A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Acadia National Park vs. Big Sur for Couples, Beaches, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Acadia National Park or Big Sur?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Acadia National Park or Big Sur, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a scenic, picturesque, and beautiful national park. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches and hiking.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a remote, breathtaking, and scenic natural area. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and beaches.

Acadia National Park and Big Sur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Acadia National Park or Big Sur?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Big Sur. Although Acadia National Park and Big Sur are popular destinations, Big Sur has more sights and attractions for tourists. Big Sur is very popular for its food, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Acadia National Park attracts visitors for its museums. Acadia National Park is famous for its scenic drives, beautiful fall foliage, and cross country skiing in the winter. Big Sur is famous for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views. It is also well known for Bixby Bridge.

How is Acadia National Park different from Big Sur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Big Sur and Acadia National Park. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Acadia National Park or Big Sur?

Acadia National Park is adequate for its historical sights. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

While most people don't head to Acadia National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are educational centers and Ranger Programs at the visitor centers in the park.

Big Sur offers a few options for museum-goers. Nature is what brings visitors to the area, so most people don't prioritize museums or manmade landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Acadia National Park or Big Sur? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Big Sur is a nice place to visit for its restaurants. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Big Sur is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Most of the restaurants offer a breathtaking view. Many use locally-sourced ingredients and they range in style from fine dining to casual eateries.

Acadia National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There's one restaurant in the park, the Jordan Pond House Restaurant, which serves lunch and dinner between mid-May and October. Many visitors prefer to bring their own food and enjoy meals at one of the six picnic areas.

Is Acadia National Park or Big Sur Better for Nightlife?

Neither Acadia National Park or Big Sur offer decent nightlife.

Acadia National Park doesn't offer many options. The park is more about sunsets and stargazing than lively nightlife parties.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Big Sur. There's a taphouse and lounge, but the area is mostly undeveloped with no real nightlife.

Is Acadia National Park or Big Sur Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is a very popular place for the beach. Also, Acadia National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Big Sur. The coastline and beaches are dramatic and beautiful, particularly Pfeiffer Beach, which has a dramatic waterfall. The water is filled with rip tides and strong currents, so swimming isn't advisable in most places.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Acadia National Park. There is one oceanside beach in the park, Sand Beach, as well as two lakefront beaches, Echo Lake Beach and Lake Wood. Many visitors enjoy swimming during the warmer months.

Is Acadia National Park or Big Sur Better for Hiking?

Acadia National Park and Big Sur are both places where visitors can find excellent hiking trails.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Acadia National Park. With 158 miles of hiking trails, this is a favorite activity for visitors to the park. There are diverse habitats that trails pass through including forests, estuaries, and coastal settings.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Big Sur. The dramatic hikes take you along the coastline, to beautiful beaches and through Redwood forests. There are a number of state parks along the route and some of the best hikes include Salmon Creek Trail, Pacific Valley Bluff Trail, and Ragged Point Cliffside Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Acadia National Park or Big Sur?

Neither Acadia National Park or Big Sur offer decent shopping options.

Shopping in Acadia National Park can be found for those interested. There are several park stores near visitor centers and campgrounds.

Big Sur has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are some galleries and gift shops, but most visitors aren't in the area to go shopping.

Is Acadia National Park or Big Sur Better for Families?

Acadia National Park is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Big Sur is not as popular, but is still a nice natural area for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Acadia National Park. There are campgrounds and games that kids will enjoy. There are also Ranger Programs and hiking trails that are great for kids of all ages.

Big Sur is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the hiking and beaches, particularly the Carmel Lagoon at Carmel River State Beach. There are a number of state parks where kids can run around and stretch their legs.

Is Acadia National Park or Big Sur Better for Couples?

Big Sur is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Acadia National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Big Sur has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Stunning viewpoints and breathtaking coastline make this a wonderful destination for couples. There are romantic inns and impressive hikes along the water's edge or through the dramatic Redwoods.

Acadia National Park is a nice destination for couples. The natural beauty and scenic trails make this a romantic destination for couples.

Is Acadia National Park or Big Sur Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Acadia National Park and Big Sur are both nice destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Acadia National Park. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that attracts hikers and backpackers who enjoy the beautiful natural setting.

Big Sur is a good national park to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in the area, but budget travelers often prefer vacation rentals, which are more common.

Is Acadia National Park or Big Sur Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Acadia National Park is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Acadia National Park. The Island Explorer Shuttle Bus operates between late June and early October.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Big Sur. There is no real public transportation in the area.

Is Acadia National Park or Big Sur a more walkable city?

Acadia National Park is adequate for its ease of walking around. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its walkability.

Acadia National Park is generally not a very walkable national park. There are countless hiking trails, but having a car allows more efficient access to everything that the park has to offer.

Big Sur is not a walkable national park. While there are hiking trails, Big Sur is a stretch of road that runs along the coast and requires a car to fully access.

For even more information, also check out Is Acadia National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Big Sur Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Big Sur or Acadia National Park?

How long in Acadia National Park or Big Sur?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Acadia National Park and Big Sur. In our opinion, Acadia National Park has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Acadia National Park than Big Sur. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Big Sur than Acadia National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Big Sur that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Acadia National Park than Big Sur 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 Acadia National Park.

One day in Acadia National Park or Big Sur?

In Acadia National Park, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This national park offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the beautiful destination of Big Sur. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Big Sur has to offer.

A weekend in Acadia National Park or Big Sur?

In Acadia National Park, you'll find . The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Acadia National Park has to offer.

Big Sur is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this natural area has to offer. This natural area offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Acadia National Park or Big Sur?

Acadia National Park is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Many people visit Big Sur for five days. You'll find food around the beautiful natural area of Big Sur. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Acadia National Park or Big Sur?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Acadia National Park. Many people enjoy the when visiting Acadia National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

The remote destination of Big Sur offers food. Hikers are also drawn to this area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Acadia National Park and Big Sur, we can see that Acadia National Park is more expensive. And not only is Big Sur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Big Sur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Big Sur 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 Acadia National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Acadia National Park than you might in Big Sur.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Acadia National Park Expensive? and Is Big Sur Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Acadia National Park or Big Sur?

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 Acadia National Park or Big Sur in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Acadia National Park and Big Sur. Most visitors come to Acadia National Park for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Big Sur because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Acadia National Park is a little warmer than Big Sur in the summer. The daily temperature in Acadia National Park averages around 69°F (21°C) in July, and Big Sur fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In July, Acadia National Park usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Acadia National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Acadia National Park or Big Sur in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Acadia National Park as well as Big Sur. The autumn months attract visitors to Acadia National Park because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Big Sur this time of year.

In the autumn, Acadia National Park is much colder than Big Sur. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Acadia National Park in October average around 48°F (9°C), and Big Sur averages at about 62°F (17°C).

Acadia National Park usually gets more rain in October than Big Sur. Acadia National Park gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Acadia National Park or Big Sur in the Winter?

Both Big Sur and Acadia National Park are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Acadia National Park this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Big Sur for the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Acadia National Park in the winter. In January, Acadia National Park is generally much colder than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Acadia National Park average around 18°F (-8°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In January, Acadia National Park usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Acadia National Park gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Acadia National Park or Big Sur in the Spring?

Both Big Sur and Acadia National Park during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Acadia National Park for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Big Sur in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Acadia National Park is much colder than Big Sur in the spring. The daily temperature in Acadia National Park averages around 43°F (6°C) in April, and Big Sur fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Acadia National Park usually gets more rain in April than Big Sur. Acadia National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Big Sur and Acadia National Park