A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mazatlan vs. Santa Barbara for Beaches, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Mazatlan or Santa Barbara?

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

Should I visit Mazatlan or Santa Barbara? 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. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Mazatlan travel costs.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a scenic, stunning, and wealthy coastal town. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The famous beauty of Santa Barbara is one of the main draws. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Santa Barbara travel costs.

Mazatlan and Santa Barbara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mazatlan or Santa Barbara?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Santa Barbara than Mazatlan. While Mazatlan is larger than Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Santa Barbara is more popular for its resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Mazatlan is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling and historical sights. Santa Barbara is more touristy than Mazatlan and is known for its historic missions, pristine beaches, world-class surfing, and scenic hikes that are full of coastal views. It is also home to The Old Mission Santa Barbara. Mazatlan is popular for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas.

How is Mazatlan different from Santa Barbara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the high quality sights and museums in both Mazatlan and Santa Barbara.

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 Santa Barbara specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is famous for its missions, with Mission Santa Barbara being the most iconic. Also visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and Sea Center.

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

Foodies will find both Mazatlan and Santa Barbara both to be high quality 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.

Santa Barbara has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city is best known for its fine dining, particularly if you enjoy seafood. The scallops, oysters, clam chowder, and sea urchin (when available) are all world class. Head for a waterfront setting for the best views and some of the freshest seafood.

Is Mazatlan or Santa Barbara Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Santa Barbara has a few options to choose from. For the best nightlife in the city, head downtown to State Street. This is where you'll find the most active bars and biggest crowds. There's a large student population in town, so you'll find much of the nightlife scene is focused on the younger population.

Is Mazatlan or Santa Barbara Better for Resorts?

Santa Barbara is well known for its resorts. However, Mazatlan is not a resort destination.

Santa Barbara is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Many people enjoy the luxurious vacation rentals around Santa Barbara, but there are also a number of high end resorts including the Rosewood Miramar Beach Resort, The Ritz-Carlton, and Hotel Californian.

Mazatlan is not a resort destination.

Is Mazatlan or Santa Barbara Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mazatlan is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Santa Barbara is not a good coastal town for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

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.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Santa Barbara. Snorkeling areas not far from town include Refugio State Beach and Tajiguas. You'll see a few fish, beautiful rocks, and anemones that are unique and impressive.

Is Mazatlan or Santa Barbara Better for Beaches?

Santa Barbara is a world-class destination for the beach. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Santa Barbara. The city is famous for its pristine, sandy beaches. Whether you want to enjoy world class surfing or enjoy a gentle ocean setting, Santa Barbara has many options.

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.

Is Mazatlan or Santa Barbara Better for its Old Town?

Mazatlan is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. Also, Santa Barbara is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its historic old town.

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

Santa Barbara is a good destination for visiting its old town. The city's downtown "Old Town" is a high end, pedestrian-friendly area with plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Is Mazatlan or Santa Barbara Better for Hiking?

Santa Barbara is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. However, Mazatlan is not a hiking destination.

People visit Santa Barbara specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Just outside of town are countless hiking opportunities that offer spectacular ocean views. Popular hikes include Inspiration Point, San Ysidro Trail, and Cold Spring East Fork.

Mazatlan is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mazatlan or Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Santa Barbara make it a world-class shopping destination. The city is famous as a high end shopping destination. Head to State Street for a palm tree lined street with local boutiques.

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 Santa Barbara More Beautiful?

Santa Barbara is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Mazatlan is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Santa Barbara is one of the main draws. The city is beautifully situated right by the ocean and offers stunning views and and an amazing setting. It is also filled with opulent houses and grand estates, giving it an air of grandeur.

Mazatlan is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Mazatlan or Santa Barbara Better for Families?

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

Santa Barbara is a very kid-friendly coastal town. The city has some nice family-friendly activities including a zoo, some cool museums, and even whale watching. There are also many beautiful beaches where everyone can run around and play, as well as parks and other outdoor settings. For animal-lovers, there are wildlife centers and sea life opportunities.

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 Santa Barbara Better for Couples?

Santa Barbara is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Santa Barbara makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The town is a stunningly beautiful destination with beautiful beaches, excellent shopping, and nice resorts that make for a great honeymoon or romantic trip.

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 Santa Barbara Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mazatlan is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Santa Barbara is not a good coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Mazatlan is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Santa Barbara is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The city isn't really known as a budget friendly destination, but there are a couple of hostels in the area. There's also a large student population with a fun nightlife scene.

Is Mazatlan or Santa Barbara Better for Students?

Santa Barbara is well known for students. However, Mazatlan is not popular with students.

Santa Barbara is a very popular coastal town for students and younger travelers. With a major university right in town, there's plenty of student life that international students or locals can enjoy.

Mazatlan is not popular with students.

Is Mazatlan or Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara.

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 Santa Barbara offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Transit options include buses, trolleys and water taxis.

Is Mazatlan or Santa Barbara a more walkable city?

Mazatlan and Santa Barbara both are high quality when exploring on foot.

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

Santa Barbara is a very walkable destination. The downtown area is very pedestrian-friendly and best explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Santa Barbara or Mazatlan?

How long in Mazatlan or Santa Barbara?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Mazatlan and Santa Barbara. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Mazatlan than in Santa Barbara. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mazatlan, and 2-3 days is enough time in Santa Barbara.

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

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the cultural destination of Mazatlan. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The beautiful coastal town of Santa Barbara offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Santa Barbara?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mazatlan. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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

Five days in Mazatlan or Santa Barbara?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the historical destination of Mazatlan. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the city of Mazatlan. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Santa Barbara is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal 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 Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Mazatlan or Santa Barbara?

Mazatlan has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Santa Barbara. When comparing the sizes of Mazatlan and Santa Barbara, 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 Santa Barbara?

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 Santa Barbara in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Mazatlan and Santa Barbara. The summer months attract visitors to Mazatlan because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Santa Barbara this time of year.

In the summer, Mazatlan is much warmer than Santa Barbara. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mazatlan in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Santa Barbara averages at about 65°F (19°C).

Mazatlan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Mazatlan usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Mazatlan gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Santa Barbara in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Mazatlan as well as Santa Barbara. The shopping scene are the main draw to Mazatlan this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Santa Barbara for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Mazatlan is generally much warmer than Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 27°C (81°F), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Mazatlan usually gets more rain in October than Santa Barbara. Mazatlan gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Santa Barbara in the Winter?

Both Santa Barbara and Mazatlan are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Mazatlan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Santa Barbara in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Mazatlan is much warmer than Santa Barbara in the winter. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 20°C (67°F) in January, and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

In January, Mazatlan usually receives less rain than Santa Barbara. Mazatlan gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Santa Barbara in the Spring?

Both Santa Barbara and Mazatlan during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Mazatlan in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Santa Barbara for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Mazatlan is much warmer than Santa Barbara. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mazatlan in April average around 22°C (72°F), and Santa Barbara averages at about 57°F (14°C).

Mazatlan usually gets less rain in April than Santa Barbara. Mazatlan gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Santa Barbara and Mazatlan