A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ensenada vs. Virginia Beach for Food, Families, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Ensenada or Virginia Beach?

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

Should I visit Ensenada or Virginia Beach? 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. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Ensenada travel costs.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a bustling, fun-filled, and relaxing coastal city. Virginia Beach is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife and beaches. See Virginia Beach travel costs.

Ensenada and Virginia Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ensenada or Virginia Beach?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Ensenada than Virginia Beach. While Virginia Beach is larger than Ensenada, Ensenada has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ensenada is better known for its museums and attractions, food, and shopping, while Virginia Beach is more popular for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Ensenada is more touristy than Virginia Beach and is popular for its local cuisine, golf, and outdoor sports. Also, Ensenada is famous for Avenida Lopez Mateos. Virginia Beach is well known for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe.

How is Ensenada different from Virginia Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ensenada is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Virginia Beach 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.

Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Ensenada is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Ensenada has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Virginia Beach may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Seafood is plentiful around town and there are all-you-can-eat buffets as well as high end, waterfront seafood restaurants. Make sure you try the She Crab Soup, soft shell crabs, and oysters.

Is Ensenada or Virginia Beach Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Ensenada or Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach has a few options to choose from. While it's a family-friendly beach, there's still a great nightlife scene with many bars and clubs in the area. Popular places to hang out at night include Omega Bar, Peabody's Nightclub, and Sky Bar.

Is Ensenada or Virginia Beach Better for Resorts?

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

With a selection of resorts, Virginia Beach makes a nice vacation spot. Some of the best resorts in the area include the Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club, the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, and The Founders Inn and Spa.

Ensenada is not a resort destination.

Is Ensenada or Virginia Beach Better for Beaches?

Virginia Beach is a popular place for the beach. However, Ensenada is a city with minimal options for the beach.

Virginia Beach is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches are long and sandy, but they can get crowded during the summer months. The waves are just the right size for playing in the surf and the water temperature is usually warm enough to swim well into the fall months.

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 the Shopping Better in Ensenada or Virginia Beach?

Ensenada is a nice place to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Ensenada. 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.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Ensenada or Virginia Beach More Beautiful?

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

Virginia Beach is a beautiful place to visit, too. As a developed beach town, the city has its share of hotels along the beach, but it is still a beautiful setting to explore.

Ensenada is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ensenada or Virginia Beach Better for Families?

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

Virginia Beach is a very kid-friendly coastal city. This is a popular family-friendly beach with a nice boardwalk, a fun waterpark, aquarium, and nice beaches. It attracts families in the area for its long beaches and fun atmosphere. Most restaurants have kid's menus and there are ice cream shops and minigolf around.

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 Virginia Beach Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ensenada and Virginia Beach make for a notable 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.

Virginia Beach is a good city for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy a nice escape to the beaches and boardwalk. There are many great seafood restaurants, some with waterfront settings. There's also a variety of activities ranging from many golf to dance clubs.

Is Ensenada or Virginia Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ensenada is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Virginia Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

It's common for backpackers to visit Ensenada. There are a few hostels and a number of cheap hotels around town.

Virginia Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Ensenada or Virginia Beach Better for Students?

Virginia Beach is a popular place for students. However, Ensenada is not popular with students.

Virginia Beach is popular with students. It's not as popular as more southern beach towns, but you'll still find students heading here for the spring break holidays.

Ensenada is not popular with students.

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

Ensenada is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Virginia Beach. There is very limited public transit in the area so you'll need to have a car to get around.

Is Ensenada or Virginia Beach a more walkable city?

Ensenada is great for its high level of walkability. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its ease of walking around.

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

Virginia Beach is generally not very walkable. Most people prefer to have a car but do note that parking can be a nightmare, particularly during the summer season.

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

Should I spend more time in Virginia Beach or Ensenada?

How long in Ensenada or Virginia Beach?

Both Ensenada and Virginia Beach have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Virginia Beach than in Ensenada. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Ensenada, and 5-7 days is enough time in Virginia Beach.

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

Couples should spend more time in Ensenada than Virginia Beach. 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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach?

In Ensenada, you'll find museums and nightlife. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The coastal city of Virginia Beach offers nightlife. 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 Virginia Beach?

Ensenada is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Virginia Beach is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Ensenada or Virginia Beach?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ensenada. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Virginia Beach is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Virginia Beach, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Ensenada or Virginia Beach?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Ensenada. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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.

Virginia Beach is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Virginia Beach has to offer. This coastal 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 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Ensenada or Virginia Beach?

Virginia Beach has a larger population, and is about 66% larger than the population of Ensenada. When comparing the sizes of Ensenada and Virginia Beach, 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.