A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mazatlan vs. Saint Augustine for Old Town, Attractions, Food, and Beaches

Should you visit Mazatlan or Saint Augustine?

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

Should I visit Mazatlan or Saint Augustine? 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.

Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine is a notable, colonial, and historic city. Saint Augustine is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums. See Saint Augustine travel costs.

Mazatlan and Saint Augustine: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mazatlan or Saint Augustine?

Both Saint Augustine and Mazatlan have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Mazatlan is very popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, while Saint Augustine attracts visitors for its historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Saint Augustine is more touristy than Mazatlan and is known for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States. Mazatlan is famous for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas.

How is Mazatlan different from Saint Augustine?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Saint Augustine specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. It's history is brought to life with many monuments and museums. The Lightner Museum, the Old Jail Museum, the Lincolnville Museum, and Castillo De San Marcos are among the city's most notable sights. Also worth a visit is the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum.

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

Foodies will find both Mazatlan and Saint Augustine both to be very good 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.

Saint Augustine has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The food scene is influenced by the long history of the city. You'll find flavors that are influenced by Spanish, African, and Native American cultures. There are several popular dishes around town such as fried shrimp, clam chowder, and shrimp and grits.

Is Mazatlan or Saint Augustine Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Saint Augustine has a few options to choose from. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.

Is Mazatlan or Saint Augustine Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mazatlan is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mazatlan or Saint Augustine Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Mazatlan and Saint Augustine are very good 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.

Saint Augustine is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Head to the beach to relax and swim. There are miles of sandy beach nearby, with some of the most popular being Ponte Vedra Beach, known for its golf courses, Vilano Beach, with its charming atmosphere, and the scenic Anastasia State Park.

Is Mazatlan or Saint Augustine Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine is a world-class destination for its old town. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

The historic old town of Saint Augustine is revered around the world. As the longest running, continuously occupied city in the United States, the Historic Downtown is at the heart of the city. It's filled with quaint restaurants, historic hotels, and charming streets. You can take carriage rides or wander through the historic sites. Many of the buildings date back to the 1700s and offer a glimpse into Florida's past.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Mazatlan or Saint Augustine?

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

Saint Augustine is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The Historic Downtown has unique art galleries and boutiques. St. George Street is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir and Aviles Street is the oldest street in the United States. It's also filled with artisan boutiques. Plaza de la Constitución is known for its long running public market and it often has live entertainment.

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 Saint Augustine More Beautiful?

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

Saint Augustine is a beautiful place to visit, too. Colonial architecture and a charming atmosphere give this historic town a unique beauty.

Mazatlan is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Mazatlan or Saint Augustine Better for Families?

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

Saint Augustine is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will love the Alligator Farm but there's also a surprisingly fascinating archaeological park - The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The Colonial Quarter is fun for all ages as well, as is a visit to Fort Castillo De San Marcos. If you have some time, head outside of town to the Marineland Dolphin Adventure, which is well worth the trip.

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 Saint Augustine Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Saint Augustine frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The Ancient City has a charm that is unique in Florida. There is beautiful architecture and a historical atmosphere that is romantic and genuine. You can enjoy a carriage ride and then sample some local cuisine before heading to the beach.

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 Saint Augustine Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mazatlan is a great destination for backpackers. However, Saint Augustine is a city with minimal options 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.

Saint Augustine is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a hostel in town as well as a couple of affordable inns.

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

Mazatlan is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Saint Augustine is a city with minimal options 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 mostly limited in Saint Augustine. The Old Town Trolley travels through the historic center. There's also a bus service through the region, but you really need a private vehicle to explore everything.

Is Mazatlan or Saint Augustine a more walkable city?

Mazatlan and Saint Augustine both are very good when exploring on foot.

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

Saint Augustine is a very walkable destination. It's one of the more walkable cities in the area. Downtown, Uptown, and even near the beach have accessible areas with sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly zones.

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

Should I spend more time in Saint Augustine or Mazatlan?

How long in Mazatlan or Saint Augustine?

It's fun to spend time in either Mazatlan or Saint Augustine. 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 3-4 days is enough time in Saint Augustine.

Families should spend more time in Saint Augustine than Mazatlan. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Saint Augustine, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

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

The historical destination of Mazatlan offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The city of Saint Augustine offers food and shopping. 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.

A weekend in Mazatlan or Saint Augustine?

The city of Mazatlan offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Saint Augustine 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.

Five days in Mazatlan or Saint Augustine?

Mazatlan is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Mazatlan. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Saint Augustine 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.

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 Saint Augustine, we can see that Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Mazatlan or Saint Augustine?

Mazatlan has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Saint Augustine. When comparing the sizes of Mazatlan and Saint Augustine, 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 Saint Augustine?

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 Saint Augustine in the Summer?

Both Saint Augustine and Mazatlan are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Mazatlan for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Saint Augustine in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Mazatlan is generally around the same temperature as Saint Augustine. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 29°C (83°F), and Saint Augustine fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

It's quite sunny in Saint Augustine. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. Mazatlan usually receives less sunshine than Saint Augustine during summer. Mazatlan gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Augustine receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Augustine. It's quite rainy in Mazatlan. In July, Mazatlan usually receives more rain than Saint Augustine. Mazatlan gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Saint Augustine receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Saint Augustine in the Autumn?

Both Saint Augustine and Mazatlan during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Mazatlan in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Saint Augustine for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Mazatlan is a little warmer than Saint Augustine in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Saint Augustine fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

In Saint Augustine, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. In the autumn, Mazatlan often gets more sunshine than Saint Augustine. Mazatlan gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Augustine receives 214 hours of full sun.

Mazatlan usually gets more rain in October than Saint Augustine. Mazatlan gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Saint Augustine receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Augustine.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Saint Augustine in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Mazatlan and Saint Augustine. Most visitors come to Mazatlan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Saint Augustine because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Mazatlan is much warmer than Saint Augustine. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mazatlan in January average around 20°C (67°F), and Saint Augustine averages at about 53°F (12°C).

In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mazatlan usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Augustine during winter. Mazatlan gets 203 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Augustine receives 191 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Mazatlan usually receives less rain than Saint Augustine. Mazatlan gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Saint Augustine receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Saint Augustine in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Mazatlan as well as Saint Augustine. The spring months attract visitors to Mazatlan because of the beaches. Additionally, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Saint Augustine this time of year.

In April, Mazatlan is generally a little warmer than Saint Augustine. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 22°C (72°F), and Saint Augustine fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Augustine. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mazatlan this time of the year. In the spring, Mazatlan often gets less sunshine than Saint Augustine. Mazatlan gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Augustine receives 285 hours of full sun.

Mazatlan usually gets less rain in April than Saint Augustine. Mazatlan gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Saint Augustine receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Saint Augustine is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Saint Augustine and Mazatlan