A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cabo San Lucas vs. Chattanooga for Nightlife, Couples, Food, and Hiking

Should you visit Cabo San Lucas or Chattanooga?

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 Chattanooga 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 scenic, idyllic, and wild city. The famous beauty of Cabo San Lucas is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Cabo San Lucas travel costs.

Chattanooga

Chattanooga is a outdoorsy, thriving, and bustling city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking. See Chattanooga travel costs.

Cabo San Lucas and Chattanooga: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cabo San Lucas or Chattanooga?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cabo San Lucas than Chattanooga, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cabo San Lucas is more touristy than Chattanooga and is known for its beautiful coastline, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife scene. Also, Cabo San Lucas is famous for Land's End. Chattanooga is well known for it's hikes, railways, and nearby natural areas.

How is Cabo San Lucas different from Chattanooga?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Cabo San Lucas and Chattanooga have notable 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.

Chattanooga offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It's a thriving city and there are a number of museums to explore. The Hunter Museum of American Art is great for art enthusiasts. There's also the Creative Discovery Museum, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, and the 6th Cavalry Museum, as well as several smaller museums that you can visit.

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

Cabo San Lucas is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Cabo San Lucas is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Chattanooga. There are a growing number of restaurants that range from local dives to fine dining. Fried food is common, but you'll also find Mexican and classic hamburgers. Popular dishes that are local to the area include catfish, southern barbecue, and hush puppies.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Chattanooga Better for Nightlife?

Cabo San Lucas is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The nightlife in Cabo San Lucas is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Chattanooga has a few options to choose from. You'll find plenty of bars and clubs around town. There are also a number of comedy and improv clubs that are fun to check out.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Chattanooga Better for Resorts?

Cabo San Lucas is a great destination for its resorts. However, Chattanooga is not a resort destination.

Cabo San Lucas is known as a popular and fun resort destination. 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.

Chattanooga is not a resort destination.

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

Cabo San Lucas is a great destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Chattanooga 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.

Chattanooga is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Chattanooga Better for Beaches?

Cabo San Lucas is a great destination for the beach. However, Chattanooga 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.

Chattanooga is not a beach destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Chattanooga Better for its Old Town?

Cabo San Lucas is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Chattanooga 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.

Chattanooga does not have a historic old town.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Chattanooga Better for Hiking?

Both Cabo San Lucas and Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga for the hiking trails. It's proximity to the mountains means that you don't have to go far to find good hiking. Within a half hour of town there are more than 50 trailheads. Lookout Mountain and Signal Mountain are both hiking destinations. Several trails have swimming spots and many pass through nice forests or head to impressive viewpoints.

Is the Shopping Better in Cabo San Lucas or Chattanooga?

Cabo San Lucas is a great destination for its shopping areas. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Cabo San Lucas. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Chattanooga. Head downtown for local shops or to the larger malls if you want mainstream stores. Many visitors enjoy antiquing while they're in town, but there are also farmer's markets and thrift stores.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Chattanooga More Beautiful?

Cabo San Lucas is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, Chattanooga is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Cabo San Lucas is one of the main draws. Beautiful beaches, stunning natural beauty, and striking landscapes make this a world class tropical destination.

Chattanooga is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Chattanooga Better for Families?

Cabo San Lucas is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Cabo San Lucas is known to be 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.

Chattanooga offers lots of family activities. Many people enjoy a visit to the Tennessee Aquarium, which has a touch tank and a butterfly exhibit, among other things. Near downtown, Coolidge Park is a great place for kids to get their energy out. There's also the popular Lookout Mountain Incline Railway as well as many hiking trails in the area.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Chattanooga Better for Couples?

Cabo San Lucas is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Chattanooga is a nice destination for couples. Many couples enjoy staying at a local inn and then dining in a nice restaurant or visiting a winery. There's an eclectic art district to explore as well as horse drawn carriages and plenty of nearby hiking trails.

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

Cabo San Lucas is a great destination for backpackers. However, Chattanooga is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Cabo San Lucas is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. It's a popular tourist destination, and there are a number of hostels and activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Chattanooga is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's proximity to the mountains and diverse outdoor activities make this an under-rated destination for many backpackers.

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

Chattanooga is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Cabo San Lucas is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Chattanooga is fairly effecient and thorough. The city has a convenient and free electric shuttle service. It travels through the downtown and has stops at many points of interest such as the Chattanooga Choo Choo and the Tennessee Aquarium.

While Cabo San Lucas offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Buses make up the main form of public transit. They are called Subercabos and run between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Chattanooga a more walkable city?

Cabo San Lucas and Chattanooga both are excellent when exploring on foot.

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

Chattanooga is a very walkable city. The city has put a lot of effort into improving its walkability. In particular, the downtown is nice to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Chattanooga or Cabo San Lucas?

How long in Cabo San Lucas or Chattanooga?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cabo San Lucas and Chattanooga. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cabo San Lucas than in Chattanooga. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Cabo San Lucas, and 2-3 days is enough time in Chattanooga.

Families should spend more time in Cabo San Lucas than Chattanooga. 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 Chattanooga. 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 Chattanooga 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.

One day in Cabo San Lucas or Chattanooga?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the adventurous city of Cabo San Lucas. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the nightlife. 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.

In Chattanooga, you'll find museums 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 Chattanooga?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the scenic destination of Cabo San Lucas. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Chattanooga is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Cabo San Lucas or Chattanooga?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the adventurous city of Cabo San Lucas. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chattanooga. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Cabo San Lucas or Chattanooga?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Cabo San Lucas. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the nightlife. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Chattanooga. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Cabo San Lucas or Chattanooga?

Chattanooga has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Cabo San Lucas. When comparing the sizes of Cabo San Lucas and Chattanooga, 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.