A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mazatlan vs. Martha's Vineyard for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Beaches

Should you visit Mazatlan or Martha's Vineyard?

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

Should I visit Mazatlan or Martha's Vineyard? 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.

Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a affluent, coastal, and peaceful island. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The beauty of Martha's Vineyard is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and food. See Martha's Vineyard travel costs.

Mazatlan and Martha's Vineyard: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mazatlan or Martha's Vineyard?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Mazatlan. Although Mazatlan and Martha's Vineyard are both popular with visitors, Mazatlan has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Mazatlan is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and historical sights, while Martha's Vineyard is known for its resorts, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Martha's Vineyard is more touristy than Mazatlan and is popular for its natural beauty, charming New England towns, and upscale local shopping. Mazatlan is popular for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas. It is also home to the Malecon.

How is Mazatlan different from Martha's Vineyard?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Mazatlan is a great city for its historical sights. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for its sights and museums.

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.

Martha's Vineyard offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of local museums in the area as well as the Martha's Vineyard Museum.

Is the Food Better in Mazatlan or Martha's Vineyard? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Mazatlan and Martha's Vineyard 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.

Martha's Vineyard has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The region prioritizes sustainable agriculture and there are many local eateries that range from upscale to more casual. You'll find the greatest number of options during the peak summer months, but regardless of when you visit, you're sure to eat well.

Is Mazatlan or Martha's Vineyard Better for Nightlife?

Mazatlan is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Martha's Vineyard specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There's more of a laid back vibe, but the best towns in the evening are Edgartown and Oak Bluffs.

Is Mazatlan or Martha's Vineyard Better for Resorts?

Martha's Vineyard is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Mazatlan is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Martha's Vineyard is a great choice. There are beautiful and luxurious resorts that attract celebrities and socialites. Many have pools and serene outdoor spaces that you can enjoy.

Mazatlan is not a resort destination.

Is Mazatlan or Martha's Vineyard Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mazatlan is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Martha's Vineyard 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.

Martha's Vineyard is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mazatlan or Martha's Vineyard Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Mazatlan and Martha's Vineyard are superb choices.

Mazatlan is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Martha's Vineyard is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The beaches are scenic and peaceful. Head to northern side of the island for shallow water, or south for more surf. While there are some public beaches that are open to everyone, there are also beaches that require a parking or town beach permit to visit.

Is Mazatlan or Martha's Vineyard Better for its Old Town?

Mazatlan is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Martha's Vineyard 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.

Martha's Vineyard does not have a historic old town.

Is Mazatlan or Martha's Vineyard Better for Hiking?

Martha's Vineyard is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Mazatlan is not a hiking destination.

Martha's Vineyard is a good destination for hiking. There are miles of trails around the island that pass through fields or along the coastline. The island is mostly flat, so the hikes are relatively easy for all skill levels.

Mazatlan is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mazatlan or Martha's Vineyard?

Martha's Vineyard is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Martha's Vineyard is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are no malls, so you'll enjoy shopping at local stores that sell a mix of locally made items and name brand. There are many art galleries as well as craft festivals during the summer months.

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 Martha's Vineyard More Beautiful?

Martha's Vineyard is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Mazatlan is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Martha's Vineyard is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The rugged coastline and rolling hills give this area a natural beauty.

Mazatlan is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Mazatlan or Martha's Vineyard Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Mazatlan or Martha's Vineyard.

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.

Martha's Vineyard offers lots of family activities. You can visit local farms or go to a local baseball game. There's also cafes, ice cream shops, and donut shops that kids will enjoy.

Is Mazatlan or Martha's Vineyard Better for Couples?

Martha's Vineyard is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Martha's Vineyard makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's filled with charming bed and breakfasts and plenty of New England charm. Couples will enjoy the quaint restaurants and mix of history, small town charm, and outdoor adventure.

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 Martha's Vineyard Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mazatlan is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Mazatlan. 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.

Martha's Vineyard is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. Budget options are limited, making this an inconvenient destination for backpackers.

Is Mazatlan or Martha's Vineyard 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, Martha's Vineyard is not known for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Martha's Vineyard. Access to the island is limited to boat and air. There's a bus service that connects the towns.

Is Mazatlan or Martha's Vineyard a more walkable city?

Mazatlan is a great city for its ease of walking around. Also, Martha's Vineyard is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its walkability.

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

Martha's Vineyard is somewhat walkable. Many of the towns have walkable downtown areas, but traveling between towns and into the countryside requires a vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Mazatlan Worth Visiting? and Is Martha's Vineyard Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Martha's Vineyard or Mazatlan?

How long in Mazatlan or Martha's Vineyard?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Mazatlan and Martha's Vineyard. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Mazatlan than in Martha's Vineyard. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mazatlan, and 1-3 days is enough time in Martha's Vineyard.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mazatlan than Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Mazatlan, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

Martha's Vineyard is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Mazatlan or Martha's Vineyard?

With museums and nightlife around the authentic city of Mazatlan, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Martha's Vineyard is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Martha's Vineyard, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Mazatlan or Martha's Vineyard?

With nightlife and food around the authentic destination of Mazatlan, there's plenty to do. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard?

Mazatlan is a popular choice for travelers. Most people come for the beaches. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Martha's Vineyard is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island 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 Martha's Vineyard, we can see that Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Mazatlan or Martha's Vineyard?

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 Martha's Vineyard in the Summer?

Both Martha's Vineyard and Mazatlan during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Mazatlan for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Martha's Vineyard because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Mazatlan is a little warmer than Martha's Vineyard. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mazatlan in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Martha's Vineyard averages at about 73°F (23°C).

In Martha's Vineyard, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. In the summer, Mazatlan often gets less sunshine than Martha's Vineyard. Mazatlan gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Martha's Vineyard receives 293 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. Mazatlan usually gets more rain in July than Martha's Vineyard. Mazatlan gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Martha's Vineyard in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Mazatlan and Martha's Vineyard. The autumn months attract visitors to Mazatlan because of the shopping scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Martha's Vineyard this time of year.

In October, Mazatlan is generally much warmer than Martha's Vineyard. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 27°C (81°F), and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Martha's Vineyard this time of the year. In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mazatlan usually receives more sunshine than Martha's Vineyard during autumn. Mazatlan gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Martha's Vineyard receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Mazatlan usually receives around the same amount of rain as Martha's Vineyard. Mazatlan gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Martha's Vineyard in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Mazatlan as well as Martha's Vineyard. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Mazatlan this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Martha's Vineyard for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Martha's Vineyard. Mazatlan is much warmer than Martha's Vineyard in the winter. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 20°C (67°F) in January, and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mazatlan this time of the year. In the winter, Mazatlan often gets more sunshine than Martha's Vineyard. Mazatlan gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Martha's Vineyard receives 170 hours of full sun.

Mazatlan usually gets less rain in January than Martha's Vineyard. Mazatlan gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Martha's Vineyard in the Spring?

Both Martha's Vineyard and Mazatlan are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Mazatlan for the beaches. Also, many visitors come to Martha's Vineyard in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Mazatlan is much warmer than Martha's Vineyard. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mazatlan in April average around 22°C (72°F), and Martha's Vineyard averages at about 48°F (9°C).

It's quite sunny in Martha's Vineyard. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. Mazatlan usually receives more sunshine than Martha's Vineyard during spring. Mazatlan gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Martha's Vineyard receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Mazatlan usually receives less rain than Martha's Vineyard. Mazatlan gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Martha's Vineyard and Mazatlan