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

Should you visit Cabo San Lucas or Colorado Springs?

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 Colorado Springs 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. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums. See Cabo San Lucas travel costs.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a outdoorsy, healthy, and welcoming mountain town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Colorado Springs is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking, museums, and nightlife. See Colorado Springs travel costs.

Cabo San Lucas and Colorado Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cabo San Lucas or Colorado Springs?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cabo San Lucas. Although Cabo San Lucas and Colorado Springs are both popular with visitors, Cabo San Lucas has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cabo San Lucas is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Colorado Springs is known for its skiing, hiking, and small town charm. Cabo San Lucas is more touristy than Colorado Springs and is known for its beautiful coastline, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife scene. It is also home to Land's End. Colorado Springs is popular for its many outdoor recreation areas, world-class parks, striking red sandstone formations, and beautiful mountain views.

How is Cabo San Lucas different from Colorado Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Cabo San Lucas or Colorado Springs Better for Skiing?

Colorado Springs is a mountain town with a few options for winter skiing. However, Cabo San Lucas is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Colorado Springs to take advantage of their winter sports. The town isn't as accessible to skiing as Denver is, but there are still options, like Breckenridge, within a few hours drive.

Cabo San Lucas is not a skiing destination.

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

Both Cabo San Lucas and Colorado Springs 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.

Colorado Springs offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Most people visit this area for the outdoor recreation, not the museums, but in town you'll find the Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum, the Peterson Air and Space Museum, the Western Museum of Mining and Industry, and the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. The U.S. Olympic Complex Training Center is also a unique place to visit and well worth some time.

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

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

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.

Colorado Springs has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's a combination of local restaurants that serve local items such as trout and bison, as well as your standard chain restaurants and more predictable American classics like burgers, pizza, and chicken fingers.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Colorado Springs Better for Nightlife?

Cabo San Lucas is terrific for nightlife. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Cabo San Lucas is a must-see party destination. 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 Colorado Springs has a few options to choose from. The town has a number of breweries and a great craft beer selection. There are local bars along Tejon Street, or head through Downtown Colorado Springs for some of the most active nightlife.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Colorado Springs Better for Resorts?

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

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Cabo San Lucas. 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.

Colorado Springs is not a resort destination.

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

Cabo San Lucas is a great destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Colorado Springs is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in 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.

Colorado Springs is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Colorado Springs Better for Beaches?

Cabo San Lucas is a great destination for its beaches. However, Colorado Springs is not a beach destination.

Cabo San Lucas is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

Colorado Springs is not a beach destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Colorado Springs Better for its Old Town?

Cabo San Lucas is a great destination for its historic old town. However, Colorado Springs does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of 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.

Colorado Springs does not have a historic old town.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Colorado Springs Better for Hiking?

Colorado Springs is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Cabo San Lucas is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

Around Colorado Springs visitors will find world-class hiking trails. There are both world-famous hiking areas, as well as lesser known hikes that the locals often prefer. Some of the more famous places include Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and Manitou Incline in Manitou Springs. For families, check out Seven Bridges Trail or Mount Muscoco Trail. Loud's Cabin is a longer trail that also includes Seven Bridges Trail.

Many visitors go to Cabo San Lucas for the hiking trails. It's not hard to get out into nature and you'll find many great hiking trails that go through varied and beautiful landscapes.

Is the Shopping Better in Cabo San Lucas or Colorado Springs?

Cabo San Lucas is a great destination for shopping. However, Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Colorado Springs More Beautiful?

Cabo San Lucas is terrific for its scenery and beauty. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and 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.

The beauty of Colorado Springs is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The town is surrounded by tons of natural beauty. In the area you'll find the Garden of the Gods, Cheyenne Mountain State Park, and the Broadmoor Seven Falls.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Colorado Springs Better for Families?

Both Cabo San Lucas and Colorado Springs are superb 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, Colorado Springs is very family-friendly. The town is conveniently located near many outdoor adventures that are family-friendly. There are many parks, hiking trails, and wildlife centers in the area that make for a fun outing. Popular activities include the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the Dinosaur Resource Center, and Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Colorado Springs Better for Couples?

Cabo San Lucas is terrific for romance. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Cabo San Lucas has plenty to offer. 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.

Colorado Springs makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy hiking and exploring nature together will love visiting this town and the areas nearby. There are many hiking trails in easy reach of the town. Hot air balloon rides are also popular and offer an amazing view over the beautiful landscape.

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

Cabo San Lucas is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Colorado Springs. Just outside of town you'll find campgrounds with all of the amenities that you might need. In town, there's also a hostel and several affordable accommodation options.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Colorado Springs Better for Students?

Colorado Springs is a mountain town with good options for students. However, Cabo San Lucas is not popular with students.

Colorado Springs is popular with students. It's a relatively affordable town with easy access to plenty of free activities like hiking, rock climbing, and more.

Cabo San Lucas is not popular with students.

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

Cabo San Lucas is very good for its public transit. However, Colorado Springs is a mountain town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Cabo San Lucas, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. 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 Colorado Springs. While there are buses, many people come to the area to visit Pikes Peak or several of the other nearby parks, all of which require a car.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Colorado Springs a more walkable city?

Cabo San Lucas is a great destination for its walkability. However, Colorado Springs is a mountain town with minimal options 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.

Colorado Springs is generally not a very walkable city. While the downtown area is walkable, you'll really want to have a car so you can explore the areas outside of town.

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

Should I spend more time in Colorado Springs or Cabo San Lucas?

How long in Cabo San Lucas or Colorado Springs?

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

Families should spend more time in Cabo San Lucas than Colorado Springs. 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 Colorado Springs. 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 Colorado Springs 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 Colorado Springs?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the wild destination of Cabo San Lucas. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Colorado Springs, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Colorado Springs?

You'll find shopping and museums around the idyllic city of Cabo San Lucas. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Colorado Springs 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 Colorado Springs?

Cabo San Lucas is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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

A week in Cabo San Lucas or Colorado Springs?

Cabo San Lucas is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the mountain town of Colorado Springs. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Cabo San Lucas or Colorado Springs?

Colorado Springs has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Cabo San Lucas. When comparing the sizes of Cabo San Lucas and Colorado Springs, 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.