A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ensenada vs. Asheville for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Ensenada or Asheville?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Ensenada or Asheville? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Ensenada

Ensenada is a cultural, outdoorsy, and historic city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Ensenada travel costs.

Asheville

Asheville is a progressive, open-minded, and eclectic mountain town. Asheville is a beautiful place to visit, too. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping. See Asheville travel costs.

Ensenada and Asheville: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ensenada or Asheville?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Asheville than Ensenada. While Ensenada is larger than Asheville, Asheville has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Asheville is better known for its nightlife, music, resorts, historical sights, hiking, shopping, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Ensenada is more popular for its museums and attractions and beaches. Ensenada is more touristy than Asheville and is known for its local cuisine, golf, and outdoor sports. Asheville is well known for its fall foliage, artsy downtown, and local North Carolina barbecue. Also, Asheville is famous for The Biltmore Estate.

How is Ensenada different from Asheville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Asheville and Ensenada. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ensenada or Asheville?

Ensenada is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

Ensenada offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several good museums in town such as the Museo de Historia and Caracol Museo de Ciencias.

Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Ensenada or Asheville? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Ensenada and Asheville offer superb local cuisine and restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Ensenada. The town is known for its seafood, and fish tacos is one of the most popular dishes. You'll find seafood markets and street cards selling fresh and local items. Sample your way through the city and enjoy all of the local specialties.

Asheville has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Downtown Asheville is filled with local restaurants that serve everything from brunch to late night snacks. There are many vegan and vegetarian options as well as a number of international restaurants. Popular local dishes include North Carolina barbeque and country ham biscuits.

Is Ensenada or Asheville Better for Nightlife?

Asheville is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Ensenada is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Asheville know how to have a good time. The city has a fun and eclectic nightlife scene that centers around the city's breweries and live music venues.

If you're looking for night time activities Ensenada has a few options to choose from. There are a number of bars and nightclubs around town. Head to Avenida López Mateos for many of the best restaurants and bars.

Is Ensenada or Asheville Better for Music?

Asheville is a great destination for its live music scene. However, Ensenada is not a live music destination.

Asheville has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. The city has grown into a world famous music destination that holds true to its mountain roots and independent artists.

Ensenada is not a live music destination.

Is Ensenada or Asheville Better for Resorts?

Asheville is a popular place for its resorts. However, Ensenada is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Asheville makes a nice vacation spot. The most famous resorts in the area are the Biltmore Estate and the Grove Park Inn. Both offer luxury restaurants and beautiful grounds that are particularly nice during the holidays.

Ensenada is not a resort destination.

Is Ensenada or Asheville Better for Beaches?

Ensenada is a city with a few options for the beach. However, Asheville is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Ensenada. It's a working port town and the beaches in the area aren't great. You'll find the best options to the south of the city.

Asheville is not a beach destination.

Is Ensenada or Asheville Better for its Old Town?

Asheville is a mountain town with a few options for its old town. However, Ensenada does not have a historic old town.

You can check out the historic old town in Asheville. Downtown Asheville maintains much of its historic vibe, but it's smaller than some of the more notable old cities around the country.

Ensenada does not have a historic old town.

Is Ensenada or Asheville Better for Hiking?

Asheville is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Ensenada is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Asheville. Just outside of town are many great hikes to waterfalls or through the mountains. The hikes range in skill level and length but many pass through local forests or along the beautiful skyline.

Ensenada is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ensenada or Asheville?

Asheville is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Ensenada is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Asheville is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has many local shops that sell local crafts and independent art. The downtown area is filled with art vendors and you'll find the greatest concentration of shopping along the pedestrian-friendly Lexington Avenue.

Ensenada has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Avenida López Mateos is the main shopping street in town. You'll find many shops, but be prepared to pay more than you might elsewhere because shopkeepers are used to cruise ship riders who are willing to pay a high price tag.

Is Ensenada or Asheville More Beautiful?

Asheville is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Ensenada is not a destination known for its beauty.

Asheville is a beautiful place to visit, too. With the surrounding mountains and the charming town, the area is filled with natural beauty.

Ensenada is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ensenada or Asheville Better for Families?

Asheville is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ensenada is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Asheville is a very kid-friendly mountain town. With its beautiful hiking, interesting nature centers, and outdoor adventure activities, this mountain town makes a great kid-friendly destination. There are outdoor adventure parks where kids can zipline or climb. There are also hands on farms and orchards for fruit-picking.

Ensenada offers lots of family activities. You'll find ziplining, horseback riding, and surf lessons in the area. Kids will also enjoy seeing the Water Show or going whale watching.

Is Ensenada or Asheville Better for Couples?

Asheville is a great destination for its romantic activities. Also, Ensenada is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Asheville frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples enjoy exploring the beautiful Biltmore Estates or visiting the spa at the Grove Park Inn. The quaint town makes a great honeymoon destination or a nice romantic getaway. There are luxury hotels or intimate bed and breakfasts that offer different options for couples on a romantic trip.

Ensenada is a good city for couples to visit. The city has an authentic atmosphere that will let you experience a more genuine side to Mexico.

Is Ensenada or Asheville Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Asheville is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Ensenada is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Asheville is a great mountain town to visit for backpackers. The town has an eclectic vibe that backpackers appreciate. There are a few good hostels around town as well as nearby campgrounds that are perfect for budget travelers or hikers.

Ensenada is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few hostels and a number of cheap hotels around town.

Is Ensenada or Asheville Better for Students?

Asheville is a great destination for students. However, Ensenada is not popular with students.

Asheville is a very popular mountain town for students and younger travelers. With its progressive personality and charming downtown, students enjoy spending time in this great town.

Ensenada is not popular with students.

Is Ensenada or Asheville Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Ensenada and Asheville.

Public transit is generally limited in Ensenada. Public transit in the area is limited.

Public transit is mostly limited in Asheville. There are buses around town, but almost everyone gets around by using their own vehicle. In particular, if you plan to hike or explore the Blue Ridge Mountains, you'll need a car. Many of the downtown hotels offer shuttle buses to the Biltmore area.

Is Ensenada or Asheville a more walkable city?

Ensenada is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Ensenada is a very walkable city. The downtown area is walkable and easy to explore on foot.

Asheville is a somewhat walkable city. If you stay downtown and don't plan to explore the outlying areas, then it's possible to reach restaurants and shops on foot. Otherwise, you'll need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Ensenada Worth Visiting? and Is Asheville Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Asheville or Ensenada?

How long in Ensenada or Asheville?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ensenada and Asheville. In our opinion, Asheville has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Asheville than Ensenada. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Asheville than Ensenada. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Asheville, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Asheville than Ensenada. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Asheville that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Asheville than Ensenada 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 Asheville.

One day in Ensenada or Asheville?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Ensenada. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The mountain town of Asheville offers live music and food. 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.

A weekend in Ensenada or Asheville?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Ensenada. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Asheville is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this mountain town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Asheville, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Ensenada or Asheville?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the outdoorsy city of Ensenada. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Asheville is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Ensenada or Asheville?

Ensenada is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Asheville is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This mountain town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ensenada and Asheville, we can see that Asheville is more expensive. And not only is Ensenada much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ensenada would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ensenada 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 Asheville would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Asheville than you might in Ensenada.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ensenada Expensive? and Is Asheville Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ensenada or Asheville?

Ensenada has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Asheville. When comparing the sizes of Ensenada and Asheville, 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.