A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cabo San Lucas vs. Adirondack Mountains for Nightlife, Couples, Food, and Resorts

Should you visit Cabo San Lucas or Adirondack Mountains?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cabo San Lucas and Adirondack Mountains can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is a wild, adventurous, and scenic city. You'll find world class beauty in Cabo San Lucas as well. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food. See Cabo San Lucas travel costs.

Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a scenic, serene, and pristine region. Adirondack Mountains is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and food. See Adirondack Mountains travel costs.

Cabo San Lucas and Adirondack Mountains: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Cabo San Lucas or Adirondack Mountains?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cabo San Lucas. Although Cabo San Lucas and Adirondack Mountains are popular destinations, Cabo San Lucas has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cabo San Lucas is very popular for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Adirondack Mountains attracts visitors for its skiing. Cabo San Lucas is more touristy than Adirondack Mountains and is known for its beautiful coastline, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife scene. It is also well known for Land's End. Adirondack Mountains is famous for its miles of hiking trails, beautiful lakes, and pristine forests.

How is Cabo San Lucas different from Adirondack Mountains?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Adirondack Mountains and Cabo San Lucas. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Adirondack Mountains Better for Skiing?

Cabo San Lucas
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a region with good options for winter skiing. However, Cabo San Lucas is not a skiing destination.

Adirondack Mountains is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. There are a number of ski resorts in the area with some of the most popular being Whiteface, Titus Mountain, and Oak Mountain.

Cabo San Lucas is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cabo San Lucas or Adirondack Mountains?

Cabo San Lucas
Adirondack Mountains

Both Cabo San Lucas and Adirondack Mountains have nice landmarks and museums for visitors.

Cabo San Lucas is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several historical sights in the area such as the Church of Saint Luke and San Jose del Cabo.

Adirondack Mountains offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You can learn about local culture and heritage at any of the museums in the area. At the Adirondack Experience you can visit a vast campus that offers an open-air experience relating to the region's history. Other educational centers in the area include a wildlife center, several art museums, as well as battlefields, forts, and war museums.

Is the Food Better in Cabo San Lucas or Adirondack Mountains? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cabo San Lucas
Adirondack Mountains

Cabo San Lucas is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Adirondack Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Cabo San Lucas. If you step away from the all-you-can-eat buffets in the resorts, and the tourist hot spots, you'll find some excellent local Mexican cuisine and nice fine dining restaurants. Fresh seafood and local produce make the dishes unique.

Adirondack Mountains is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Steakhouses, pancake shops, and local diners all serve up fresh and local dishes. Many visitors like to pack a picnic that they can enjoy along a hiking trail, but if you're looking for a sit down option, there are also plenty of restaurants to choose from.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Adirondack Mountains Better for Nightlife?

Cabo San Lucas
Adirondack Mountains

Cabo San Lucas is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Adirondack Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its evening party scene.

Cabo San Lucas has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It has a long reputation of being one of Mexico's best party destinations. There are wild, all-night dance parties, crazy and crowded clubs, and music that lasts well into the morning. The best nightlife can be found in the blocks around Plaza Bonita, near the marina boardwalk.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Adirondack Mountains. There are laid back bars and pubs in the area, but for the best nightlife scene, head to Lake Placid.


Is Cabo San Lucas or Adirondack Mountains Better for Resorts?

Cabo San Lucas
Adirondack Mountains

If luxury resorts are your style, both Cabo San Lucas and Adirondack Mountains have excellent options.

In Cabo San Lucas, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Many of the resorts are along parts of the coastline where it's not safe to swim. If you really want to enjoy swimming at a beachfront property, make sure you do some research in advance. Medano Beach is a nice area to consider.

