A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers La Paz vs. Fairbanks for Attractions, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit La Paz or Fairbanks?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between La Paz and Fairbanks can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

La Paz

La Paz is a authentic, cultural, and beautiful city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See La Paz travel costs.

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a outdoorsy, remote, and Arctic city. You'll find world class beauty in Fairbanks as well. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and hiking. See Fairbanks travel costs.

La Paz and Fairbanks: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in La Paz or Fairbanks?

Tourists will generally find more to do in La Paz. Although La Paz and Fairbanks are both popular with visitors, La Paz has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. La Paz is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Fairbanks is known for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. La Paz is more touristy than Fairbanks and is popular for its beautiful beaches, fascinating cultural setting, and authentic local atmosphere. It is also home to Balandra Beach. Fairbanks is popular for its remote wilderness setting, access to the Arctic, unique winter sports, and popularity for seeing the northern lights.

How is La Paz different from Fairbanks?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Fairbanks and La Paz. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is La Paz or Fairbanks Better for Skiing?

Fairbanks is a moderate city for snow skiing. However, La Paz is not a skiing destination.

Fairbanks is a fun local destination for snow skiers. The closest ski areas are the ski resorts of Fort Wainwright/Birch Hill, Moose Mountain and Skiland. The area also has dog mushing, snowshoeing, sledding, tubing and sleigh riding.

La Paz is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in La Paz or Fairbanks?

La Paz is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

La Paz offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Sights and landmarks around town include La Paz Cathedral, the Museo de Antropología e Historia de Baja California Sur, the the Museo de Arte de Baja California Sur, and Teatro Juarez.

Fairbanks is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The city is mostly known for its outdoor activities, but you can also visit the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center, the Aurora Ice Museum, Fountainhead Auto Museum, the Museum of the North, and Pioneer Park.

Is the Food Better in La Paz or Fairbanks? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

La Paz is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

La Paz has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. As the capital of Baja California Sur, you'll find many local restaurants that serve traditional and authentic Mexican cuisine. The recipes include seafood and local produce. You'll find everything from food stalls to high end restaurants around town.

Fairbanks offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Food can be expensive and of varying quality, but many restaurants use local meats and seafood. There's a surprising number of international restaurants in town as well. Also make sure you try the local specialties like reindeer sausage, Yukon gold potatoes, and Alaskan salmon.

Is La Paz or Fairbanks Better for Nightlife?

La Paz is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in La Paz. There are many bars and restaurants around the Malecón.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Fairbanks. You will find some bars around town, but for the most part, the city stays quiet at night.

Is La Paz or Fairbanks Better for Resorts?

La Paz is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Fairbanks is not a resort destination.

La Paz has a few great resort options. There are a number of hotels and resorts around town that make for a nice vacation.

Fairbanks is not a resort destination.

Is La Paz or Fairbanks Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

La Paz is a very popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Fairbanks is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting La Paz. There are organized diving and snorkeling excursions available around town. It's location by the Sea of Cortez makes diving a world class experience.

Fairbanks is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is La Paz or Fairbanks Better for Beaches?

La Paz is an amazing city to visit for the beach. However, Fairbanks is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in La Paz. The beaches in the area are the main draw, and you'll find beaches that are family-friendly, romantic, or full of amenities. Some consider the beaches in the area among the best in Mexico.

Fairbanks is not a beach destination.

Is La Paz or Fairbanks Better for Hiking?

Fairbanks is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, La Paz is not a hiking destination.

Fairbanks is a popular spot for hiking. While the town serves as a gateway to the Arctic and all that it has to offer, there are also hiking trails both in town and nearby. There are trails that connect the city's historic sites as well as day hikes that start at the edge of town.

La Paz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in La Paz or Fairbanks?

La Paz is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in La Paz. Local boutiques, souvenir shops, and art galleries all make for interesting shopping opportunities.

Fairbanks is a great destination for shopping. There are interesting local shops and boutiques that sell native Alaskan handmade items. You'll find "Made in Alaska" merchandise at many boutiques and souvenir shops. There are also larger retailers available in case you forgot clothing or other items at home.

Is La Paz or Fairbanks More Beautiful?

Fairbanks is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, La Paz is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Fairbanks as well. The city offers access to Alaska's interior, as well as the Arctic. The scenery is spectacular and the wildlife is abundant. Fairbanks is also the best place in Alaska to see the Northern Lights. They are best seen between the months of August and April.

La Paz is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is La Paz or Fairbanks Better for Families?

