A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Adirondack Mountains vs. Big Sur for Couples, Hiking, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Adirondack Mountains or Big Sur?

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

Should I visit Adirondack Mountains 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.

Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a pristine, scenic, and serene region. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, skiing, and nightlife.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a scenic, remote, and breathtaking natural area. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food.

Adirondack Mountains and Big Sur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Adirondack Mountains or Big Sur?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Adirondack Mountains. Although Adirondack Mountains and Big Sur are both popular with visitors, Adirondack Mountains has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Adirondack Mountains is more popular for its skiing, museums & sights, nightlife, resorts, and shopping, while Big Sur is known for its beaches and impressive beauty. Adirondack Mountains is popular for its miles of hiking trails, beautiful lakes, and pristine forests. It is also home to Whiteface Mountain. Big Sur is popular for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views.

How is Adirondack Mountains different from Big Sur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Adirondack Mountains or Big Sur Better for Skiing?

Adirondack Mountains is very good for skiing. However, Big Sur is not a skiing destination.

Head to Adirondack Mountains for some great skiing and other winter activities. There are a number of ski resorts in the area with some of the most popular being Whiteface, Titus Mountain, and Oak Mountain.

Big Sur is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Adirondack Mountains or Big Sur?

Adirondack Mountains is very good for its historical sights. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Adirondack Mountains. You can learn about local culture and heritage at any of the museums in the area. At the Adirondack Experience you can visit a vast campus that offers an open-air experience relating to the region's history. Other educational centers in the area include a wildlife center, several art museums, as well as battlefields, forts, and war museums.

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 Adirondack Mountains or Big Sur? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Adirondack Mountains and Big Sur can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Adirondack Mountains. Steakhouses, pancake shops, and local diners all serve up fresh and local dishes. Many visitors like to pack a picnic that they can enjoy along a hiking trail, but if you're looking for a sit down option, there are also plenty of restaurants to choose from.

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.

Is Adirondack Mountains or Big Sur Better for Nightlife?

Adirondack Mountains is very good for its evening party scene. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Adirondack Mountains has a few options to choose from. There are laid back bars and pubs in the area, but for the best nightlife scene, head to Lake Placid.

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 Adirondack Mountains or Big Sur Better for Resorts?

Adirondack Mountains is great for its luxury resorts. However, Big Sur is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Adirondack Mountains. Lodges and inns fill with vacationers who enjoy the pools and scenic settings that many of the resorts offer. Many places have a summer camp atmosphere that feels both wholesome and adventurous.

Big Sur is not a resort destination.

Is Adirondack Mountains or Big Sur Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is notable for the beache. However, Adirondack Mountains is not a beach destination.

Big Sur is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Adirondack Mountains is not a beach destination.

Is Adirondack Mountains or Big Sur Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Adirondack Mountains and Big Sur both have great trails.

Adirondack Mountains is a popular spot for hiking. Trails range from easy to challenging and each passes through beautiful and diverse landscapes. You can climb to scenic viewpoints or explore pristine forests. It's the perfect way to escape into nature for a bit.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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 Adirondack Mountains or Big Sur?

Adirondack Mountains is very good for its shopping areas. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for shopping.

Adirondack Mountains has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Many of the towns have a "general store" where you can pick up souvenirs or local items. There are also local artisan shops and even outlet malls in the area.

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 Adirondack Mountains or Big Sur Better for Families?

Adirondack Mountains 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 Adirondack Mountains. There area is filled with ropes courses, adventure parks, and hiking trails. There are nature centers with information programs for young ones. The kids will also be a enchanted by the waterfalls as the adults are.

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 Adirondack Mountains or Big Sur Better for Couples?

Big Sur is an amazing natural area to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Adirondack Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for couples.

Big Sur makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Adirondack Mountains makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many lodges and inns that are tucked away in the mountains and make for a romantic retreat. Couples will enjoy the hiking and beautiful views. Whether you spend your time cozied up by the fire or out on an adventure, this is a wonderful romantic destination.

Is Adirondack Mountains or Big Sur Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Adirondack Mountains is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Big Sur is not as popular, but is still a nice natural area for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Adirondack Mountains. There are a number of campgrounds and even backcountry camping in the region. The hiking trails and beautiful setting make this a fun place to explore.

It's common for backpackers to visit Big Sur. There are a couple of hostels in the area, but budget travelers often prefer vacation rentals, which are more common.

Is Adirondack Mountains or Big Sur Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Neither Adirondack Mountains or Big Sur offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Adirondack Mountains. There is no real public transportation in the park.

Public transit is quite limited in Big Sur. There is no real public transportation in the area.

Is Adirondack Mountains or Big Sur a more walkable city?

Neither Adirondack Mountains or Big Sur are walkable places.

Adirondack Mountains is not a walkable region. While there are many hiking trails, to get around and access most destinations, you'll need a car.

Big Sur is not a very walkable region. 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 Adirondack Mountains Worth Visiting? and Is Big Sur Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Big Sur or Adirondack Mountains?

How long in Adirondack Mountains or Big Sur?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Adirondack Mountains and Big Sur. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Adirondack Mountains than in Big Sur. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Adirondack Mountains, and 1-3 days is enough time in Big Sur.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Adirondack Mountains 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 Adirondack Mountains.

One day in Adirondack Mountains or Big Sur?

In Adirondack Mountains, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This region offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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 Adirondack Mountains or Big Sur?

In Adirondack Mountains, you'll find museums and skiing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

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 Adirondack Mountains or Big Sur?

Adirondack Mountains 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 Adirondack Mountains has to offer. 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 Adirondack Mountains or Big Sur?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Adirondack Mountains. In Adirondack Mountains, you'll find nightlife and food. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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 Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

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

When is the best time to visit Adirondack Mountains 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 Adirondack Mountains or Big Sur in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Adirondack Mountains as well as Big Sur. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Adirondack Mountains this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Big Sur for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Adirondack Mountains is a little warmer than Big Sur. Typically, the summer temperatures in Adirondack Mountains in July average around 71°F (22°C), and Big Sur averages at about 63°F (17°C).

Adirondack Mountains usually gets more rain in July than Big Sur. Adirondack Mountains gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Adirondack Mountains or Big Sur in the Autumn?

Both Big Sur and Adirondack Mountains are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Adirondack Mountains for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Big Sur in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Adirondack Mountains is generally much colder than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Adirondack Mountains average around 49°F (9°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In October, Adirondack Mountains usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Adirondack Mountains gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Adirondack Mountains or Big Sur in the Winter?

Both Big Sur and Adirondack Mountains during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Adirondack Mountains in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Big Sur for the cuisine during these months.

Adirondack Mountains can get quite cold in the winter. Adirondack Mountains is much colder than Big Sur in the winter. The daily temperature in Adirondack Mountains averages around 18°F (-8°C) in January, and Big Sur fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Adirondack Mountains usually gets more rain in January than Big Sur. Adirondack Mountains gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Adirondack Mountains or Big Sur in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Adirondack Mountains and Big Sur. Most visitors come to Adirondack Mountains for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Big Sur because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Adirondack Mountains is much colder than Big Sur. Typically, the spring temperatures in Adirondack Mountains in April average around 46°F (8°C), and Big Sur averages at about 56°F (13°C).

In April, Adirondack Mountains usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Adirondack Mountains gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Big Sur and Adirondack Mountains