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

Should you visit Big Sur or Park City Utah?

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 Park City Utah can help you decide which place is right for you.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a remote, breathtaking, and scenic natural area. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and beaches.

Park City Utah

Park City Utah is a high energy, adventurous, and active town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and skiing.

Big Sur and Park City Utah: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Big Sur or Park City Utah?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Park City Utah. Although Big Sur and Park City Utah are popular destinations, Park City Utah has more sights and attractions for tourists. Park City Utah is very popular for its skiing, museums, food, nightlife, resorts, and shopping, while Big Sur attracts visitors for its beaches and impressive beauty. Park City Utah is more touristy than Big Sur and is known for the Sundance Film Festival and world-renowned skiing and snowboarding. It is also well known for Deer Valley Resort. Big Sur is famous for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views.

How is Big Sur different from Park City Utah?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Big Sur or Park City Utah Better for Skiing?

Park City Utah is an unbeatable place for skiing. However, Big Sur is not a skiing destination.

Park City Utah is among the world's best ski destinations. Two ski resorts are nearby, Park City Mountain and Deer Valley Resort. Park City Mountain is the largest resort in the United States. There are 7,300 acres that include two different base areas, 41 lifts, and 6 terrain parks. There's ski-in ski-out access from the town's Main Street, and options for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Deer Valley Resort is a ritzy and upscale option that is more glamorous and high class.

Big Sur is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Big Sur or Park City Utah?

Park City Utah 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 Park City Utah specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of museums and some nice art galleries in town. There are also museums at Olympic Park.

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 Park City Utah? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Park City Utah 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.

Park City Utah has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Park City has a wonderful food scene with many award-winning restaurants. Many restaurants offer fine dining experiences and even the more casual options are high priced with high quality dishes. You'll also find many great breakfast restaurants and cafes so you can start your day off with a filling meal.

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 Park City Utah Better for Nightlife?

Park City Utah is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for nightlife.

The nightlife in Park City Utah is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. After a day on the slopes, you'll return to a vibrant nightlife scene with bars and live music. Most of the action is concentrated around Main Street and it's easy to walk to most venues, even when the weather is cold and snowy.

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 Park City Utah Better for Resorts?

Park City Utah is great for its luxury resorts. However, Big Sur is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Park City Utah. You'll find most of the major chains as well as smaller and more personal hotels. Many hotels have hot tubs and pools, and many offer easy access to the ski gondola.

Big Sur is not a resort destination.

Is Big Sur or Park City Utah Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is great for the beach. However, Park City Utah is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Big Sur for it's beautiful 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.

Park City Utah is not a beach destination.

Is Big Sur or Park City Utah Better for Hiking?

You'll find high quality hiking in both Big Sur and Park City Utah.

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.

Park City Utah is a popular spot for hiking. If you're visiting during a warmer month, hiking is a great way to experience the area's beauty. There are more than 350 miles of hiking trails that pass through forests, canyons, creeks, and mountain ridges. You'll find options for every skill level and regardless of the hike you choose, it's sure to take your breath away.

Is the Shopping Better in Big Sur or Park City Utah?

Park City Utah is great for its shopping areas. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Park City Utah. Wander down the historic Main Street and enjoy shopping at the many quaint vendors and art galleries. There are also outlet malls in town.

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 Park City Utah Better for Families?

Park City Utah is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Big Sur is not as popular, but is still a nice natural area for its family-friendly activities.

Park City Utah is one of the most popular family destinations. There is kid-family skiing, ziplining, and alpine coasters. The free museums at Olympic Park are fun to explore as well and are filled with memorabilia from the 2002 Olympics. Additionally, there are kid-friendly restaurants and playgrounds where the little ones can run around.

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 Park City Utah Better for Couples?

Both Big Sur and Park City Utah are first-rate destinations to visit as a couple.

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.

Park City Utah has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, you can enjoy the area's many great restaurants and beautiful hikes. There are romantic hotels as well as sleigh rides and evening walks that will make this an unforgettable destination.

Is Big Sur or Park City Utah Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Big Sur and Park City Utah are nice 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 Park City Utah. Although the town is notoriously expensive, there is a hostel in town that appeals to backpackers.

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

Park City Utah is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Park City Utah. There are 13 free bus routes as well as seasonal transportation providers.

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

Is Big Sur or Park City Utah a more walkable city?

Park City Utah is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its walkability.

Park City Utah is a very easy town to get around on foot. It's a very walkable town and is easy to explore on foot.

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 Park City Utah Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Park City Utah or Big Sur?

How long in Big Sur or Park City Utah?

In either Big Sur or Park City Utah, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Park City Utah than Big Sur because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Big Sur, and 3-5 days is enough time in Park City Utah.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Park City Utah 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 Park City Utah.

One day in Big Sur or Park City Utah?

In Big Sur, you'll find food. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Park City Utah, you'll find skiing and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This 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 Park City Utah?

Big Sur is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Park City Utah, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Big Sur or Park City Utah?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Big Sur. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Park City Utah is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Park City Utah has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Big Sur or Park City Utah?

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the natural area of Big Sur. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Park City Utah. Many people enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting Park City Utah. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Park City Utah, we can see that Park City Utah 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 Park City Utah would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Park City Utah 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 Park City Utah Expensive?.