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

Should you visit Big Sur or Beaver Creek?

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 Beaver Creek can help you decide which place is right for you.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a breathtaking, scenic, and remote natural area. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and hiking.

Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a adventurous, charming, and active town. It's also popular because of the shopping, skiing, and food.

Big Sur and Beaver Creek: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Big Sur or Beaver Creek?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Beaver Creek than Big Sur, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Beaver Creek is better known for its skiing, theatre productions, food, nightlife, resorts, and shopping, while Big Sur is more popular for its museums, beaches, and impressive beauty. Beaver Creek is more touristy than Big Sur and is known for its skiing and charming atmosphere Also, Beaver Creek is famous for Beaver Creek Golf Club. Big Sur is well known for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views.

How is Big Sur different from Beaver Creek?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Big Sur or Beaver Creek Better for Skiing?

Beaver Creek is an unbeatable place for skiing. However, Big Sur is not a skiing destination.

Beaver Creek is among the world's best ski destinations. Beaver Creek Ski Resort is a top ski destination with 26 lifts and 149 different trails. It climbs to an elevation of 11,440 feet and the village is filled with ski-in/ski-out accommodation. There's also an excellent ski school.

Big Sur is not a skiing destination.

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

Big Sur is mediocre for its historical sights. However, Beaver Creek does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Big Sur. Nature is what brings visitors to the area, so most people don't prioritize museums or manmade landmarks.

Beaver Creek does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Big Sur or Beaver Creek Better for Theater?

Beaver Creek is mediocre for its shows and theatre. However, Big Sur is not a theatre destination.

While not known for its theater, you might be able to find something in Beaver Creek while you're in town. There are a couple of art galleries around town.

Big Sur is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Big Sur or Beaver Creek? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Beaver Creek 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.

Beaver Creek has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are many great dining options where you can enjoy a meal after working up an appetite on the slopes. The cuisine has many mountain classics as well as fine dining and more casual restaurants.

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 Big Sur or Beaver Creek Better for Nightlife?

Beaver Creek is adequate for its evening party scene. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for nightlife.

Beaver Creek doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. You won't find a wild nightlife scene, but most of the activities center around the Vilar Performing Arts Center.

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 Beaver Creek Better for Resorts?

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

Beaver Creek has a few great resort options. There are many resorts in the area including the Westin and the Hyatt.

Big Sur is not a resort destination.

Is Big Sur or Beaver Creek Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is a great natural area for its beaches. However, Beaver Creek 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.

Beaver Creek is not a beach destination.

Is Big Sur or Beaver Creek Better for Hiking?

You'll find excellent hiking in both Big Sur and Beaver Creek.

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.

Beaver Creek is a popular spot for hiking. The surrounding countryside is filled with trails that take you through flowered meadows, along scenic ridgelines, and to the top of dramatic peaks. During the warmer months, hiking is a wonderful way to enjoy the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Big Sur or Beaver Creek?

Beaver Creek is very good for its shopping areas. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for shopping.

Beaver Creek has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The village has pedestrian streets that are lined with fashion boutiques, jewelry stores, sporting equipment stores, and art galleries.

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 Beaver Creek Better for Families?

Beaver Creek is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Big Sur is not as popular, but is still a nice natural area for its family-friendly activities.

Beaver Creek is one of the most popular family destinations. This is one of the most kid-friendly ski resorts in the country. There's a ski and snowboard school where kids can enjoy private or group lessons as well as other fun activities for kids. There are also many family-friendly restaurants in the area.

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 Big Sur or Beaver Creek Better for Couples?

Big Sur is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Beaver Creek is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its romantic activities.

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.

Beaver Creek is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are romantic resorts nearby as well as great adventure sports, skiing, snowboarding, and a beautiful setting.

Is Big Sur or Beaver Creek Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Big Sur is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Beaver Creek is not known for backpackers.

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.

Beaver Creek is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many facilities that cater to backpackers.

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

Beaver Creek 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 Beaver Creek offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There free transportation that's offered by Village Transportation.

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

Is Big Sur or Beaver Creek a more walkable city?

Beaver Creek is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its walkability.

Beaver Creek is a very easy town to get around on foot. It's a quaint little village that is very walkable.

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 Beaver Creek Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Beaver Creek or Big Sur?

How long in Big Sur or Beaver Creek?

Both Big Sur and Beaver Creek have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Beaver Creek than in Big Sur. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Big Sur, and 3-7 days is enough time in Beaver Creek.

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

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

One day in Big Sur or Beaver Creek?

In Big Sur, many people enjoy the food that this breathtaking natural area offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this natural area.

In Beaver Creek, you'll find shopping and skiing. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the 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 Beaver Creek?

Big Sur is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Beaver Creek, you'll find skiing and food. 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. One reason most visitors come is for the skiing. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Big Sur or Beaver Creek?

You'll find food around the scenic destination of Big Sur. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Beaver Creek is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Beaver Creek has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Big Sur or Beaver Creek?

Big Sur is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Beaver Creek. In Beaver Creek, you'll find shopping and skiing. One reason most visitors come is for the skiing. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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 Beaver Creek, we can see that Beaver Creek 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 Beaver Creek would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Beaver Creek 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 Beaver Creek Expensive?.