A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Big Sur vs. Rapid City for Families, Couples, Hiking, and Backpackers

Should you visit Big Sur or Rapid City?

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 Rapid City can help you decide which place is right for you.

Big Sur

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

Rapid City

Rapid City is a friendly, fascinating, and activity-filled city. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

Big Sur and Rapid City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Big Sur or Rapid City?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Rapid City. Although Big Sur and Rapid City are both popular with visitors, Rapid City has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Rapid City is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and shopping, while Big Sur is known for its beaches and impressive beauty. Big Sur is popular for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views. Rapid City is popular for its proximity to Mount Rushmore and many other iconic parks. It is also home to Mount Rushmore.

How is Big Sur different from Rapid City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rapid City is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Rapid City has many famous sights for visitors. You'll find a wide variety of museums and landmarks nearby. Popular places to visit that aren't far from town include the Mammoth Site of Hot Springs, the South Dakota Air & Space Museum, and the Journey Museum & Learning Center. There's also the Museum of Geology and the National Presidential Wax Museum. And of course, there's the iconic Mount Rushmore.

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 Rapid City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Big Sur and Rapid City can be an enjoyable experience.

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.

Rapid City offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find local restaurants in town that serve local specialties such as chislic (grilled meat), fry bread, and walleye (a local fish.

Is Big Sur or Rapid City Better for Nightlife?

Rapid City is adequate for its evening party scene. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for nightlife.

Rapid City doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. You'll find some places with live music and good drinks, but the city isn't really known for its nightlife scene.

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 Rapid City Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is a very popular place for the beache. However, Rapid City is not a beach destination.

Big Sur is a very popular place to visit for its 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.

Rapid City is not a beach destination.

Is Big Sur or Rapid City Better for Hiking?

You'll find very good hiking in both Big Sur and Rapid City.

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.

Rapid City is a popular spot for hiking. The region is filled with national parks, state parks, and natural areas with wonderful hiking trails. You don't have to travel far to get into nature and experience some of South Dakota's best natural beauty.

Is the Shopping Better in Big Sur or Rapid City?

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

Rapid City has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Rapid City has some interesting local shops as well as larger malls and shopping centers.

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 Rapid City Better for Families?

Rapid City 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.

Rapid City is one of the most popular family destinations. Nearby national parks and outdoor activities, this is the perfect base for exploring the area with kids. Nearby you'll find the Big Thunder Gold Mine, which has tours and lets you pan for gold, and Custer State Park, which is filled with wildlife. Wall Drug is worth a stopoff, as is Dinosaur Park.

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 Rapid City Better for Couples?

Big Sur is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Rapid City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Couples visit Rapid City frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples will enjoy the amazing national parks in the area and the easy access to iconic landmarks like Mount Rushmore. There are many opportunities for wildlife spotting as well as great hiking trails and unique landscapes.

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

Rapid City 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 Rapid City. Backpackers will appreciate the surrounding natural beauty and the nearby national parks.

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 Rapid City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Rapid City 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 Rapid City. While there are a few buses, this isn't a realistic option for traveling through the region.

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

Is Big Sur or Rapid City a more walkable city?

Rapid City is adequate for its ease of walking around. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its walkability.

Rapid City is generally not a very walkable city. While the downtown is walkable, most visitors use the city as a base for exploring the surrounding areas, and this requires a car.

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 Rapid City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rapid City or Big Sur?

How long in Big Sur or Rapid City?

It's fun to spend time in either Big Sur or Rapid City. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Rapid City 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 Rapid City.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rapid City 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 Rapid City.

One day in Big Sur or Rapid City?

With food around the remote natural area of Big Sur, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Big Sur, one day is sufficent for most.

In Rapid City, you'll find museums and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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 Rapid City?

With food around the destination of Big Sur, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this natural area.

In Rapid City, you'll find food and shopping. 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 museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Rapid City has to offer.

Five days in Big Sur or Rapid City?

Big Sur, a popular natural area, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Rapid City 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 Rapid City?

Big Sur is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rapid City. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Rapid City. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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 Rapid City, we can see that Rapid City 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 Rapid City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rapid City 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 Rapid City Expensive?.