A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Isla Mujeres vs. Joshua Tree National Park for Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Isla Mujeres or Joshua Tree National Park?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Isla Mujeres and Joshua Tree National Park. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is a relaxing, laid back, and idyllic island. Isla Mujeres offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Isla Mujeres travel costs.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a adventurous, unique, and fascinating national park. The beauty of Joshua Tree National Park is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking. See Joshua Tree National Park travel costs.

Isla Mujeres and Joshua Tree National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Isla Mujeres or Joshua Tree National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Isla Mujeres. Although Isla Mujeres and Joshua Tree National Park are both popular with visitors, Isla Mujeres has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Isla Mujeres is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Joshua Tree National Park is known for its museums and attractions, hiking, and impressive beauty. Isla Mujeres is popular for its award-winning beaches, underwater marine life, and tranquil atmosphere. It is also home to the Underwater Museum of Art. Joshua Tree National Park is popular for its unique vegetation and large boulders.

How is Isla Mujeres different from Joshua Tree National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Joshua Tree National Park and Isla Mujeres. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Isla Mujeres or Joshua Tree National Park?

Joshua Tree National Park is a moderate national park for its sights and museums. However, Isla Mujeres is a mediocre island for its museums and history.

Joshua Tree National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of museums in the area that display local art or cultural and historical items.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Isla Mujeres. Nobody really heads to this island for the museums.

Is the Food Better in Isla Mujeres or Joshua Tree National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Isla Mujeres is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Isla Mujeres has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The island has many restaurants, particularly along Hidalgo Street in the Centro area. They typically have a laid back island vibe and serve local seafood or other popular cuisines.

While Joshua Tree National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There aren't any restaurants inside the park, so you'll want to pack your own food and eat at one of the picnic areas.

Is Isla Mujeres or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Nightlife?

Isla Mujeres is a island with good options for its evening party scene. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Isla Mujeres. Many people visit the island as a day trip, but those who spend the night will enjoy hanging out at the beach bars along Playa Norte. Many have a laid back vibe and some have live music or DJs.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Joshua Tree National Park. Stargazing and gathering around campfires are the most popular activities during the evening.

Is Isla Mujeres or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Resorts?

Isla Mujeres is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a resort destination.

Isla Mujeres is a world class resort vacation destination. Despite its small size, there are a range of impressive resorts on the island. Accommodation ranges from affordable hostels to stunning luxury resorts.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Isla Mujeres is renowned for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Isla Mujeres is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are many great snorkeling and diving areas just off the island. It's easy to arrange tours that will take you to the best spots. Popular areas include Manchones Reef, the Underwater Museum of Art, and Garrafon Natural Park.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Beaches?

Isla Mujeres is renowned for the beach. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a beach destination.

Isla Mujeres is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The island has spectacular beaches where the white sand meets the blue water. The idyllic setting is the perfect place to relax with a drink or soak up the island vibe. Playa Norte is an award winning beach that has calm water and stunning snorkeling. Playa Centro has many restaurants and bars, and you'll likely see people sunbathing topless. There's a beach club at Playa Albatros as well as hammocks, umbrellas, and recreational activities.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Hiking?

Joshua Tree National Park is an unbeatable place for the nearby hiking options. However, Isla Mujeres is not a hiking destination.

Joshua Tree National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. There are a wide range of hikes that include easy, moderate, and strenuous options. Some of the best hikes include Discovery Trail, Boy Scout Trail, and Black Rock Canyon Panorama Loop.

Isla Mujeres is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Isla Mujeres or Joshua Tree National Park?

Isla Mujeres is a island with good options for its shopping areas. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

Isla Mujeres has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head downtown for the best opportunities to pick up gifts or souvenirs. You'll find local jewelry, art, and handicrafts.

Joshua Tree National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There is a park store where you can pick up gifts or other items.

Is Isla Mujeres or Joshua Tree National Park More Beautiful?

Joshua Tree National Park is notable for its scenery and beauty. Also, Isla Mujeres is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its scenery and beauty.

The beauty of Joshua Tree National Park is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. There are unique Joshua Trees throughout the park as well as beautiful rock formations and striking views.

Isla Mujeres offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Beautiful beaches with white sand and blue water make this a beautiful destination. The underwater world is also spectacular to explore.

Is Isla Mujeres or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Families?

Isla Mujeres is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Joshua Tree National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Isla Mujeres is an extremely popular island to visit for families. Kids will love the outdoor sports, which include kayaking, surfing, cave exploration, and snorkeling or diving. There are also opportunities to get up close with marine life or spend the day playing at a water park.

Joshua Tree National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. With its giant boulders that kids can scramble on and its Dr. Seuss-like Joshua Trees, this really is nature's best playground. There are also kid-friendly hikes and Junior Ranger Programs that will both educate and entertain the kids.

Is Isla Mujeres or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Couples?

Isla Mujeres is renowned for couples. Also, Joshua Tree National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Isla Mujeres is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's a world class honeymoon destination and couples enjoy the white powdery sand beaches, turquoise blue waters, and laid back island vibe. There's diving and snorkeling as well as romantic hotels and wonderful local restaurants.

Couples visit Joshua Tree National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy the outdoors, adventure sports like rock climbing, and hiking through spectacular landscapes will find this to be the ultimate romantic destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Joshua Tree National Park is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Isla Mujeres is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Joshua Tree National Park. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that are popular with backpackers and nature enthusiasts.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Isla Mujeres. There are a handful of hostels on the island that offer budget accommodation and a social atmosphere.

Is Isla Mujeres or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Isla Mujeres is a island with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Isla Mujeres has some public transit options. There are two bus routes around the island that are operated by Isleños Bus.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Joshua Tree National Park. There's no reliable public transportation in the park.

Is Isla Mujeres or Joshua Tree National Park a more walkable city?

Isla Mujeres is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Isla Mujeres is a very walkable destination. The most walkable part of the island is the North part, which is the town center.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a walkable island. You need a car to truly explore the park.

For even more information, also check out Is Isla Mujeres Worth Visiting? and Is Joshua Tree National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Joshua Tree National Park or Isla Mujeres?

How long in Isla Mujeres or Joshua Tree National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Isla Mujeres or Joshua Tree National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Joshua Tree National Park due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Isla Mujeres, and 2-4 days is enough time in Joshua Tree National Park.

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

Couples should spend more time in Isla Mujeres than Joshua Tree National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Isla Mujeres that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Isla Mujeres than Joshua Tree National Park 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 Isla Mujeres.

One day in Isla Mujeres or Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the idyllic island of Isla Mujeres. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

In Joshua Tree National Park, many people enjoy the that this adventurous national park offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

A weekend in Isla Mujeres or Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Isla Mujeres. Most people come for the beaches. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Joshua Tree National Park is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the hiking. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Isla Mujeres or Joshua Tree National Park?

Isla Mujeres is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. It offers something for everyone.

You'll find around the fascinating destination of Joshua Tree National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Isla Mujeres or Joshua Tree National Park?

Isla Mujeres is a popular choice for travelers. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Joshua Tree National Park is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Isla Mujeres and Joshua Tree National Park, we can see that Joshua Tree National Park is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Isla Mujeres Expensive? and Is Joshua Tree National Park Expensive?.