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

Should you visit Puerto Vallarta or Gainesville?

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 Gainesville can help you decide which place is right for you.

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a cultural, coastal, and colorful town. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Gainesville

Gainesville is a high energy, active, and vibrant city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Puerto Vallarta and Gainesville: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Puerto Vallarta or Gainesville?

You'll generally find more things to do in Puerto Vallarta than Gainesville. Puerto Vallarta is bigger than Gainesville, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Puerto Vallarta is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Gainesville is more popular for its museums. Puerto Vallarta is more touristy than Gainesville and is known for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. Also, Puerto Vallarta is famous for the Malecon. Gainesville is well known for being the home of the University of Florida

How is Puerto Vallarta different from Gainesville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Gainesville is a well-known place 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.

Many visitors head to Gainesville specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There's a surprising number of museums around town such as the Florida Museum of Natural History, the Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art, and the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention. Also fascinating is the Historic Haile Homestead, the Butterfly Rainforest, and the city's planetarium.

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 Gainesville? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Puerto Vallarta is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Puerto Vallarta makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Gainesville has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Casual eateries are popular around town, particularly with the student population. There are grills, diners, and bistros that serve local dishes at affordable prices.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Gainesville Better for Nightlife?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Gainesville are excellent 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.

Gainesville has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife centers around the student population. The two main party areas are Midtown and Downtown. Midtown is between Northwest 17th Street and Northwest 18th Street and it's convenient for students who live on campus. The area has a great stretch of bars and clubs. The Downtown area has many of the city's top clubs, and it's popular with upperclassmen and students who live off campus.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Gainesville Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta is very popular for its resorts. However, Gainesville is not a resort destination.

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.

Gainesville is not a resort destination.

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

Puerto Vallarta is notable for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Gainesville 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.

Gainesville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Gainesville Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta is notable for its beaches. However, Gainesville is not a beach destination.

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.

Gainesville is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Puerto Vallarta or Gainesville?

Puerto Vallarta is notable for shopping. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Puerto Vallarta is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There's a mix of shopping malls, open-air markets, boutiques, and international brands.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Gainesville. You'll find all of the standard shopping options around town such as malls, shopping centers, and retail outlets. Two popular areas are the Neighborhoods at Butler and Celebration Pointe.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Gainesville Better for Families?

Puerto Vallarta is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Puerto Vallarta is 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.

Gainesville is a family-friendly town. You'll find outdoor activities, nature parks, and a couple of museums that will appeal to all ages. Highlights for families include A. Quinn Jones Museum and Cultural Center, the Adventure Outpost, and Alfred A. Ring Park.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Gainesville Better for Couples?

Puerto Vallarta is notable for romance. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Gainesville makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can enjoy wine tasting and fine dining or enjoying the city's many outdoor activities. Go on a picnic or explore one of the museums in Downtown Gainesville.

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

Puerto Vallarta is notable for backpackers. However, Gainesville is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Puerto Vallarta. There are hostels around, as well as many adventure sports or thrilling activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Gainesville is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the list for many travelers, but there are some cheap motels where budget travelers can stay.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Gainesville Better for Students?

Gainesville is a well-known place for students. However, Puerto Vallarta is not popular with students.

Gainesville is very popular with students. As the location of the University of Florida, you'll find many students around town. This keeps the energy high with plenty of evening activities and affordable entertainment options.

Puerto Vallarta is not popular with students.

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

Both Puerto Vallarta and Gainesville offer notable public transit options.

Puerto Vallarta has a few public transit options. There are blue, green or orange buses that travel around town.

Gainesville has some public transit options. There's a decent bus system that's free to students and employees of the university.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Gainesville a more walkable city?

Puerto Vallarta is notable for its walkability. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Gainesville is a somewhat walkable place. Biking is actually a popular way to get around town and some areas are pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Gainesville or Puerto Vallarta?

How long in Puerto Vallarta or Gainesville?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Puerto Vallarta or Gainesville to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Puerto Vallarta than Gainesville because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Puerto Vallarta, and 1-2 days is enough time in Gainesville.

Families should spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than Gainesville. 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 Gainesville. 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 Gainesville 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 Gainesville?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the colorful town of Puerto Vallarta. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The high energy destination of Gainesville offers nightlife and food. 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 Gainesville?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the coastal destination of Puerto Vallarta. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This town offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

The city of Gainesville offers food and shopping. 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 Gainesville?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the cultural town of Puerto Vallarta. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Gainesville is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Puerto Vallarta or Gainesville?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Puerto Vallarta. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Gainesville. 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 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Puerto Vallarta or Gainesville?

Puerto Vallarta has a larger population, and is about 49% larger than the population of Gainesville. When comparing the sizes of Puerto Vallarta and Gainesville, 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.