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

Should you visit Mazatlan or Savannah?

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

Should I visit Mazatlan or Savannah? 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.

Savannah

Savannah is a charming, scenic, and historic city. Savannah is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums. See Savannah travel costs.

Mazatlan and Savannah: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mazatlan or Savannah?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Mazatlan than Savannah. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Mazatlan is very popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling and beaches, while Savannah attracts visitors for its nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty. Mazatlan is famous for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas. It is also well known for the Malecon. Savannah is famous for its maritime past, its southern atmosphere, and its Historic District.

How is Mazatlan different from Savannah?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Savannah specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city's long history can be explored at the Savannah History Museum. With the Savannah School of Art and Design in town, you'll also find a great art culture with several museums such as the SCAD Museum of Art and the Jepson Center for the Arts. There's also the Georgia State Railroad Museum and the Sea Maritime Museum. There are several historic houses that you can visit as well, such as the Andrew Low House, the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, and Harper Fowlkes House.

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

Foodies will find both Mazatlan and Savannah 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.

Savannah has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Local restaurants highlight southern hospitality as well as the cuisine. You'll find many classics such as crab cakes, shrimp and grits, and fried fish. There are many restaurants in historic buildings in the Historic District, but you'll also find a number of casual eateries in other neighborhoods.

Is Mazatlan or Savannah Better for Nightlife?

Savannah is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Savannah is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Downtown Savannah and River Street are filled with bars and clubs that keep things lively when the sun goes down. During the warmer months there are outdoor venues, concerts and events, but even during the cooler seasons things stay busy.

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.

Is Mazatlan or Savannah Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mazatlan is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Savannah 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.

Savannah is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mazatlan or Savannah Better for Beaches?

Mazatlan is a well-known place for its beaches. Also, Savannah is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for the beach.

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.

Many people head to Savannah to enjoy the beach. While Savannah doesn't actually have a beach, you can head to nearby Tybee Island for waves and sun. It's about half an hour away and the closest beaches to the city are on the island's north side.

Is Mazatlan or Savannah Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the high quality old towns in both Mazatlan and Savannah.

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

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Savannah. There's an impressive Historic District that is filled with gardens, historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and Oak-lined streets. There are wonderful hotels and traditional restaurants that offer a beautiful experience.

Is the Shopping Better in Mazatlan or Savannah?

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

Savannah is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Shopping opportunities include art galleries, trendy clothing boutiques, and larger shopping malls. Visitors can wander down the popular Broughton Street, but there's also a City Market and Starland District.

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 Savannah More Beautiful?

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

Savannah is a beautiful place to visit, too. The city is filled with historic buildings and streets lined with trees draped in Spanish Moss.

Mazatlan is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Mazatlan or Savannah Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Mazatlan or Savannah.

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.

Savannah offers lots of family activities. There's a children's museum in town. There's also many outdoor parks and the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. Kids will enjoy stopping for ice cream or other sweet treats, which are plentiful as well.

Is Mazatlan or Savannah Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Savannah frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Trees with Spanish Moss as well as a charming Historic District make this a nice destination for a couple's weekend. There are parks where you can enjoy a picnic. There are also nature trails and many great southern restaurants.

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 Savannah Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mazatlan is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Savannah is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Savannah is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's a hostel in town, as well as a number of cheaper motels that are a bit outside of the Historic District.

Is Mazatlan or Savannah Better for Students?

Savannah is a popular place for students. However, Mazatlan is not popular with students.

Savannah is popular with students. There are a couple of colleges in town including the Savannah College of Art and Design.

Mazatlan is not popular with students.

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

Mazatlan is a popular place for its public transit. However, Savannah is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Savannah. While there are some types of public transit available, the vast majority of visitors have a vehicle, which they use to get around.

Is Mazatlan or Savannah a more walkable city?

Mazatlan and Savannah both are high quality when exploring on foot.

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

Savannah is a very walkable destination. The Historic District is very walkable, and it makes a pleasant place to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Savannah or Mazatlan?

How long in Mazatlan or Savannah?

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

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

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

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.

The city of Savannah offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Savannah?

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.

Savannah 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Savannah, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Mazatlan or Savannah?

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.

Savannah 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 Savannah?

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.

Savannah 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.

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

Which is Bigger, Mazatlan or Savannah?

Mazatlan has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Savannah. When comparing the sizes of Mazatlan and Savannah, 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 Savannah?

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 Savannah in the Summer?

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

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Savannah this time of the year. In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mazatlan usually receives less sunshine than Savannah during summer. Mazatlan gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Savannah receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.

Savannah receives a lot of rain in the summer. Mazatlan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Mazatlan usually receives around the same amount of rain as Savannah. Mazatlan gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Savannah receives 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Savannah in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Mazatlan as well as Savannah. The shopping scene are the main draw to Mazatlan this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Savannah for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Mazatlan is a little warmer than Savannah in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Savannah fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Savannah. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mazatlan this time of the year. In the autumn, Mazatlan often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Savannah. Mazatlan gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Savannah receives 223 hours of full sun.

Mazatlan usually gets more rain in October than Savannah. Mazatlan gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Savannah receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Savannah in the Winter?

Both Savannah 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 Savannah in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Mazatlan is much warmer than Savannah. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mazatlan in January average around 20°C (67°F), and Savannah averages at about 49°F (9°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. Mazatlan usually receives more sunshine than Savannah during winter. Mazatlan gets 203 hours of sunny skies, while Savannah receives 176 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Mazatlan usually receives less rain than Savannah. Mazatlan gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Savannah receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Savannah in the Spring?

Both Savannah 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 Savannah for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Mazatlan is generally a little warmer than Savannah. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 22°C (72°F), and Savannah fluctuates around 66°F (19°C).

In Savannah, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. In the spring, Mazatlan often gets less sunshine than Savannah. Mazatlan gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Savannah receives 275 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Savannah and Mazatlan