A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mazatlan vs. Blue Ridge for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Mazatlan or Blue Ridge?

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

Should I visit Mazatlan or Blue Ridge? 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 historical, cultural, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Mazatlan travel costs.

Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge is a charming, outdoorsy, and historic town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. Blue Ridge is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Blue Ridge travel costs.

Mazatlan and Blue Ridge: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mazatlan or Blue Ridge?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Mazatlan. Although Mazatlan and Blue Ridge are popular destinations, Mazatlan has more sights and attractions for tourists. Mazatlan is very popular for its museums and attractions, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and historical sights, while Blue Ridge attracts visitors for its hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Mazatlan is famous for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas. It is also well known for the Malecon. Blue Ridge is famous for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere.

How is Mazatlan different from Blue Ridge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge?

Mazatlan is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Mazatlan. There are colonial buildings around the Centro Historico. You should also check out the Historic Cathedral and the Angela Peralta Theater.

Blue Ridge offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While you don't immediately think of museums in the area, there are a couple. The Dahlonega Gold Museum gives information on the gold rush and mining industry in town. In nearby Tennessee, Ducktown Basin Museum is a historic mine site that is open for tours.

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

Foodies will find both Mazatlan and Blue Ridge both to be superb 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.

Blue Ridge has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find plenty of small town restaurants serving local dishes like barbecue, trout, and biscuits with gravy. Southern food is popular, but you'll also find plenty of breweries and wineries in the area. Head downtown for an assortment of options that include southern, vegan, and even international flavors.

Is Mazatlan or Blue Ridge Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Mazatlan and Blue Ridge.

Mazatlan has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Blue Ridge has a few options to choose from. Head downtown for a mix of breweries, bars, and clubs where you'll find live music and a casual meal.

Is Mazatlan or Blue Ridge Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mazatlan is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Blue Ridge is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Mazatlan. Most of the diving takes place around the Pajaros, Venados and Lobos islands. This is where you'll see the most tropical fish.

Blue Ridge is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mazatlan or Blue Ridge Better for Beaches?

Mazatlan is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Blue Ridge is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Mazatlan for it's beautiful beaches. 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.

Blue Ridge is not a beach destination.

Is Mazatlan or Blue Ridge Better for its Old Town?

Mazatlan is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Blue Ridge does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Mazatlan. It's a historic port city with a charming colonial old town.

Blue Ridge does not have a historic old town.

Is Mazatlan or Blue Ridge Better for Hiking?

Blue Ridge is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Mazatlan is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Blue Ridge. There are miles of hiking trails in the area that take you to waterfalls and viewpoints. The starting point of the Appalachian Trail is also nearby, and another popular trail is the Benton MacKaye Trail. Options range from beginner to expert with everything in between.

Mazatlan is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mazatlan or Blue Ridge?

Blue Ridge is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Blue Ridge is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. You'll find artisan shops, art galleries, and boutique clothing vendors. Many places are concentrated in the charming downtown area, which is fun to explore for a day or two.

Mazatlan has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Is Mazatlan or Blue Ridge More Beautiful?

Blue Ridge is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Mazatlan is not a destination known for its beauty.

Blue Ridge is a beautiful place to visit, too. There are plenty of hikes to waterfalls and scenic viewpoints. There's also a scenic railroad as well as places to kayak or go horseback riding.

Mazatlan is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Mazatlan or Blue Ridge Better for Families?

Blue Ridge is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Blue Ridge is a very kid-friendly town. Kids who enjoy hiking and playing outdoors will have fun here. There are waterfall hikes, fruit picking farms, and plenty of playgrounds. There's also a scenic railway and lots of places to sample treats.

Mazatlan offers lots of family activities. 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.

Is Mazatlan or Blue Ridge Better for Couples?

Blue Ridge is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Blue Ridge frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. If you're looking for a cozy retreat where you can relax in a cabin, take long walks through nature, and enjoy local food, then this is your place. There are plenty of bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and rustic cabins with fireplaces and simple pleasures. If you want to escape it all then the mountains are the place to be.

