A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Blue Ridge vs. Big Sur for Couples, Food, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Blue Ridge or Big Sur?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Blue Ridge and Big Sur. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge is a outdoorsy, historic, and quaint town. With plenty of 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 food.

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.

Blue Ridge and Big Sur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Blue Ridge or Big Sur?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Blue Ridge than Big Sur, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Blue Ridge is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm, while Big Sur is more popular for its beaches and impressive beauty. Big Sur is more touristy than Blue Ridge and is known for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views. Blue Ridge is well known for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere. Also, Blue Ridge is famous for Chattahoochee National Forest.

How is Blue Ridge different from Big Sur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Blue Ridge or Big Sur?

Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. While you don't immediately think of museums in the area, there are a couple. The Dahlonega Gold Museum gives information on the gold rush and mining industry in town. In nearby Tennessee, Ducktown Basin Museum is a historic mine site that is open for tours.

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 Blue Ridge or Big Sur? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Blue Ridge 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.

Blue Ridge has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find plenty of small town restaurants serving local dishes like barbecue, trout, and biscuits with gravy. Southern food is popular, but you'll also find plenty of breweries and wineries in the area. Head downtown for an assortment of options that include southern, vegan, and even international flavors.

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 Blue Ridge or Big Sur Better for Nightlife?

Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge has a few options to choose from. Head downtown for a mix of breweries, bars, and clubs where you'll find live music and a casual meal.

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 Blue Ridge or Big Sur Better for Beaches?

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

Blue Ridge is not a beach destination.

Is Blue Ridge or Big Sur Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Blue Ridge and Big Sur, and they are high quality.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Blue Ridge. There are miles of hiking trails in the area that take you to waterfalls and viewpoints. The starting point of the Appalachian Trail is also nearby, and another popular trail is the Benton MacKaye Trail. Options range from beginner to expert with everything in between.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Blue Ridge or Big Sur?

Blue Ridge is great for its shopping areas. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Blue Ridge. You'll find artisan shops, art galleries, and boutique clothing vendors. Many places are concentrated in the charming downtown area, which is fun to explore for a day or two.

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 Blue Ridge or Big Sur Better for Families?

Blue Ridge is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Big Sur is not as popular, but is still a nice natural area for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Blue Ridge. Kids who enjoy hiking and playing outdoors will have fun here. There are waterfall hikes, fruit picking farms, and plenty of playgrounds. There's also a scenic railway and lots of places to sample treats.

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 Blue Ridge or Big Sur Better for Couples?

Big Sur is an amazing natural area to visit for romance. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Big Sur is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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 Blue Ridge frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. If you're looking for a cozy retreat where you can relax in a cabin, take long walks through nature, and enjoy local food, then this is your place. There are plenty of bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and rustic cabins with fireplaces and simple pleasures. If you want to escape it all then the mountains are the place to be.

Is Blue Ridge or Big Sur Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge. There are a number of campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hikes that backpackers will enjoy. Nearby you'll also find the start of the famed Appalachian Trail.

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

Neither Blue Ridge or Big Sur offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Blue Ridge. There's no real public transportation system in the area.

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

Is Blue Ridge or Big Sur a more walkable city?

Blue Ridge is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its walkability.

Blue Ridge is a somewhat walkable town. While the downtown area is relatively walkable, if you want to hike and get out in nature, you'll need to have a car.

Big Sur is not a walkable town. 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 Blue Ridge Worth Visiting? and Is Big Sur Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Big Sur or Blue Ridge?

How long in Blue Ridge or Big Sur?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Blue Ridge and Big Sur. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Blue Ridge than in Big Sur. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Blue Ridge, and 1-3 days is enough time in Big Sur.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge.

One day in Blue Ridge or Big Sur?

Blue Ridge is a small town with plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With food around the scenic 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.

A weekend in Blue Ridge or Big Sur?

Blue Ridge might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Blue Ridge has to offer.

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.

Five days in Blue Ridge or Big Sur?

Blue Ridge is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Blue Ridge has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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.

A week in Blue Ridge or Big Sur?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Blue Ridge. Since Blue Ridge is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.

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

When is the best time to visit Blue Ridge or Big Sur?

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 Blue Ridge or Big Sur in the Summer?

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

In July, Blue Ridge is generally much warmer than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 81°F (27°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Blue Ridge gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Blue Ridge gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Big Sur in the Autumn?

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

Blue Ridge is around the same temperature as Big Sur in the autumn. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Big Sur fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in October than Big Sur. Blue Ridge gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Big Sur in the Winter?

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

Blue Ridge can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Blue Ridge is much colder than Big Sur. Typically, the winter temperatures in Blue Ridge in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Big Sur averages at about 51°F (11°C).

It's quite rainy in Blue Ridge. In January, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Blue Ridge gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Big Sur in the Spring?

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

In April, Blue Ridge is generally a little warmer than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 62°F (17°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in April than Big Sur. Blue Ridge gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Big Sur and Blue Ridge