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

Should you visit Puerto Vallarta or Williamsburg?

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

Puerto Vallarta

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

Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a historic, charming, and quaint town. Williamsburg offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping. See Williamsburg travel costs.

Puerto Vallarta and Williamsburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Puerto Vallarta or Williamsburg?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Puerto Vallarta. Although Puerto Vallarta and Williamsburg are popular destinations, Puerto Vallarta has more sights and attractions for tourists. Puerto Vallarta is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Williamsburg attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Puerto Vallarta is famous for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. It is also well known for the Malecon. Williamsburg is famous for its historic and colonial charm, its award winning amusement parks, and its historical reenactments.

How is Puerto Vallarta different from Williamsburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Colonial Williamsburg is like a living museum with reenactments and historic buildings that date back to the colonial days. In addition to the historic area, there are folk art museums and other historic sights in the area.

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 Williamsburg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

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 Williamsburg. Head to Historic Williamsburg if you want to try some colonial classics. There are historic taverns that maintain their old world charm and serve dishes such as peanut soup and stewed beef. Around town you'll also find casual restaurants with pizza, macaroni and cheese, and burgers.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Williamsburg Better for Nightlife?

Puerto Vallarta is a great destination for its evening party scene. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

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.

Williamsburg doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Despite its student population, there isn't much of a nightlife scene in town. There are restaurants where you can enjoy fine wine or cocktails, but nightclubs and bars are limited.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Williamsburg Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg is not a resort destination.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a great destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Williamsburg Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta is a great destination for the beach. However, Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg is not a beach destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Williamsburg Better for its Old Town?

Williamsburg is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Puerto Vallarta does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Williamsburg is one of the most recognized in the world. Colonial Williamsburg is an impressively maintained area with museums, shops, and taverns. There are live reenactments of historic events as well as blacksmiths, wig shops, and carriage rides. You can wander around without a ticket, but for access to many parts of the historic area you'll need to purchase a pass.

Puerto Vallarta does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Puerto Vallarta or Williamsburg?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Williamsburg are high quality 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 Williamsburg. Charming shops both in the historic area and just outside sell unique items that reflect the city's past. There are souvenirs, food items, cookbooks, and home decor to choose from.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Williamsburg More Beautiful?

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

Williamsburg offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The area's colonial architecture gives it a historic and traditional beauty that appeals to visitors and residents alike.

Puerto Vallarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Williamsburg Better for Families?

Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg is one of the most popular family destinations. Older kids will appreciate the history in the area. For kids of all ages there are a number of amusement parks and water parks such as Great Wolf Lodge, Busch Gardens, and the award winning Water Country USA.

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 Williamsburg Better for Couples?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Williamsburg are high quality 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.

Williamsburg makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Historic Williamsburg is filled with inns and charming restaurants that make this a beautiful destination for couples. There are quaint restaurants that serve colonial food and interesting southern shops with unique trinkets. You can also wander around the campus of William and Mary College.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a great destination for backpackers. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options 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.

Williamsburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a number of restaurants and bars that cater to the student population, but there's little else that attracts backpackers.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Williamsburg Better for Students?

Williamsburg is renowned for students. However, Puerto Vallarta is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Williamsburg. The College of William and Mary has a beautiful campus and students enjoy the charming atmosphere with colonial architecture around town. There are also good restaurants and a great collegiate vibe.

Puerto Vallarta is not popular with students.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a good destination for its public transit. However, Williamsburg is a town 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 Williamsburg. There are buses around town, and they offer access to Historic Williamsburg, but for most places you'll need to have your own car.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Williamsburg a more walkable city?

Puerto Vallarta is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for its walkability.

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

Williamsburg is generally not a very walkable town. Historic Williamsburg and the neighborhoods around the College of William and Mary are all walkable, but if you plan to visit the amusement parks then you'll absolutely need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Williamsburg or Puerto Vallarta?

How long in Puerto Vallarta or Williamsburg?

It's fun to spend time in either Puerto Vallarta or Williamsburg. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Puerto Vallarta due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Puerto Vallarta, and 2-4 days is enough time in Williamsburg.

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

Couples should spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than Williamsburg. 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 Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg?

In Puerto Vallarta, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural town offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The quaint destination of Williamsburg offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Williamsburg?

Puerto Vallarta is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

The town of Williamsburg offers museums and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Williamsburg?

In Puerto Vallarta, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this coastal destination offers. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Williamsburg is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Williamsburg?

Puerto Vallarta is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Williamsburg. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Puerto Vallarta and Williamsburg, we can see that Williamsburg is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Williamsburg Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Puerto Vallarta or Williamsburg?

Puerto Vallarta has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Williamsburg. When comparing the sizes of Puerto Vallarta and Williamsburg, 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.