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

Should you visit Big Sur or Denver?

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 Denver can help you decide which place is right for you.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a scenic, remote, and breathtaking natural area. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food.

Denver

Denver is a accessible, sprawling, and park-filled city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the shopping, skiing, and nightlife.

Big Sur and Denver: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Big Sur or Denver?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Denver. Although Big Sur and Denver are both popular with visitors, Denver has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Denver is more popular for its skiing, museums & sights, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Big Sur is known for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Big Sur is more touristy than Denver and is popular for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views. Denver is popular for serving as a gateway to the Rocky Mountains and the many national parks that are in the area. It is also home to Red Rocks Park.

How is Big Sur different from Denver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Big Sur or Denver Better for Skiing?

Denver is very good for skiing. However, Big Sur is not a skiing destination.

Head to Denver for some great skiing and other winter activities. Although there's no skiing in the immediate area, there is a huge list of world class ski resorts within an hour or two of town. Two of the closest are Echo Mountain Resort and Loveland Ski Area.

Big Sur is not a skiing destination.

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

Denver 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 Denver specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Many people use Denver as a starting or ending point for their mountain and national park trip, but those who linger can visit some of the city's museums and sights. Popular museums include the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, the History Colorado Center, and the Forney Museum of Transportation.

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 Denver? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Big Sur is a nice place to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Denver is not a good city for its restaurants.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Big Sur. Most of the restaurants offer a breathtaking view. Many use locally-sourced ingredients and they range in style from fine dining to casual eateries.

Denver may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. It's a pretty large city, so you'll find some nice local restaurants, but the foodie scene is still emerging in many neighborhoods. A number of restaurants offer outdoor seating, which is nice. You'll also find a growing selection of international restaurants. For something uniquely local, you should try the Bison steak and fried pickles.

Is Big Sur or Denver Better for Nightlife?

Denver 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 Denver has a few options to choose from. The city has come a long way with its nightlife. There's a great craft beer scene and the downtown area has really come to life. Popular bars and clubs in town include the Grizzly Rose and 54Thirty Rooftop. Many places are concentrated in the Soco Nightlife District.

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 Denver Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is a well-known place for the beache. However, Denver 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.

Denver is not a beach destination.

Is Big Sur or Denver Better for Hiking?

Big Sur is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Denver. The city is very close to many beautiful parks and hiking areas in the Rocky Mountains. It's not hard to make a day trip from town and enjoy some great hiking. Nice options include the Trading Post Trail in Red Rocks Mountain Park, Bergen Peak near Evergreen, and Chimney Gulch Trail near the town of Golden.

Is the Shopping Better in Big Sur or Denver?

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

Denver has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city has many outlet malls that budget shoppers appreciate. There are also weekend farmer's markets, boutique shopping areas, and all of the major chains that you'll find in most larger cities.

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 Denver Better for Families?

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Big Sur or Denver.

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.

Denver is a family-friendly place to visit. It is a family-friendly city with museums, playgrounds, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are also a few ropes courses near town that kids and adults alike will enjoy. Popular activities include the Denver Zoo, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus.

Is Big Sur or Denver Better for Couples?

Big Sur is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

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.

Denver is a good natural area for couples to visit. There are many beautiful and romantic outdoor activities in the area such as parks and botanical gardens. There are also spas, including the impressive Spa at the Brown Palace, as well as upscale restaurants and fun bars and clubs to explore.

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

Big Sur is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Denver is not a good city 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.

Denver is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Some backpackers fly into Denver to begin their national park tour. There is a hostel or two around town, and if you leave town quickly you'll find campgrounds not far away.

Is Big Sur or Denver Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit Denver. There are a few students in the city, but there isn't a college town vibe that you'd get at other nearby university areas.

Big Sur is not popular with students.

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

Denver 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 Denver offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. If you're not planning to leave town, the light rail and bus systems offer good access to much of Denver.

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

Is Big Sur or Denver a more walkable city?

Neither Big Sur or Denver 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.

Denver is not a walkable natural area. While the downtown area is generally walkable, this is still a sprawling city where you'll really want to have a car to access areas outside of town.

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

Should I spend more time in Denver or Big Sur?

How long in Big Sur or Denver?

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

Couples should spend more time in Big Sur than Denver. 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 Big Sur than Denver 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 Big Sur.

One day in Big Sur or Denver?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Big Sur. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Denver, you'll find shopping and skiing. This city 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 Denver?

Big Sur is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Denver, 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 Denver has to offer.

Five days in Big Sur or Denver?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Big Sur. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Denver 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 Denver?

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the remote destination of Big Sur. This natural area offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Denver. Many people enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting Denver. 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 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

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