A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mazatlan vs. Arlington for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit Mazatlan or Arlington?

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

Should I visit Mazatlan or Arlington? 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.

Mazatlan

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

Arlington

Arlington is a historical, educational, and international city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Arlington travel costs.

Mazatlan and Arlington: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mazatlan or Arlington?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Mazatlan than Arlington, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Mazatlan is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and historical sights, while Arlington is known for its nightlife. Arlington is more touristy than Mazatlan and is popular for its international connections, its biking and walking trails, and being the location of the Pentagon. Mazatlan is popular for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas. It is also home to the Malecon.

How is Mazatlan different from Arlington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Mazatlan or Arlington?

Plenty of people visit the very good sights and museums in both Mazatlan and Arlington.

Mazatlan offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are colonial buildings around the Centro Historico. You should also check out the Historic Cathedral and the Angela Peralta Theater.

Many visitors head to Arlington specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Arlington National Cemetery is where you'll find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as well as the tomb of John F. Kennedy Jr. There are many memorials around town, with the most famous being the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial. There are also several museums like the DEA Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Is the Food Better in Mazatlan or Arlington? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Mazatlan and Arlington both to be very good destinations.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Mazatlan. Stewed meats and shrimp are a big part of the cuisine here. Many recipes have a little bit of spice. The restaurants around town are authentic and local, making for a great dining experience.

Arlington has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's a global city, and the restaurants reflect that. You'll find amazing Thai, Japanese, and Mexican restaurants. There are also less common cuisines to choose from such as Ethiopian, Moroccan, and Peruvian.

Is Mazatlan or Arlington Better for Nightlife?

Arlington is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Arlington is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has a huge young population that drives the nightlife scene. There are clubs, bars, and lounges in many neighborhoods. There are also comedy clubs and plenty of live music.

If you're looking for night time activities Mazatlan has a few options to choose from. There are plenty of bars and clubs around town, particularly along the beach. Like anywhere else, remember to stay cautious late at night around town. This is considered to be one of the less safe parts of Mexico.

Is Mazatlan or Arlington Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mazatlan is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Arlington is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Mazatlan has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Most of the diving takes place around the Pajaros, Venados and Lobos islands. This is where you'll see the most tropical fish.

Arlington is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mazatlan or Arlington Better for Beaches?

Mazatlan is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Arlington is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Mazatlan. There are many stretches of beach around town. Most notable is the 13 miles that run along Malecon where there's a boardwalk. Surfing is also popular in the area.

Arlington is not a beach destination.

Is Mazatlan or Arlington Better for its Old Town?

Mazatlan is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Arlington does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Mazatlan to see the historical old town. It's a historic port city with a charming colonial old town.

Arlington does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Mazatlan or Arlington?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Arlington and Mazatlan.

Mazatlan offers some nice shopping areas. There are local shops, big box stores, and souvenir vendors where you can pick up anything you may need or items to commemorate your trip.

Arlington has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Many neighborhoods have local shops or farmer's markets. There are also shopping centers and malls such as Ballston Quarter, The Crossing Clarendon, and The Village at Shirlington.

Is Mazatlan or Arlington Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Mazatlan or Arlington.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Mazatlan. Kids will enjoy the all-inclusive resorts and the waterfront setting. There are also many cultural opportunities such as markets, history, and shows. The food is very kid-friendly as well.

Arlington offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy seeing the planes talk off from Gravelly Point park. There are also plenty of outdoor spaces and educational opportunities in the area, including world class museums.

Is Mazatlan or Arlington Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Mazatlan and Arlington make for a good place to visit.

Mazatlan makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The resorts are romantic and the beaches are stunning. If you're looking for an idyllic escape that also has culture, authenticity, and great food, then this is your spot.

Arlington is a good city for couples to visit. There's a vibrant cultural scene and many international restaurants that couples can enjoy. It's also a great place to take in a show or concert.

