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

Should you visit Mazatlan or Sacramento?

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

Should I visit Mazatlan or Sacramento? 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. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Mazatlan travel costs.

Sacramento

Sacramento is a relaxed, undiscovered, and laid back city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Sacramento travel costs.

Mazatlan and Sacramento: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mazatlan or Sacramento?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Mazatlan than Sacramento. While Sacramento is larger than Mazatlan, Mazatlan has more sights and attractions for tourists. Mazatlan is more touristy than Sacramento and is popular for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas. Also, Mazatlan is famous for the Malecon. Sacramento is well known for its history and state capital.

How is Mazatlan different from Sacramento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Sacramento specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. As the state capital, you'll find a number of historical and informational museums around town. You should check out the State Capital, as well as the California State Railroad Museum, the Crocker Museum of Art, Sutter's Fort State Historic Park, and the California Automobile Museum.

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

Mazatlan is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Sacramento is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Mazatlan has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Sacramento area. Casual restaurants with laid back atmospheres are what's most common around town. You'll also find a variety of international cuisines that include Korean and Vietnamese.

Is Mazatlan or Sacramento Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Sacramento has a few options to choose from. There highest concentration of activities are found in Downtown Sacramento. You'll find bars, clubs and live music in the area. You can also head to midtown, which has performing arts and comedy shows.

Is Mazatlan or Sacramento Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mazatlan is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Sacramento 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.

Sacramento is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mazatlan or Sacramento Better for Beaches?

Mazatlan is a very popular place for the beach. However, Sacramento 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.

Sacramento is not a beach destination.

Is Mazatlan or Sacramento Better for its Old Town?

Mazatlan is a very popular place for its old town. However, Sacramento 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.

Sacramento does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Mazatlan or Sacramento?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Sacramento 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.

Sacramento has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find down-to-earth vendors who have reasonable prices and a great selection. Some of the most interesting shopping is found at the Old Sacramento Waterfront or along Folsom Boulevard.

Is Mazatlan or Sacramento Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Mazatlan or Sacramento.

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.

Sacramento offers lots of family activities. With the large number of families that live in the area, you'll a variety of kid-friendly activities. Options include smaller amusement parks like Funderland Amusement Park, museums like the Sacramento Children's Museum, and indoor trampoline parks. There's also Fairytale Town, which is an imagination filled playground.

Is Mazatlan or Sacramento Better for Couples?

Mazatlan is a nice place to visit for its romantic activities. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options for couples.

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.

Sacramento is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Picnics, nice restaurants, and shows make for enjoyable date activities while you're in town.

Is Mazatlan or Sacramento Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mazatlan is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Many 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.

Sacramento is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although most backpackers skip this town for more popular destinations, there are a couple of hostels in town.

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

Mazatlan is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Sacramento. There's both light rail and buses around town.

Is Mazatlan or Sacramento a more walkable city?

Mazatlan is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

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

Sacramento is generally not very walkable. You'll really want a car to get around town, but Midtown is one of the more walkable areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Sacramento or Mazatlan?

How long in Mazatlan or Sacramento?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Mazatlan or Sacramento to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Mazatlan than Sacramento 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 Sacramento.

Families should spend more time in Mazatlan than Sacramento. 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 Sacramento. 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 Sacramento 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 Sacramento?

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.

The city of Sacramento offers 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 Sacramento?

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.

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

Five days in Mazatlan or Sacramento?

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.

Sacramento 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 Sacramento?

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.

Sacramento 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 Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Mazatlan or Sacramento?

Sacramento has a larger population, and is about 32% larger than the population of Mazatlan. When comparing the sizes of Mazatlan and Sacramento, 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 Sacramento?

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 Sacramento in the Summer?

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

Mazatlan is a little warmer than Sacramento in the summer. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Sacramento fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sacramento. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mazatlan this time of the year. In the summer, Mazatlan often gets less sunshine than Sacramento. Mazatlan gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 439 hours of full sun.

Mazatlan receives a lot of rain in the summer. Mazatlan usually gets more rain in July than Sacramento. Mazatlan gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Sacramento receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Sacramento in the Autumn?

Both Sacramento 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 Sacramento for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Mazatlan is much warmer than Sacramento. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Mazatlan in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Sacramento averages at about 64°F (18°C).

It's quite sunny in Sacramento. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. Mazatlan usually receives less sunshine than Sacramento during autumn. Mazatlan gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 300 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Mazatlan usually receives more rain than Sacramento. Mazatlan gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Sacramento in the Winter?

Both Sacramento 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. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Sacramento because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Mazatlan is generally much warmer than Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 20°C (67°F), and Sacramento fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. In the winter, Mazatlan often gets more sunshine than Sacramento. Mazatlan gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 149 hours of full sun.

Mazatlan usually gets less rain in January than Sacramento. Mazatlan gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Sacramento receives 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Sacramento in the Spring?

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

Mazatlan is much warmer than Sacramento in the spring. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 22°C (72°F) in April, and Sacramento fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sacramento this time of the year. In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mazatlan usually receives less sunshine than Sacramento during spring. Mazatlan gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 328 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Mazatlan usually receives less rain than Sacramento. Mazatlan gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Sacramento and Mazatlan