There are plenty of resorts in Adirondack Mountains to choose from. Lodges and inns fill with vacationers who enjoy the pools and scenic settings that many of the resorts offer. Many places have a summer camp atmosphere that feels both wholesome and adventurous.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Adirondack Mountains Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cabo San Lucas
Adirondack Mountains

Cabo San Lucas is notable for its diving and snorkeling. However, Adirondack Mountains is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Cabo San Lucas. There are many snorkeling and scuba diving excursions that go out on half day and full day trips. Some of the best snorkeling is found at Cabo Pulmo, which has the only living coral reef in the Sea of Cortez.

Adirondack Mountains is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Adirondack Mountains Better for Beaches?

Cabo San Lucas
Adirondack Mountains

Cabo San Lucas is notable for the beach. However, Adirondack Mountains is not a beach destination.

Cabo San Lucas is considered a top beach destination. Because of the water conditions, it's not safe to swim at many of the beaches in the area. This is particularly true on the Pacific side of the city. Many people consider Medano Beach to be one of the best in the area, but also nice are Lover's Beach, the ironically named Divorce Beach, and Chileno Beach.

Adirondack Mountains is not a beach destination.


Is Cabo San Lucas or Adirondack Mountains Better for its Old Town?

Cabo San Lucas
Adirondack Mountains

Cabo San Lucas is notable for its old town. However, Adirondack Mountains does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Cabo San Lucas. San Jose del Cabo is an "old town" that's a bit outside of town. It's particularly nice to visit on Thursdays when there's a nice market.

Adirondack Mountains does not have a historic old town.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Adirondack Mountains Better for Hiking?

Cabo San Lucas
Adirondack Mountains

Both Cabo San Lucas and Adirondack Mountains are destinations which offer excellent hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Cabo San Lucas. It's not hard to get out into nature and you'll find many great hiking trails that go through varied and beautiful landscapes.

Many visitors go to Adirondack Mountains for the hiking trails. Trails range from easy to challenging and each passes through beautiful and diverse landscapes. You can climb to scenic viewpoints or explore pristine forests. It's the perfect way to escape into nature for a bit.

Is the Shopping Better in Cabo San Lucas or Adirondack Mountains?

Cabo San Lucas
Adirondack Mountains

Cabo San Lucas is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Adirondack Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its shopping areas.

Cabo San Lucas is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are many great shopping areas where you can pick up souvenirs or other interesting items to remember your trip. There are mall, markets, and boutique vendors that sell a variety of products.

Adirondack Mountains has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Many of the towns have a "general store" where you can pick up souvenirs or local items. There are also local artisan shops and even outlet malls in the area.


Is Cabo San Lucas or Adirondack Mountains More Beautiful?

Cabo San Lucas
Adirondack Mountains

Cabo San Lucas is an amazing city to visit for its scenery and beauty. Also, Adirondack Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Cabo San Lucas as well. Beautiful beaches, stunning natural beauty, and striking landscapes make this a world class tropical destination.

With stunning beauty, Adirondack Mountains attracts visitors from all around. Beautiful lakes and waterfalls, serene settings, and striking viewpoints make this a beautiful destination where you can escape into nature.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Adirondack Mountains Better for Families?

Cabo San Lucas
Adirondack Mountains

Both Cabo San Lucas and Adirondack Mountains are excellent to visit with kids.

Cabo San Lucas is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the snorkeling, boat rides, and kid-friendly cuisine. There are many places where kids can get up close and personal with animals, such as Wild Canyon’s Kingdom or camel riding. You might even be able to see migrating whales during your visit. Surfing, fishing, and hiking are also popular in the area.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Adirondack Mountains is very family-friendly. There area is filled with ropes courses, adventure parks, and hiking trails. There are nature centers with information programs for young ones. The kids will also be a enchanted by the waterfalls as the adults are.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Adirondack Mountains Better for Couples?

Cabo San Lucas
Adirondack Mountains

Cabo San Lucas is an amazing city to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Adirondack Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for couples.

Cabo San Lucas makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It has long been a favorite honeymoon destination and couples who enjoy a beach paradise with wildlife, diving, and outdoor adventures will appreciate Cabo San Lucas. There's also amazing Mexican food and world class resorts.

