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

Should you visit La Paz or Jacksonville?

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 Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a lively, youthful, and fun city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches. See Jacksonville travel costs.

La Paz and Jacksonville: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students


Is there more to do in La Paz or Jacksonville?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Jacksonville than La Paz, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Jacksonville is more popular for its nightlife and big city activities, while La Paz is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. La Paz is more touristy than Jacksonville and is popular for its beautiful beaches, fascinating cultural setting, and authentic local atmosphere. Jacksonville is popular for its beautiful beaches and lively downtown area. It is also home to Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens.

How is La Paz different from Jacksonville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

La Paz
Jacksonville

Plenty of people visit the very good sights and museums in both La Paz and Jacksonville.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into La Paz. 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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Jacksonville. The city has a number of museums that range from art museums to science or kid-friendly museums. Some favorites are the Museum of Science and History, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Mandarin Museum and Historical Society, and Kingsley Plantation.


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

La Paz
Jacksonville

Foodies will find both La Paz and Jacksonville both to be very good destinations.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit La Paz. 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.

Jacksonville has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Local cuisine has its own identity. Unique dishes around town include garlic crabs, seafood boil, gumbo, and shrimp and grits. The local cuisine is similar to Lowcountry dishes with a lot of Cajun influence. If you want something different from seafood, you should try the barbecue.

Is La Paz or Jacksonville Better for Nightlife?

La Paz
Jacksonville

Jacksonville is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Jacksonville has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The young population brings out the nightlife scene. There's a great concentration of bars and clubs in the area known as The Elbow, which is at the intersection of N. Ocean and E. Bay Street. You'll find plenty of cocktail bars, lounges, and clubs around town that make for a fun night out.

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

Is La Paz or Jacksonville Better for Resorts?

La Paz
Jacksonville

La Paz is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville is not a resort destination.


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

La Paz
Jacksonville

La Paz is an excellent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Jacksonville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near 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.

Jacksonville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is La Paz or Jacksonville Better for Beaches?

La Paz
Jacksonville

La Paz is renowned for the beach. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

La Paz offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. 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.

Jacksonville is considered a top beach destination. There are a number of beaches that are just a short distance from the city. Some have a historic vibe while others are more lively. Atlantic Beach is about a half hour drive from the city. For a laid back vibe head to Neptune Beach and the most popular beach in the area is Jacksonville Beach.

Is the Shopping Better in La Paz or Jacksonville?

La Paz
Jacksonville

Both La Paz and Jacksonville are very good shopping destinations.

La Paz is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Local boutiques, souvenir shops, and art galleries all make for interesting shopping opportunities.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Jacksonville. There are countless malls and shopping districts around town. Some of the best shopping is found at St. John's Center, Five Points, and Avondale.


Is La Paz or Jacksonville Better for Families?

La Paz
Jacksonville

La Paz is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville. It's filled with adventure parks, zoos, animal farms, nature centers, and gardens. Adults will have as much fun as kids exploring the city and all of its family-friendly attractions.

Is La Paz or Jacksonville Better for Couples?

La Paz
Jacksonville

Both La Paz and Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville is a good city for couples to visit. It's a young city that's near nature and has plenty of adventurous activities. There's sailing, botanical gardens, restaurants, and plenty of bars around town.

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

La Paz
Jacksonville

La Paz is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit La Paz. The city offers an authentic experience and hostels that make it a budget-friendly option for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Jacksonville. There are a few hostels in town as well as affordable motels. The city has a young population with plenty to do. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there's a surprising and underrated appeal to the backpacker crowd.


Is La Paz or Jacksonville Better for Students?

La Paz
Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a city with good options for students. However, La Paz is not popular with students.

Jacksonville is a good city to visit for students. There are a few colleges and universities in town. The city's population is also very young, making it a great place to study.

La Paz is not popular with students.

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

La Paz
Jacksonville

Both La Paz and Jacksonville offer good public transit options.

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

Jacksonville has some public transit options. The public transportation system includes trolleys, the Skyway, buses, water taxis, and the ferry.

Is La Paz or Jacksonville a more walkable city?

La Paz
Jacksonville

La Paz is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

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

Jacksonville is somewhat walkable. Downtown Jacksonville is the most walkable part of the city.


