A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Playa del Carmen vs. Boone for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Hiking

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Boone?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Boone? 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.

Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is a picture-perfect, scenic, and stunning town. With stunning beauty, Playa del Carmen attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Playa del Carmen travel costs.

Boone

Boone is a quaint, picturesque, and charming town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. With stunning beauty, Boone attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping. See Boone travel costs.

Playa del Carmen and Boone: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Playa del Carmen or Boone?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Playa del Carmen. Although Playa del Carmen and Boone are popular destinations, Playa del Carmen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Playa del Carmen is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Boone attracts visitors for its skiing, museums and attractions, hiking, shopping, and small town charm. Playa del Carmen is more touristy than Boone and is popular for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. It is also well known for La Quinta Avenida. Boone is famous for its proximity to great hiking, skiing, and small town charm.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Boone?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Boone and Playa del Carmen. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Playa del Carmen or Boone Better for Skiing?

Boone is a great destination for winter skiing. However, Playa del Carmen is not a skiing destination.

Boone is a well-known ski destination which attracts visitors from far and wide. It's a very popular ski destination in North Carolina. There are family-friendly slopes as well as more challenging options. Head to the popular Appalachian Ski Mountain, nearby Beech Mountain, or Sugar Mountain for some of the area's best skiing.

Playa del Carmen is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Playa del Carmen or Boone?

Boone is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Playa del Carmen is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Boone. Most people spend the majority of their time exploring the natural beauty, but there are also several small local museums such as the Banner House Museum.

While most people don't head to Playa del Carmen specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. If you're willing to head out of town, there are world class Mayan ruins not far away, but if you want to hang out near town, then you'll likely spend most of your time enjoying outdoor water activities.

Is the Food Better in Playa del Carmen or Boone? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Playa del Carmen and Boone can be difficult as they are each nice in their own way.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Playa del Carmen area. You'll find a good number of overpriced tourist restaurants in the area, but if you do some research you'll also find amazing and authentic Mexican food as well. There is everything from food trucks to fine dining that offer ceviche, tacos, or burritos. There are also plenty of places to grab pizza or burgers.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Boone. You'll find farm to table restaurants, local cafes, and all of the standard chain restaurants nearby. Check for a High Country Grown certification if you want to prioritize locally sourced ingredients.

Is Playa del Carmen or Boone Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Boone is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife.

Playa del Carmen has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It rivals some of the country's best nightlife and you'll find plenty of venues to choose from, ranging from dive bars to swanky cocktail lounges. Head to the main walking street for some of the most active venues.

Boone offers plenty to do in the evening. It's a small town, but there are local breweries and a great nightlife scene that is, in large part, influenced by the large student population.

Is Playa del Carmen or Boone Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Boone is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Playa del Carmen is a perfect choice. You'll find a huge number of luxury resorts in the area, particularly along the beach. There are fancy pools and beachfront properties that offer the perfect vacation retreat.

Boone is not a resort destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Boone Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Boone is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Playa del Carmen is not to be missed. There's not a lot to see right off of the beach, but there are plenty of snorkeling excursions in the area that take you to beautiful reefs. The diving is world class as well and you'll find wonderful reefs, bull sharks, and hidden gems.

Boone is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Boone Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for the beach. However, Boone is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Playa del Carmen is a very popular vacation destination. The area is filled with world class beaches, long stretches of white sand, and beautiful blue water. You might even stumble across a sea turtle or two while you're swimming.

Boone is not a beach destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Boone Better for Hiking?

Boone is a great destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Boone. The area is filled with wonderful hikes, particularly around Grandfather Mountain and along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The famed Appalachian Trail passes through the area as well. Many hikes take you through beautiful forests, passed dramatic waterfalls, and to breathtaking viewpoints.

Many people include a hike when visiting Playa del Carmen. There are well marked trails in the area that get you out in nature or take you along the coastline.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or Boone?

