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

Should you visit Cabo San Lucas or Cherokee?

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 Cherokee 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. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food. See Cabo San Lucas travel costs.

Cherokee

Cherokee is a cultural, genuine, and fascinating town. It's also known for shopping, museums, and food. See Cherokee travel costs.

Cabo San Lucas and Cherokee: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less walkable


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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cabo San Lucas. Although Cabo San Lucas and Cherokee are both popular with visitors, Cabo San Lucas has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cabo San Lucas is more touristy than Cherokee and is known for its beautiful coastline, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife scene. It is also home to Land's End. Cherokee is popular for its cultural experiences and nearby hiking trails.

How is Cabo San Lucas different from Cherokee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cherokee 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 Cherokee?

Cabo San Lucas
Cherokee

Both Cabo San Lucas and Cherokee have good 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.

Cherokee offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Many of the museums educate visitors on the Native American culture. Oconaluftee Indian Village, the Museum of the Cherokee People, and the Mountain Farm Museum each offer a unique and interesting perspective.


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

Cabo San Lucas
Cherokee

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

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Cabo San Lucas makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Cherokee has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are casual sandwich shops as well as several places that offer traditional Cherokee foods such as fry bread.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Cherokee Better for Nightlife?

Cabo San Lucas
Cherokee

Cabo San Lucas is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. However, Cherokee is a mediocre town for nightlife and partying.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Cherokee. The town is generally quiet but you can head to Harrah's Cherokee Casino for drinks and entertainment.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Cherokee Better for Resorts?

Cabo San Lucas
Cherokee

Cabo San Lucas is notable for its resorts. However, Cherokee is not a resort destination.

Cabo San Lucas is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. 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.

Cherokee is not a resort destination.


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

Cabo San Lucas
Cherokee

Cabo San Lucas is notable for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Cherokee is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Cabo San Lucas to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Cherokee is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Cherokee Better for Beaches?

Cabo San Lucas
Cherokee

Cabo San Lucas is notable for its beaches. However, Cherokee is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Cabo San Lucas. 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.

Cherokee is not a beach destination.

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

Cabo San Lucas
Cherokee

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

Many visitors go to Cabo San Lucas to see the historical old town. 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.

Cherokee does not have a historic old town.


Is Cabo San Lucas or Cherokee Better for Hiking?

Cabo San Lucas
Cherokee

Both Cabo San Lucas and Cherokee are destinations which offer high quality 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 Cherokee for the hiking trails. There are many trails in the area that pass through forests, wander by waterfalls, and take you to spectacular viewpoints. The fall foliage is particularly nice during the autumn months.

Is the Shopping Better in Cabo San Lucas or Cherokee?

Cabo San Lucas
Cherokee

Cabo San Lucas is notable for shopping. Also, Cherokee is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Cabo San Lucas is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Cherokee. There are craft shops and artisan vendors in the downtown area. It's fun to wander around for a few hours.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Cherokee More Beautiful?

Cabo San Lucas
Cherokee

Cabo San Lucas is an amazing city to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Cherokee is not a destination known for its 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.

Cherokee is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Cabo San Lucas or Cherokee Better for Families?

Cabo San Lucas
Cherokee

Both Cabo San Lucas and Cherokee are high quality 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, Cherokee is very family-friendly. It's proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park make this a fun destination for families. There are countless outdoor adventure activities. The town is also filled with Cherokee history and culture, so it offers educational experiences as well.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Cherokee Better for Couples?

Cabo San Lucas
Cherokee

Cabo San Lucas is an amazing city to visit for romance. Also, Cherokee is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its romantic activities.

Cabo San Lucas has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Cherokee makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Nearby there are many outdoor activities and adventure experiences. Couples who enjoy nature and exploring will appreciate a stay here.

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

Cabo San Lucas
Cherokee

Cabo San Lucas is notable for backpackers. Also, Cherokee is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

Cherokee is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are several great campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hiking opportunities.


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

Cabo San Lucas
Cherokee

Cabo San Lucas is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Cherokee is a mediocre town 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 mostly limited in Cherokee. There are some bus and shuttle routes, but a private vehicle is important if you want to make the most of your visit.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Cherokee a more walkable city?