Mazatlan is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Is Mazatlan or Blue Ridge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mazatlan and Blue Ridge are superb 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 Blue Ridge. There are a number of campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hikes that backpackers will enjoy. Nearby you'll also find the start of the famed Appalachian Trail.

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

Mazatlan is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Mazatlan has some public transit options. There are city buses around town.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Blue Ridge. There's no real public transportation system in the area.

Is Mazatlan or Blue Ridge a more walkable city?

Mazatlan is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Mazatlan is very walkable. The city is relatively walkable.

Blue Ridge is a somewhat walkable place. While the downtown area is relatively walkable, if you want to hike and get out in nature, you'll need to have a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Blue Ridge or Mazatlan?

How long in Mazatlan or Blue Ridge?

In either Mazatlan or Blue Ridge, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Mazatlan has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Mazatlan than Blue Ridge. In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mazatlan, and 2-5 days is enough time in Blue Ridge.

Families should spend more time in Mazatlan than Blue Ridge. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mazatlan than Blue Ridge 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 Mazatlan.

One day in Mazatlan or Blue Ridge?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the historical city of Mazatlan, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Blue Ridge is a small town where visitors enjoy the nightlife and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Blue Ridge?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Mazatlan, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Blue Ridge is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Blue Ridge, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Mazatlan or Blue Ridge?

Mazatlan, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

A week in Mazatlan or Blue Ridge?

Mazatlan is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Blue Ridge is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town 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 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Mazatlan or Blue Ridge?

Mazatlan has a larger population, and is about 300 times larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of Mazatlan and Blue Ridge, 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 Blue Ridge?

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 Blue Ridge in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Mazatlan as well as Blue Ridge. Most visitors come to Mazatlan for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Blue Ridge because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Mazatlan is generally around the same temperature as Blue Ridge. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 29°C (83°F), and Blue Ridge fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mazatlan this time of the year. In the summer, Mazatlan often gets less sunshine than Blue Ridge. Mazatlan gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Blue Ridge receives 265 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Blue Ridge. Mazatlan receives a lot of rain in the summer. Mazatlan usually gets more rain in July than Blue Ridge. Mazatlan gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Blue Ridge receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Blue Ridge in the Autumn?

Both Blue Ridge and Mazatlan are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Mazatlan because of the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Blue Ridge this time of year.

Mazatlan is much warmer than Blue Ridge in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Blue Ridge fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Blue Ridge. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. Mazatlan usually receives more sunshine than Blue Ridge during autumn. Mazatlan gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Blue Ridge receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Mazatlan usually receives more rain than Blue Ridge. Mazatlan gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Blue Ridge receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Blue Ridge in the Winter?

Both Blue Ridge and Mazatlan during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Mazatlan this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Blue Ridge for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Blue Ridge. In the winter, Mazatlan is much warmer than Blue Ridge. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mazatlan in January average around 20°C (67°F), and Blue Ridge averages at about 40°F (5°C).

It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. In the winter, Mazatlan often gets more sunshine than Blue Ridge. Mazatlan gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Blue Ridge receives 145 hours of full sun.

Blue Ridge gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Mazatlan usually gets less rain in January than Blue Ridge. Mazatlan gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Blue Ridge receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Blue Ridge in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Mazatlan and Blue Ridge. Many travelers come to Mazatlan for the beaches. Also, many visitors come to Blue Ridge in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Mazatlan is generally a little warmer than Blue Ridge. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 22°C (72°F), and Blue Ridge fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Blue Ridge this time of the year. In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mazatlan usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Blue Ridge during spring. Mazatlan gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Blue Ridge receives 243 hours of full sun in the spring.

Blue Ridge receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Mazatlan usually receives less rain than Blue Ridge. Mazatlan gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Blue Ridge receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Blue Ridge and Mazatlan