A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ensenada vs. Saint Simons for Food, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Ensenada or Saint Simons?

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

Should I visit Ensenada or Saint Simons? 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.

Saint Simons

Saint Simons is a laid back, scenic, and relaxing island. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. Saint Simons is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and food. See Saint Simons travel costs.

Ensenada and Saint Simons: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ensenada or Saint Simons?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Saint Simons. Although Ensenada and Saint Simons are popular destinations, Saint Simons has more sights and attractions for tourists. Saint Simons is very popular for its resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Ensenada attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and nightlife. Ensenada is famous for its local cuisine, golf, and outdoor sports. Saint Simons is famous for its beaches, charter fishing, and golf courses. It is also well known for East Beach.

How is Ensenada different from Saint Simons?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ensenada is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

Ensenada is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several good museums in town such as the Museo de Historia and Caracol Museo de Ciencias.

While most people don't head to Saint Simons specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. St. Simons Lighthouse is a highlight for many visitors. There's a maritime museum attached to the lighthouse as well. Fort Frederica National Monument is another historic site that is worth a visit.

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

Both Ensenada and Saint Simons offer high quality 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.

Saint Simons has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are more than 70 restaurants on the island that range from cafes to fine dining. You can enjoy an eggs benedict for brunch, crab cakes for lunch, and shrimp and grits for dinner. Many restaurants take advantage of the mild climate by offering outdoor seating. There are also several dessert places with ice cream or donuts.

Is Ensenada or Saint Simons Better for Nightlife?

Ensenada is a popular place for nightlife. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

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.

Saint Simons doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are several family-friendly bars with laid back atmospheres around town, but if you're looking for a wild night out, there aren't a lot of places to go.

Is Ensenada or Saint Simons Better for Resorts?

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

With a selection of resorts, Saint Simons makes a nice vacation spot. There are a handful of nice resorts with pools and beachfront settings.

Ensenada is not a resort destination.

Is Ensenada or Saint Simons Better for Beaches?

Saint Simons is a great destination for the beach. However, Ensenada is a city with minimal options for the beach.

Saint Simons is considered a top beach destination. There's golden sand and a beautiful setting. Visitors enjoy swimming or walking along the coastline. You'll also find piers and playgrounds. East Beach is one of the most popular.

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 Saint Simons Better for Hiking?

Saint Simons is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Ensenada is not a hiking destination.

Saint Simons is a good destination for hiking. There are several parks and natural areas where you can enjoy a walk in nature. Cannon's Point Preserve has a nice trail system. Other trails on the island include John Gilbert Nature Trail, Earth Day Nature Trail, and Wanderer Memorial Trail.

Ensenada is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ensenada or Saint Simons?

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

Saint Simons is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. You'll find a good concentration of gift shops and clothing boutiques on the island. Antiquing is also popular. Head to Pier Village for a nice mix of shops.

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 Saint Simons More Beautiful?

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

Saint Simons is a beautiful place to visit, too. Beautiful beaches and live oaks with Spanish moss give the island a southern charm.

Ensenada is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ensenada or Saint Simons Better for Families?

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

Saint Simons is a very kid-friendly island. The beaches are kid-friendly and there are many family-friendly restaurants in town. There's also the St. Simons Lighthouse, minigolf, and kayaking, as well as Neptune Park Fun Zone.

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 Saint Simons Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Saint Simons frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are romantic restaurants, beautiful beaches, and nice hotels. Sunset walks on the beach or a round of golf all make this a favorite couple's destination.

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 Saint Simons Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ensenada is a popular place for backpackers. However, Saint Simons is a island 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.

Saint Simons is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are campgrounds in the area that offer access to the island.

Is Ensenada or Saint Simons 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, Saint Simons is a island 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 Saint Simons. While there are trolley tours available, public transportation is basically non-existent.

Is Ensenada or Saint Simons a more walkable city?

Ensenada is a great destination for its walkability. Also, Saint Simons 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.

Saint Simons is a somewhat walkable place. The downtown area is walkable, but to access much of what is available, you'll want to have a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Saint Simons or Ensenada?

How long in Ensenada or Saint Simons?

It's fun to spend time in either Ensenada or Saint Simons. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Saint Simons due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Ensenada, and 2-4 days is enough time in Saint Simons.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ensenada than Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons?

In Ensenada, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this outdoorsy city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Saint Simons is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Saint Simons?

Ensenada is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Saint Simons 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Saint Simons, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Ensenada or Saint Simons?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the outdoorsy destination of Ensenada. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons?

Ensenada is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Saint Simons 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Ensenada or Saint Simons?

Ensenada has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Saint Simons. When comparing the sizes of Ensenada and Saint Simons, 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.