A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Puerto Vallarta vs. Park City Utah for Nightlife, Resorts, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Puerto Vallarta or Park City Utah?

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 Park City Utah 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.

Park City Utah

Park City Utah is a high energy, adventurous, and active town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and skiing.

Puerto Vallarta and Park City Utah: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Puerto Vallarta or Park City Utah?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Park City Utah. Although Puerto Vallarta and Park City Utah are popular destinations, Park City Utah has more sights and attractions for tourists. Park City Utah is very popular for its skiing, nightlife, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Puerto Vallarta attracts visitors for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Park City Utah is more touristy than Puerto Vallarta and is popular for the Sundance Film Festival and world-renowned skiing and snowboarding. It is also well known for Deer Valley Resort. Puerto Vallarta is famous for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife.

How is Puerto Vallarta different from Park City Utah?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Puerto Vallarta or Park City Utah Better for Skiing?

Park City Utah is renowned for snow skiing. However, Puerto Vallarta is not a skiing destination.

Park City Utah is among the world's best ski destinations. Two ski resorts are nearby, Park City Mountain and Deer Valley Resort. Park City Mountain is the largest resort in the United States. There are 7,300 acres that include two different base areas, 41 lifts, and 6 terrain parks. There's ski-in ski-out access from the town's Main Street, and options for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Deer Valley Resort is a ritzy and upscale option that is more glamorous and high class.

Puerto Vallarta is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Puerto Vallarta or Park City Utah?

Puerto Vallarta is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Park City Utah is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

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.

Park City Utah offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of museums and some nice art galleries in town. There are also museums at Olympic Park.

Is the Food Better in Puerto Vallarta or Park City Utah? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at high quality restaurants in both Puerto Vallarta and Park City Utah.

Dining out in Puerto Vallarta is an experience not to be missed. 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Park City Utah. Park City has a wonderful food scene with many award-winning restaurants. Many restaurants offer fine dining experiences and even the more casual options are high priced with high quality dishes. You'll also find many great breakfast restaurants and cafes so you can start your day off with a filling meal.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Park City Utah Better for Nightlife?

Park City Utah is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife.

Park City Utah is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. After a day on the slopes, you'll return to a vibrant nightlife scene with bars and live music. Most of the action is concentrated around Main Street and it's easy to walk to most venues, even when the weather is cold and snowy.

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.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Park City Utah Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta is an amazing town to visit for its luxury resorts. Also, Park City Utah is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its resorts.

Vacationers flock to Puerto Vallarta for its luxury resorts. There are many different places to stay from all-inclusive resorts to high end hotels or beachfront properties.

Park City Utah is known as a popular and fun resort destination. You'll find most of the major chains as well as smaller and more personal hotels. Many hotels have hot tubs and pools, and many offer easy access to the ski gondola.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Park City Utah Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Puerto Vallarta is great for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Park City Utah is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near 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.

Park City Utah is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Park City Utah Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta is great for the beach. However, Park City Utah is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Puerto Vallarta for it's beautiful 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.

Park City Utah is not a beach destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Park City Utah Better for Hiking?

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

Park City Utah is a popular spot for hiking. If you're visiting during a warmer month, hiking is a great way to experience the area's beauty. There are more than 350 miles of hiking trails that pass through forests, canyons, creeks, and mountain ridges. You'll find options for every skill level and regardless of the hike you choose, it's sure to take your breath away.

Puerto Vallarta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Puerto Vallarta or Park City Utah?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Park City Utah are high quality 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 Park City Utah. Wander down the historic Main Street and enjoy shopping at the many quaint vendors and art galleries. There are also outlet malls in town.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Park City Utah Better for Families?

Park City Utah 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.

Park City Utah is one of the most popular family destinations. There is kid-family skiing, ziplining, and alpine coasters. The free museums at Olympic Park are fun to explore as well and are filled with memorabilia from the 2002 Olympics. Additionally, there are kid-friendly restaurants and playgrounds where the little ones can run around.

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 Park City Utah Better for Couples?

Park City Utah is renowned for couples. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Park City Utah has plenty to offer. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, you can enjoy the area's many great restaurants and beautiful hikes. There are romantic hotels as well as sleigh rides and evening walks that will make this an unforgettable destination.

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.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Park City Utah Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Puerto Vallarta is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Park City Utah 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Park City Utah. Although the town is notoriously expensive, there is a hostel in town that appeals to backpackers.

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

Park City Utah is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Park City Utah can get you to most places easily. There are 13 free bus routes as well as seasonal transportation providers.

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

Is Puerto Vallarta or Park City Utah a more walkable city?

Park City Utah is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Park City Utah on foot. It's a very walkable town and is easy to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Park City Utah or Puerto Vallarta?

How long in Puerto Vallarta or Park City Utah?

In either Puerto Vallarta or Park City Utah, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Park City Utah has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Park City Utah than Puerto Vallarta. However, 3-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than Park City Utah 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 Park City Utah?

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 adventurous destination of Park City Utah offers skiing and nightlife. 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 Park City Utah?

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 Park City Utah offers nightlife and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Park City Utah?

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.

Park City Utah is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This 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 Park City Utah?

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 skiing when visiting Park City Utah. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City.

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

Which is Bigger, Puerto Vallarta or Park City Utah?

Puerto Vallarta has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Park City Utah. When comparing the sizes of Puerto Vallarta and Park City Utah, 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.