A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ensenada vs. Colorado Springs for Food, Families, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Ensenada or Colorado Springs?

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

Should I visit Ensenada or Colorado Springs? 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 historic, cultural, and outdoorsy city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Ensenada 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. The beauty of Colorado Springs is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and nightlife. See Colorado Springs travel costs.

Ensenada and Colorado Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ensenada or Colorado Springs?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Ensenada than Colorado Springs. While Colorado Springs is larger than Ensenada, Ensenada has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Ensenada is very popular for its food, beaches, and shopping, while Colorado Springs attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Ensenada is more touristy than Colorado Springs and is known for its local cuisine, golf, and outdoor sports. It is also well known for Avenida Lopez Mateos. Colorado Springs is famous for its many outdoor recreation areas, world-class parks, striking red sandstone formations, and beautiful mountain views.

How is Ensenada different from Colorado Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Ensenada or Colorado Springs Better for Skiing?

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

Colorado Springs is a fun local destination for snow skiers. The town isn't as accessible to skiing as Denver is, but there are still options, like Breckenridge, within a few hours drive.

Ensenada is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ensenada or Colorado Springs?

Plenty of people visit the nice sights and museums in both Ensenada and Colorado Springs.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Colorado Springs. 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 Ensenada or Colorado Springs? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ensenada 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, Ensenada makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

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 Ensenada or Colorado Springs Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Ensenada or Colorado Springs has a better nightlife scene.

Ensenada has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are a number of bars and nightclubs around town. Head to Avenida López Mateos for many of the best restaurants and bars.

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 Ensenada or Colorado Springs Better for Beaches?

Ensenada is a city with a few options for its beaches. However, Colorado Springs is not a beach destination.

Ensenada is a good spot to see the beach. 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.

Colorado Springs is not a beach destination.

Is Ensenada or Colorado Springs Better for Hiking?

Colorado Springs is very popular for its hiking experiences. However, Ensenada is not a hiking destination.

People visit Colorado Springs specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Ensenada is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ensenada or Colorado Springs?

Ensenada is very good for shopping. However, Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Ensenada is a great destination for shopping. 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.

Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Ensenada or Colorado Springs More Beautiful?

Colorado Springs is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Ensenada is not a destination known for its beauty.

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.

Ensenada is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ensenada or Colorado Springs Better for Families?

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

Colorado Springs is a very kid-friendly mountain town. 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.

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 Colorado Springs Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ensenada and Colorado Springs make for a nice place to visit.

Ensenada makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has an authentic atmosphere that will let you experience a more genuine side to Mexico.

Colorado Springs is a good city for couples to visit. 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 Ensenada or Colorado Springs Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ensenada and Colorado Springs are nice places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Ensenada. There are a few hostels and a number of cheap hotels around town.

Colorado Springs is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Ensenada or Colorado Springs Better for Students?

Colorado Springs is a popular place for students. However, Ensenada 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.

Ensenada is not popular with students.

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

Ensenada is a city with a few options for its public transit. However, Colorado Springs is a mountain town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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

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 Ensenada or Colorado Springs a more walkable city?

Ensenada is a great destination for its walkability. However, Colorado Springs is a mountain town with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

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

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 Ensenada Worth Visiting? and Is Colorado Springs Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Colorado Springs or Ensenada?

How long in Ensenada or Colorado Springs?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ensenada and Colorado Springs. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Ensenada or Colorado Springs?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Ensenada. 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.

The beautiful mountain town of Colorado Springs offers nightlife 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 Colorado Springs?

You'll find shopping and museums around the outdoorsy city of Ensenada. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Colorado Springs 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 Colorado Springs, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Ensenada or Colorado Springs?

Ensenada is a popular choice for travelers. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Colorado Springs is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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 Colorado Springs?

Ensenada is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Colorado Springs is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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 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 Ensenada and Colorado Springs, we can see that Colorado Springs 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 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 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 Colorado Springs Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ensenada or Colorado Springs?

Colorado Springs has a larger population, and is about 41% larger than the population of Ensenada. When comparing the sizes of Ensenada 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.