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

Should you visit Puerto Vallarta or San Antonio?

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 San Antonio can help you decide which place is right for you.

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a colorful, laid-back, and cultural town. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Puerto Vallarta travel costs.

San Antonio

San Antonio is a festive, fun, and historic city. San Antonio offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See San Antonio travel costs.

Puerto Vallarta and San Antonio: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Puerto Vallarta or San Antonio?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Puerto Vallarta than San Antonio. While San Antonio is larger than Puerto Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Puerto Vallarta is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while San Antonio is more popular for its museums and attractions, music, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Puerto Vallarta is more touristy than San Antonio and is known for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. Also, Puerto Vallarta is famous for the Malecon. San Antonio is well known for being the home to the Alamo, the popular RiverWalk area, and several world-class amusement parks.

How is Puerto Vallarta different from San Antonio?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

San Antonio 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 San Antonio specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. It is known for its role in American history, and the city is famous as the location of the Alamo. It's also where you'll find the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park & Mission Trail, the San Antonio Museum of Art, Witte Museum, and the Guinness World Records Museum, among others.

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 San Antonio? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at high quality restaurants in both Puerto Vallarta and San Antonio.

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 San Antonio. You'll find a mix of amazing and authentic Mexican food, simpler Tex Mex, and a number of Hill Country specialties. The city is filled with comfort food and the restaurants reflect the diverse character of the population. Popular local dishes include tacos, sweet potato fries, and chicken fried steak.

Is Puerto Vallarta or San Antonio Better for Nightlife?

Puerto Vallarta is a great destination for nightlife. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Puerto Vallarta know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities San Antonio has a few options to choose from. The city's nightlife scene is diverse, with dance halls, breweries, and clubs. It has seen a recent boom in dance clubs, so there are plenty of places to party hard, or to have a more relaxing night out. The RiverWalk is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene, particularly for tourists. Many conferences stay at hotels near the RiverWalk, so it's not uncommon to see professionals out and about after a day of networking.

Is Puerto Vallarta or San Antonio Better for Music?

San Antonio is very good for its music scene. However, Puerto Vallarta is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in San Antonio. It's worth checking out The Aztec Theater, Sam's Burger Joint, and 502 Bar.

Puerto Vallarta is not a live music destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or San Antonio Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, San Antonio is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Puerto Vallarta for its luxury resorts. There are many different places to stay from all-inclusive resorts to high end hotels or beachfront properties.

San Antonio is not a resort destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or San Antonio Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Puerto Vallarta is a great destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, San Antonio is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near 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.

San Antonio is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or San Antonio Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta is a great destination for its beaches. However, San Antonio is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Puerto Vallarta for it's beautiful 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.

San Antonio is not a beach destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or San Antonio Better for its Old Town?

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

San Antonio offers a nice historic old town area. The city is famous for its River Walk, which may feel slightly cheesy, but is still a unique and mesmerizing place to wander.

Puerto Vallarta does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Puerto Vallarta or San Antonio?

Puerto Vallarta is a great destination for shopping. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Puerto Vallarta is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There's a mix of shopping malls, open-air markets, boutiques, and international brands.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting San Antonio. From souvenir shops to local boutiques and chain stores, there are several shopping options around town. Check out the historic Market Square or the shops at Rivercenter for some of the city's most interesting shopping.

Is Puerto Vallarta or San Antonio More Beautiful?

San Antonio is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Puerto Vallarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

San Antonio offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The RiverWalk feels almost like a European city and its filled with colors and festiveness.

Puerto Vallarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Puerto Vallarta or San Antonio Better for Families?

San Antonio is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

San Antonio is one of the most popular family destinations. The RiverWalk is a fun family-friendly area. There's also Six Flags, SeaWorld and the San Antonio Zoo as well as a number of museums and other amusement parks in the area. It's easy to spend days having a great family vacation in this area and you can combine history, culture, and entertainment all in one setting.

Puerto Vallarta is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Is Puerto Vallarta or San Antonio Better for Couples?

Puerto Vallarta is a great destination for romance. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Puerto Vallarta frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

San Antonio makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy taking a boat ride and exploring the many sites around town. The RiverWalk has many restaurants and a great atmosphere for a date night. There's also the botanical gardens and many outdoor spaces to explore.

Is Puerto Vallarta or San Antonio Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Puerto Vallarta is a great destination for backpackers. However, San Antonio is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Puerto Vallarta. There are hostels around, as well as many adventure sports or thrilling activities that backpackers will enjoy.

San Antonio is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While its not on most backpacker's lists, it does have a fun atmosphere and a social setting.

Is Puerto Vallarta or San Antonio Better for Students?

San Antonio is very good for students. However, Puerto Vallarta is not popular with students.

San Antonio is a good city to visit for students. There are a couple of colleges in the area. This is also a major conference destination so it's possible to network and meet other professionals.

Puerto Vallarta is not popular with students.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a good destination for its public transit. However, San Antonio is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Puerto Vallarta, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are blue, green or orange buses that travel around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in San Antonio. Buses connect most of the city's tourist attractions, but you'll find life much easier if you have your own car.

Is Puerto Vallarta or San Antonio a more walkable city?

Puerto Vallarta is a great destination for its walkability. However, San Antonio is a city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

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

San Antonio is generally not a very walkable town. If you stick to the downtown area you will be fine getting around on foot. Outside of that area, you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in San Antonio or Puerto Vallarta?

How long in Puerto Vallarta or San Antonio?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Puerto Vallarta and San Antonio. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than in San Antonio. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Puerto Vallarta, and 2-3 days is enough time in San Antonio.

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

Couples should spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than San Antonio. 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 San Antonio 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 San Antonio?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the cultural town of Puerto Vallarta. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The historic destination of San Antonio offers live music and food. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Puerto Vallarta or San Antonio?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the colorful destination of Puerto Vallarta. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This town offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

The city of San Antonio 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 San Antonio?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the laid-back town of Puerto Vallarta. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

San Antonio is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Puerto Vallarta or San Antonio?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Puerto Vallarta. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting San Antonio. 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 Photography Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Puerto Vallarta or San Antonio?

San Antonio has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Puerto Vallarta. When comparing the sizes of Puerto Vallarta and San Antonio, 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.