Is Mazatlan or Arlington Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mazatlan and Arlington are very good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Mazatlan is a great city to visit for backpackers. The laid back atmosphere makes this a great stopover for backpackers who want to experience the Mexican culture. Stick to the touristy areas if possible.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Arlington. There are a couple of hostels and many free activities nearby. There's also great public transportation that makes for a convenient backpacker destination.

Is Mazatlan or Arlington Better for Students?

Arlington is well known for students. However, Mazatlan is not popular with students.

Arlington is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There are a huge number of colleges and museums in the area as well as many great internship and educational opportunities.

Mazatlan is not popular with students.

Is Mazatlan or Arlington Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Arlington is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Arlington can get you around easily. There is a reliable bus system around town as well as many metro connections.

While Mazatlan offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are city buses around town.

Is Mazatlan or Arlington a more walkable city?

Mazatlan and Arlington both are very good when exploring on foot.

Mazatlan is a very walkable city. The city is relatively walkable.

Arlington is a very walkable destination. There are many pedestrian-friendly areas around town, particularly in the neighborhoods that are concentrated around metro stations.

For even more information, also check out Is Mazatlan Worth Visiting? and Is Arlington Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Arlington or Mazatlan?

How long in Mazatlan or Arlington?

It's fun to spend time in either Mazatlan or Arlington. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Mazatlan due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mazatlan, and 2-4 days is enough time in Arlington.

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

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

One day in Mazatlan or Arlington?

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of Mazatlan. 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.

The city of Arlington offers food and shopping. 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 Mazatlan or Arlington?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the historical destination of Mazatlan. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Arlington is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Arlington, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Mazatlan or Arlington?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the historical city of Mazatlan. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Arlington 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 Mazatlan or Arlington?

Mazatlan 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.

Arlington is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This 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 Mazatlan and Arlington, we can see that Arlington is more expensive. And not only is Mazatlan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mazatlan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mazatlan 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 Arlington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Arlington than you might in Mazatlan.

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

Which is Bigger, Mazatlan or Arlington?

Mazatlan has a larger population, and is about 91% larger than the population of Arlington. When comparing the sizes of Mazatlan and Arlington, 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 Mazatlan or Arlington?

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 Mazatlan or Arlington in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Mazatlan as well as Arlington. Many travelers come to Mazatlan for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Arlington in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Mazatlan is around the same temperature as Arlington. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mazatlan in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Arlington averages at about 79°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arlington. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mazatlan this time of the year. In the summer, Mazatlan often gets less sunshine than Arlington. Mazatlan gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arlington receives 278 hours of full sun.

Mazatlan receives a lot of rain in the summer. Mazatlan usually gets more rain in July than Arlington. Mazatlan gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Arlington receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Arlington in the Autumn?

Both Arlington and Mazatlan are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Mazatlan in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Arlington for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Mazatlan is generally much warmer than Arlington. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 27°C (81°F), and Arlington fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. Mazatlan usually receives more sunshine than Arlington during autumn. Mazatlan gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Arlington receives 197 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Mazatlan usually receives more rain than Arlington. Mazatlan gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Arlington in the Winter?

Both Arlington and Mazatlan during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Mazatlan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Arlington because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Arlington can be very cold. Mazatlan is much warmer than Arlington in the winter. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 20°C (67°F) in January, and Arlington fluctuates around 35°F (1°C).

It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. In the winter, Mazatlan often gets more sunshine than Arlington. Mazatlan gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arlington receives 139 hours of full sun.

Mazatlan usually gets less rain in January than Arlington. Mazatlan gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Arlington in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Mazatlan and Arlington. The spring months attract visitors to Mazatlan because of the beaches.

In the spring, Mazatlan is much warmer than Arlington. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mazatlan in April average around 22°C (72°F), and Arlington averages at about 56°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Arlington this time of the year. In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mazatlan usually receives more sunshine than Arlington during spring. Mazatlan gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Arlington receives 228 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Mazatlan usually receives less rain than Arlington. Mazatlan gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Arlington and Mazatlan