A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tulum vs. Carmel-by-the-Sea for Attractions, Nightlife, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Tulum or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tulum and Carmel-by-the-Sea can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Tulum

Tulum is a archeological, tropical, and active town. With stunning beauty, Tulum attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Tulum travel costs.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a charming, picturesque, and quaint town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. Carmel-by-the-Sea is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping. See Carmel-by-the-Sea travel costs.

Tulum and Carmel-by-the-Sea: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Tulum than Carmel-by-the-Sea, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Tulum is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Carmel-by-the-Sea is more popular for its small town charm. Tulum is more touristy than Carmel-by-the-Sea and is known for its archeological sights, beautiful beaches, and dramatic cenotes. Also, Tulum is famous for the Tulum archeological ruins. Carmel-by-the-Sea is well known for its storybook architecture, its opulent setting, and its popularity with golf enthusiasts.

How is Tulum 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 Tulum. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Tulum is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Tulum on the map. It's famous for its world-renowned archeological ruins. The Tulum Archeological Site is very popular for its Mayan temples and castles. You can also travel a bit further to see the Cobá Ruins.

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 Tulum or Carmel-by-the-Sea? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Tulum and Carmel-by-the-Sea.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Tulum makes for a great culinary experience. Despite being well established as a top tourist destination in Mexico, you'll still find authentic and delicious local cuisine. Favorite dishes around town include the ceviche, tacos al pastor, and sopa de lima (chicken soup).

Carmel-by-the-Sea has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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 Tulum or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Nightlife?

Tulum is renowned for its evening party scene. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for nightlife.

Tulum is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. It's world renowned for its wild nightlife scene and you'll find iconic beach parties, jungle raves, and trendy Tuluminati parties. Most of the local places that are a bit more affordable are in town, and the more touristy and expensive places are around the Middle Beach Zone.

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 Tulum or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Resorts?

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

Tulum is a world class resort vacation destination. If you're on a budget, you can stay in town for a more reasonable price, but if you want a classic beach vacation, head to the Zona Hotelera stretch along the coast. There are luxury hotels as well as resorts with beachfront pools and luxury restaurants.

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

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

Tulum is renowned for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Tulum is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. The water along the coast is shallow and clear, which is perfect for snorkeling. There are also dive trips that take you a short distance out to diverse and beautiful reefs.

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

Is Tulum or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Beaches?

Tulum is renowned for the beach. Also, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its beaches.

Tulum is considered to be a world-class beach destination. World class beaches with turquoise water and long stretches of sand make this a true beach-lovers paradise. Playa Paraíso is a favorite beach in the area and many consider it among the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.

Many people visit Carmel-by-the-Sea for it's beautiful beaches. 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 Tulum or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Hiking?

Tulum is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a hiking destination.

Tulum is a popular spot for hiking. There are coastal walks and routes that take you through the jungle or by archeological ruins. There are many places where you can enjoy a stroll through nature.

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

Is the Shopping Better in Tulum or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Both Tulum and Carmel-by-the-Sea are great shopping destinations.

Tulum is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Quirky souvenir shops, local artisan boutiques, and colorful bazaars make shopping a fun experience. Make sure you check out Mercado Maya or the Tulum Bazaar while you're in town.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is well-known for its shopping. 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 Tulum or Carmel-by-the-Sea More Beautiful?

Tulum and Carmel-by-the-Sea both are comparable with their great scenery and beauty.

Tulum is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Clear blue water, sandy beaches, jungle covered archeological ruins, and hidden cenotes make this a stunningly beautiful place to visit.

The beauty of Carmel-by-the-Sea is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It's a beautiful town with nice beaches and a European atmosphere.

Is Tulum or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Families?

Tulum 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.

Tulum is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the beaches and archeological sights as much as adults. You can also visit a cenote or see the sea turtles at Akumal Bay. If you're open to getting out of town, there are many adventure parks in the area as well.

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 Tulum or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Couples?

Tulum is renowned for couples. Also, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

Tulum is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Beautiful beaches, world famous archeological sights, and a wild nightlife scene make this a great honeymoon or couple's destination. There are also spas, cenotes, and even cooking classes that you can take together.

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 Tulum or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Tulum is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. It's no longer an undiscovered backpacker paradise, but there are still affordable options in the area and there's a great nightlife scene.

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

Tulum 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.

Tulum has a few public transit options. There are shared vans, Collectivos, that provide transportation through the area. The Tiburon is also a local bus that runs along the coastline.

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 Tulum or Carmel-by-the-Sea a more walkable city?

Tulum and Carmel-by-the-Sea both are great when exploring on foot.

Tulum is very walkable. It's easy to walk around downtown Tulum and explore on foot.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very walkable town. 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 Tulum Worth Visiting? and Is Carmel-by-the-Sea Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Tulum or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tulum 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 Tulum.

One day in Tulum or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Tulum, 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.

Even though Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It's also a great beach destination, too. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Tulum or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

With museums and nightlife around the active town of Tulum, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Carmel-by-the-Sea. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tulum or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

With nightlife and food around the archeological destination of Tulum, 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 fun place to experience. Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Tulum or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Tulum 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in 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 Tulum and Carmel-by-the-Sea, we can see that Tulum 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 Tulum would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tulum 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 Tulum Expensive? and Is Carmel-by-the-Sea Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tulum or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Tulum has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Carmel-by-the-Sea. When comparing the sizes of Tulum 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.

When is the best time to visit Tulum or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Tulum or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Summer?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Tulum because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Carmel-by-the-Sea this time of year.

In July, Tulum is generally much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 28°C (83°F), and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It's quite rainy in Tulum. In July, Tulum usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tulum or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Autumn?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Tulum during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Tulum this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Tulum is much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually gets more rain in October than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Tulum. June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. Keep in mind that June to October is the hurricane season in Tulum.

Should I visit Tulum or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Many travelers come to Tulum for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Tulum is much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tulum in January average around 23°C (74°F), and Carmel-by-the-Sea averages at about 51°F (11°C).

In January, Tulum usually receives around the same amount of rain as Carmel-by-the-Sea. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tulum or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Carmel-by-the-Sea. Many visitors come to Tulum in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Tulum is generally much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 27°C (81°F), and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Tulum usually gets more rain in April than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Tulum is the dry season. June to October in Tulum is the rainy season. Also, June to October in Tulum is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Carmel-by-the-Sea and Tulum