Puerto Vallarta. Although Puerto Vallarta and Boone are popular destinations, Puerto Vallarta has more sights and attractions for tourists. Puerto Vallarta is very popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Boone attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Puerto Vallarta is famous for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. It is also well known for the Malecon. Boone is famous for its proximity to great hiking, skiing, and small town charm.

How is Puerto Vallarta different from Boone?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Boone and Puerto Vallarta. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Boone Better for Skiing?

Boone is a well-known place for snow skiing. However, Puerto Vallarta is not a skiing destination.

Boone is a well-known ski destination which attracts visitors from far and wide. It's a very popular ski destination in North Carolina. There are family-friendly slopes as well as more challenging options. Head to the popular Appalachian Ski Mountain, nearby Beech Mountain, or Sugar Mountain for some of the area's best skiing.

Puerto Vallarta is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Puerto Vallarta or Boone?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Puerto Vallarta or Boone.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Puerto Vallarta. There are a number of historical sights around town like Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish.

Boone is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Most people spend the majority of their time exploring the natural beauty, but there are also several small local museums such as the Banner House Museum.

Is the Food Better in Puerto Vallarta or Boone? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Puerto Vallarta is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Boone is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Puerto Vallarta has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The charming character combined with the authentic local cuisine makes for a wonderful culinary experience. There's everything from taco stands to romantic restaurants that you can try.

Boone offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find farm to table restaurants, local cafes, and all of the standard chain restaurants nearby. Check for a High Country Grown certification if you want to prioritize locally sourced ingredients.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Boone Better for Nightlife?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Boone are very good when it comes to partying.

Puerto Vallarta offers plenty to do in the evening. You'll find a mix of active clubs, cozy bars, and cosmopolitan cafes. Head to the Romantic Zone or Los Muertos Beach for some of the best places.

Boone has a large number of nightlife venues. It's a small town, but there are local breweries and a great nightlife scene that is, in large part, influenced by the large student population.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Boone Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta is an amazing town to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Boone is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Puerto Vallarta is a perfect choice. There are many different places to stay from all-inclusive resorts to high end hotels or beachfront properties.

Boone is not a resort destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Boone Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Puerto Vallarta is a great town for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Boone is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Puerto Vallarta. Divers in the area may get to experience once in a lifetime opportunities like diving with manta rays, dolphins, whale sharks, hammerheads, or schools of jacks.

Boone is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Boone Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta is a great town for the beach. However, Boone is not a beach destination.

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are many beaches spread out around town that have soft sand and blue water. Most have all of the amenities you could need. Popular beaches include Playa de los Muertos, Playa Mismaloya, and Playa Conchas Chinas.

Boone is not a beach destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Boone Better for Hiking?

Boone is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Puerto Vallarta is not a hiking destination.

Boone is a popular spot for hiking. The area is filled with wonderful hikes, particularly around Grandfather Mountain and along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The famed Appalachian Trail passes through the area as well. Many hikes take you through beautiful forests, passed dramatic waterfalls, and to breathtaking viewpoints.

Puerto Vallarta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Puerto Vallarta or Boone?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Boone are very good shopping destinations.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Puerto Vallarta. There's a mix of shopping malls, open-air markets, boutiques, and international brands.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Boone. Wander along King Street for some of the town's best shopping. There are independent vendors and antique shops that are fun to pop into. The town is also known for its farmer's markets.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Boone Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Puerto Vallarta or Boone.

Puerto Vallarta is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the water parks and thrilling activities, such as Aquaventuras Water Park or Los Veranos Canopy Tour. There's rock climbing and ropes courses at Las Animas Aventura Park. You'll also find horseback riding and even pirate boat tours in the area.

Boone is a very family-friendly destination. Near town you'll find kid-friendly hikes, such as Linville Falls. There are also several places where kids can go ziplining or rock climbing. Parks and outdoor activities are abundant and the whole family will enjoy the setting.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Boone Better for Couples?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Boone are very good destinations to visit as a couple.

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples looking for a romantic getaway will enjoy sunset boat trips, horseback riding, and adventure sports. There are also many restaurants where you can enjoy a romantic dinner or a refreshing drink.

Boone makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The charming town has a romantic setting with local restaurants, beautiful hikes, and plenty of shopping. Couples enjoy staying at bed and breakfasts and enjoying the quaint atmosphere.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Boone Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Puerto Vallarta is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Boone is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Puerto Vallarta. There are hostels around, as well as many adventure sports or thrilling activities that backpackers will enjoy.

It's common for backpackers to visit Boone. While there aren't many hostels in the area, there are plenty of campgrounds. The nearby Appalachian State University also ensures that there are plenty of fun activities for young visitors.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Boone Better for Students?

Boone is renowned for students. However, Puerto Vallarta is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Boone. This mountain town offers a great setting for students who enjoy hiking and skiing. Appalachian State University is a fun college with plenty of activities going on.

Puerto Vallarta is not popular with students.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Boone Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Puerto Vallarta is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Boone is not known for its public transit.

While Puerto Vallarta offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are blue, green or orange buses that travel around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Boone. You really need a car to make the most of your time.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Boone a more walkable city?

Puerto Vallarta and Boone both are very good when exploring on foot.

Puerto Vallarta is a very walkable destination. There are several walkable neighborhoods in town such as 5 de Diciembre, el Centro, and Zona Romantica.

Boone is very walkable. Head to King Street for the best shopping and the most pedestrian-friendly part of town.

For even more information, also check out Is Puerto Vallarta Worth Visiting? and Is Boone Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Boone or Puerto Vallarta?

How long in Puerto Vallarta or Boone?

It's fun to spend time in either Puerto Vallarta or Boone. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Puerto Vallarta due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Puerto Vallarta, and 2-4 days is enough time in Boone.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than Boone 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 Puerto Vallarta.

One day in Puerto Vallarta or Boone?

In Puerto Vallarta, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this colorful destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Boone is a small town with plenty to do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in 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.

A weekend in Puerto Vallarta or Boone?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Puerto Vallarta. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Boone might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Puerto Vallarta or Boone?

Puerto Vallarta is a fun place to experience. In Puerto Vallarta, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Boone is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Puerto Vallarta or Boone?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the colorful destination of Puerto Vallarta. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Since Boone is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, The Best Luxury Tours to Mexico, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Puerto Vallarta and Boone, we can see that Boone is more expensive. And not only is Puerto Vallarta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Puerto Vallarta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Puerto Vallarta 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 Boone would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boone than you might in Puerto Vallarta.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Puerto Vallarta Expensive? and Is Boone Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Puerto Vallarta or Boone?

Puerto Vallarta has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Boone. When comparing the sizes of Puerto Vallarta and Boone, 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.