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

Should you visit Mazatlan or New Bern?

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

Should I visit Mazatlan or New Bern? 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. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Mazatlan travel costs.

New Bern

New Bern is a quaint, charming, and laid back town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food. See New Bern travel costs.

Mazatlan and New Bern: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mazatlan or New Bern?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Mazatlan. Although Mazatlan and New Bern are popular destinations, Mazatlan has more sights and attractions for tourists. Mazatlan is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and historical sights, while New Bern attracts visitors for its small town charm. Mazatlan is famous for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas. It is also well known for the Malecon. New Bern is famous for being the birthplace of Pepsi.

How is Mazatlan different from New Bern?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Mazatlan is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

New Bern offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Many visitors check out the Tryon Palace while they're in town. Other museums include the New Bern Fireman's Museum, the Carolina Creations Fine Art & Contemporary Craft Gallery, and the New Bern Academy Museum.

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

Mazatlan is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Mazatlan makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

New Bern has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a number of local eateries, bistros, and cafes in town. You can sample southern favorites or something international. Popular dishes include fresh caught fish, crab cakes, and even tacos.

Is Mazatlan or New Bern Better for Nightlife?

Mazatlan is a popular place for nightlife. However, New Bern is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

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.

New Bern doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a couple of pubs and breweries around town.

Is Mazatlan or New Bern Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mazatlan is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, New Bern is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Mazatlan has a few good snorkeling spots. Most of the diving takes place around the Pajaros, Venados and Lobos islands. This is where you'll see the most tropical fish.

New Bern is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mazatlan or New Bern Better for Beaches?

Mazatlan is well known for its beaches. However, New Bern is not a beach destination.

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.

New Bern is not a beach destination.

Is Mazatlan or New Bern Better for its Old Town?

Mazatlan is well known for its historic old town. However, New Bern does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Mazatlan. It's a historic port city with a charming colonial old town.

New Bern does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Mazatlan or New Bern?

Shopping is a popular activity in both New Bern 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.

New Bern has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are local shops and boutiques that sell clothing, antiques, and gifts.

Is Mazatlan or New Bern Better for Families?

Mazatlan is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, New Bern is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

For families, New Bern is not always the best place to visit. Stand up paddle boarding and other outdoor activities are a fun way to experience the area with kids. You could also visit the New Bern Fireman's Museum, the Tryon Palace, or one of the parks around town.

Is Mazatlan or New Bern Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Mazatlan and New Bern make for a nice 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.

New Bern is a good city for couples to visit. The town's charm and quaint parks make this a nice weekend getaway. There are outdoor activities and the Tryon Palace which is nice to visit. There are also local restaurants around town.

Is Mazatlan or New Bern Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mazatlan is well known for backpackers. However, New Bern is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

New Bern is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not popular with backpackers in part because it's a small town that most people breeze through on their way to the beach.

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

Mazatlan is a popular place for its public transit. However, New Bern is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is quite limited in New Bern. There's no real public transit in the area.

Is Mazatlan or New Bern a more walkable city?

Mazatlan is well known for its walkability. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Mazatlan is very walkable. The city is relatively walkable.

New Bern is a somewhat walkable place. The downtown area is walkable and nice to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in New Bern or Mazatlan?

How long in Mazatlan or New Bern?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Mazatlan or New Bern to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Mazatlan than New Bern because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mazatlan, and 1-2 days is enough time in New Bern.

Families should spend more time in Mazatlan than New Bern. 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 New Bern. 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.

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

The city of Mazatlan offers museums and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

New Bern is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. 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 New Bern?

Mazatlan is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

New Bern 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in New Bern, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Mazatlan or New Bern?

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

New Bern 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 New Bern?

Mazatlan is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

New Bern 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 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Mazatlan or New Bern?

Mazatlan has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of New Bern. When comparing the sizes of Mazatlan and New Bern, 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 New Bern?

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 New Bern in the Summer?

Both New Bern and Mazatlan are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Mazatlan because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to New Bern this time of year.

In July, Mazatlan is generally around the same temperature as New Bern. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 29°C (83°F), and New Bern fluctuates around 80°F (27°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in New Bern. It's quite rainy in Mazatlan. In July, Mazatlan usually receives more rain than New Bern. Mazatlan gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while New Bern receives 6.6 inches (169 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Mazatlan or New Bern in the Autumn?

Both New Bern and Mazatlan during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Mazatlan this time of year. Also, many travelers come to New Bern for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

Mazatlan is a little warmer than New Bern in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and New Bern fluctuates around 65°F (18°C).

Mazatlan usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as New Bern. Mazatlan gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while New Bern receives 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or New Bern in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Mazatlan and New Bern. Many travelers come to Mazatlan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to New Bern in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Mazatlan is much warmer than New Bern. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mazatlan in January average around 20°C (67°F), and New Bern averages at about 44°F (7°C).

New Bern receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Mazatlan usually receives less rain than New Bern. Mazatlan gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while New Bern receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Mazatlan or New Bern in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Mazatlan as well as New Bern. Many visitors come to Mazatlan in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to New Bern for the small town charm during these months.

In April, Mazatlan is generally a little warmer than New Bern. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 22°C (72°F), and New Bern fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

Mazatlan usually gets less rain in April than New Bern. Mazatlan gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while New Bern receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for New Bern and Mazatlan