Cabo San Lucas
Cherokee

Cabo San Lucas is notable for its walkability. However, Cherokee is a mediocre town for its high level of walkability.

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

Cherokee is generally not a very walkable city. If you want to explore the area, you'll need a car to reach most places.

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

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

How long in Cabo San Lucas or Cherokee?

It's fun to spend time in either Cabo San Lucas or Cherokee. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Cabo San Lucas due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Cabo San Lucas, and 2-4 days is enough time in Cherokee.

Families should spend more time in Cabo San Lucas than Cherokee. 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 Cherokee. 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 Cherokee 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 Cherokee? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cabo San Lucas 3-7 
    Cherokee 2-4

One day in Cabo San Lucas or Cherokee?

The beautiful city of Cabo San Lucas offers museums and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Cherokee, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Cherokee?

Cabo San Lucas is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Cherokee 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 Cherokee?

Cabo San Lucas is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cabo San Lucas, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cherokee. 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 Cherokee?

Cabo San Lucas is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cabo San Lucas has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the town of Cherokee. 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 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Cherokee 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
    Cherokee Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cabo San Lucas $159
    Cherokee $186

The average daily cost (per person) in Cabo San Lucas is $159, while the average daily cost in Cherokee is $186. 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 Cherokee in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cabo San Lucas $57
    Cherokee $158
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cabo San Lucas $114
    Cherokee $316
Compare Hotels in Cabo San Lucas and Cherokee

Looking for a hotel in Cabo San Lucas or Cherokee? 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 Cherokee


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 and Cherokee Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cabo San Lucas $25
    Cherokee -

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 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 Airport (CSL) to Cabo San Lucas Port - Arrival Private Transfer : $74
  • Cabo San Lucas Cruise Port to Cabo San Lucas hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $74
  • Cabo San Lucas to Cabo San Lucas Cruise Port- Departure Private Transfer: $74
  • Cabo San Lucas Cruise Port to Airport CSL Departure Transfer: $74
  • Cabo San Lucas Airport (CSL) to Cabo San Lucas -Arrival Transfer : $80
  • Private transfer at VAN Airport Los Cabos - San Jose del Cabo: $85
  • Try find your better than us! Airport transfer in San José del Cabo APT-HTL(SJD): $91
  • Airport transfers and all: $95

Is it cheaper to fly into Cabo San Lucas or Cherokee?

Prices for flights to both Cherokee 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
    Cherokee $27

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
  • San Jose del Cabo Food Tour & Visit to the Market: $79
  • Flavors of Authentic Mexican Food Tour: $79
  • San Jose del Cabo Morning Food Tour: $84
  • 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
  • Jumbo Shrimp Dinner in Your Private Villa or Condo in Cabo or San Jose del Cabo: $99
  • Cabo San Lucas Sunset Dinner Cruise with Open Bar: $99
  • Cabo Sunset Dinner Cruise with Live Music & Open Bar on Cabo Wave: $99
  • Sunset E-bike Beach Ride with Mexican Dinner and Margaritas: $109
  • San Jose del Cabo City Highlights with Tequila Tasting and Dinner: $110

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cabo San Lucas $39
    Cherokee -

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
  • Cabo San Lucas Arch Tour and we go down to Playa del Amor: $19
  • 2 in 1 Tour | Arc Tour with Beach Drop: $20
  • Tour to Arch in the only Clear Boat in Cabo Cruise Hotel PICKUP!: $24
  • Tour to Arch in the Clear Boat Cruise Ship Terminal Hotel PICKUP!: $27
  • Tour to The Arch and Lover's Beach (optional) from Cabo: $30
  • The Fenway Bar Experience: $30
  • Transparent Boat Tour Cabo San Lucas Arch and Playa del Amor: $36
  • Whale Watching Tour with Arch and Beach in Cabo San Lucas: $38
  • Shared Tour to the Arch of Cabo San Lucas: $39

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cabo San Lucas $26
    Cherokee -

Sample the Local Flavors in Cabo San Lucas

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

  • 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 Cherokee, we can see that Cherokee 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 Cherokee would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cherokee 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 Cherokee Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cabo San Lucas or Cherokee?

Cabo San Lucas has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Cherokee. When comparing the sizes of Cabo San Lucas and Cherokee, 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.