Boone is a great destination for its shopping areas. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Boone. Wander along King Street for some of the town's best shopping. There are independent vendors and antique shops that are fun to pop into. The town is also known for its farmer's markets.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Playa del Carmen. Much of the shopping is geared towards the tourists, but you'll find some local items, interesting galleries, and colorful markets to explore.

Is Playa del Carmen or Boone More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of great scenery and beauty in both Playa del Carmen and Boone.

With stunning beauty, Playa del Carmen attracts visitors from all around. From beautiful beaches to inland jungles, this is a truly stunning destination.

Boone is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The surrounding area is filled with great natural beauty and wonderful hikes.

Is Playa del Carmen or Boone Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Boone is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

Playa del Carmen is one of the most popular family destinations. From eco parks to kid-friendly snorkeling opportunities, there are many activities for kids of all ages. There are also adventure parks and playgrounds that are perfect for a fun afternoon.

Boone is a very family-friendly place to visit. Near town you'll find kid-friendly hikes, such as Linville Falls. There are also several places where kids can go ziplining or rock climbing. Parks and outdoor activities are abundant and the whole family will enjoy the setting.

Is Playa del Carmen or Boone Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for couples. Also, Boone is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Playa del Carmen has plenty to offer. Beautiful beaches and tropical jungles make this a paradise honeymoon destination. You'll find luxury resorts, fine dining restaurants, and countless opportunities to enjoy the stunning setting. Take a sunset cruise of explore one of the many natural wonders in the area.

Boone is a very popular place to visit for couples. The charming town has a romantic setting with local restaurants, beautiful hikes, and plenty of shopping. Couples enjoy staying at bed and breakfasts and enjoying the quaint atmosphere.

Is Playa del Carmen or Boone Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Playa del Carmen and Boone are nice places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Playa del Carmen. It's filled with tourists staying at luxury resorts, but you'll also find a couple of hostels tucked away in town. If you're interesting in scuba diving, then it's well worth the trip.

Boone is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While there aren't many hostels in the area, there are plenty of campgrounds. The nearby Appalachian State University also ensures that there are plenty of fun activities for young visitors.

Is Playa del Carmen or Boone Better for Students?

Boone is an amazing town to visit for students. However, Playa del Carmen is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Boone. This mountain town offers a great setting for students who enjoy hiking and skiing. Appalachian State University is a fun college with plenty of activities going on.

Playa del Carmen is not popular with students.

Is Playa del Carmen or Boone Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Playa del Carmen is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Boone is not known for its public transit.

While Playa del Carmen offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local buses, collectivos and the ADO bus.

Public transit is generally limited in Boone. You really need a car to make the most of your time.

Is Playa del Carmen or Boone a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Boone is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

Playa del Carmen is a very easy town to get around on foot. It's a compact and very walkable town. La Quinta is the main strip and it's pedestrian-only.

Boone is very walkable. Head to King Street for the best shopping and the most pedestrian-friendly part of town.

For even more information, also check out Is Playa del Carmen Worth Visiting? and Is Boone Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Boone or Playa del Carmen?

How long in Playa del Carmen or Boone?

It's fun to spend time in either Playa del Carmen or Boone. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Playa del Carmen due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Playa del Carmen, and 2-4 days is enough time in Boone.

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

Couples should spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Boone. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Playa del Carmen that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

One day in Playa del Carmen or Boone?

In Playa del Carmen, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this scenic destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Boone is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Playa del Carmen or Boone?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Playa del Carmen. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Boone is a small town with plenty to do. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Playa del Carmen or Boone?

Playa del Carmen is a fun place to experience. In Playa del Carmen, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Boone is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

A week in Playa del Carmen or Boone?

In Playa del Carmen, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this vibrant destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Boone is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Playa del Carmen and Boone, we can see that Boone is more expensive. And not only is Playa del Carmen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Playa del Carmen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Playa del Carmen 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 Boone would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boone than you might in Playa del Carmen.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Playa del Carmen Expensive? and Is Boone Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Boone?

Playa del Carmen has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Boone. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Boone, 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.