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

Should you visit Ensenada or Norfolk?

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

Should I visit Ensenada or Norfolk? 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.

Norfolk

Norfolk is a maritime, authentic, and blue collar city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Norfolk travel costs.

Ensenada and Norfolk: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ensenada or Norfolk?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ensenada. Although Ensenada and Norfolk are about the same size, Ensenada has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Ensenada is more touristy than Norfolk and is known for its local cuisine, golf, and outdoor sports. It is also well known for Avenida Lopez Mateos. Norfolk is famous for its naval base and military presence.

How is Ensenada different from Norfolk?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Norfolk. There are some interesting museums in town like the Chrysler Museum, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, and the Norfolk Police and Fire Museum. You should also check out the Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin.

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

Ensenada is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Norfolk 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.

Norfolk has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find a decent collection of restaurants in the downtown area. Food options include local seafood, brunch, casual eateries, and fine dining.

Is Ensenada or Norfolk Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Ensenada or Norfolk 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 Norfolk has a few options to choose from. Downtown is where you'll find the most busy nightlife venues. The city has great breweries, and the live music scene has taken off. There are also lounges, dance clubs, and wine bars to choose from.

Is Ensenada or Norfolk Better for Beaches?

Ensenada is a city with a few options for its beaches. However, Norfolk 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.

Norfolk is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ensenada or Norfolk?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Norfolk and Ensenada.

Ensenada offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Norfolk has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a mix of shopping malls, local boutiques, farmer's markets, and shopping centers around town.

Is Ensenada or Norfolk Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Ensenada or Norfolk.

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.

Norfolk offers lots of family activities. The Norfolk Zoo is always a hit with kids. You should also visit the USS Wisconsin which offers tours, as well as the Douglas MacArthur Memorial Museum.

Is Ensenada or Norfolk Better for Couples?

Ensenada is a popular place for romance. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for its romantic activities.

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

Most people don't think of Norfolk as a couple's destination. There are some nice hotels and several great parks and outdoor activities.

Is Ensenada or Norfolk Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ensenada is a popular place for backpackers. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Norfolk is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This is an often overlooked area for backpackers.

Is Ensenada or Norfolk 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 Norfolk.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Norfolk. While there are buses, ferries, and even lightrail in the area, you really want to have a car to get around.

Is Ensenada or Norfolk a more walkable city?

Ensenada is a great destination for its walkability. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

Norfolk is a somewhat walkable place. Downtown is the most walkable part of the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Norfolk or Ensenada?

How long in Ensenada or Norfolk?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Ensenada or Norfolk to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Ensenada than Norfolk because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Ensenada, and 1-2 days is enough time in Norfolk.

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

Couples should spend more time in Ensenada than Norfolk. 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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk?

In Ensenada, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The city of Norfolk offers food and shopping. 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 Norfolk?

In Ensenada, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ensenada has to offer.

Norfolk is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Norfolk, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Ensenada or Norfolk?

Ensenada is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Norfolk 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 Norfolk?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ensenada. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Ensenada. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Norfolk is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city 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 Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Ensenada or Norfolk?

Ensenada has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Norfolk. When comparing the sizes of Ensenada and Norfolk, 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.