A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Puerto Vallarta vs. Cape Canaveral for Attractions, Resorts, Families, and Food

Should you visit Puerto Vallarta or Cape Canaveral?

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 Cape Canaveral 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.

Cape Canaveral

Cape Canaveral is a fascinating, wonder-filled, and unique town. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping.

Puerto Vallarta and Cape Canaveral: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Puerto Vallarta or Cape Canaveral?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Puerto Vallarta. Although Puerto Vallarta and Cape Canaveral are popular destinations, Puerto Vallarta has more sights and attractions for tourists. Puerto Vallarta is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Cape Canaveral attracts visitors for its museums. Puerto Vallarta is famous for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. It is also well known for the Malecon. Cape Canaveral is famous for being the location of the Kennedy Space Center and at the heart of space exploration in the United States.

How is Puerto Vallarta different from Cape Canaveral?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cape Canaveral is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Cape Canaveral on the map. The area has become synonymous with the Kennedy Space Center. Visitors head to the Space Coast to see the museums, learn about the space program, or possibly even see a rocket launch. The attractions are world class and offer a truly unique glimpse into the evolution of space travel.

Puerto Vallarta is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a number of historical sights around town like Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Cape Canaveral 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.

Cape Canaveral offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. It's a small town but there's no shortage of excellent seafood in the area. Many restaurants have outdoor seating and patios that let you take advantage of the Florida sunshine. You'll find crab, mussels, shrimp, and clams on many menus around town.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Cape Canaveral Better for Nightlife?

Puerto Vallarta is a great town for its evening party scene. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in Puerto Vallarta has something for everybody. 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.

Most people don't head to Cape Canaveral specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The area isn't known for its nightlife scene, but there are enough places that you can go out for a good meal and drink.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Cape Canaveral Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. Also, Cape Canaveral is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its resorts.

Puerto Vallarta offers an unforgettable resort vacation. There are many different places to stay from all-inclusive resorts to high end hotels or beachfront properties.

Cape Canaveral has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are a number of resorts in the area that attract visitors. Some of the most popular are the Holiday Inn Club Vacations Resort and the Radisson Resort.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Cape Canaveral Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Many visitors go to Puerto Vallarta to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Cape Canaveral is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Cape Canaveral Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta is a great town for the beach. Also, Cape Canaveral is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its beaches.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Puerto Vallarta. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Cape Canaveral. You'll likely want to head to the Cocoa Beach area for the best beaches. Jetty Park Beach and Pier is one of the most popular nearby areas for fishing and camping, but visitors must purchase a pass. Other popular beaches include Playalinda Beach and Cherie Down Park.

Is the Shopping Better in Puerto Vallarta or Cape Canaveral?

Puerto Vallarta is a great town for its shopping areas. Also, Cape Canaveral is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Puerto Vallarta. There's a mix of shopping malls, open-air markets, boutiques, and international brands.

Cape Canaveral is a great destination for shopping. There are some nice local shopping areas around town. For a little retail therapy, head to Banana River Square, White Rose Shopping Center, or Belair Courtyard.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Cape Canaveral Better for Families?

Cape Canaveral is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Cape Canaveral is one of the most popular family destinations. What sets this area apart is the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. There are many kid-friendly activities that outer space enthusiasts will love. Planet Play is a highlight, and if your timing is right, you might even see a rocket launch. In addition to the Kennedy Space Center, the area is a quintessential beach town. There are parks and outdoor areas as well as places where kids can interact with animals.

Puerto Vallarta is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Cape Canaveral Better for Couples?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Cape Canaveral are excellent 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.

Cape Canaveral makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The beautiful Florida beaches, combined with the unique opportunity to visit the Kennedy Space Center, make this a fascinating couple's destination. There are also many nice restaurants and great places to relax and enjoy the Florida sunshine.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Cape Canaveral Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Puerto Vallarta is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cape Canaveral is not known 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.

Cape Canaveral is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You won't find any hostels in the area, but you may have some luck finding affordable accommodation nearby.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Cape Canaveral 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 limited or non-existant in Cape Canaveral. There are very limited public transportation options, but there are a few shuttle buses and SCAT (the Space Coast Area Transit). Route 9 travels from Cocoa to Port Canaveral with service available Monday through Saturday.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Cape Canaveral a more walkable city?

Puerto Vallarta is a great town for its ease of walking around. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for its walkability.

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

Cape Canaveral is not a walkable town. It's not a walkable area, which can be particularly challenging if you're arriving by cruise ship.

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

Should I spend more time in Cape Canaveral or Puerto Vallarta?

How long in Puerto Vallarta or Cape Canaveral?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Puerto Vallarta and Cape Canaveral. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than in Cape Canaveral. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Puerto Vallarta, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cape Canaveral.

Couples should spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than Cape Canaveral. 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 Cape Canaveral 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 Cape Canaveral?

In Puerto Vallarta, you'll find nightlife and food. Most people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The fascinating destination of Cape Canaveral offers shopping and museums. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Puerto Vallarta or Cape Canaveral?

Puerto Vallarta is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

The town of Cape Canaveral offers museums and food. 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 Cape Canaveral?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Puerto Vallarta. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

Cape Canaveral is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. 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 Cape Canaveral?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the town of Puerto Vallarta. It's also a great beach destination, too. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week 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.

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Cape Canaveral. 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 Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Puerto Vallarta or Cape Canaveral?

Puerto Vallarta has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Cape Canaveral. When comparing the sizes of Puerto Vallarta and Cape Canaveral, 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.