Adirondack Mountains makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many lodges and inns that are tucked away in the mountains and make for a romantic retreat. Couples will enjoy the hiking and beautiful views. Whether you spend your time cozied up by the fire or out on an adventure, this is a wonderful romantic destination.


Is Cabo San Lucas or Adirondack Mountains Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cabo San Lucas
Adirondack Mountains

Cabo San Lucas and Adirondack Mountains are excellent places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Cabo San Lucas. It's a popular tourist destination, and there are a number of hostels and activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Many backpackers visit Adirondack Mountains. There are a number of campgrounds and even backcountry camping in the region. The hiking trails and beautiful setting make this a fun place to explore.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Adirondack Mountains Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cabo San Lucas
Adirondack Mountains

Cabo San Lucas is a popular place for its public transit. However, Adirondack Mountains is a mediocre region for times when you don't have a car.

Cabo San Lucas has a few public transit options. Buses make up the main form of public transit. They are called Subercabos and run between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.

Public transit is quite limited in Adirondack Mountains. There is no real public transportation in the park.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Adirondack Mountains a more walkable city?

Cabo San Lucas
Adirondack Mountains

Cabo San Lucas is notable for its high level of walkability. However, Adirondack Mountains is a mediocre region for its ease of walking around.

Cabo San Lucas is a very walkable city. The town is relatively easy to walk around with many things close together.

Adirondack Mountains is not a very walkable city. While there are many hiking trails, to get around and access most destinations, you'll need a car.


For even more information, also check out Is Cabo San Lucas Worth Visiting? and Is Adirondack Mountains Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Adirondack Mountains or Cabo San Lucas?

How long in Cabo San Lucas or Adirondack Mountains?

Both Cabo San Lucas and Adirondack Mountains have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Cabo San Lucas has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Cabo San Lucas than Adirondack Mountains. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Cabo San Lucas than Adirondack Mountains. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Cabo San Lucas, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Cabo San Lucas than Adirondack Mountains. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cabo San Lucas that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cabo San Lucas than Adirondack Mountains 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 Cabo San Lucas.


  • How many days in Cabo San Lucas or Adirondack Mountains? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cabo San Lucas 3-7 
    Adirondack Mountains 3-7

One day in Cabo San Lucas or Adirondack Mountains?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the beautiful destination of Cabo San Lucas. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Adirondack Mountains, you'll find skiing and nightlife. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cabo San Lucas or Adirondack Mountains?

Cabo San Lucas is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Adirondack Mountains 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.

Five days in Cabo San Lucas or Adirondack Mountains?

Many people visit Cabo San Lucas for five days. Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful city of Cabo San Lucas. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Adirondack Mountains. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.


A week in Cabo San Lucas or Adirondack Mountains?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the adventurous destination of Cabo San Lucas. Many people spend one week here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cabo San Lucas, one week is sufficent for most.

In Adirondack Mountains, you'll find shopping and museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.


Which place is cheaper, Adirondack Mountains or Cabo San Lucas?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Cabo San Lucas Prices
    Mexico Prices
    Adirondack Mountains Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cabo San Lucas $159
    Adirondack Mountains $202

The average daily cost (per person) in Cabo San Lucas is $159, while the average daily cost in Adirondack Mountains is $202. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Cabo San Lucas and Adirondack Mountains in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cabo San Lucas $57
    Adirondack Mountains $97
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cabo San Lucas $114
    Adirondack Mountains $194
Compare Hotels in Cabo San Lucas and Adirondack Mountains

Looking for a hotel in Cabo San Lucas or Adirondack Mountains? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Cabo San Lucas


Hotels in Adirondack Mountains


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Cabo San Lucas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cabo San Lucas $25
    Adirondack Mountains $33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cabo San Lucas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cabo San Lucas:

