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

Should you visit Cabo San Lucas or Virginia Beach?

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 Virginia Beach 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 hiking, shopping, and museums. See Cabo San Lucas travel costs.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a relaxing, bustling, and fun-filled coastal city. Virginia Beach is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife and beaches. See Virginia Beach travel costs.

Cabo San Lucas and Virginia Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cabo San Lucas or Virginia Beach?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cabo San Lucas. Although Cabo San Lucas and Virginia Beach are popular destinations, Cabo San Lucas has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cabo San Lucas is more touristy than Virginia Beach and is popular for its beautiful coastline, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife scene. It is also well known for Land's End. Virginia Beach is famous for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe.

How is Cabo San Lucas different from Virginia Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cabo San Lucas is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Cabo San Lucas offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several historical sights in the area such as the Church of Saint Luke and San Jose del Cabo.

Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cabo San Lucas is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Cabo San Lucas has a huge number of terrific 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.

Virginia Beach may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Seafood is plentiful around town and there are all-you-can-eat buffets as well as high end, waterfront seafood restaurants. Make sure you try the She Crab Soup, soft shell crabs, and oysters.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Virginia Beach Better for Nightlife?

Cabo San Lucas is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its evening party scene.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Virginia Beach. While it's a family-friendly beach, there's still a great nightlife scene with many bars and clubs in the area. Popular places to hang out at night include Omega Bar, Peabody's Nightclub, and Sky Bar.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Virginia Beach Better for Resorts?

Cabo San Lucas is great for its luxury resorts. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its resorts.

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.

Virginia Beach has a few great resort options. Some of the best resorts in the area include the Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club, the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, and The Founders Inn and Spa.

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

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

Virginia Beach is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Virginia Beach Better for Beaches?

Cabo San Lucas is great for the beach. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for the beach.

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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Virginia Beach. The beaches are long and sandy, but they can get crowded during the summer months. The waves are just the right size for playing in the surf and the water temperature is usually warm enough to swim well into the fall months.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Virginia Beach Better for its Old Town?

Cabo San Lucas is great for its old town. However, Virginia Beach 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.

Virginia Beach does not have a historic old town.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Virginia Beach Better for Hiking?

Cabo San Lucas is great for hiking. However, Virginia Beach is not a hiking destination.

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.

Virginia Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cabo San Lucas or Virginia Beach?

Cabo San Lucas is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Virginia Beach More Beautiful?

Cabo San Lucas is terrific for its scenery and beauty. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its scenery and beauty.

Many visitors also come to Cabo San Lucas because of it's amazing beauty. Beautiful beaches, stunning natural beauty, and striking landscapes make this a world class tropical destination.

Virginia Beach offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As a developed beach town, the city has its share of hotels along the beach, but it is still a beautiful setting to explore.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Virginia Beach Better for Families?

Both Cabo San Lucas and Virginia Beach 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, Virginia Beach is very family-friendly. This is a popular family-friendly beach with a nice boardwalk, a fun waterpark, aquarium, and nice beaches. It attracts families in the area for its long beaches and fun atmosphere. Most restaurants have kid's menus and there are ice cream shops and minigolf around.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Virginia Beach Better for Couples?

Cabo San Lucas is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for couples.

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.

Virginia Beach is a good city for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy a nice escape to the beaches and boardwalk. There are many great seafood restaurants, some with waterfront settings. There's also a variety of activities ranging from many golf to dance clubs.

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

Cabo San Lucas is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Virginia Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Virginia Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Virginia Beach Better for Students?

Virginia Beach is a coastal city with good options for students. However, Cabo San Lucas is not popular with students.

Virginia Beach is popular with students. It's not as popular as more southern beach towns, but you'll still find students heading here for the spring break holidays.

Cabo San Lucas is not popular with students.

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

Cabo San Lucas is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Virginia Beach 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 limited or non-existant in Virginia Beach. There is very limited public transit in the area so you'll need to have a car to get around.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Virginia Beach a more walkable city?

Cabo San Lucas is great for its high level of walkability. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination 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.

Virginia Beach is generally not very walkable. Most people prefer to have a car but do note that parking can be a nightmare, particularly during the summer season.

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

Should I spend more time in Virginia Beach or Cabo San Lucas?

How long in Cabo San Lucas or Virginia Beach?

Both Cabo San Lucas and Virginia Beach have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Cabo San Lucas has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Cabo San Lucas than Virginia Beach. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Cabo San Lucas, and 5-7 days is enough time in Virginia Beach.

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

In Cabo San Lucas, 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.

In Virginia Beach, you'll find 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 Virginia Beach?

Cabo San Lucas 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.

Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cabo San Lucas. 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 nightlife. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Virginia Beach. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Cabo San Lucas or Virginia Beach?

In Cabo San Lucas, you'll find shopping and museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Virginia Beach, you'll find nightlife. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Cabo San Lucas and Virginia Beach, we can see that Cabo San Lucas is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Virginia Beach Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cabo San Lucas or Virginia Beach?

Virginia Beach has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Cabo San Lucas. When comparing the sizes of Cabo San Lucas and Virginia Beach, 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.