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

Should you visit Big Sur or Seattle?

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

Big Sur

Big Sur is a remote, breathtaking, and scenic natural area. You'll find world class beauty in Big Sur as well. Other popular activities here include hiking, food, and beaches. See Big Sur travel costs.

Seattle

Seattle is a outdoorsy, laid-back, and bustling city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Seattle offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Seattle travel costs.

Big Sur and Seattle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Big Sur or Seattle?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Seattle. Although Big Sur and Seattle are popular destinations, Seattle has more sights and attractions for tourists. Seattle is very popular for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Big Sur attracts visitors for its beaches and impressive beauty. Big Sur is famous for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views. Seattle is famous for its beautiful waterfront setting, diverse culinary scene, thriving art and cultural venues, and being the home of many international tech companies. It is also well known for The Space Needle.

How is Big Sur different from Seattle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Many visitors head to Seattle specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city's most iconic landmark is the Space Needle. There's also a zoo, aquarium, and a handful of nice museums. Several favorites include the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of History & Industry, and the Seattle Art 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 Big Sur or Seattle Better for Theater?

Seattle is very good for its shows and theatre. However, Big Sur is not a theatre destination.

If you have some extra time in Seattle, take in a show. There are a handful of theaters where you can enjoy traveling Broadway shows or smaller productions.

Big Sur is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Big Sur or Seattle? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Seattle 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.

Seattle has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city has many diverse dining options that make it a popular foodie destination. The seafood is world-class with many restaurants offering fresh caught salmon and oysters. There are also many great Asian restaurants with Pho, sushi, and dim sum all being popular around town. Seattle is also famous as the birthplace of Starbucks coffee, and both chain and independent coffee shops are common. Finally, make sure you check out the donuts at Pike's Place Market.

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 Seattle Better for Nightlife?

Seattle is great for its evening party scene. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Seattle for the nightlife scene. The city is known for its breweries and eclectic nightlife scene. There is a thriving theater scene as well as many bars and trendy restaurants. The best neighborhoods for nightlife include Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Downtown.

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 Seattle Better for Music?

Seattle is great for its music scene. However, Big Sur is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Seattle draws a good crowd. The city has developed its own music culture around several genres including alternative rock and grunge.

Big Sur is not a live music destination.

Is Big Sur or Seattle Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is notable for the beach. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its beaches.

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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Seattle. The city is surrounded by water so there are a number of rocky and sandy beaches nearby. Some beaches are more popular with locals while others attract a large amount of tourists. Alki Beach Park, Discovery Park, and Golden Gardens Park are among the best.

Is Big Sur or Seattle Better for Hiking?

You'll find excellent hiking in both Big Sur and Seattle.

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.

Seattle is a popular spot for hiking. It's famously an outdoorsy city and the hiking will not disappoint. Within a half hour drive of town you'll find beautiful forests and stunning natural beauty. Head into the Cascades, to the coastal rainforests, or around Mount Rainier for all kinds of diverse landscapes. Seattle is well situated for you to experience hiking through the diverse Pacific Northwest landscapes.

Is the Shopping Better in Big Sur or Seattle?

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

Seattle has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shopping in town has an eclectic mix of high end brands, local vendors, and vintage shops. There are farmers markets as well as the famous Pike Place Market, but also major malls with all of the standard department stores.

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 Seattle More Beautiful?

Big Sur is renowned for its scenery and beauty. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Big Sur as well. The road clings to the cliffs and makes dramatic curves, offering peaks at the striking blue water and breathtaking setting. This is truly one of those special places that feels unreal in its beauty.

Seattle is a gorgeous place to visit. Set against the backdrop of Mt. Rainier, the city has both natural and architectural beauty. It's also beautifully situated on the water with lots of parks and vegetation throughout.

Is Big Sur or Seattle Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Big Sur or Seattle.

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.

Seattle is a family-friendly place to visit. This is an outdoor city with plenty of places where kids can run around and experience nature. There are several good museums as well as outdoor activities, parks, and a zoo. Make sure you check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Volunteer Park, and Artists at Play Playground.

Is Big Sur or Seattle Better for Couples?

Big Sur is renowned for couples. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

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.

Seattle is a nice destination for couples. The city has a laid back vibe, a nice downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are a diversity of restaurants to enjoy and a great nightlife scene that makes for a good couple's getaway.

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

For backpackers, both Big Sur and Seattle 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 Seattle. Although it's not the most popular city for backpackers in America, the city's chill vibe, fun breweries, and lively setting make it a great spot for young backpackers.

Is Big Sur or Seattle Better for Students?

Seattle is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Big Sur is not popular with students.

Seattle is very popular with students. It is a major IT center with a large university, so international students will have plenty of opportunities here. It's also a vibrant city with many outdoor recreational opportunities and a fun nightlife scene.

Big Sur is not popular with students.

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

Seattle 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 Seattle offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a light rail system, a monorail, a street car, and buses.

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

Is Big Sur or Seattle a more walkable city?

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

Seattle is a very walkable destination. Many neighborhoods are very walkable, particularly in the downtown and major tourist 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 Seattle Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Seattle or Big Sur?

How long in Big Sur or Seattle?

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

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

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

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

One day in Big Sur or Seattle?

In Big Sur, you'll find food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This natural area offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Because Seattle is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Seattle?

In Big Sur, you'll find food. 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 Big Sur has to offer.

Because Seattle is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Seattle has to offer.

Five days in Big Sur or Seattle?

Big Sur is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the 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.

Seattle 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 Seattle?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Big Sur. Many people enjoy the food when visiting Big Sur. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Seattle. Many people enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting Seattle. 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 Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.

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

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

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Big Sur or Seattle in the Summer?

Both Seattle and Big Sur during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Big Sur this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Seattle for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Big Sur is cooler than Seattle in the summer. The daily temperature in Big Sur averages around 63°F (17°C) in July, and Seattle fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

Big Sur usually gets less rain in July than Seattle. Big Sur gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Big Sur or Seattle in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Big Sur and Seattle. Many travelers come to Big Sur for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Seattle in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Big Sur is a little warmer than Seattle. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Big Sur in October average around 62°F (17°C), and Seattle averages at about 54°F (12°C).

In October, Big Sur usually receives less rain than Seattle. Big Sur gets 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Big Sur or Seattle in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Big Sur as well as Seattle. Many visitors come to Big Sur in the winter for the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Seattle for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Big Sur is generally much warmer than Seattle. Daily temperatures in Big Sur average around 51°F (11°C), and Seattle fluctuates around 42°F (5°C).

It's quite rainy in Seattle. Big Sur usually gets less rain in January than Seattle. Big Sur gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Big Sur or Seattle in the Spring?

Both Seattle and Big Sur are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Big Sur for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Seattle because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Big Sur is a little warmer than Seattle in the spring. The daily temperature in Big Sur averages around 56°F (13°C) in April, and Seattle fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In April, Big Sur usually receives less rain than Seattle. Big Sur gets 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Seattle and Big Sur