A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ensenada vs. Martha's Vineyard for Couples, Food, Beaches, and Attractions

Should you visit Ensenada or Martha's Vineyard?

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

Should I visit Ensenada or Martha's Vineyard? 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 outdoorsy, historic, and cultural city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Ensenada travel costs.

Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a affluent, coastal, and peaceful island. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The beauty of Martha's Vineyard is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and food. See Martha's Vineyard travel costs.

Ensenada and Martha's Vineyard: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ensenada or Martha's Vineyard?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Martha's Vineyard. Although Ensenada and Martha's Vineyard are both popular with visitors, Martha's Vineyard has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Martha's Vineyard is more popular for its resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Ensenada is known for its museums and attractions and nightlife. Ensenada is popular for its local cuisine, golf, and outdoor sports. Martha's Vineyard is popular for its natural beauty, charming New England towns, and upscale local shopping. It is also home to the Aquinnah Cliffs.

How is Ensenada different from Martha's Vineyard?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ensenada is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for its sights and museums.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Ensenada. There are several good museums in town such as the Museo de Historia and Caracol Museo de Ciencias.

Martha's Vineyard offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of local museums in the area as well as the Martha's Vineyard Museum.

Is the Food Better in Ensenada or Martha's Vineyard? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Ensenada and Martha's Vineyard 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.

Martha's Vineyard has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The region prioritizes sustainable agriculture and there are many local eateries that range from upscale to more casual. You'll find the greatest number of options during the peak summer months, but regardless of when you visit, you're sure to eat well.

Is Ensenada or Martha's Vineyard Better for Nightlife?

Ensenada is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Martha's Vineyard specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There's more of a laid back vibe, but the best towns in the evening are Edgartown and Oak Bluffs.

Is Ensenada or Martha's Vineyard Better for Resorts?

Martha's Vineyard is very popular for its resorts. However, Ensenada is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Martha's Vineyard is a great choice. There are beautiful and luxurious resorts that attract celebrities and socialites. Many have pools and serene outdoor spaces that you can enjoy.

Ensenada is not a resort destination.

Is Ensenada or Martha's Vineyard Better for Beaches?

Martha's Vineyard is a great destination for the beach. However, Ensenada is a city with minimal options for the beach.

Martha's Vineyard is considered a top beach destination. The beaches are scenic and peaceful. Head to northern side of the island for shallow water, or south for more surf. While there are some public beaches that are open to everyone, there are also beaches that require a parking or town beach permit to visit.

The beach in Ensenada is worth checking out. 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.

Is Ensenada or Martha's Vineyard Better for Hiking?

Martha's Vineyard is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Ensenada is not a hiking destination.

Martha's Vineyard is a good destination for hiking. There are miles of trails around the island that pass through fields or along the coastline. The island is mostly flat, so the hikes are relatively easy for all skill levels.

Ensenada is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ensenada or Martha's Vineyard?

Martha's Vineyard is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Ensenada is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Martha's Vineyard is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are no malls, so you'll enjoy shopping at local stores that sell a mix of locally made items and name brand. There are many art galleries as well as craft festivals during the summer months.

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 Martha's Vineyard More Beautiful?

Martha's Vineyard is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Ensenada is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Martha's Vineyard is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The rugged coastline and rolling hills give this area a natural beauty.

Ensenada is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ensenada or Martha's Vineyard Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Ensenada or Martha's Vineyard.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ensenada. You'll find ziplining, horseback riding, and surf lessons in the area. Kids will also enjoy seeing the Water Show or going whale watching.

Martha's Vineyard offers lots of family activities. You can visit local farms or go to a local baseball game. There's also cafes, ice cream shops, and donut shops that kids will enjoy.

Is Ensenada or Martha's Vineyard Better for Couples?

Martha's Vineyard is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Ensenada is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Martha's Vineyard makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's filled with charming bed and breakfasts and plenty of New England charm. Couples will enjoy the quaint restaurants and mix of history, small town charm, and outdoor adventure.

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 Martha's Vineyard Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ensenada is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for backpackers.

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

Martha's Vineyard is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. Budget options are limited, making this an inconvenient destination for backpackers.

Is Ensenada or Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Martha's Vineyard. Access to the island is limited to boat and air. There's a bus service that connects the towns.

Is Ensenada or Martha's Vineyard a more walkable city?

Ensenada is a great city for its ease of walking around. Also, Martha's Vineyard is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its walkability.

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

Martha's Vineyard is somewhat walkable. Many of the towns have walkable downtown areas, but traveling between towns and into the countryside requires a vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Ensenada Worth Visiting? and Is Martha's Vineyard Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Martha's Vineyard or Ensenada?

How long in Ensenada or Martha's Vineyard?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ensenada and Martha's Vineyard. In our opinion, Martha's Vineyard has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Martha's Vineyard than Ensenada. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Ensenada, and 1-3 days is enough time in Martha's Vineyard.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ensenada than Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Ensenada, there's plenty to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

Martha's Vineyard is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Ensenada or Martha's Vineyard?

With museums and nightlife around the historic city of Ensenada, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Martha's Vineyard is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Martha's Vineyard, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Ensenada or Martha's Vineyard?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic destination of Ensenada. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard?

Ensenada is a popular choice for travelers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Martha's Vineyard is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island 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 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

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