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

Should you visit Puerto Vallarta or Shenandoah National Park?

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 Shenandoah National Park 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.

Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is a breathtaking, serene, and beautiful national park. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking, skiing, and food.

Puerto Vallarta and Shenandoah National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Puerto Vallarta or Shenandoah National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Puerto Vallarta. Although Puerto Vallarta and Shenandoah National Park 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, beaches, and shopping, while Shenandoah National Park attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Puerto Vallarta is famous for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. It is also well known for the Malecon. Shenandoah National Park is famous for its local wildlife, dramatic viewpoints, and world class hiking trails.

How is Puerto Vallarta different from Shenandoah National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Puerto Vallarta or Shenandoah National Park Better for Skiing?

Shenandoah National Park is very good for snow skiing. However, Puerto Vallarta is not a skiing destination.

Head to Shenandoah National Park for some great skiing and other winter activities. You'll find skiing and snowboarding at nearby Massanutten Resort, which is near Harrisonburg, Virginia. It's a family-friendly setting with slopes that are classified as "easiest", "more difficult", and "most difficult".

Puerto Vallarta is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Puerto Vallarta or Shenandoah National Park?

Puerto Vallarta is a town with good options for its historical sights. However, Shenandoah National Park 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.

Shenandoah National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While most people spend their time outdoors enjoying the setting, there are museums in the area, as well as visitor centers that have exhibits and informative displays.

Is the Food Better in Puerto Vallarta or Shenandoah National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Puerto Vallarta is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Shenandoah National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park 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.

Shenandoah National Park offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are several restaurants along skyline drive where you can pick up a casual meal like fried chicken, burgers, or pasta.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Shenandoah National Park Better for Nightlife?

Puerto Vallarta is great for its evening party scene. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Puerto Vallarta for the nightlife scene. 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 Shenandoah National Park specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There are a number of breweries in the area, but most people enjoy stargazing and sitting by the campfire at night.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Shenandoah National Park Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a resort destination.

Puerto Vallarta is a world class resort vacation destination. There are many different places to stay from all-inclusive resorts to high end hotels or beachfront properties.

Shenandoah National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Shenandoah National Park Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Puerto Vallarta is an extremely popular place to visit for 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.

Shenandoah National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Shenandoah National Park Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta is great for the beach. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Puerto Vallarta attract visitors from all over. 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.

Shenandoah National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Shenandoah National Park Better for Hiking?

Shenandoah National Park is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Puerto Vallarta is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Shenandoah National Park specifically for its hiking. There are more than 500 miles of trails in the park that pass through varied landscapes and take you to beautiful viewpoints. Visitors range from weekend visitors to long term hikers who come to experience the breathtaking beauty and serene setting.

Puerto Vallarta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Puerto Vallarta or Shenandoah National Park?

Puerto Vallarta is great for its shopping areas. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination 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.

Shenandoah National Park is a good destination for shopping. There are a handful of gift shops along Skyline Drive were you can pick up souvenirs or t-shirts.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Shenandoah National Park Better for Families?

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Puerto Vallarta or Shenandoah National Park.

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.

Shenandoah National Park is a very family-friendly destination. There are tons of kid-friendly hikes to overlooks or waterfalls. Kids will love scrambling over the rocks or running through the forest. There are also plenty of campgrounds where families can hang out, toast marshmallows and enjoy some quality time together.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Shenandoah National Park Better for Couples?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Shenandoah National Park are superb 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.

Shenandoah National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy nature will love a visit to the park. There are beautiful views and scenic spots that will make for a wonderful and romantic trip. Hiking, biking, and exploring will fill your time with adventure and fun.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Shenandoah National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Shenandoah National Park is renowned for backpackers. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Shenandoah National Park is a very popular national park to visit for backpackers. Backpackers love the hiking trails and backcountry camping. Many people head to the park to escape into nature and enjoy some low key time in a serene setting.

Puerto Vallarta is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are hostels around, as well as many adventure sports or thrilling activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a town with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination 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 Shenandoah National Park. There's no real public transit in the park.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Shenandoah National Park a more walkable city?

Puerto Vallarta is great for its ease of walking around. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination 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.

Shenandoah National Park is not a walkable town. While there are plenty of hiking trails, a car is a must to reach most trailheads.

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

Should I spend more time in Shenandoah National Park or Puerto Vallarta?

How long in Puerto Vallarta or Shenandoah National Park?

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

Families should spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than Shenandoah National Park. 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 Shenandoah National Park. 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 Shenandoah National Park 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 Shenandoah National Park?

With nightlife and food around the cultural town of Puerto Vallarta, there's plenty to do. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

The breathtaking destination of Shenandoah National Park offers skiing and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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 Shenandoah National Park?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the coastal destination of Puerto Vallarta, there's plenty to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The national park of Shenandoah National Park offers food and skiing. 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 Shenandoah National Park?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the laid-back town of Puerto Vallarta, there's plenty to do. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Shenandoah National Park is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. This national park 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 Shenandoah National Park?

Puerto Vallarta is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Many people enjoy the food and skiing when visiting Shenandoah National Park. 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 Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Puerto Vallarta and Shenandoah National Park, we can see that Shenandoah National Park is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Shenandoah National Park Expensive?.