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

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Kennebunkport?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Kennebunkport? 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. Playa del Carmen is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Playa del Carmen travel costs.

Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a character-filled, charming, and quaint town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. Kennebunkport offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Kennebunkport travel costs.

Playa del Carmen and Kennebunkport: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Playa del Carmen than Kennebunkport, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Playa del Carmen is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Kennebunkport is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, and small town charm. Playa del Carmen is more touristy than Kennebunkport and is popular for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. Also, Playa del Carmen is famous for La Quinta Avenida. Kennebunkport is well known for its historic and charming atmosphere, its wonderful local seafood, and its stunning coastline.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Kennebunkport?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kennebunkport 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 Kennebunkport. There are a handful of local museums around town like the Brick Store Museum, the First Families Kennebunkport Museum, and the Seashore Trolley 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 Kennebunkport? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kennebunkport is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Kennebunkport is an experience not to be missed. Fine dining, seafood restaurants, and local cafes all make this a wonderful town for foodies. The town's famous for its lobster, but you can also try the scallops, crab, or oysters.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Playa del Carmen. 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.

Is Playa del Carmen or Kennebunkport Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen is very popular for nightlife. Also, Kennebunkport is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife and partying.

Playa del Carmen is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Kennebunkport. You can check out the happy hours that many of the bars in the waterfront area host regularly.

Is Playa del Carmen or Kennebunkport Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is very popular for its luxury resorts. Also, Kennebunkport is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Playa del Carmen is a great 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.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Kennebunkport. Luxury resorts and classic inns provide traditional and local accommodation options for visitors.

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

Playa del Carmen is very popular for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Kennebunkport is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Playa del Carmen a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. 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.

Kennebunkport is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Kennebunkport Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is very popular for its beaches. However, Kennebunkport is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Playa del Carmen. 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.

Kennebunkport is not a beach destination. It's lined with rocky and sandy coastlines that are perfect for finding critters at low tide or searching for seashells. Mother's Beach is popular with families and Gooch's Beach is a popular place for walking. Middle Beach is a great spot for climbing over rocks.

Is Playa del Carmen or Kennebunkport Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Playa del Carmen and Kennebunkport both have notable trails.

Playa del Carmen is a good destination for hiking. There are well marked trails in the area that get you out in nature or take you along the coastline.

Many people include a hike when visiting Kennebunkport. There are waterfront walks and coastal trails. There are also trails that wander through forests or past marshland.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or Kennebunkport?

Kennebunkport 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 Kennebunkport. Head to Dock's Square for the best local shops with a charming atmosphere.

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 Kennebunkport More Beautiful?

Playa del Carmen is great for its scenery and beauty. Also, Kennebunkport is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its scenery and beauty.

Playa del Carmen is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. From beautiful beaches to inland jungles, this is a truly stunning destination.

Kennebunkport is a beautiful place to visit, too. It's scenic coastline and dramatic lighthouses make this a beautiful area.

Is Playa del Carmen or Kennebunkport Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kennebunkport is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Playa del Carmen is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Kennebunkport is a very kid-friendly town. You can explore the rocks around Mother's Beach or take the kids out on a lobster boat. There's also a lot of history around Dock's Square and plenty of kid-friendly restaurants in town.

Is Playa del Carmen or Kennebunkport Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is very popular for romance. Also, Kennebunkport is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its romantic activities.

Playa del Carmen makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Kennebunkport is a very popular place to visit for couples. Beaches, romantic hotels, and charming local restaurants make this a perfect couple's destination.

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

Playa del Carmen is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Kennebunkport is not a good destination for backpackers.

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.

Kennebunkport is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You'll find cabins and motels in the area, but no real hostels.

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

Playa del Carmen is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Kennebunkport is not a good destination 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 Kennebunkport. During the summer months there's a Shoreline Trolley that connects towns.

Is Playa del Carmen or Kennebunkport a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is very popular for its walkability. Also, Kennebunkport is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its high level of 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.

Kennebunkport is a somewhat walkable place. It's downtown is compact and particularly walkable.

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

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

How long in Playa del Carmen or Kennebunkport?

It's fun to spend time in either Playa del Carmen or Kennebunkport. 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 Kennebunkport.

Families should spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Kennebunkport. 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 Kennebunkport. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Kennebunkport 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 Playa del Carmen.

One day in Playa del Carmen or Kennebunkport?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the stunning destination of Playa del Carmen. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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.

Kennebunkport is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Kennebunkport?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Playa del Carmen. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

Kennebunkport is a small town with plenty to do. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Kennebunkport?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the stunning destination of Playa del Carmen. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town 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.

Kennebunkport is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Kennebunkport?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the beautiful town of Playa del Carmen. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Kennebunkport is a great place to explore. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Kennebunkport?

Playa del Carmen has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Kennebunkport. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Kennebunkport, 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 Playa del Carmen or Kennebunkport?

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 Playa del Carmen or Kennebunkport in the Summer?

Both Kennebunkport and Playa del Carmen during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kennebunkport this time of year.

In the summer, Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than Kennebunkport. Typically, the summer temperatures in Playa del Carmen in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Kennebunkport averages at about 69°F (20°C).

In Kennebunkport, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the summer, Playa del Carmen often gets less sunshine than Kennebunkport. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kennebunkport receives 282 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in July than Kennebunkport. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Kennebunkport in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Kennebunkport. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kennebunkport for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Playa del Carmen is generally much warmer than Kennebunkport. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 26°C (79°F), and Kennebunkport fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Kennebunkport during autumn. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Kennebunkport receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Playa del Carmen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than Kennebunkport. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to October is the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Kennebunkport in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Kennebunkport. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Kennebunkport in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Kennebunkport can get quite cold in the winter. Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Kennebunkport in the winter. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Kennebunkport fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In the winter, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Kennebunkport. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kennebunkport receives 163 hours of full sun.

Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in January than Kennebunkport. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Kennebunkport in the Spring?

Both Kennebunkport and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Kennebunkport for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Kennebunkport. Typically, the spring temperatures in Playa del Carmen in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Kennebunkport averages at about 43°F (6°C).

It's quite sunny in Kennebunkport. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Kennebunkport during spring. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Kennebunkport receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Kennebunkport. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Kennebunkport and Playa del Carmen