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

Should you visit Big Sur or Avon?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Big Sur and Avon can help you decide which place is right for you.

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.

Avon

Avon is a active, outdoorsy, and scenic town. It's also popular because of the hiking, skiing, and nightlife.

Big Sur and Avon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Big Sur or Avon?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Avon than Big Sur, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Avon is better known for its skiing, museums, nightlife, resorts, and shopping, while Big Sur is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Big Sur is well known for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views. Avon is well known for it's affordable accommodation options and its access to Beaver Creek Ski Resort. Also, Avon is famous for Avon Recreation Center.

How is Big Sur different from Avon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Big Sur or Avon Better for Skiing?

Avon is great for skiing. However, Big Sur is not a skiing destination.

Avon draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. Beaver Creek is the main ski area near town and it's about a mile away. The town of Avon is below Beaver Creek and is located beside an interstate.

Big Sur is not a skiing destination.

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

Avon 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 Avon specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. While there aren't a ton of museums in the area, it's worth checking out the Walking Mountains Science Center.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Big Sur and Avon can be an enjoyable experience.

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.

Avon offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are casual eateries where you can grab a bite to eat, whether you're in the mood for Chinese, pizza, or burgers.

Is Big Sur or Avon Better for Nightlife?

Avon 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 Avon has a few options to choose from. It's a small town but there are some bars and lively pubs where you can enjoy cold drinks.

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 Big Sur or Avon Better for Resorts?

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

Avon has a few great resort options. There are the typical chain resort options, many with beautiful mountain views.

Big Sur is not a resort destination.

Is Big Sur or Avon Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is notable for its beaches. However, Avon is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Big Sur for it's beautiful 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.

Avon is not a beach destination.

Is Big Sur or Avon Better for Hiking?

Big Sur is notable for the nearby hiking options. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good 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.

Avon is a good destination for hiking. There are paved trails and recreational paths through town that are great for both hiking and biking. The main ones are Eagle Valley Trail and the trails in West Avon Preserve.

Is the Shopping Better in Big Sur or Avon?

Avon is adequate for its shopping areas. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for shopping.

Avon has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There aren't a ton of shopping opportunities in town, but there are enough shops around in case you need to pick up necessities or buy a gift.

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 Big Sur or Avon Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Big Sur or Avon.

Big Sur offers lots of family activities. 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.

Avon is a family-friendly place to visit. There are parks and playgrounds around town and there's easy access to the Beaver Creek Ski Resort. There's also plenty of hiking in the area.

Is Big Sur or Avon Better for Couples?

Big Sur is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its romantic activities.

Big Sur is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Avon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While avid skiers prefer to stay at nearby Beaver Creek, the town of Avon offers a good alternative.

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

Big Sur is a good destination for backpackers. However, Avon is a mediocre town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Avon is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers prefer to stay closer to the ski facilities.

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

Avon 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 Avon offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are shuttles and buses that travel through town and to Beaver Creek.

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

Is Big Sur or Avon a more walkable city?

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

Avon is a somewhat walkable town. The town center is small and there are paved walking trails that you can use. It's possible to walk to restaurants or the recreation center, depending on where you're staying.

Big Sur is not a walkable natural area. 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 Big Sur Worth Visiting? and Is Avon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Avon or Big Sur?

How long in Big Sur or Avon?

It's fun to spend time in either Big Sur or Avon. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Avon due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Big Sur, and 2-4 days is enough time in Avon.

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

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

One day in Big Sur or Avon?

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Big Sur. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Avon, you'll find food and skiing. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Big Sur or Avon?

Big Sur is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Avon, you'll find skiing and nightlife. 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 Avon has to offer.

Five days in Big Sur or Avon?

You'll find food around the breathtaking destination of Big Sur. This natural area offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Avon 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.

A week in Big Sur or Avon?

The scenic natural area of Big Sur offers food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Avon. Many people enjoy the food and skiing when visiting Avon. 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 Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.

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