La Paz is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in La Paz. Older kids will enjoy swimming with whale sharks, whale watching, and experiencing the region's wildlife. There are also many beaches in the area where kids can play.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Fairbanks. Kids who enjoy searching for wildlife, playing in the snow, and exploring nature will love a visit to Fairbanks. Make sure you visit the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as well as Pioneer Park.

Is La Paz or Fairbanks Better for Couples?

Both La Paz and Fairbanks are good destinations for a couple's getaway.

La Paz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy walking along the beach promenade known as Malecon. There are also beaches and amazing animal experiences such as whale watching or dolphin viewing.

Fairbanks is a good city for couples to visit. Couples who enjoy hiking and nature will love a visit here. If you're hoping to see the northern lights, Fairbanks is your best destination in Alaska. Try to visit sometime between August to April for the best chance of enjoying the lights.

Is La Paz or Fairbanks Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both La Paz and Fairbanks are excellent destinations for backpackers.

La Paz is a great city to visit for backpackers. The city offers an authentic experience and hostels that make it a budget-friendly option for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Fairbanks. There are many outdoor recreation areas where backpackers can explore. Alaska, and Fairbanks in particular, can have very harsh conditions, so unless you know what you're doing, it's best to take a guide.

Is La Paz or Fairbanks Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

La Paz is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its public transit.

La Paz has some public transit options. There's a cheap local bus system around town.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Fairbanks. There is a public bus system that connects the downtown area with the shopping areas and the university. However, you really can't rely on it to explore the region and you should have your own vehicle.

Is La Paz or Fairbanks a more walkable city?

La Paz is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its walkability.

La Paz is a very walkable destination. The city is very walkable.

Fairbanks is not a walkable city. The city was built for cars and there are very few walkable areas around town.

For even more information, also check out Is La Paz Worth Visiting? and Is Fairbanks Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fairbanks or La Paz?

How long in La Paz or Fairbanks?

It's fun to spend time in either La Paz or Fairbanks. In our opinion, La Paz has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in La Paz than Fairbanks. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in La Paz than Fairbanks. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in La Paz that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Paz than Fairbanks 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 La Paz.

One day in La Paz or Fairbanks?

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of La Paz. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and shopping when visiting the destination of Fairbanks. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in La Paz or Fairbanks?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the authentic destination of La Paz. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Fairbanks is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in La Paz or Fairbanks?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the authentic city of La Paz. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fairbanks. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in La Paz or Fairbanks?

La Paz is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the Arctic destination of Fairbanks. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Mexico, The Best Tours for Seniors to Mexico, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between La Paz and Fairbanks, we can see that Fairbanks is more expensive. And not only is La Paz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to La Paz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in La Paz 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 Fairbanks would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fairbanks than you might in La Paz.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is La Paz Expensive? and Is Fairbanks Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, La Paz or Fairbanks?

La Paz has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Fairbanks. When comparing the sizes of La Paz and Fairbanks, 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.

When is the best time to visit La Paz or Fairbanks?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit La Paz or Fairbanks in the Summer?

Both Fairbanks and La Paz during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to La Paz for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Fairbanks in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, La Paz is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the summer temperatures in La Paz in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Fairbanks averages at about 64°F (18°C).

La Paz usually gets less rain in July than Fairbanks. La Paz gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 2 inches (51 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit La Paz or Fairbanks in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both La Paz and Fairbanks. Many visitors come to La Paz in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Fairbanks for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Fairbanks can be very cold during autumn. In October, La Paz is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in La Paz average around 27°C (80°F), and Fairbanks fluctuates around 27°F (-3°C).

In October, La Paz usually receives less rain than Fairbanks. La Paz gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit La Paz or Fairbanks in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to La Paz as well as Fairbanks. Most visitors come to La Paz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Fairbanks because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Fairbanks can be very cold. La Paz is much warmer than Fairbanks in the winter. The daily temperature in La Paz averages around 18°C (65°F) in January, and Fairbanks fluctuates around -9°F (-23°C).

La Paz usually gets less rain in January than Fairbanks. La Paz gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit La Paz or Fairbanks in the Spring?

Both Fairbanks and La Paz are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to La Paz because of the beaches. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Fairbanks this time of year.

It's quite cold in Fairbanks in the spring. In the spring, La Paz is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the spring temperatures in La Paz in April average around 23°C (73°F), and Fairbanks averages at about 32°F (0°C).

In April, La Paz usually receives less rain than Fairbanks. La Paz gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Fairbanks and La Paz