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

Should you visit Mazatlan or Dallas?

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

Should I visit Mazatlan or Dallas? 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 cultural, authentic, and historical city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Mazatlan travel costs.

Dallas

Dallas is a upscale, chic, and active city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Dallas travel costs.

Mazatlan and Dallas: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mazatlan or Dallas?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Mazatlan than Dallas. While Dallas is larger than Mazatlan, Mazatlan has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Mazatlan is better known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and historical sights, while Dallas is more popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities. Mazatlan is more touristy than Dallas and is known for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas. Also, Mazatlan is famous for the Malecon. Dallas is well known for its Tex Mex cuisine, upscale shopping venues, and cowboy culture.

How is Mazatlan different from Dallas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the great sights and museums in both Mazatlan and Dallas.

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 Dallas specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Museums range from historical to art and science with some of the favorites being the Dallas Contemporary Museum, the African American Museum, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Frontiers of Flight Museum. The city is also home to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Nasher Sculpture Center. A must-see is the Sixth Floor Museum, which is in historic Dealey Plaza and is where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that killed JFK. Today there's a museum that goes over the events of that day.

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

Foodies will find both Mazatlan and Dallas both to be great 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.

Dallas has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a perfect combination of Texas cuisine and international flavors. You'll find Texas barbecue, Tex Mex, and steakhouses intermixed with Thai, Japanese, and Caribbean cuisine. There's also a great food truck scene and many local eateries.

Is Mazatlan or Dallas Better for Nightlife?

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

Dallas is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Head to East Dallas for the most active clubs with large dance floors and great music. The city also has rooftop lounges and plenty of live music as well as comedy clubs.

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 Dallas Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mazatlan is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Dallas is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving 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.

Dallas is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mazatlan or Dallas Better for Beaches?

Mazatlan is a well-known place for the beach. However, Dallas is not a beach destination.

Mazatlan is a very popular place to visit for its 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.

Dallas is not a beach destination.

Is Mazatlan or Dallas Better for its Old Town?

Mazatlan is a well-known place for its old town. However, Dallas does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Mazatlan. It's a historic port city with a charming colonial old town.

Dallas does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Mazatlan or Dallas?

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

Dallas is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. You'll find a very diverse shopping scene around town, with everything from quirky local vendors to upscale fashion boutiques. There are cowboy outfitters where you can get a feel for the Texas style, but there are also posh shopping centers and local flea markets.

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 Dallas Better for Families?

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

Dallas is a very kid-friendly city. The city is filled with families, and you'll find many kid-friendly activities around town. For some outdoor time you can visit the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden or the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The Dallas Zoo is a favorite for many kids and there are also a number of kid-friendly museums around town such as the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Dallas World Aquarium.

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 Dallas Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Dallas frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Head to the observation deck at Reunion Tower for spectacular views of the night skyline. The city also has many great comedy clubs and performing arts venues as well as fine dining restaurants that make for a great date night.

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 Dallas Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mazatlan is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Dallas is not a good city 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.

Dallas is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there are a couple of hostels around town, this isn't a popular destination for the backpacker crowd.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Mazatlan and Dallas.

You'll find some public transit in Mazatlan, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are city buses around town.

While Dallas offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. While it's still very much a car-centered city, the public transportation system, DART, is one of the fastest growing in the country. It includes both light rail and bus service.

Is Mazatlan or Dallas a more walkable city?

Mazatlan is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Dallas is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

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

Dallas is generally not a very walkable city. The city is not particularly walkable, but there are several more walkable areas such as Ellum and Uptown.

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

Should I spend more time in Dallas or Mazatlan?

How long in Mazatlan or Dallas?

It's fun to spend time in either Mazatlan or Dallas. 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 Dallas.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mazatlan than Dallas 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 Dallas?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Mazatlan. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The city of Dallas 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 Dallas?

Mazatlan is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Dallas 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 Dallas, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Mazatlan or Dallas?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mazatlan. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Dallas 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 Dallas?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historical destination of Mazatlan. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Dallas 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 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.

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

Which is Bigger, Mazatlan or Dallas?

Dallas has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Mazatlan. When comparing the sizes of Mazatlan and Dallas, 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 Dallas?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Dallas in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Mazatlan and Dallas. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Mazatlan this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dallas for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Mazatlan is around the same temperature as Dallas in the summer. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Dallas fluctuates around 88°F (31°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dallas this time of the year. In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mazatlan usually receives less sunshine than Dallas during summer. Mazatlan gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Dallas receives 337 hours of full sun in the summer.

Mazatlan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Mazatlan usually receives more rain than Dallas. Mazatlan gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Dallas receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Dallas in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Mazatlan as well as Dallas. Many travelers come to Mazatlan for the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Dallas in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Mazatlan is a little warmer than Dallas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Mazatlan in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Dallas averages at about 69°F (21°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dallas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mazatlan this time of the year. In the autumn, Mazatlan often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dallas. Mazatlan gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dallas receives 222 hours of full sun.

Mazatlan usually gets less rain in October than Dallas. Mazatlan gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Dallas in the Winter?

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

In January, Mazatlan is generally much warmer than Dallas. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 20°C (67°F), and Dallas fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. Mazatlan usually receives more sunshine than Dallas during winter. Mazatlan gets 203 hours of sunny skies, while Dallas receives 183 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Mazatlan usually receives less rain than Dallas. Mazatlan gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Dallas receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Dallas in the Spring?

Both Dallas and Mazatlan during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Mazatlan for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Dallas because of the activities around the city.

Mazatlan is around the same temperature as Dallas in the spring. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 22°C (72°F) in April, and Dallas fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

In Dallas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. In the spring, Mazatlan often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dallas. Mazatlan gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dallas receives 251 hours of full sun.

Mazatlan usually gets less rain in April than Dallas. Mazatlan gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dallas and Mazatlan