A Travel Price Comparison for California Big Sur vs. Sacramento for Couples, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Big Sur or Sacramento?

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 Sacramento 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.

Sacramento

Sacramento is a undiscovered, laid back, and relaxed city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Big Sur and Sacramento: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Big Sur or Sacramento?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Big Sur. Although Big Sur and Sacramento are both popular with visitors, Big Sur has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Big Sur is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Sacramento is known for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Big Sur is more touristy than Sacramento and is known for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views. It is also home to Bixby Bridge. Sacramento is popular for its history and state capital.

How is Big Sur different from Sacramento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Sacramento is great for its historical sights. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Sacramento specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. As the state capital, you'll find a number of historical and informational museums around town. You should check out the State Capital, as well as the California State Railroad Museum, the Crocker Museum of Art, Sutter's Fort State Historic Park, and the California Automobile Museum.

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 Sacramento? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Big Sur and Sacramento 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.

Sacramento offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Casual restaurants with laid back atmospheres are what's most common around town. You'll also find a variety of international cuisines that include Korean and Vietnamese.

Is Big Sur or Sacramento Better for Nightlife?

Sacramento 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 Sacramento has a few options to choose from. There highest concentration of activities are found in Downtown Sacramento. You'll find bars, clubs and live music in the area. You can also head to midtown, which has performing arts and comedy shows.

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 Sacramento Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Big Sur. 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.

Sacramento is not a beach destination.

Is Big Sur or Sacramento Better for Hiking?

Big Sur is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Sacramento is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Big Sur. 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.

Sacramento is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Big Sur or Sacramento?

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

Sacramento has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find down-to-earth vendors who have reasonable prices and a great selection. Some of the most interesting shopping is found at the Old Sacramento Waterfront or along Folsom Boulevard.

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 Sacramento Better for Families?

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Big Sur or Sacramento.

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.

Sacramento is a family-friendly place to visit. With the large number of families that live in the area, you'll a variety of kid-friendly activities. Options include smaller amusement parks like Funderland Amusement Park, museums like the Sacramento Children's Museum, and indoor trampoline parks. There's also Fairytale Town, which is an imagination filled playground.

Is Big Sur or Sacramento Better for Couples?

Big Sur is very popular for its romantic activities. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options for couples.

Big Sur has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Sacramento is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Picnics, nice restaurants, and shows make for enjoyable date activities while you're in town.

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

Big Sur is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options for backpackers.

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.

Sacramento is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although most backpackers skip this town for more popular destinations, there are a couple of hostels in town.

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

Sacramento 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 Sacramento. There's both light rail and buses around town.

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

Is Big Sur or Sacramento a more walkable city?

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

Sacramento is generally not a very walkable city. You'll really want a car to get around town, but Midtown is one of the more walkable areas.

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 Sacramento Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sacramento or Big Sur?

How long in Big Sur or Sacramento?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Big Sur or Sacramento to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Big Sur than Sacramento because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Big Sur, and 1-2 days is enough time in Sacramento.

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

Couples should spend more time in Big Sur than Sacramento. 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 Big Sur than Sacramento 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 Big Sur.

One day in Big Sur or Sacramento?

With food around the breathtaking 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 Sacramento, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Big Sur or Sacramento?

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 Sacramento, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sacramento has to offer.

Five days in Big Sur or Sacramento?

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.

Sacramento is a great place to explore. 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 Sacramento?

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 Sacramento. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Sacramento. 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 Sacramento, we can see that Sacramento 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 Sacramento would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sacramento 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 Sacramento Expensive?.

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

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 Sacramento in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Big Sur and Sacramento. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Big Sur this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Sacramento for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Big Sur is generally cooler than Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Big Sur average around 63°F (17°C), and Sacramento fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

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

Should I visit Big Sur or Sacramento in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Big Sur as well as Sacramento. Many travelers come to Big Sur for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Sacramento in the autumn for the shopping scene.

Big Sur is around the same temperature as Sacramento in the autumn. The daily temperature in Big Sur averages around 62°F (17°C) in October, and Sacramento fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

Big Sur usually gets less rain in October than Sacramento. Big Sur gets 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Big Sur or Sacramento in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Big Sur is a little warmer than Sacramento. Typically, the winter temperatures in Big Sur in January average around 51°F (11°C), and Sacramento averages at about 45°F (7°C).

In January, Big Sur usually receives less rain than Sacramento. Big Sur gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Big Sur or Sacramento in the Spring?

Both Sacramento and Big Sur during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Big Sur for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Big Sur is generally around the same temperature as Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Big Sur average around 56°F (13°C), and Sacramento fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

Big Sur usually gets less rain in April than Sacramento. Big Sur gets 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sacramento and Big Sur