  • Shared Arrival Transfer: Los Cabos International Airport to Hotel: $23
  • Los Cabos Transfer Airport to Hotel: $25
  • Private Transfer to Los Cabos Airport from Rancho San Lucas : $33
  • Los Cabos Shuttle Airport Roundtrip Transfers: $36
  • Los Cabos Airport Private Transfer SJD to Multiple Destinations: $38
  • Los Cabos Airport (SJD) to San Jose del Cabo hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $72
  • Cabo San Lucas Port to Cabo San Lucas Airport (CSL) - Departure Private Transfer: $74
  • Private Transfer from Cabo San Lucas Port to Cabo San Lucas : $75
  • Cabo San Lucas Cruise Port to Cabo San Lucas hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $75
  • Cabo San Lucas to Cabo San Lucas Cruise Port- Departure Private Transfer: $75
  • Cabo San Lucas Cruise Port to Airport CSL Departure Transfer: $75
  • Private Transfer from Cabo San Lucas Airport (CSL) to Cruise Port: $75

Is it cheaper to fly into Cabo San Lucas or Adirondack Mountains?

Prices for flights to both Adirondack Mountains and Cabo San Lucas change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Cabo San Lucas $80
    Adirondack Mountains $85

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cabo San Lucas

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cabo San Lucas.

  • Authentic Mexican Legacy Cooking Class in Cabo San Lucas: $75
  • AvoCabo Food Tour : $78
  • San Jose del Cabo Food Tour & Visit to the Market: $79
  • Seafood Galore, Los Cabos Food Tour: $80
  • Cabo Sunset Dinner Cruise: Fajitas, Lands End and Party: $85
  • Private Mexican Cooking Class in Your Cabo San Lucas Villa or Condo: $90
  • Catch of the day dinner in your private villa/condo in Cabo or San Jose del Cabo: $90
  • San José del Cabo for Meat Lovers Food Tour: $90
  • Sunset Mexican Dinner Cruise and Live Music in Cabo San Lucas: $95
  • Parrillada dinner with a Private Chef in your villa/condo in Cabo or San Jose: $95
  • Sunset Dinner Cruise with Tequila & tacos: $95
  • Cabo Sunset Dinner Cruise with Live Music & Open Bar on Cabo Wave: $99

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cabo San Lucas $39
    Adirondack Mountains $17

Tours and Activities in Cabo San Lucas

Here are a few actual costs in Cabo San Lucas for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Shared Experience Glass Bottom Boat to the Arch in Cabo San Lucas: $15
  • Boat Tour to Cabo San Lucas Arch and Rock Formations: $17
  • The Ultimate Camel Safari Experience in Los Cabos: $17
  • Glass bottom boat tour: $19
  • Cabo San Lucas Arch Tour and we go down to Playa del Amor: $19
  • Cabo San Lucas Arc Group Tour in Glass Bottom Boat: $20
  • Group tour of the Cabo San Lucas Arch: $20
  • 2 in 1 Tour | Arc Tour with Beach Drop: $20
  • Tour to Arch in the Clear Boat Cruise Ship Terminal Hotel Pickup!: $21
  • Tour to the Arch with Natural Views from Cabo San Lucas: $22
  • Glass Bottom Boat Sightseeing Tour in Cabo San Lucas: $23
  • Tour to Arch in the only Clear Boat in Cabo Cruise Hotel PICKUP!: $24

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cabo San Lucas $26
    Adirondack Mountains $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Cabo San Lucas

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cabo San Lucas:

  • Cabo Bar Crawl - The BEST Bar and Clubs in Cabo : $60
  • Wine Tasting Sunset Cruise Tour in San Jose del Cabo: $280


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cabo San Lucas and Adirondack Mountains, we can see that Adirondack Mountains is more expensive. And not only is Cabo San Lucas much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cabo San Lucas would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cabo San Lucas 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 Adirondack Mountains would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Adirondack Mountains than you might in Cabo San Lucas.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cabo San Lucas Expensive? and Is Adirondack Mountains Expensive?.