A Travel Price Comparison for California Big Sur vs. Carmel-by-the-Sea for Couples, Food, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Big Sur or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea can help you decide which place is right for you.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a remote, breathtaking, and scenic natural area. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include hiking, food, and beaches.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a quaint, charming, and picturesque 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. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and beaches.

Big Sur and Carmel-by-the-Sea: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Big Sur or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Although Big Sur and Carmel-by-the-Sea are popular destinations, Carmel-by-the-Sea has more sights and attractions for tourists. Carmel-by-the-Sea is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm, while Big Sur attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Big Sur is famous for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views. Carmel-by-the-Sea is famous for its storybook architecture, its opulent setting, and its popularity with golf enthusiasts. It is also well known for Pebble Beach Golf Course.

How is Big Sur different from Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Big Sur or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea. The Carmel Mission is a beautiful and fascinating Spanish mission that dates back to 1770. It's also well worth visiting the nearby Pebble Beach Golf Course. There are also a few fairytale style cottages in the area with some of the most notable being the Hansel cottage, the Gretel cottage, and the Tuck Box cottage.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Carmel-by-the-Sea 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. For such a small town there is a huge number of bistros and local cafes. Seafood is popular, but you'll also find international restaurants and more casual eateries.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Nightlife?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is adequate for its evening party scene. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for nightlife.

Carmel-by-the-Sea doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's not a late night town, but there are a couple of bars and some decent Happy Hours around town.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Beaches?

Big Sur and Carmel-by-the-Sea are superb choices for a beach vacation.

Big Sur is a very popular place to visit for its 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.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's easy to walk to the beach from the village center. Just head down Ocean Avenue and you'll be at a beautiful beach with great scenery, surfing, and fun activities.

Is Big Sur or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Hiking?

Big Sur is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a hiking destination.

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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Big Sur or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is great for its shopping areas. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's easy to walk around the heart of town and pop in the many shops and galleries. The highest concentration of shops is found around the Carmel Plaza which has upscale brands as well as local items.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Families?

Big Sur is a natural area with good options for its family-friendly activities. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not always a place people visit with their families. Carmel is a good place to let the kids stretch their legs. There are also some good kid-friendly walks in the area.

Is Big Sur or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Couples?

Big Sur is renowned for couples. Also, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a charming town with a beautiful coastline and plenty of cute hotels that makes for a great romantic getaway. There's wonderful shopping and many great restaurants where you can enjoy a local meal.

Is Big Sur or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Big Sur is a natural area with good options for backpackers. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't any real hostels or accommodation options that appeal to backpackers.

Is Big Sur or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea. There are a couple of buses, but you can't really depend on them to get around.

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

Is Big Sur or Carmel-by-the-Sea a more walkable city?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is great for its ease of walking around. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its walkability.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very walkable destination. The village center is very walkable so it's easy to park you car and shop or walk to the beach.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Big Sur?

How long in Big Sur or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Big Sur and Carmel-by-the-Sea. In our opinion, Carmel-by-the-Sea has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Carmel-by-the-Sea than Big Sur. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea.

One day in Big Sur or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

With food around the destination of Big Sur, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town with plenty to do. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This town 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 Big Sur or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

With food around the breathtaking natural area of Big Sur, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Carmel-by-the-Sea 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. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Carmel-by-the-Sea has to offer.

Five days in Big Sur or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the breathtaking destination of Big Sur. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Big Sur or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Big Sur is a popular choice for travelers. Most people come for the beaches. This natural area offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea. Since Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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 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 comparing the travel costs between Big Sur and Carmel-by-the-Sea, we can see that Big Sur is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Big Sur or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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 Big Sur or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Summer?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Big Sur during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Big Sur for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea in the summer for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Big Sur is around the same temperature as Carmel-by-the-Sea in the summer. The daily temperature in Big Sur averages around 63°F (17°C) in July, and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Big Sur usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Carmel-by-the-Sea. Big Sur gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Big Sur or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Big Sur and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Many visitors come to Big Sur in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Big Sur is around the same temperature as Carmel-by-the-Sea. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Big Sur in October average around 62°F (17°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea averages at about 62°F (17°C).

In October, Big Sur usually receives around the same amount of rain as Carmel-by-the-Sea. Big Sur gets 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Big Sur or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Big Sur as well as Carmel-by-the-Sea. Most visitors come to Big Sur for the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Carmel-by-the-Sea because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Big Sur is generally around the same temperature as Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daily temperatures in Big Sur average around 51°F (11°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Big Sur usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Carmel-by-the-Sea. Big Sur gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Big Sur or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Spring?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Big Sur are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Big Sur because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Carmel-by-the-Sea this time of year.

Big Sur is around the same temperature as Carmel-by-the-Sea in the spring. The daily temperature in Big Sur averages around 56°F (13°C) in April, and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In April, Big Sur usually receives around the same amount of rain as Carmel-by-the-Sea. Big Sur gets 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Carmel-by-the-Sea and Big Sur