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

Should you visit Mazatlan or Tallahassee?

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

Should I visit Mazatlan or Tallahassee? 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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Mazatlan travel costs.

Tallahassee

Tallahassee is a youthful, lively, and vibrant city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Tallahassee travel costs.

Mazatlan and Tallahassee: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mazatlan or Tallahassee?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Mazatlan than Tallahassee, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Mazatlan is more touristy than Tallahassee and is popular for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas. It is also home to the Malecon. Tallahassee is popular for its capital building and many universities.

How is Mazatlan different from Tallahassee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the excellent sights and museums in both Mazatlan and Tallahassee.

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 Tallahassee specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. As the capital city of Florida, you'll find a number of museums around town. Tallahassee Museum has outdoor and indoor space to explore. You can also visit the Tallahassee Automobile Museum, the Museum of Florida History, or the Florida Historic Capital Museum.

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

Mazatlan is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Mazatlan has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Tallahassee offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find plenty of chain restaurants and cheap eateries that cater to the students. The main options are classic American restaurants with a few international restaurants mixed in as well.

Is Mazatlan or Tallahassee Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Tallahassee has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the student population. There are many bars and pubs that fill up with students on weekends.

Is Mazatlan or Tallahassee Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mazatlan is a city with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Tallahassee is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Mazatlan. Most of the diving takes place around the Pajaros, Venados and Lobos islands. This is where you'll see the most tropical fish.

Tallahassee is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mazatlan or Tallahassee Better for Beaches?

Mazatlan is great for the beach. However, Tallahassee is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Mazatlan attract visitors from all over. 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.

Tallahassee is not a beach destination.

Is Mazatlan or Tallahassee Better for its Old Town?

Mazatlan is great for its historic old town charm. However, Tallahassee does not have a historic old town.

Mazatlan is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. It's a historic port city with a charming colonial old town.

Tallahassee does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Mazatlan or Tallahassee?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Tallahassee 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.

Tallahassee has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There is no shortage of strip malls and shopping centers in the area. Some of the most interesting shopping is found at Railroad Square and Market Square.

Is Mazatlan or Tallahassee Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Mazatlan or Tallahassee.

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.

Tallahassee offers lots of family activities. There are plenty of outdoor parks and adventure activities for kids. You could also see the wild manatees at Wakulla Springs.

Is Mazatlan or Tallahassee Better for Couples?

Mazatlan is a city with good options for couples. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for romance.

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.

Tallahassee is not the best destination for a couple to visit. Head to a restaurant or bar. You could also check out a concert or explore a garden or park in town.

Is Mazatlan or Tallahassee Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mazatlan is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Tallahassee is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Tallahassee. The student population creates an environment that is welcoming to backpackers. There's also a hostel in town with affordable rooms.

Is Mazatlan or Tallahassee Better for Students?

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

Tallahassee is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. Both Florida State University and Florida A&M University are located here. There's a large student population with many activities and cheap restaurants that appeal to the student crowd.

Mazatlan is not popular with students.

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

Mazatlan is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Mazatlan offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are city buses around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Tallahassee. There is a bus system operated by StarMetro.

Is Mazatlan or Tallahassee a more walkable city?

Mazatlan is great for its ease of walking around. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for its walkability.

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

Tallahassee is generally not very walkable. There are a couple of walkable areas around Railroad Square, Downtown, and Midtown, but for the most part the city is not pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Tallahassee or Mazatlan?

How long in Mazatlan or Tallahassee?

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

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

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the cultural city of Mazatlan. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The city of Tallahassee offers nightlife 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 Tallahassee?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical destination of Mazatlan. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

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

Five days in Mazatlan or Tallahassee?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the historical city of Mazatlan. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Mazatlan. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Tallahassee 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 Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska.

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

Which is Bigger, Mazatlan or Tallahassee?

Mazatlan has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Tallahassee. When comparing the sizes of Mazatlan and Tallahassee, 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 Tallahassee?

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 Tallahassee in the Summer?

Both Tallahassee and Mazatlan during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Mazatlan in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Tallahassee for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Mazatlan is around the same temperature as Tallahassee. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mazatlan in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Tallahassee averages at about 82°F (28°C).

In Tallahassee, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. In the summer, Mazatlan often gets less sunshine than Tallahassee. Mazatlan gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tallahassee receives 283 hours of full sun.

Tallahassee gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. Mazatlan usually gets less rain in July than Tallahassee. Mazatlan gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Tallahassee receives 8.9 inches (227 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Tallahassee in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Mazatlan and Tallahassee. Most visitors come to Mazatlan for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Tallahassee because of the shopping scene.

In October, Mazatlan is generally a little warmer than Tallahassee. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 27°C (81°F), and Tallahassee fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tallahassee this time of the year. In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mazatlan usually receives less sunshine than Tallahassee during autumn. Mazatlan gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Tallahassee receives 256 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Mazatlan usually receives more rain than Tallahassee. Mazatlan gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Tallahassee receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Tallahassee.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Tallahassee in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Mazatlan as well as Tallahassee. The winter months attract visitors to Mazatlan because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Tallahassee this time of year.

Mazatlan is much warmer than Tallahassee in the winter. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 20°C (67°F) in January, and Tallahassee fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mazatlan this time of the year. In the winter, Mazatlan often gets more sunshine than Tallahassee. Mazatlan gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tallahassee receives 185 hours of full sun.

Mazatlan usually gets less rain in January than Tallahassee. Mazatlan gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Tallahassee receives 3.7 inches (95 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Tallahassee in the Spring?

Both Tallahassee and Mazatlan are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches are the main draw to Mazatlan this time of year.

In the spring, Mazatlan is a little warmer than Tallahassee. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mazatlan in April average around 22°C (72°F), and Tallahassee averages at about 67°F (19°C).

It's quite sunny in Tallahassee. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. Mazatlan usually receives less sunshine than Tallahassee during spring. Mazatlan gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Tallahassee receives 295 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tallahassee. In April, Mazatlan usually receives less rain than Tallahassee. Mazatlan gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Tallahassee receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Tallahassee is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Tallahassee and Mazatlan