A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Bar Harbor vs. Big Sur for Couples, Food, Beaches, and Hiking

Should you visit Bar Harbor or Big Sur?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bar Harbor and Big Sur 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.

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a picturesque, relaxed, and quaint coastal town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a breathtaking, scenic, and remote natural area. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

Bar Harbor and Big Sur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bar Harbor or Big Sur?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bar Harbor than Big Sur, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bar Harbor is better known for its food, resorts, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Big Sur is more popular for its museums, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Bar Harbor is well known for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park. Also, Bar Harbor is famous for Acadia National Park. Big Sur is well known for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views.

How is Bar Harbor different from Big Sur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Big Sur is not a good place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Bar Harbor or Big Sur? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bar Harbor 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.

Bar Harbor has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town is famous for its Maine lobster, but there are also countless other types of fresh seafood available. You'll find waterfront restaurants with beautiful views and fresh ingredients.

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 Bar Harbor or Big Sur Better for Nightlife?

Neither Bar Harbor or Big Sur offer decent nightlife.

People don't go to Bar Harbor for the nightlife. It's a peaceful and sleepy town, so you wont find much in the way of nightlife.

Big Sur doesn't offer many options. There's a taphouse and lounge, but the area is mostly undeveloped with no real nightlife.

Is Bar Harbor or Big Sur Better for Resorts?

Bar Harbor is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Big Sur is not a resort destination.

Bar Harbor has a few great resort options. The town is all about the cute hotel. Several favorites include Sand Bar Cottage Inn, Bluenose Inn, and Bar Harbor Inn and Spa.

Big Sur is not a resort destination.

Is Bar Harbor or Big Sur Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is a well-known place for its beaches. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for the beache.

The beaches at Big Sur attract visitors from all over. 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.

Bar Harbor offers a nice beach destination. A nice beach is close by but do note that the sand is very shelly and there is a big difference between high and low tides.

Is Bar Harbor or Big Sur Better for Hiking?

Big Sur is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its hiking trails.

Big Sur is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Bar Harbor offers some nice hiking trails. Nearby Acadia National Park has plenty of hiking options. There's also the Bar Harbor Shore Path that wanders along the coastline and offers beautiful views.

Is the Shopping Better in Bar Harbor or Big Sur?

Bar Harbor is great for its shopping areas. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bar Harbor. Filled with plenty of local boutique shops, its fun to enjoy some shopping around town.

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 Bar Harbor or Big Sur Better for Families?

Both Bar Harbor and Big Sur are notable to visit with kids.

Bar Harbor is a family-friendly place to visit. It is a small town with a lot of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. Whale watching, kayaking, and wildlife spotting are all fun activities for all ages.

Big Sur is a family-friendly coastal town. 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 Bar Harbor or Big Sur Better for Couples?

Big Sur is terrific for romance. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its romantic activities.

Big Sur is a great natural area for couples, as it 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.

Bar Harbor makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It is a quaint coastal town that is perfect for a couple's getaway or a short honeymoon. There are romantic restaurants, scenic walks, and beautiful views that make this a wonderful retreat.

Is Bar Harbor or Big Sur Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Big Sur is a natural area with good options for backpackers. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Bar Harbor is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's a small town with mostly high end accommodation so budget travelers and backpackers will struggle to find a place to stay.

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

Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor. There is a free shuttle bus that will help you get around town if needed.

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

Is Bar Harbor or Big Sur a more walkable city?

Bar Harbor is great for its ease of walking around. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its walkability.

Bar Harbor is a very walkable destination. The town is small enough that it's easily explored on foot.

Big Sur is not a walkable coastal town. 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 Bar Harbor Worth Visiting? and Is Big Sur Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Big Sur or Bar Harbor?

How long in Bar Harbor or Big Sur?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bar Harbor and Big Sur. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Bar Harbor, and 1-3 days is enough time in Big Sur.

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

Couples should spend more time in Big Sur than Bar Harbor. 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 Big Sur than Bar Harbor 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 Big Sur.

One day in Bar Harbor or Big Sur?

Bar Harbor is a small town with plenty to do. This coastal town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With food around the scenic natural area of Big Sur, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Big Sur, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Bar Harbor or Big Sur?

Bar Harbor might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Bar Harbor has to offer.

With food around the destination of Big Sur, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this natural area.

Five days in Bar Harbor or Big Sur?

Bar Harbor 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, a popular natural area, is full of activities for travelers. 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. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Bar Harbor or Big Sur?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bar Harbor. Since Bar Harbor is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

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

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

The summer brings many poeple to Bar Harbor as well as Big Sur. Many visitors come to Bar Harbor in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Big Sur for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Bar Harbor is generally a little warmer than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Bar Harbor average around 69°F (21°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Bar Harbor usually gets more rain in July than Big Sur. Bar Harbor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Big Sur in the Autumn?

Both Big Sur and Bar Harbor are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Bar Harbor for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Big Sur because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Bar Harbor is much colder than Big Sur in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bar Harbor averages around 48°F (9°C) in October, and Big Sur fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In October, Bar Harbor usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Bar Harbor gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Big Sur in the Winter?

Both Big Sur and Bar Harbor during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Bar Harbor because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, the cuisine are the main draw to Big Sur this time of year.

The weather in Bar Harbor can be very cold. In the winter, Bar Harbor is much colder than Big Sur. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bar Harbor in January average around 18°F (-8°C), and Big Sur averages at about 51°F (11°C).

Bar Harbor usually gets more rain in January than Big Sur. Bar Harbor gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Big Sur in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bar Harbor and Big Sur. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Bar Harbor this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Big Sur for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Bar Harbor is generally much colder than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Bar Harbor average around 43°F (6°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In April, Bar Harbor usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Bar Harbor gets 3.3 inches (84 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 Bar Harbor