A Travel Price Comparison for California Big Sur vs. Joshua Tree National Park for Hiking, Couples, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Big Sur or Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a remote, breathtaking, and scenic natural area. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and beaches.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a unique, fascinating, and adventurous national park. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Big Sur and Joshua Tree National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Big Sur. Although Big Sur and Joshua Tree National Park are popular destinations, Big Sur has more sights and attractions for tourists. Big Sur is very popular for its food, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Joshua Tree National Park attracts visitors for its museums and hiking. Big Sur is famous for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views. It is also well known for Bixby Bridge. Joshua Tree National Park is famous for its unique vegetation and large boulders.

How is Big Sur different from Joshua Tree National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Joshua Tree National Park 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 Joshua Tree National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of museums in the area that display local art or cultural and historical items.

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 Joshua Tree National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Big Sur is a natural area with good options for its restaurants. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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.

While Joshua Tree National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There aren't any restaurants inside the park, so you'll want to pack your own food and eat at one of the picnic areas.

Is Big Sur or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Nightlife?

Neither Big Sur or Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park for the nightlife. Stargazing and gathering around campfires are the most popular activities during the evening.

Is Big Sur or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is a very popular place for the beach. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Big Sur attract visitors from all over. 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Big Sur or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Hiking?

Joshua Tree National Park 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 Joshua Tree National Park specifically for its hiking. There are a wide range of hikes that include easy, moderate, and strenuous options. Some of the best hikes include Discovery Trail, Boy Scout Trail, and Black Rock Canyon Panorama Loop.

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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Neither Big Sur or Joshua Tree National Park offer decent shopping options.

Shopping in Big Sur can be found for those interested. There are some galleries and gift shops, but most visitors aren't in the area to go shopping.

Joshua Tree National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There is a park store where you can pick up gifts or other items.

Is Big Sur or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Families?

Joshua Tree National Park 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 Joshua Tree National Park. With its giant boulders that kids can scramble on and its Dr. Seuss-like Joshua Trees, this really is nature's best playground. There are also kid-friendly hikes and Junior Ranger Programs that will both educate and entertain the kids.

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 Joshua Tree National Park Better for Couples?

Big Sur is renowned for couples. Also, Joshua Tree National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Couples visit Joshua Tree National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy the outdoors, adventure sports like rock climbing, and hiking through spectacular landscapes will find this to be the ultimate romantic destination.

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

Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park, as it is a very popular national park for budget travelers. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that are popular with backpackers and nature enthusiasts.

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

Neither Big Sur or Joshua Tree National Park 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 Joshua Tree National Park. There's no reliable public transportation in the park.

Is Big Sur or Joshua Tree National Park a more walkable city?

Neither Big Sur or Joshua Tree 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a walkable natural area. You need a car to truly explore the park.

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

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

How long in Big Sur or Joshua Tree National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Big Sur or Joshua Tree National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Joshua Tree National Park due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Big Sur, and 2-4 days is enough time in Joshua Tree National Park.

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

Couples should spend more time in Big Sur than Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park.

One day in Big Sur or Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the scenic natural area of Big Sur. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

In Joshua Tree National Park, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This national 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Big Sur. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Joshua Tree 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. 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 Joshua Tree National Park has to offer.

Five days in Big Sur or Joshua Tree National Park?

Big Sur is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. It offers something for everyone.

Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Big Sur is a popular choice for travelers. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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