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

Should you visit Mazatlan or Wilmington?

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

Should I visit Mazatlan or Wilmington? 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. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Mazatlan travel costs.

Wilmington

Wilmington is a historic, welcoming, and charming city. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums. See Wilmington travel costs.

Mazatlan and Wilmington: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mazatlan or Wilmington?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Mazatlan than Wilmington. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Mazatlan is famous for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas. It is also well known for the Malecon. Wilmington is famous for its laid back beaches, historical waterfront area, and university setting.

How is Mazatlan different from Wilmington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Mazatlan is great for its historical sights. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Mazatlan can be an interesting and educational experience. There are colonial buildings around the Centro Historico. You should also check out the Historic Cathedral and the Angela Peralta Theater.

Wilmington offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are art, history, and science museums around town. The Battleship North Carolina is a popular destination. Science enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science or the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. For art, head to the Cameron Art Museum or Art in Bloom Gallery.

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

Mazatlan is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Wilmington. Head to the waterfront for local seafood restaurants that offer outdoor seating and fresh caught fish. There are also farm-to-table restaurants and local diners with casual food.

Is Mazatlan or Wilmington Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Wilmington has a few options to choose from. Live music is popular around town. There are also bars, lounges and dance clubs. When the weather is warm, many places make use of the outdoor setting, which makes for a relaxed and fun evening.

Is Mazatlan or Wilmington Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Wilmington is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mazatlan or Wilmington Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Mazatlan and Wilmington 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.

Wilmington is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Nearby you'll find Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They have long stretches of sand and great waves. The water is usually warm enough for swimming between the months of April and October. During these peak months parking can be challenging, but during the quieter times, you shouldn't have trouble.

Is Mazatlan or Wilmington Better for its Old Town?

Mazatlan is great for its historic old town. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its 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.

Many people head to Wilmington to see the old town. The Historic District is along the waterfront and has 18th and 19th century architecture. There are also great restaurants and interesting shops.

Is the Shopping Better in Mazatlan or Wilmington?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Wilmington 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.

Wilmington has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head downtown for the most interesting local shops. You'll find boutiques and souvenir shops where you can pick up art, accessories, or antiques.

Is Mazatlan or Wilmington Better for Families?

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

Wilmington is a very kid-friendly city. Near town you'll find several beaches - Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They're all family-friendly and perfect for a day's activity. The city also has the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, the Children's Museum of Wilmington, and the Wilmington Railroad Museum. For a rainy day there are also indoor play areas and entertainment centers.

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 Wilmington Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Wilmington frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The beaches are great for a relaxing day of swimming and sunbathing. In the evening head into town and enjoy one of the local seafood restaurants on the waterfront. You'll also find great shopping and historical sights in the area.

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 Wilmington Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mazatlan is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Wilmington is not a good destination for backpackers.

Mazatlan is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Wilmington is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, the university and great beaches make this a surprisingly fun destination.

Is Mazatlan or Wilmington Better for Students?

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

Wilmington is popular with students. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a popular school that brings many students to town.

Mazatlan is not popular with students.

Is Mazatlan or Wilmington 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, Wilmington 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 Wilmington. There are public buses around town, but for practical reasons, you'll want to have your own vehicle.

Is Mazatlan or Wilmington a more walkable city?

Mazatlan is great for its walkability. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Mazatlan is very walkable. The city is relatively walkable.

Wilmington is a somewhat walkable place. The Historic District is best explored on foot. You can also get around Wrightsville Beach on foot, but traveling between these places requires a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Wilmington or Mazatlan?

How long in Mazatlan or Wilmington?

In either Mazatlan or Wilmington, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Mazatlan has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Mazatlan than Wilmington. In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mazatlan, and 2-5 days is enough time in Wilmington.

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

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the authentic 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 Wilmington offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Wilmington?

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.

Wilmington 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Wilmington, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Mazatlan or Wilmington?

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.

Wilmington is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Wilmington, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Mazatlan or Wilmington?

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.

Wilmington is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Mazatlan or Wilmington?

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

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 Wilmington in the Summer?

Both Wilmington and Mazatlan during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Mazatlan for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Wilmington in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Mazatlan is generally around the same temperature as Wilmington. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 29°C (83°F), and Wilmington fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

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

Wilmington gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. Mazatlan usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Wilmington. Mazatlan gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Wilmington receives 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Wilmington in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Mazatlan and Wilmington. Many visitors come to Mazatlan in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Wilmington for the shopping scene during these months.

Mazatlan is a little warmer than Wilmington in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Wilmington fluctuates around 65°F (18°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wilmington this time of the year. In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mazatlan usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Wilmington during autumn. Mazatlan gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Wilmington receives 227 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Mazatlan usually receives more rain than Wilmington. Mazatlan gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Wilmington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Wilmington in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Mazatlan as well as Wilmington. Most visitors come to Mazatlan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Wilmington because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Mazatlan is much warmer than Wilmington. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mazatlan in January average around 20°C (67°F), and Wilmington averages at about 45°F (7°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 Wilmington. Mazatlan gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wilmington receives 180 hours of full sun.

Mazatlan usually gets less rain in January than Wilmington. Mazatlan gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Wilmington receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Wilmington in the Spring?

Both Wilmington and Mazatlan are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Mazatlan because of the beaches. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Wilmington this time of year.

In April, Mazatlan is generally a little warmer than Wilmington. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 22°C (72°F), and Wilmington fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Wilmington. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. Mazatlan usually receives less sunshine than Wilmington during spring. Mazatlan gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Wilmington receives 278 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Mazatlan usually receives less rain than Wilmington. Mazatlan gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Wilmington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Wilmington and Mazatlan