A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Puerto Vallarta vs. Carmel-by-the-Sea for Food, Nightlife, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Puerto Vallarta or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Puerto Vallarta and Carmel-by-the-Sea can help you decide which place is right for you.

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a cultural, coastal, and colorful town. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Puerto Vallarta travel costs.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a quaint, charming, and picturesque town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. With stunning beauty, Carmel-by-the-Sea attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping. See Carmel-by-the-Sea travel costs.

Puerto Vallarta and Carmel-by-the-Sea: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Puerto Vallarta or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Puerto Vallarta. Although Puerto Vallarta and Carmel-by-the-Sea are popular destinations, Puerto Vallarta has more sights and attractions for tourists. Puerto Vallarta is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, and scuba diving & snorkeling, while Carmel-by-the-Sea attracts visitors for its small town charm and impressive beauty. Puerto Vallarta is famous for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. It is also well known for the Malecon. Carmel-by-the-Sea is famous for its storybook architecture, its opulent setting, and its popularity with golf enthusiasts.

How is Puerto Vallarta different from Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Carmel-by-the-Sea and Puerto Vallarta. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Puerto Vallarta or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Puerto Vallarta or Carmel-by-the-Sea.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Puerto Vallarta. There are a number of historical sights around town like Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The Carmel Mission is a beautiful and fascinating Spanish mission that dates back to 1770. It's also well worth visiting the nearby Pebble Beach Golf Course. There are also a few fairytale style cottages in the area with some of the most notable being the Hansel cottage, the Gretel cottage, and the Tuck Box cottage.

Is the Food Better in Puerto Vallarta or Carmel-by-the-Sea? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at superb restaurants in both Puerto Vallarta and Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Dining out in Puerto Vallarta is an experience not to be missed. The charming character combined with the authentic local cuisine makes for a wonderful culinary experience. There's everything from taco stands to romantic restaurants that you can try.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Carmel-by-the-Sea. For such a small town there is a huge number of bistros and local cafes. Seafood is popular, but you'll also find international restaurants and more casual eateries.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Nightlife?

Puerto Vallarta is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for nightlife.

Puerto Vallarta offers plenty to do in the evening. You'll find a mix of active clubs, cozy bars, and cosmopolitan cafes. Head to the Romantic Zone or Los Muertos Beach for some of the best places.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's not a late night town, but there are a couple of bars and some decent Happy Hours around town.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta is renowned for its resorts. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a resort destination.

Puerto Vallarta is a world class resort vacation destination. There are many different places to stay from all-inclusive resorts to high end hotels or beachfront properties.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a resort destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Puerto Vallarta is a well-known place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Puerto Vallarta is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. Divers in the area may get to experience once in a lifetime opportunities like diving with manta rays, dolphins, whale sharks, hammerheads, or schools of jacks.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta and Carmel-by-the-Sea are superb choices for a beach vacation.

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are many beaches spread out around town that have soft sand and blue water. Most have all of the amenities you could need. Popular beaches include Playa de los Muertos, Playa Mismaloya, and Playa Conchas Chinas.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's easy to walk to the beach from the village center. Just head down Ocean Avenue and you'll be at a beautiful beach with great scenery, surfing, and fun activities.

Is the Shopping Better in Puerto Vallarta or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Carmel-by-the-Sea are superb shopping destinations.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Puerto Vallarta. There's a mix of shopping malls, open-air markets, boutiques, and international brands.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's easy to walk around the heart of town and pop in the many shops and galleries. The highest concentration of shops is found around the Carmel Plaza which has upscale brands as well as local items.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Carmel-by-the-Sea More Beautiful?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Puerto Vallarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Carmel-by-the-Sea attracts visitors from all around. It's a beautiful town with nice beaches and a European atmosphere.

Puerto Vallarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Families?

Puerto Vallarta is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for its kid-friendly activities.

Puerto Vallarta is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the water parks and thrilling activities, such as Aquaventuras Water Park or Los Veranos Canopy Tour. There's rock climbing and ropes courses at Las Animas Aventura Park. You'll also find horseback riding and even pirate boat tours in the area.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not always a place people visit with their families. Carmel is a good place to let the kids stretch their legs. There are also some good kid-friendly walks in the area.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Couples?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Carmel-by-the-Sea are superb destinations to visit as a couple.

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples looking for a romantic getaway will enjoy sunset boat trips, horseback riding, and adventure sports. There are also many restaurants where you can enjoy a romantic dinner or a refreshing drink.

Carmel-by-the-Sea makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a charming town with a beautiful coastline and plenty of cute hotels that makes for a great romantic getaway. There's wonderful shopping and many great restaurants where you can enjoy a local meal.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Puerto Vallarta is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. There are hostels around, as well as many adventure sports or thrilling activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't any real hostels or accommodation options that appeal to backpackers.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Puerto Vallarta is a town with good options for its public transit. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

Puerto Vallarta has a few public transit options. There are blue, green or orange buses that travel around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Carmel-by-the-Sea. There are a couple of buses, but you can't really depend on them to get around.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Carmel-by-the-Sea a more walkable city?

Puerto Vallarta and Carmel-by-the-Sea both are superb when exploring on foot.

Puerto Vallarta is a very walkable destination. There are several walkable neighborhoods in town such as 5 de Diciembre, el Centro, and Zona Romantica.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is very walkable. The village center is very walkable so it's easy to park you car and shop or walk to the beach.

For even more information, also check out Is Puerto Vallarta Worth Visiting? and Is Carmel-by-the-Sea Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Puerto Vallarta?

How long in Puerto Vallarta or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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

Families should spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Puerto Vallarta, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than Carmel-by-the-Sea. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Puerto Vallarta that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Puerto Vallarta.

One day in Puerto Vallarta or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Puerto Vallarta, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town with plenty to do. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Puerto Vallarta or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

With museums and nightlife around the cultural town of Puerto Vallarta, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Puerto Vallarta or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

With nightlife and food around the cultural destination of Puerto Vallarta, there's plenty to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Puerto Vallarta or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Puerto Vallarta is a popular choice for travelers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Since Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, The Best Luxury Tours to Mexico, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Puerto Vallarta Expensive? and Is Carmel-by-the-Sea Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Puerto Vallarta or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Puerto Vallarta has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Carmel-by-the-Sea. When comparing the sizes of Puerto Vallarta and Carmel-by-the-Sea, 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.