A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Big Sur vs. Glacier National Park for Couples, Backpackers, Hiking, and Food

Should you visit Big Sur or Glacier National Park?

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 Glacier National Park 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.

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a gorgeous, stunning, and breathtaking park. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Big Sur and Glacier National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Big Sur or Glacier National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Glacier National Park than Big Sur, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Glacier National Park is better known for its resorts and shopping, while Big Sur is more popular for its food and beaches. Glacier National Park is more touristy than Big Sur and is popular for its miles of hiking trails, impressive glaciers, and pristine lakes. Also, Glacier National Park is famous for Going-to-the-Sun Road. Big Sur is well known for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views.

How is Big Sur different from Glacier National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Glacier National Park 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 Glacier National Park?

Neither Big Sur or Glacier National Park offer quality 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.

Glacier National Park offers a few options for museum-goers. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most people head straight for the park.

Is the Food Better in Big Sur or Glacier National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Big Sur is a popular place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Glacier National Park. You'll find several restaurants and cafes both within and near the park, but this is an incredibly crowded park so you'll want to make reservations well in advance.

Is Big Sur or Glacier National Park Better for Nightlife?

Neither Big Sur or Glacier National Park offer decent nightlife.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Big Sur There's a taphouse and lounge, but the area is mostly undeveloped with no real nightlife.

People don't go to Glacier National Park for the nightlife. People visit for the scenery, not the nightlife scene.

Is Big Sur or Glacier National Park Better for Resorts?

Glacier National Park is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Big Sur is not a resort destination.

Glacier National Park has a few great resort options. There are several lodges, cabins, and inns near or within the park, but reservations are recommended well in advance.

Big Sur is not a resort destination.

Is Big Sur or Glacier National Park Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is notable for its beaches. However, Glacier National Park is not a beach destination.

Big Sur is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Glacier National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Big Sur or Glacier National Park Better for Hiking?

You'll find great hiking in both Big Sur and Glacier National Park.

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.

Glacier National Park is a popular spot for hiking. There are more than 700 miles of trails in the park. For the best experience, you should purchase a permit and explore the parks backcountry. Other popular trails include Highline Trail, Grinnell Glacier Trail, and Avalanche Lake Trail. It's best to start in the early morning as this is a popular park and the trails get busier as the day progresses.

Is the Shopping Better in Big Sur or Glacier National Park?

Glacier National Park is adequate for its shopping areas. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for shopping.

Glacier National Park has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are park stores where you can pick up books, souvenirs, and gifts.

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 Glacier National Park Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Big Sur or Glacier National Park.

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.

Glacier National Park is a family-friendly place to visit. The landscapes are spectacular, but the crowds can be intense, which means it can be hard to find places to pull over and park during the peak seasons. Keep this in mind when you're traveling with kids because you may end up spending more time in the car than you'd expected.

Is Big Sur or Glacier National Park Better for Couples?

Big Sur is very popular for romance. Also, Glacier National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for its romantic activities.

Big Sur makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Glacier National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Drive along the scenic Going-to-the-Sun-Road and take in the truly breathtaking scenery. Many people consider this to be a top destination for a honeymoon and couples will appreciate the impressive hikes, dramatic waterfalls, and adventure-filled activities.

Is Big Sur or Glacier National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Glacier National Park is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Big Sur is not as popular, but is still a nice natural area for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Glacier National Park, as it is a very popular park for budget travelers. The backcountry is truly pristine, and obtaining a Wilderness Permit and getting off-the-beaten-path will help you escape some of the crowds that the park is known for.

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 Glacier National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Glacier National Park 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 Glacier National Park. There's a free shuttle along Going-to-the-Sun Road that's available on a first-come, first-served basis, but expect crowds. The road can get quite congested during peak times. There are also tours that take you along the road so you can enjoy the scenery without having to focus on driving.

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

Is Big Sur or Glacier National Park a more walkable city?

Neither Big Sur or Glacier National Park 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.

Glacier National Park is not a walkable natural area. You'll need a car to get almost anywhere in the park.

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

Should I spend more time in Glacier National Park or Big Sur?

How long in Big Sur or Glacier National Park?

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

Families should spend more time in Big Sur than Glacier National Park. 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 Big Sur than Glacier National Park. 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 Glacier National Park 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 Glacier National Park.

One day in Big Sur or Glacier National Park?

In Big Sur, you'll find food. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Big Sur, one day is sufficent for most.

In Glacier National Park, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This park 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 Glacier National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Big Sur. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this natural area. It offers something for everyone.

In Glacier National Park, you'll find . 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 Glacier National Park has to offer.

Five days in Big Sur or Glacier National Park?

Big Sur is a fun place to experience. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Glacier National Park 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 Glacier National Park?

You'll find food around the remote destination of Big Sur. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Glacier National Park. Many people enjoy the when visiting Glacier National Park. 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 Glacier National Park, we can see that Glacier National Park 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 Glacier National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Glacier National Park 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 Glacier National Park Expensive?.