A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Puerto Vallarta vs. Yosemite National Park for Resorts, Backpackers, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Puerto Vallarta or Yosemite National Park?

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 Yosemite National Park 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.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is a breathtaking, popular, and world-famous national park. You'll find world class beauty in Yosemite National Park as well. Other popular activities here include hiking. See Yosemite National Park travel costs.

Puerto Vallarta and Yosemite National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Puerto Vallarta or Yosemite National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Puerto Vallarta. Although Puerto Vallarta and Yosemite National Park are popular destinations, Puerto Vallarta has more sights and attractions for tourists. Puerto Vallarta is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Yosemite National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Yosemite National Park is more touristy than Puerto Vallarta and is known for its stunning hikes, giant Sequoias, breathtaking vistas, and the granite cliffs of Half Dome. Puerto Vallarta is famous for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. It is also well known for the Malecon.

How is Puerto Vallarta different from Yosemite National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Yosemite National Park 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 Yosemite National Park?

Puerto Vallarta is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Yosemite National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Yosemite National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Puerto Vallarta or Yosemite National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Puerto Vallarta is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Yosemite National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

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.

Yosemite National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are a few varied restaurants in the park that offer casual food or packaged meals that you can take away. The food is generally expensive and not always the best, so you'll likely enjoy packing your own picnic food to enjoy within the park.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Yosemite National Park Better for Nightlife?

Puerto Vallarta is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Yosemite National Park is not a good national park 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 Yosemite National Park. There are some bars near the park that make a nice spot to grab a drink.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Yosemite National Park Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta is a world-class destination for its resorts. Also, Yosemite National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park to visit for its luxury resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Puerto Vallarta is a great choice. There are many different places to stay from all-inclusive resorts to high end hotels or beachfront properties.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Yosemite National Park. There are several grand hotels and lodges within the park. Reservations are a must, especially if you're traveling during peak seasons.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Yosemite National Park Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Puerto Vallarta is a well-known place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Yosemite National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting 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.

Yosemite National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Yosemite National Park Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta is a well-known place for the beach. However, Yosemite National Park is not a beach destination.

Puerto Vallarta is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Yosemite National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Yosemite National Park Better for Hiking?

Yosemite National Park is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Puerto Vallarta is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Yosemite National Park specifically for its hiking. This park has many famous hikes that take you by Half Dome, near Yosemite Falls, and through breathtaking landscapes. Popular hikes in the area include Mist Trail to Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall and Mirror Lake Trail.

Puerto Vallarta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Puerto Vallarta or Yosemite National Park?

Puerto Vallarta is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Yosemite National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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

Yosemite National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Yosemite National Park More Beautiful?

Yosemite National Park is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Puerto Vallarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Yosemite National Park as well. This park has a sense of natural beauty that's hard to find anywhere else in the world. The breathtaking landscapes, surreal waterfalls, and stunning granite rock formations are unlike any other park or setting.

Puerto Vallarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Yosemite National Park Better for Families?

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Puerto Vallarta or Yosemite National Park.

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.

Yosemite National Park is a very family-friendly destination. This park has many hikes, climbs, and activities that kids of all ages can enjoy. When the weather's warm the kids will enjoy getting wet in Merced River. They'll also be impressed by the giant sequoias and the beautiful waterfalls. In the evening the staff host ranger programs that are fun and educational for everyone. The park also has kid-friendly camping and lodges.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Yosemite National Park Better for Couples?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Yosemite National Park are great 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.

Yosemite National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy nature, rock climbing, hiking, and being outside will enjoy a visit to this park. There is an endless supply of romantic views and fun-filled activities that are perfect for avid hikers or those looking for a more relaxing travel experience.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Yosemite National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yosemite National Park is renowned for backpackers. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Yosemite National Park is a very popular national park to visit for backpackers. Campgrounds and back country trails make this area a backpacker's paradise.

Puerto Vallarta is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are hostels around, as well as many adventure sports or thrilling activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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

Both Puerto Vallarta and Yosemite National Park offer nice public transit options.

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

Yosemite National Park has some public transit options. There is a free bus service that travels around Yosemite Valley.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Yosemite National Park a more walkable city?

Puerto Vallarta is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Yosemite National Park is not a good national park 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.

Yosemite National Park is generally not a very walkable town. The park is large and a car is necessary to reach many places within the park.

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

Should I spend more time in Yosemite National Park or Puerto Vallarta?

How long in Puerto Vallarta or Yosemite National Park?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Yosemite National Park have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Yosemite National Park than in Puerto Vallarta. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Puerto Vallarta, and 3-7 days is enough time in Yosemite National Park.

Families should spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than Yosemite National Park. 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 Yosemite National Park. 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 Yosemite National Park 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 Yosemite National Park?

The town of Puerto Vallarta offers shopping and museums. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The breathtaking destination of Yosemite National Park offers . People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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 Yosemite National Park?

The laid-back destination of Puerto Vallarta offers museums and nightlife. This town offers something for everyone. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

The national park of Yosemite National Park offers . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Puerto Vallarta or Yosemite National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Puerto Vallarta. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

Yosemite National Park is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. This national park offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Puerto Vallarta or Yosemite National Park?

Puerto Vallarta is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Puerto Vallarta. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

The world-famous national park of Yosemite National Park offers . You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, The Best Luxury Tours to Mexico, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.

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