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

Should you visit Cabo San Lucas or Sedona?

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 Sedona 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 idyllic, wild, and adventurous city. Many visitors also come to Cabo San Lucas because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Cabo San Lucas travel costs.

Sedona

Sedona is a scenic, striking, and desert town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The famous beauty of Sedona is one of the main draws. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking. See Sedona travel costs.

Cabo San Lucas and Sedona: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cabo San Lucas. Although Cabo San Lucas and Sedona are popular destinations, Cabo San Lucas has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cabo San Lucas is very popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and historical sights, while Sedona attracts visitors for its shopping and small town charm. Cabo San Lucas is more touristy than Sedona and is popular for its beautiful coastline, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife scene. It is also well known for Land's End. Sedona is famous for its stargazing, desert setting, and yoga retreats.

How is Cabo San Lucas different from Sedona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Cabo San Lucas and Sedona 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.

Sedona offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The Sedona Heritage Museum offers a glimpse into the history and culture of the area. There are also many galleries around town.

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

Foodies will find both Cabo San Lucas and Sedona both to be excellent destinations.

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.

Sedona has a huge number of terrific restaurants. It's grown into a foodie destination with local restaurants that pride themselves on using local ingredients. Mexican food is common but you'll also find cafes, classic American food, and other international options.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Sedona Better for Nightlife?

Cabo San Lucas is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Sedona is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its evening party scene.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Sedona. There are bars, live music venues, and even a casino in town. Breweries are popular and there are also upscale wine bars.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Sedona Better for Resorts?

If luxury resorts are your style, both Cabo San Lucas and Sedona 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 Sedona to choose from. Upscale resorts with spas, pools, and other amenities offer the perfect backdrop for a desert vacation.

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

Cabo San Lucas is great for its diving and snorkeling. However, Sedona 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.

Sedona is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Sedona Better for Beaches?

Cabo San Lucas is great for the beach. However, Sedona 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.

Sedona is not a beach destination.

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

Cabo San Lucas is great for its old town. Also, Sedona is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its historic old town charm.

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.

Sedona offers a nice historic old town area. Traditional architecture and historic charm give downtown Sedona a lot of character.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Sedona Better for Hiking?

Both Cabo San Lucas and Sedona 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 Sedona for the hiking trails. It's red rock cliffs offer the perfect setting for dramatic hikes and breathtaking views. The colors are most impressive at sunrise and sunset and some of the most famous landmarks include Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock and Boynton Canyon.

Is the Shopping Better in Cabo San Lucas or Sedona?

Sedona is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Cabo San Lucas is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Sedona is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. It's filled with local artisan shops and art galleries that highlight the region's beauty. Head to Uptown Sedona for some of the best boutiques. You should also check out the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village, the Sedona Art Center, and Hozho Distinctive Shops and Galleries.

Cabo San Lucas is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Sedona More Beautiful?

Cabo San Lucas and Sedona both are comparable with their terrific 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.

Many visitors also come to Sedona because of it's amazing beauty. The surrounded countryside is filled with dramatic desert landscapes and striking red cliffs.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Sedona Better for Families?

Both Cabo San Lucas and Sedona 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, Sedona is very family-friendly. There are impressive parks and fun outdoor activities for the whole family. Head to Slide Rock State Park where your kids can enjoy a natural waterslide. There's also the Out of Africa Wildlife Zoo as well as a canyon railroad.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Sedona Better for Couples?

Both Cabo San Lucas and Sedona are terrific destinations for a couple's getaway.

Cabo San Lucas is a great city for couples, as it 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.

Sedona is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Stargazing in the evening or picnicking in a park during the day. There are countless romantic activities that couples can enjoy. The area is filled with striking natural beauty that is at its best during sunset. Couples will also enjoy fine dining and a variety of outdoor activities.

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

Cabo San Lucas is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Sedona is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Cabo San Lucas. It's a popular tourist destination, and there are a number of hostels and activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Sedona is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find campgrounds, RV parks, and motels in the area, but no real hostels.

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

Cabo San Lucas is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Sedona is not a good destination for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Sedona. Verde Shuttle offers shuttle routes through town.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Sedona a more walkable city?

Cabo San Lucas is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Sedona is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Sedona is a somewhat walkable city. If you stay in Uptown Sedona, then the area is walkable, but if you're planning to stay further away then you'll need to have a car.

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

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

How long in Cabo San Lucas or Sedona?

In either Cabo San Lucas or Sedona, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cabo San Lucas than Sedona because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Cabo San Lucas, and 3-5 days is enough time in Sedona.

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

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Cabo San Lucas. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Sedona might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Sedona?

Cabo San Lucas is a great place to explore. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Sedona 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 Sedona?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cabo San Lucas. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sedona. 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. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Cabo San Lucas or Sedona?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the idyllic destination of Cabo San Lucas. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Sedona is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. 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 shopping. 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 Sedona, we can see that Sedona 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 Sedona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sedona 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 Sedona Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cabo San Lucas or Sedona?

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