A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Acapulco de Juarez vs. Big Sur for Couples, Beaches, Families, and Food

Should you visit Acapulco de Juarez or Big Sur?

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

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Big Sur? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Acapulco de Juarez

Acapulco de Juarez is a vibrant, built-up, and well-known city. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a remote, breathtaking, and scenic natural area. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include hiking, food, and beaches.

Acapulco de Juarez and Big Sur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Acapulco de Juarez or Big Sur?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Acapulco de Juarez. Although Acapulco de Juarez and Big Sur are popular destinations, Acapulco de Juarez has more sights and attractions for tourists. Acapulco de Juarez is very popular for its museums, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and shopping, while Big Sur attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Acapulco de Juarez is famous for its large hotels, golf courses, and lively bars and clubs. It is also well known for the cliff divers of La Quebrada. Big Sur is famous for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views.

How is Acapulco de Juarez different from Big Sur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Acapulco de Juarez or Big Sur?

Acapulco de Juarez 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 Acapulco de Juarez specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of history and cultural museums in the city that can be a nice way to spend a rainy day.

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 Acapulco de Juarez or Big Sur? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Acapulco de Juarez and Big Sur can be an enjoyable experience.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Acapulco de Juarez area. The local cuisine is influenced by the area's indigenous cultures combined with Hispanic influences. Seafood is common as well.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Big Sur. Most of the restaurants offer a breathtaking view. Many use locally-sourced ingredients and they range in style from fine dining to casual eateries.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Big Sur Better for Nightlife?

Acapulco de Juarez is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for nightlife.

The nightlife in Acapulco de Juarez is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The nightlife scene is part of what originally put this city on the map. Spring break is a prime time for partying and you'll find many bars along Costera Street, with the liveliest around Condesa Beach.

People don't go to Big Sur for the nightlife. There's a taphouse and lounge, but the area is mostly undeveloped with no real nightlife.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Big Sur Better for Resorts?

Acapulco de Juarez is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Big Sur is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Acapulco de Juarez is a perfect choice. You'll find no shortage of resorts in the city, most with large pools and beachfront views.

Big Sur is not a resort destination.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Big Sur Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Acapulco de Juarez is great for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Big Sur is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Acapulco de Juarez. There are plenty of dive shops that offer snorkeling and scuba diving trips to premier spots.

Big Sur is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Big Sur Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Acapulco de Juarez and Big Sur are great choices.

Acapulco de Juarez is considered a top beach destination. The beaches are well developed with restaurants, hotels and bars lining the long stretches of sand. You'll find all kinds of water sports and activities nearby and several of the most popular beaches include Condesa Beach, Caleta Beach, and Icacos Beach.

Big Sur is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Big Sur Better for Hiking?

Big Sur is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Acapulco de Juarez is not a hiking destination.

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.

Acapulco de Juarez is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Acapulco de Juarez or Big Sur?

Acapulco de Juarez is very good for its shopping areas. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for shopping.

Acapulco de Juarez has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find tons of beachside shops where you can pick up any beach supplies you may need as well as souvenirs from your trip. The city also has retail outlets and shopping centers.

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 Acapulco de Juarez or Big Sur Better for Families?

Acapulco de Juarez 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 Acapulco de Juarez. It may have been made famous by spring breakers, but families with kids will find plenty to do as well. There are water parks, playgrounds, museums and, of course, the beach.

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 Acapulco de Juarez or Big Sur Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Acapulco de Juarez and Big Sur make for a world-class place to visit.

Acapulco de Juarez makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Whether you're looking for an active nightlife scene, or romantic sunset walks, then this city has it all. The beach is active and beautiful, there are also botanical gardens and wonderful restaurants to experience.

For those traveling as a couple, Big Sur has plenty to offer. 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.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Big Sur Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Big Sur is a popular place for backpackers. However, Acapulco de Juarez is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Big Sur. There are a couple of hostels in the area, but budget travelers often prefer vacation rentals, which are more common.

Acapulco de Juarez is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are more hotels and resorts than hostels, so most backpackers head elsewhere. There is a young crowd during the spring break season.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Big Sur Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Acapulco de Juarez is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Acapulco de Juarez offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's an elaborate and fun bus system that travels around the city.

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

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Big Sur a more walkable city?

Acapulco de Juarez is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its walkability.

Acapulco de Juarez is a somewhat walkable city. The downtown and beachfront areas are the most walkable and many sights are within a short distance of each other.

Big Sur is not a walkable city. 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 Acapulco de Juarez Worth Visiting? and Is Big Sur Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Big Sur or Acapulco de Juarez?

How long in Acapulco de Juarez or Big Sur?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Acapulco de Juarez and Big Sur. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Acapulco de Juarez than in Big Sur. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Acapulco de Juarez, and 1-3 days is enough time in Big Sur.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Acapulco de Juarez 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 Acapulco de Juarez.

One day in Acapulco de Juarez or Big Sur?

In Acapulco de Juarez, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the remote destination of Big Sur. This natural area offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Acapulco de Juarez or Big Sur?

In Acapulco de Juarez, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Big Sur is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the breathtaking natural area of Big Sur. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Big Sur has to offer.

Five days in Acapulco de Juarez or Big Sur?

Acapulco de Juarez is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Acapulco de Juarez has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Many people enjoy the food when visiting Big Sur. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

A week in Acapulco de Juarez or Big Sur?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Acapulco de Juarez. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Acapulco de Juarez. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Big Sur is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Acapulco de Juarez and Big Sur, we can see that Acapulco de Juarez 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 Acapulco de Juarez would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Acapulco de Juarez 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 Acapulco de Juarez Expensive? and Is Big Sur Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Acapulco de Juarez or Big Sur?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Big Sur in the Summer?

Both Big Sur and Acapulco de Juarez during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Acapulco de Juarez this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Big Sur for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Acapulco de Juarez is much warmer than Big Sur in the summer. The daily temperature in Acapulco de Juarez averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Big Sur fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Acapulco de Juarez. Acapulco de Juarez usually gets more rain in July than Big Sur. Acapulco de Juarez gets 209 mm (8.2 in) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Big Sur in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Acapulco de Juarez and Big Sur. Many travelers come to Acapulco de Juarez for the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Big Sur in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Acapulco de Juarez is much warmer than Big Sur. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez in October average around 28°C (83°F), and Big Sur averages at about 62°F (17°C).

Acapulco de Juarez gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Acapulco de Juarez usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Acapulco de Juarez gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Big Sur in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Acapulco de Juarez as well as Big Sur. Many visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Big Sur for the cuisine during these months.

In January, Acapulco de Juarez is generally much warmer than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez average around 26°C (79°F), and Big Sur fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Acapulco de Juarez usually gets less rain in January than Big Sur. Acapulco de Juarez gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Big Sur receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Big Sur in the Spring?

Both Big Sur and Acapulco de Juarez are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Big Sur because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Acapulco de Juarez is much warmer than Big Sur in the spring. The daily temperature in Acapulco de Juarez averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Big Sur fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In April, Acapulco de Juarez usually receives less rain than Big Sur. Acapulco de Juarez gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Big Sur receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Big Sur and Acapulco de Juarez