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

Should you visit Big Sur or Colorado Springs?

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 Colorado Springs can help you decide which place is right for you.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a breathtaking, scenic, and remote natural area. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a healthy, welcoming, and friendly mountain town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Big Sur and Colorado Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Big Sur or Colorado Springs?

Both Colorado Springs and Big Sur have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Big Sur is better known for its beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Colorado Springs is more popular for its skiing, museums, nightlife, hiking, and small town charm. Big Sur is more touristy than Colorado Springs and is popular for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views. Colorado Springs is well known for its many outdoor recreation areas, world-class parks, striking red sandstone formations, and beautiful mountain views.

How is Big Sur different from Colorado Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Big Sur or Colorado Springs Better for Skiing?

Colorado Springs is adequate for skiing. However, Big Sur is not a skiing destination.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Colorado Springs for snow skiing. The town isn't as accessible to skiing as Denver is, but there are still options, like Breckenridge, within a few hours drive.

Big Sur is not a skiing destination.

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

Colorado Springs 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 Colorado Springs. Most people visit this area for the outdoor recreation, not the museums, but in town you'll find the Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum, the Peterson Air and Space Museum, the Western Museum of Mining and Industry, and the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. The U.S. Olympic Complex Training Center is also a unique place to visit and well worth some time.

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 Colorado Springs? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Big Sur and Colorado Springs 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.

Colorado Springs offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There's a combination of local restaurants that serve local items such as trout and bison, as well as your standard chain restaurants and more predictable American classics like burgers, pizza, and chicken fingers.

Is Big Sur or Colorado Springs Better for Nightlife?

Colorado Springs 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 Colorado Springs has a few options to choose from. The town has a number of breweries and a great craft beer selection. There are local bars along Tejon Street, or head through Downtown Colorado Springs for some of the most active nightlife.

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 Colorado Springs Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is a great destination for its beaches. However, Colorado Springs is not a beach destination.

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.

Colorado Springs is not a beach destination.

Is Big Sur or Colorado Springs Better for Hiking?

Colorado Springs is an unbeatable place for hiking. Also, Big Sur is not as popular, but is still a nice natural area for the nearby hiking options.

Many people visit Colorado Springs specifically for its hiking. There are both world-famous hiking areas, as well as lesser known hikes that the locals often prefer. Some of the more famous places include Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and Manitou Incline in Manitou Springs. For families, check out Seven Bridges Trail or Mount Muscoco Trail. Loud's Cabin is a longer trail that also includes Seven Bridges Trail.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Big Sur or Colorado Springs?

Big Sur is not so good for shopping. However, Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Big Sur or Colorado Springs Better for Families?

Colorado Springs 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 Colorado Springs. The town is conveniently located near many outdoor adventures that are family-friendly. There are many parks, hiking trails, and wildlife centers in the area that make for a fun outing. Popular activities include the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the Dinosaur Resource Center, and Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad.

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 Colorado Springs Better for Couples?

Big Sur is terrific for romance. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Big Sur 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.

Colorado Springs makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy hiking and exploring nature together will love visiting this town and the areas nearby. There are many hiking trails in easy reach of the town. Hot air balloon rides are also popular and offer an amazing view over the beautiful landscape.

Is Big Sur or Colorado Springs Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Big Sur and Colorado Springs are notable places to visit.

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

It's common for backpackers to visit Colorado Springs. Just outside of town you'll find campgrounds with all of the amenities that you might need. In town, there's also a hostel and several affordable accommodation options.

Is Big Sur or Colorado Springs Better for Students?

Colorado Springs is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Big Sur is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Colorado Springs. It's a relatively affordable town with easy access to plenty of free activities like hiking, rock climbing, and more.

Big Sur is not popular with students.

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

Neither Big Sur or Colorado Springs offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Big Sur. There is no real public transportation in the area.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Colorado Springs. While there are buses, many people come to the area to visit Pikes Peak or several of the other nearby parks, all of which require a car.

Is Big Sur or Colorado Springs a more walkable city?

Colorado Springs is adequate for its ease of walking around. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its walkability.

Colorado Springs is generally not a very walkable mountain town. While the downtown area is walkable, you'll really want to have a car so you can explore the areas outside of town.

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 Colorado Springs Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Colorado Springs or Big Sur?

How long in Big Sur or Colorado Springs?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Big Sur and Colorado Springs. In our opinion, Colorado Springs has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Colorado Springs than Big Sur. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Big Sur, and 2-3 days is enough time in Colorado Springs.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Colorado Springs 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 Colorado Springs.

One day in Big Sur or Colorado Springs?

You'll find food around the remote destination of Big Sur. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This natural area offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Colorado Springs, you'll find museums and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This mountain 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 Colorado Springs?

You'll find food around the scenic natural area of Big Sur. If you have a weekend, this natural area makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Colorado Springs, you'll find nightlife and 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. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Colorado Springs has to offer.

Five days in Big Sur or Colorado Springs?

Big Sur is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Colorado Springs is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this 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 Colorado Springs?

Big Sur is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Colorado Springs. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Colorado Springs. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

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

When is the best time to visit Big Sur or Colorado Springs?

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 Colorado Springs in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Big Sur as well as Colorado Springs. The summer months attract visitors to Big Sur because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Colorado Springs this time of year.

In the summer, Big Sur is cooler than Colorado Springs. Typically, the summer temperatures in Big Sur in July average around 63°F (17°C), and Colorado Springs averages at about 71°F (22°C).

Big Sur usually gets less rain in July than Colorado Springs. Big Sur gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Big Sur or Colorado Springs in the Autumn?

Both Colorado Springs and Big Sur are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Big Sur this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Colorado Springs for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Big Sur is generally much warmer than Colorado Springs. Daily temperatures in Big Sur average around 62°F (17°C), and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In October, Big Sur usually receives less rain than Colorado Springs. Big Sur gets 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Big Sur or Colorado Springs in the Winter?

Both Colorado Springs and Big Sur during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Big Sur for the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Colorado Springs in the winter for the skiing, the museums, and the cuisine.

Colorado Springs can get quite cold in the winter. Big Sur is much warmer than Colorado Springs in the winter. The daily temperature in Big Sur averages around 51°F (11°C) in January, and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 26°F (-3°C).

Big Sur usually gets more rain in January than Colorado Springs. Big Sur gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.3 inches (8 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Big Sur or Colorado Springs in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Big Sur and Colorado Springs. Many visitors come to Big Sur in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Colorado Springs for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Big Sur is much warmer than Colorado Springs. Typically, the spring temperatures in Big Sur in April average around 56°F (13°C), and Colorado Springs averages at about 45°F (7°C).

In April, Big Sur usually receives around the same amount of rain as Colorado Springs. Big Sur gets 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Colorado Springs and Big Sur