A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Puerto Vallarta vs. Galveston for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Puerto Vallarta or Galveston?

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 Galveston can help you decide which place is right for you.

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a laid-back, cultural, and coastal town. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Puerto Vallarta travel costs.

Galveston

Galveston is a coastal, historic, and charming town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Galveston travel costs.

Puerto Vallarta and Galveston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Puerto Vallarta or Galveston?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Puerto Vallarta than Galveston, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Puerto Vallarta is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Galveston is known for its museums and attractions, historical sights, and small town charm. Puerto Vallarta is popular for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. It is also home to the Malecon. Galveston is popular for its long history that is centered around the shipping industry and hurricanes.

How is Puerto Vallarta different from Galveston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Galveston is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Galveston specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. With its long history and Victorian homes, there are a number of museums around town. A favorite mansion is the 1892 Bishop's Palace. There's also the Galveston Railroad Museum and the Galveston Arts Center.

Puerto Vallarta is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a number of historical sights around town like Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish.

Is the Food Better in Puerto Vallarta or Galveston? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Puerto Vallarta is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Galveston is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Puerto Vallarta has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Galveston area. There's a great mix of seafood and Texas favorites. Seafood-lovers will enjoy the oysters, crab cakes, and po boys while land-lovers will like the brisket, Tex Mex, and Texas chili.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Galveston Better for Nightlife?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Galveston are very good when it comes to partying.

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.

Galveston has a large number of nightlife venues. There's a bit of a party town vibe in the evenings. Head to Pleasure Pier for rides and entertainment. The town also has taverns, lounges, and bars that you can check out.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Galveston Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta is an amazing town to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Galveston is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Puerto Vallarta is a perfect choice. There are many different places to stay from all-inclusive resorts to high end hotels or beachfront properties.

Galveston is not a resort destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Galveston Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Puerto Vallarta is great for its diving and snorkeling. However, Galveston is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Puerto Vallarta. 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.

Galveston is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Galveston Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta is great for the beach. Also, Galveston is not as popular, but is still a nice town for the beach.

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.

Galveston has a beach worth visiting. There are miles of beaches that spread out from town. Some of the best include Babe's Beach, Stewart Beach, and Crystal Beach. Because of the proximity to the Mississippi River, the water can be a bit murky, but the beaches are still fun.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Galveston Better for its Old Town?

Galveston is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Puerto Vallarta does not have a historic old town.

Galveston offers a nice historic old town area. The East End Historic District is filled with historic mansions with beautiful porches. It's possible to take a tour or you could explore independently.

Puerto Vallarta does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Puerto Vallarta or Galveston?

Puerto Vallarta is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, Galveston is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its shopping areas.

Puerto Vallarta is well-known for its shopping. There's a mix of shopping malls, open-air markets, boutiques, and international brands.

Many visitors go to Galveston to go shopping. There are plenty of places to pick up souvenirs like shell jewelry or t-shirts. There are also more eclectic shops as well as shopping centers and malls.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Galveston Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Puerto Vallarta or Galveston.

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.

Galveston is a very family-friendly destination. Head to Pier 21 where you'll find museums, harbor tours, and other kid-friendly activities. The city also offers a number of pirate-themed activities that kids enjoy as well as spooky ghost tours. For a bit of a thrill you can check out the rides at Galveston Pleasure Pier. And, of course, there are the beaches.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Galveston Better for Couples?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Galveston are very good 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.

Galveston makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The Historic District is the perfect place to enjoy a nice meal and soak up the charm. The area's beaches and parks also offer a bit of romance and there are plenty of outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, or swimming.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Galveston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Puerto Vallarta is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Galveston is not a good destination for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Puerto Vallarta. There are hostels around, as well as many adventure sports or thrilling activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Galveston is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The beaches are great, but most backpackers don't think to visit Galveston.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Galveston Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Puerto Vallarta is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Galveston is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Puerto Vallarta offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are blue, green or orange buses that travel around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Galveston. While there are buses and trolley buses, a car is the best way to get around with the greatest flexibility and convenience.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Galveston a more walkable city?

Puerto Vallarta is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Galveston is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its ease of walking around.

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

Galveston is a somewhat walkable town. There are some walkable areas such as the Historic District.

For even more information, also check out Is Puerto Vallarta Worth Visiting? and Is Galveston Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Galveston or Puerto Vallarta?

How long in Puerto Vallarta or Galveston?

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

Families should spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than Galveston. 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 Galveston. 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 Galveston 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 Galveston?

You'll find nightlife and food around the town of Puerto Vallarta. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The historic destination of Galveston offers nightlife and food. 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 Galveston?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the cultural destination of Puerto Vallarta. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

The town of Galveston offers food and shopping. 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 Galveston?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the colorful town of Puerto Vallarta. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

Galveston is a great place to explore. 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 Galveston?

Puerto Vallarta is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Galveston. 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 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 Puerto Vallarta and Galveston, we can see that Galveston is more expensive. And not only is Puerto Vallarta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Puerto Vallarta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Puerto Vallarta 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 Galveston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Galveston than you might in Puerto Vallarta.

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 Galveston Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Puerto Vallarta or Galveston?

Puerto Vallarta has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Galveston. When comparing the sizes of Puerto Vallarta and Galveston, 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.