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

Should I spend more time in Jacksonville or La Paz?

How long in La Paz or Jacksonville?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both La Paz and Jacksonville. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in La Paz than in Jacksonville. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for La Paz, and 2-3 days is enough time in Jacksonville.

Families should spend more time in La Paz than Jacksonville. 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 Jacksonville. 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 Jacksonville 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.


  • How many days in La Paz or Jacksonville? Ideal Length of Stay
    La Paz 2-4 
    Jacksonville 2-3

One day in La Paz or Jacksonville?

In La Paz, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural city offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Jacksonville. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in La Paz or Jacksonville?

La Paz is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 beaches. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville?

You'll find nightlife and food around the beautiful destination of La Paz. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Jacksonville. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Jacksonville?

La Paz is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the under-rated destination of Jacksonville. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting 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 G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.


Which place is cheaper, Jacksonville or La Paz?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • La Paz Prices
    Mexico Prices
    Jacksonville Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    La Paz $132
    Jacksonville $289

The average daily cost (per person) in La Paz is $132, while the average daily cost in Jacksonville is $289. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for La Paz and Jacksonville in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    La Paz $47
    Jacksonville $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    La Paz $94
    Jacksonville $184
Compare Hotels in La Paz and Jacksonville

Looking for a hotel in La Paz or Jacksonville? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in La Paz


Hotels in Jacksonville


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: La Paz Hotel Prices and Jacksonville Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    La Paz $20
    Jacksonville $53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Paz

Some specific examples of transportation prices in La Paz:

  • La Paz hotels to La Paz International Airport (LAP) - Departure Private Transfer: $80
  • La Paz International Airport (LAP) to La Paz hotels -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $159

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jacksonville

Also for Jacksonville, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Miami: One Way To/From Airport Transfer: $78
  • Private Transfer from Carnival Port to Jacksonville Airport (JAX): $108
  • Private Transfer from Carnival Cruise Port to Jacksonville City: $108
  • Private Transfer from Jacksonville to Cruise Port Jacksonville: $108
  • Jacksonville Airport JAX to Jacksonville Arrival Private Transfer: $134
  • Private Transfer JAX Airport to Ritz Carlton Amelia Island: $135
  • Private Transfer Jacksonville Airport to Carnival Cruise Port: $135
  • Jacksonville Airport Private Lux Car Transfer to Downtown Hotels: $139
  • Luxury Car Transfer Jacksonville Airport to Ponte Vedra Resorts: $145
  • Luxury Car Transfer JAX Airport to Margaritaville Beach Hotel: $155
  • Jacksonville to Carnival Cruise Port Jacksonville - Departure Private Transfer: $159
  • Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville Cruise Port -Arrival Private Transfer: $168

Is it cheaper to fly into La Paz or Jacksonville?

Prices for flights to both Jacksonville and La Paz change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    La Paz $60
    Jacksonville $166

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Paz

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in La Paz.

  • 3 Hours of Guided La Paz Street Food Tour: $77
  • 3 hrs SEAFOOD Tour in La Paz: $103

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jacksonville

For Jacksonville, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • 1 Hour of Chocolate Pizza Making Class in Jacksonville: $20
  • San Marco Food Tour Culinary Journey in Jacksonville: $125

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    La Paz $11
    Jacksonville $20

Tours and Activities in La Paz

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for La Paz are as follows:

  • 1 Day Espiritu Santo Island Wonders, Sea Lions and Paddleboard Adventure : $249
  • 3 Hours La Paz Whale Shark First Class Snorkeling Tour: $167
  • Adventure to Espiritu Santo Island: Snorkel with Sea Lions and Beach: $127
  • Birding La Paz Mexico 4hrs.Tour : $160
  • Birding Tour in La Paz Mexico: $177
  • City Tour & Beaches from La Paz: $95
  • Cultural and Culinary Tour of El Triunfo, Baja California Sur: $250
  • Desert Off Road Adventure Tour in La Paz: $261
  • Desert and Dunes ATV Adventure in La Paz BCS Mexico: $195
  • Espíritu Santo and Balandra Beach Combo Tour: Sea Lion Snorkeling: $250
  • Espiritu Santo Island Day Tour: $170
  • Espiritu Santo Island Snorkel & Sea Lion Adventure: $145

