A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Puerto Vallarta vs. Hilton Head Island for Resorts, Families, Food, and Beaches

Should you visit Puerto Vallarta or Hilton Head Island?

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 Hilton Head Island can help you decide which place is right for you.

Puerto Vallarta

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

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a peaceful, beautiful, and resort-filled coastal town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, food, and beaches.

Puerto Vallarta and Hilton Head Island: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Puerto Vallarta or Hilton Head Island?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Puerto Vallarta. Although Puerto Vallarta and Hilton Head Island are popular destinations, Puerto Vallarta has more sights and attractions for tourists. Puerto Vallarta is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and shopping, while Hilton Head Island attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Puerto Vallarta is famous for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. It is also well known for the Malecon. Hilton Head Island is famous for its long sandy beaches, many golf courses, popular tennis camps, and accessible bike trails.

How is Puerto Vallarta different from Hilton Head Island?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island?

Puerto Vallarta is very good for its museums and history. However, Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Puerto Vallarta or Hilton Head Island? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Hilton Head Island offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The island has many famous restaurants but reservations during the summer are a must. Restaurants can get very crowded during peak times. For some of the best restaurants head to Shelter Cove or Harbour Town. Popular local dishes include fried seafood and oysters.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Hilton Head Island Better for Nightlife?

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Puerto Vallarta has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Hilton Head Island. There are a few sports bars and comedy clubs, but nightlife isn't really a thing in Hilton Head. This is very much a family destination that shuts down with the sunset.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Hilton Head Island Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta is terrific for its luxury resorts. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

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.

Hilton Head Island is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Most of the accommodation in the area is in the form of weekly condo rentals, which usually include a pool and outdoor space. Tennis and golf are also popular on the island so many resorts have facilities for each.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Hilton Head Island Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Hilton Head Island 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.

Hilton Head Island is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Hilton Head Island Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta and Hilton Head Island are very good choices for a beach vacation.

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.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Hilton Head Island. The island has nice beaches that are popular with families. They are great for swimming during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. While some beaches may get a bit crowded during peak holidays, they're usually pretty relaxed and less crowded than many nearby beaches.

Is the Shopping Better in Puerto Vallarta or Hilton Head Island?

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Hilton Head Island is a great destination for shopping. The area has upscale shopping with designer names and local venues. Popular shopping areas include Shelter Cove Town Center and Harbor Town.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Hilton Head Island Better for Families?

Hilton Head Island 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.

Hilton Head Island is one of the most popular family destinations. This area is a popular family-friendly beach destination with a number of summer events for the whole family, peaceful beaches, and family-friendly restaurants throughout. Older kids will enjoy cycling around the island's many bike trails or attending a popular tennis camp.

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 Hilton Head Island Better for Couples?

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place for couples. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Puerto Vallarta makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Hilton Head Island is a nice destination for couples. While the area is most popular with families, it is a fun place to explore as a couple because of the many high end restaurants and the beautiful setting. Couples can rent bikes to explore or play a friendly game of tennis.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Hilton Head Island Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Hilton Head Island is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Hilton Head Island is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Hilton Head Island 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, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Hilton Head Island. You must have a car to get most places on the island, unless you bike. Rush hour during summer months can have intense traffic.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Hilton Head Island a more walkable city?

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options 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.

Hilton Head Island is generally not very walkable. You really need a car to get around, but for those who are motivated, there is a great network of bike trails. It's mostly used for recreational purposes though.

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

Should I spend more time in Hilton Head Island or Puerto Vallarta?

How long in Puerto Vallarta or Hilton Head Island?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Hilton Head Island have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Hilton Head Island than in Puerto Vallarta. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Puerto Vallarta, and 5-7 days is enough time in Hilton Head Island.

Families should spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than Hilton Head Island. 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 Hilton Head Island. 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 Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the laid-back destination of Puerto Vallarta. 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.

The beautiful destination of Hilton Head Island offers food and shopping. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Hilton Head Island?

Puerto Vallarta is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the laid-back town of Puerto Vallarta. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

The coastal town of Hilton Head Island offers shopping and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Puerto Vallarta or Hilton Head Island?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Puerto Vallarta. 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 Puerto Vallarta has to offer.

Hilton Head Island is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This coastal town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Puerto Vallarta or Hilton Head Island?

Puerto Vallarta is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

The relaxing coastal town of Hilton Head Island offers shopping and food. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, The Best Luxury Tours to Mexico, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.

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

Which is Bigger, Puerto Vallarta or Hilton Head Island?

Puerto Vallarta has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Hilton Head Island. When comparing the sizes of Puerto Vallarta and Hilton Head Island, 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.