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

Should you visit Big Sur or Columbia River Gorge?

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 Columbia River Gorge 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.

Columbia River Gorge

Columbia River Gorge is a beautiful, scenic, and natural region. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Big Sur and Columbia River Gorge: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Big Sur or Columbia River Gorge?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Columbia River Gorge than Big Sur, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Columbia River Gorge is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Big Sur is more popular for its beaches and impressive beauty. Big Sur is well known for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views. Columbia River Gorge is well known for its hiking, biking, and high number of waterfalls. Also, Columbia River Gorge is famous for Vista House at Crown Point.

How is Big Sur different from Columbia River Gorge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge?

Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most visitors spend their time exploring the region's natural beauty.

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 Columbia River Gorge? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Columbia River Gorge 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.

Columbia River Gorge has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find many great restaurants in the area that serve local dishes that make use of the region's agricultural scene.

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 Columbia River Gorge Better for Nightlife?

Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge has a few options to choose from. Local breweries, wineries, and bars offer a relaxing setting with a local vibe.

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 Columbia River Gorge Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is a well-known place for its beaches. However, Columbia River Gorge 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.

Columbia River Gorge is not a beach destination.

Is Big Sur or Columbia River Gorge Better for Hiking?

You'll find excellent hiking in both Big Sur and Columbia River Gorge.

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.

Columbia River Gorge is a popular spot for hiking. There are world-class hikes that take you to iconic waterfalls, breathtaking viewpoints, and along scenic waterways.

Is the Shopping Better in Big Sur or Columbia River Gorge?

Columbia River Gorge is very good for its shopping areas. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for shopping.

Columbia River Gorge has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Art galleries feature local artwork and artisan crafts. There are photography shops and other venues that sell items highlighting the region's beauty.

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 Columbia River Gorge Better for Families?

Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge. Kids will love exploring the waterfalls and mountains as much as the adults do. There are kid-friendly hikes as well as bakeries and restaurants with many kid options.

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 Columbia River Gorge Better for Couples?

Big Sur is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Columbia River Gorge is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit 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.

Columbia River Gorge makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will love the romantic hikes and waterfalls. There are also beautiful scenic viewpoints and wonderful restaurants.

Is Big Sur or Columbia River Gorge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Columbia River Gorge is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Big Sur is not as popular, but is still a nice natural area for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Columbia River Gorge. You'll find hostels and campgrounds in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

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

Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge. There are some buses, but don't rely on them to efficiently explore.

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

Is Big Sur or Columbia River Gorge a more walkable city?

Neither Big Sur or Columbia River Gorge are walkable places.

Big Sur is not a very 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.

Columbia River Gorge is not a walkable natural area. You really need a car to explore the area, but some visitors rely on a bike.

For even more information, also check out Is Big Sur Worth Visiting? and Is Columbia River Gorge Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Columbia River Gorge or Big Sur?

How long in Big Sur or Columbia River Gorge?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Big Sur and Columbia River Gorge. In our opinion, Columbia River Gorge has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge.

One day in Big Sur or Columbia River Gorge?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the beautiful destination of Big Sur. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Big Sur has to offer.

In Columbia River Gorge, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This region 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 Columbia River Gorge?

Big Sur is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this natural area has to offer. This natural area offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Columbia River Gorge, 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Columbia River Gorge has to offer.

Five days in Big Sur or Columbia River Gorge?

Many people visit Big Sur for five days. You'll find food around the beautiful natural area of Big Sur. 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.

Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge?

The remote destination of Big Sur offers food. Hikers are also drawn to this area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Columbia River Gorge. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Columbia River Gorge. 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 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 Columbia River Gorge, we can see that Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Big Sur or Columbia River Gorge?

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 Columbia River Gorge in the Summer?

Both Columbia River Gorge and Big Sur during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Big Sur this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Columbia River Gorge for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Big Sur is cooler than Columbia River Gorge. Typically, the summer temperatures in Big Sur in July average around 63°F (17°C), and Columbia River Gorge averages at about 68°F (20°C).

Big Sur usually gets less rain in July than Columbia River Gorge. Big Sur gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Big Sur or Columbia River Gorge in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Big Sur and Columbia River Gorge. Many travelers come to Big Sur for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Columbia River Gorge in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Big Sur is generally a little warmer than Columbia River Gorge. Daily temperatures in Big Sur average around 62°F (17°C), and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

In October, Big Sur usually receives less rain than Columbia River Gorge. Big Sur gets 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Big Sur or Columbia River Gorge in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Big Sur as well as Columbia River Gorge. Many visitors come to Big Sur in the winter for the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Columbia River Gorge for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Columbia River Gorge can be very cold during winter. Big Sur is much warmer than Columbia River Gorge in the winter. The daily temperature in Big Sur averages around 51°F (11°C) in January, and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

It's quite rainy in Columbia River Gorge. Big Sur usually gets less rain in January than Columbia River Gorge. Big Sur gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Big Sur or Columbia River Gorge in the Spring?

Both Columbia River Gorge and Big Sur are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Big Sur for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Columbia River Gorge because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Big Sur is a little warmer than Columbia River Gorge. Typically, the spring temperatures in Big Sur in April average around 56°F (13°C), and Columbia River Gorge averages at about 51°F (11°C).

In April, Big Sur usually receives less rain than Columbia River Gorge. Big Sur gets 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Columbia River Gorge and Big Sur