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

Should you visit Cabo San Lucas or Victoria?

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 Victoria 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 adventurous, scenic, and idyllic city. Cabo San Lucas is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Cabo San Lucas travel costs.

Victoria

Victoria is a scenic, relaxing, and cultural city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking. See Victoria travel costs.

Cabo San Lucas and Victoria: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cabo San Lucas than Victoria, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cabo San Lucas is more touristy than Victoria and is popular for its beautiful coastline, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife scene. Also, Cabo San Lucas is famous for Land's End. Victoria is well known for its colonial buildings and public parks.

How is Cabo San Lucas different from Victoria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Cabo San Lucas and Victoria 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.

Victoria offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several popular museums like the Royal BC Museum and Craigdarroch Castle. Also make sure you check out the Parliament Buildings.

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

Cabo San Lucas is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Cabo San Lucas has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Victoria offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find tons of fresh seafood around town. Make sure you try to the Dungeness crab, wild caught salmon, and fish chowder.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Victoria Better for Nightlife?

Cabo San Lucas is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

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.

Victoria has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are a good number of bars and pubs around town. Most offer a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy a cold drink in a casual setting.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Victoria Better for Resorts?

Cabo San Lucas is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Victoria is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Cabo San Lucas to choose from. 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.

Victoria is not a resort destination.

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

Cabo San Lucas is a very popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Victoria is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near 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.

Victoria is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Victoria Better for Beaches?

Cabo San Lucas is a very popular place for the beach. However, Victoria is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Cabo San Lucas for it's beautiful 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.

Victoria is not a beach destination.

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

Cabo San Lucas is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Victoria does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Victoria does not have a historic old town.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Victoria Better for Hiking?

Cabo San Lucas is a very popular place for its hiking trails. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

Victoria is a good destination for hiking. There are many outdoor spaces and parks that offer local hiking trails. This is a great way to experience the scenic beauty of the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Cabo San Lucas or Victoria?

Cabo San Lucas is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Victoria is a great destination for shopping. There are plenty of larger shopping malls as well as local boutiques and farmer's markets.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Victoria More Beautiful?

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

Cabo San Lucas is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Beautiful beaches, stunning natural beauty, and striking landscapes make this a world class tropical destination.

Victoria is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Victoria Better for Families?

Both Cabo San Lucas and Victoria are very good 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, Victoria is very family-friendly. There are plenty of opportunities to get outside and get the energy out. Walking trails are popular. You can also do the Malahat SkyWalk which offers impressive views. Cadboro-Gyro Park has a playground, zip-line, and picnic areas. Another hightlight for kids is a visit to the Beacon Hill Children's Farm. If the weather isn't cooperating, you can visit the BC Aviation Museum.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Victoria Better for Couples?

Cabo San Lucas is an amazing city to visit for couples. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Cabo San Lucas is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Couples visit Victoria frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city offers many great activities for couples such as a visit to Hatley Park and Castle. The city is also famous for its many flower gardens which are best visited in spring. Kayaking, hiking, and exploring are also favorite activities for couples.

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

Cabo San Lucas is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Victoria. There are a few hostels around town that attract the backpacker and budget traveler crowd.

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

Cabo San Lucas is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Victoria is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Cabo San Lucas has some 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 generally limited in Victoria. While there are buses, it's best not to count on them because they're not particularly reliable.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Victoria a more walkable city?

Cabo San Lucas and Victoria both are very good when exploring on foot.

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

Victoria is a very walkable city. Many of the sights are close by and easy to walk to.

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

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

How long in Cabo San Lucas or Victoria?

It's fun to spend time in either Cabo San Lucas or Victoria. 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 3-4 days is enough time in Victoria.

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

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 Victoria, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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 Victoria?

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.

Victoria is a great place to explore. 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 Victoria?

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 Victoria. 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 Victoria?

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 shopping and museums when visiting the city of Victoria. 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 Adventure Tours to Canada, and The Best Eco Tours in Canada.

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

Which is Bigger, Cabo San Lucas or Victoria?

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