Tours and Activities in Jacksonville

For Jacksonville, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 20 Minutes Chocolate & Candy Factory Tour in Jacksonville: $8.00
  • 20 Minutes Chocolate & Candy Factory Tour: $8.60
  • Scenic A1A Byway Self Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • The Main Event Improv Comedy Ticket: $17
  • Murray Hill Walking Mural Tour: $25
  • Specters of the Spanish Moss: Jacksonville Ghost Tour: $26
  • Bike Ride Through Ponte Vedra Beach Private Tour Florida: $27
  • Downtown Fernandina Historical Walking Tour: $30
  • Amelia Island Area Kayak Rental on Lofton Creek with Adventures Up The Creek: $36
  • Jacksonville FL: Ortega River Kayak Rental Adventure: $40
  • Self-Guided Kayaking: Real Florida Adventure: $45
  • Electric Bike Tour with Free Application for Navigation: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    La Paz $11
    Jacksonville $20

Sample the Local Flavors in Jacksonville

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Jacksonville:

  • All-Inclusive Sips & Ships: Downtown Pub Crawl: $75
  • Jax Brewery Tour (Drinks Included): $135


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


Which is Bigger, La Paz or Jacksonville?

Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of La Paz. When comparing the sizes of La Paz and Jacksonville, 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 Jacksonville?

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 Jacksonville in the Summer?

Both Jacksonville and La Paz during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to La Paz this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Jacksonville for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, La Paz is around the same temperature as Jacksonville. Typically, the summer temperatures in La Paz in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Jacksonville averages at about 82°F (28°C).

In Jacksonville, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in La Paz. In the summer, La Paz often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Jacksonville. La Paz gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jacksonville receives 286 hours of full sun.

Jacksonville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. La Paz usually gets less rain in July than Jacksonville. La Paz gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Jacksonville receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    La Paz 30°C (86°F) 
    Jacksonville 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit La Paz or Jacksonville in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both La Paz and Jacksonville. Many travelers come to La Paz for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Jacksonville in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, La Paz is generally a little warmer than Jacksonville. Daily temperatures in La Paz average around 27°C (80°F), and Jacksonville fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jacksonville this time of the year. In La Paz, it's very sunny this time of the year. La Paz usually receives more sunshine than Jacksonville during autumn. La Paz gets 272 hours of sunny skies, while Jacksonville receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, La Paz usually receives less rain than Jacksonville. La Paz gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Jacksonville receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Jacksonville.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    La Paz 27°C (80°F) 
    Jacksonville 70°F (21°C)

Should I visit La Paz or Jacksonville in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to La Paz as well as Jacksonville. Many visitors come to La Paz in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Jacksonville for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

La Paz is much warmer than Jacksonville in the winter. The daily temperature in La Paz averages around 18°C (65°F) in January, and Jacksonville fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in La Paz this time of the year. In the winter, La Paz often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Jacksonville. La Paz gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jacksonville receives 191 hours of full sun.

La Paz usually gets less rain in January than Jacksonville. La Paz gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Jacksonville receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    La Paz 18°C (65°F) 
    Jacksonville 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit La Paz or Jacksonville in the Spring?

Both Jacksonville and La Paz are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to La Paz for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Jacksonville because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, La Paz is a little warmer than Jacksonville. Typically, the spring temperatures in La Paz in April average around 23°C (73°F), and Jacksonville averages at about 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Jacksonville. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Paz. La Paz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Jacksonville during spring. La Paz gets 292 hours of sunny skies, while Jacksonville receives 285 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, La Paz usually receives less rain than Jacksonville. La Paz gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Jacksonville receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Jacksonville is the hurricane season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    La Paz 23°C (73°F) 
    Jacksonville 68°F (20°C)

Typical Weather for Jacksonville and La Paz

La Paz Jacksonville
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (65°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Feb 19°C (66°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Mar 20°C (69°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Apr 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in) 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
May 25°C (77°F) 1 mm (0 in) 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm)
Jul 30°C (86°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Aug 30°C (87°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm)
Sep 30°C (85°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Dec 20°C (67°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)