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

Should you visit Big Sur or Portland?

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

Big Sur

Big Sur is a breathtaking, scenic, and remote natural area. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and hiking.

Portland

Portland is a tree-lined, nature-filled, and scenic city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Big Sur and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Big Sur or Portland?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Portland than Big Sur, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Portland is better known for its museums, nightlife, music, shopping, and small town charm, while Big Sur is more popular for its food, beaches, and impressive beauty. Big Sur is well known for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views. Portland is well known for its independent and vintage shops, thriving art scene, lush parks and gardens, progressive and quirky personality, and easy access to amazing natural beauty. Also, Portland is famous for Washington Park.

How is Big Sur different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Portland 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 Portland?

Portland 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 Portland specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Visitors usually come for the city's outdoor recreation and eclectic personality more than the landmarks and museums. There are a few places to visit on a rainy day though including Pittock Mansion, the Portland Art Museum, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

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 Portland? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Big Sur is a natural area with good options for its restaurants. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Portland. The town is more famous for it's craft beer than it's food, but there are still a number of local restaurants that offer unique Oregon dishes. You'll find no shortage of vegetarian and vegan options on most menus. There is also a big farm-to-table scene with many farmers markets around town as well.

Is Big Sur or Portland Better for Nightlife?

Portland 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 Portland has a few options to choose from. Famously, this town's nightlife is all about the craft beer and local breweries. Make sure you check out Bailey's Taproom, The Big Legrowlski, and The Commons Brewery.

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 Portland Better for Music?

Portland is very good for its music scene. However, Big Sur is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Portland. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Big Sur is not a live music destination.

Is Big Sur or Portland Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Portland 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.

Portland is not a beach destination.

Is Big Sur or Portland Better for Hiking?

You'll find superb hiking in both Big Sur and Portland.

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.

Portland is a popular spot for hiking. Just outside of town you'll find amazing hikes and stunning natural beauty. In town there are many urban hikes through parks and gardens, but in just a short drive you also have access to Mount Hood and many of the region's most beautiful hikes around the Columbia River Gorge.

Is the Shopping Better in Big Sur or Portland?

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

Portland has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. To fully experience shopping in town, head to the local vendors and thrift shops. There are many vintage clothing shops, book stores, and independent sellers around town. The city is also full of farmers markets. For some of the most interesting shopping, check out the Pearl District, Pioneer Place, Union Way, and Downtown neighborhoods.

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 Portland Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Big Sur or Portland.

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.

Portland is a family-friendly place to visit. This is an outdoor city by nature, so families will appreciate the many parks and outdoor recreational activities around town. It's easy to fill a couple of days exploring and having fun with the kids. Kid-friendly activities include the zoo, the aerial tram, and several great museums.

Is Big Sur or Portland Better for Couples?

Big Sur is very popular for romance. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Portland makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The laid-back, alternative vibe is fun to explore as a couple. There are independent bookstores, nice parks, and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Couples who enjoy an eclectic city, breweries, and nature, will find a lot to do in town.

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

Portland 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 Portland. The town has drawn young explorers for years, and backpackers who like to step away from the mainstream will feel right at home here.

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 Portland Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit Portland. It's a young and relaxed city that attracts independent thinkers. There are many bookstores and breweries around town. The cost of living can be a bit high though.

Big Sur is not popular with students.

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

Portland 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 Portland offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

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

Is Big Sur or Portland a more walkable city?

Portland is great for its ease of walking around. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its walkability.

Portland is a very walkable destination. It is quite walkable, particularly in the tourist areas such as Downtown, Pearl, and Old Town Chinatown.

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 Portland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portland or Big Sur?

How long in Big Sur or Portland?

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Portland 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 Portland.

One day in Big Sur or Portland?

The beautiful natural area of Big Sur offers food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Portland, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Portland?

Big Sur is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this natural area makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Big Sur, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Portland, you'll find nightlife and live music. 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 Portland has to offer.

Five days in Big Sur or Portland?

Big Sur is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Portland 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 Portland?

Big Sur is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This natural area offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portland. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Portland. 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 Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

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

When is the best time to visit Big Sur or Portland?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Big Sur or Portland in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Big Sur and Portland. Many travelers come to Big Sur for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Portland in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In July, Big Sur usually receives less rain than Portland. Big Sur gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Big Sur or Portland in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Big Sur as well as Portland. Many visitors come to Big Sur in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Portland for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

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

Big Sur usually gets less rain in October than Portland. Big Sur gets 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Big Sur or Portland in the Winter?

Both Portland and Big Sur are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Big Sur for the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Portland because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Portland. In January, Big Sur usually receives less rain than Portland. Big Sur gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Big Sur or Portland in the Spring?

Both Portland and Big Sur during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Big Sur because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Portland this time of year.

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

Big Sur usually gets less rain in April than Portland. Big Sur gets 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Portland and Big Sur