A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Atlanta vs. Big Sur for Couples, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Atlanta or Big Sur?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Atlanta 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.

Atlanta

Atlanta is a diverse, sprawling, and suburban city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a remote, breathtaking, and scenic natural area. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and beaches.

Atlanta and Big Sur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlanta or Big Sur?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Atlanta. Although Atlanta and Big Sur are popular destinations, Atlanta has more sights and attractions for tourists. Atlanta is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Big Sur attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Big Sur is more touristy than Atlanta and is known for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views. Atlanta is famous for its world class aquarium, its role as host of the 1996 Olympic Games, and its influence during the Civil Rights Movement. It is also well known for the Georgia Aquarium.

How is Atlanta different from Big Sur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Atlanta is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Atlanta has many famous sights for visitors. The museums range in topic from history to science and art. The country's largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium, is in Atlanta as well. It's home to whale sharks, stingrays, and a diversity of marine life. Other museums around town include the Atlanta History Center, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the High Museum of Art, the World of Coca Cola, the David J. Sencer CDC Museum, and the Delta Flight Museum. There are also many monuments and sites including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.

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 Atlanta or Big Sur? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Atlanta is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Big Sur is not as popular, but is still a nice natural area for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Atlanta has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's a huge city with a wide selection of restaurants including international, local, and classic southern styles. Fried chicken, biscuits, diner food, and barbecue are all popular. For a classic southern breakfast check out The OK Cafe and for a quintessential Atlanta experience go to The Varsity.

Big Sur offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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 Atlanta or Big Sur Better for Nightlife?

Atlanta is great for its evening party scene. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Atlanta for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is diverse with trendy bars, dance clubs, and huge music halls. There are a number of neighborhoods that each have their own atmosphere. For some of the best nightlife check out the upscale bars in Buckhead, the music venues in Midtown, the hipster vibe in Edgewood, or the laid-back atmosphere in Virginia Highland.

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 Atlanta or Big Sur Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is a great natural area for the beach. However, Atlanta is not a beach destination.

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.

Atlanta is not a beach destination.

Is Atlanta or Big Sur Better for Hiking?

Big Sur is a great natural area for hiking. However, Atlanta is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Big Sur for the hiking trails. 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.

Atlanta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlanta or Big Sur?

Atlanta is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for shopping.

Many people travel to Atlanta specifically to go shopping. There are a number of great shopping districts around town. Atlantic Station is popular with a movie theater and ice skating. Buckhead has boutique and local vendors and Lenox Square has a large shopping mall.

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 Atlanta or Big Sur Better for Families?

Atlanta 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 Atlanta. There is no shortage of playgrounds around town, but a highlight of any trip is a visit to the Georgia Aquarium. It's the largest aquarium in the United States and its home to whale sharks, hammerheads, dolphin shows, and more. It is so much more than just an aquarium, and it truly is a not to be missed experience. Also worth a visit are Zoo Atlanta, the Center of Puppetry Arts, Stone Mountain, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the Lego Discovery Center. If you have the chance to see the Atlanta Braves play, that's also a rewarding experience.

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 Atlanta or Big Sur Better for Couples?

Big Sur is terrific for couples. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Atlanta is a nice destination for couples. It's a big city, so there are a number of date night activities available such as orchestra concerts, theater shows, and fine dining. The city also has many outdoor areas like Lake Lanier and Piedmont Park. The Georgia Aquarium is world class, and there are other amazing museums around town as well.

Is Atlanta or Big Sur Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Atlanta and Big Sur are nice places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Atlanta. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, there are actually a couple of hostels around town and a surprising number of activities worth experiencing. The city's large airport make it a convenient entry point for international travelers.

Big Sur is a good city 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 Atlanta or Big Sur Better for Students?

Atlanta is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Big Sur is not popular with students.

Atlanta is very popular with students. There are a number of universities in town such as Emory, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, and Morehouse College. The city is sprawling, but it's also full of entertainment and activities that students will enjoy.

Big Sur is not popular with students.

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

Atlanta 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 Atlanta. For such a large city, the public transportation system is very limited. MARTA is the main transit authority and there are a few subway lines that cross the city as well as bus routes running around town.

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

Is Atlanta or Big Sur a more walkable city?

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

Atlanta is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the city are walkable, but most of the sights are spread out and require a car to access. Within neighborhoods, there are a few places that are more pedestrian-friendly such as Downtown, Midtown, Virginia Highlands, and Buckhead.

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 Atlanta Worth Visiting? and Is Big Sur Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Big Sur or Atlanta?

How long in Atlanta or Big Sur?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Atlanta and Big Sur. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Atlanta than in Big Sur. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Atlanta, and 1-3 days is enough time in Big Sur.

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

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

One day in Atlanta or Big Sur?

Because Atlanta is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Big Sur, you'll find food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This natural area offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Atlanta or Big Sur?

Because Atlanta is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Atlanta has to offer.

In Big Sur, you'll find food. 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 Big Sur has to offer.

Five days in Atlanta or Big Sur?

Atlanta is a great place to explore. 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.

Big Sur is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the 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.

A week in Atlanta or Big Sur?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Atlanta. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Atlanta. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Big Sur. Many people enjoy the food when visiting Big Sur. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, 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 Atlanta and Big Sur, we can see that Atlanta 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 Atlanta would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Atlanta 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 Atlanta Expensive? and Is Big Sur Expensive?.

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

Both Big Sur and Atlanta are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Atlanta for the city activities 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.

Atlanta is much warmer than Big Sur in the summer. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Big Sur fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It's quite rainy in Atlanta. In July, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Atlanta gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Atlanta or Big Sur in the Autumn?

Both Big Sur and Atlanta during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Atlanta because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Big Sur this time of year.

In the autumn, Atlanta is a little warmer than Big Sur. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Atlanta in October average around 66°F (19°C), and Big Sur averages at about 62°F (17°C).

Atlanta usually gets more rain in October than Big Sur. Atlanta gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlanta or Big Sur in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlanta and Big Sur. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Atlanta this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Big Sur for the cuisine.

In January, Atlanta is generally cooler than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Atlanta average around 45°F (7°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Atlanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Atlanta gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Atlanta or Big Sur in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Atlanta as well as Big Sur. Many travelers come to Atlanta for the activities around the city. Additionally, many visitors come to Big Sur in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Atlanta is a little warmer than Big Sur in the spring. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 65°F (18°C) in April, and Big Sur fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Atlanta receives a lot of rain in the spring. Atlanta usually gets more rain in April than Big Sur. Atlanta gets 4.1 inches (104 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 Atlanta