A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cape Canaveral vs. Big Sur for Families, Couples, Beaches, and Food

Should you visit Cape Canaveral or Big Sur?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cape Canaveral or Big Sur, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Cape Canaveral

Cape Canaveral is a iconic, fascinating, and wonder-filled town. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and beaches.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a remote, breathtaking, and scenic natural area. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and beaches.

Cape Canaveral and Big Sur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cape Canaveral or Big Sur?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cape Canaveral. Although Cape Canaveral and Big Sur are popular destinations, Cape Canaveral has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cape Canaveral is very popular for its museums, nightlife, resorts, and shopping, while Big Sur attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Cape Canaveral is famous for being the location of the Kennedy Space Center and at the heart of space exploration in the United States. It is also well known for The Kennedy Space Center. Big Sur is famous for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views.

How is Cape Canaveral different from Big Sur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cape Canaveral or Big Sur?

Cape Canaveral 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, Cape Canaveral has many famous sights for visitors. The area has become synonymous with the Kennedy Space Center. Visitors head to the Space Coast to see the museums, learn about the space program, or possibly even see a rocket launch. The attractions are world class and offer a truly unique glimpse into the evolution of space travel.

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 Cape Canaveral or Big Sur? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Cape Canaveral and Big Sur can be an enjoyable experience.

Cape Canaveral is becoming an appealing option for foodies. It's a small town but there's no shortage of excellent seafood in the area. Many restaurants have outdoor seating and patios that let you take advantage of the Florida sunshine. You'll find crab, mussels, shrimp, and clams on many menus around town.

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 Cape Canaveral or Big Sur Better for Nightlife?

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

Cape Canaveral doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The area isn't known for its nightlife scene, but there are enough places that you can go out for a good meal and drink.

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 Cape Canaveral or Big Sur Better for Resorts?

Cape Canaveral is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Big Sur is not a resort destination.

Cape Canaveral has a few great resort options. There are a number of resorts in the area that attract visitors. Some of the most popular are the Holiday Inn Club Vacations Resort and the Radisson Resort.

Big Sur is not a resort destination.

Is Cape Canaveral or Big Sur Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is a great natural area for the beach. Also, Cape Canaveral is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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 Cape Canaveral. You'll likely want to head to the Cocoa Beach area for the best beaches. Jetty Park Beach and Pier is one of the most popular nearby areas for fishing and camping, but visitors must purchase a pass. Other popular beaches include Playalinda Beach and Cherie Down Park.

Is Cape Canaveral or Big Sur Better for Hiking?

Big Sur is a great natural area for hiking. However, Cape Canaveral is not a hiking destination.

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.

Cape Canaveral is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Canaveral or Big Sur?

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

Cape Canaveral has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are some nice local shopping areas around town. For a little retail therapy, head to Banana River Square, White Rose Shopping Center, or Belair Courtyard.

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 Cape Canaveral or Big Sur Better for Families?

Cape Canaveral 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.

Cape Canaveral is one of the most popular family destinations. What sets this area apart is the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. There are many kid-friendly activities that outer space enthusiasts will love. Planet Play is a highlight, and if your timing is right, you might even see a rocket launch. In addition to the Kennedy Space Center, the area is a quintessential beach town. There are parks and outdoor areas as well as places where kids can interact with animals.

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 Cape Canaveral or Big Sur Better for Couples?

Big Sur is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Cape Canaveral is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Cape Canaveral is a very popular place to visit for couples. The beautiful Florida beaches, combined with the unique opportunity to visit the Kennedy Space Center, make this a fascinating couple's destination. There are also many nice restaurants and great places to relax and enjoy the Florida sunshine.

Is Cape Canaveral or Big Sur Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Big Sur is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cape Canaveral is not known 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.

Cape Canaveral is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You won't find any hostels in the area, but you may have some luck finding affordable accommodation nearby.

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

Neither Cape Canaveral or Big Sur offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Cape Canaveral. There are very limited public transportation options, but there are a few shuttle buses and SCAT (the Space Coast Area Transit). Route 9 travels from Cocoa to Port Canaveral with service available Monday through Saturday.

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

Is Cape Canaveral or Big Sur a more walkable city?

Neither Cape Canaveral or Big Sur are walkable places.

Cape Canaveral is not a very walkable town. It's not a walkable area, which can be particularly challenging if you're arriving by cruise ship.

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 Cape Canaveral Worth Visiting? and Is Big Sur Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Big Sur or Cape Canaveral?

How long in Cape Canaveral or Big Sur?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cape Canaveral and Big Sur. In our opinion, Cape Canaveral has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Cape Canaveral than Big Sur. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Big Sur than Cape Canaveral 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 Cape Canaveral or Big Sur?

In Cape Canaveral, you'll find museums and food. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Big Sur, you'll find food. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Cape Canaveral or Big Sur?

In Cape Canaveral, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. 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 Cape Canaveral has to offer.

Big Sur is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Cape Canaveral or Big Sur?

Cape Canaveral 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Big Sur. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Cape Canaveral or Big Sur?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cape Canaveral. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Cape Canaveral. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the natural area of Big Sur. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week 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.

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 Cape Canaveral and Big Sur, we can see that Cape Canaveral 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 Cape Canaveral would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cape Canaveral 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 Cape Canaveral Expensive? and Is Big Sur Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Cape Canaveral 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 Cape Canaveral or Big Sur in the Summer?

Both Big Sur and Cape Canaveral are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cape Canaveral for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Big Sur because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Cape Canaveral is much warmer than Big Sur in the summer. The daily temperature in Cape Canaveral averages around 80°F (27°C) in July, and Big Sur fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It's quite rainy in Cape Canaveral. In July, Cape Canaveral usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Cape Canaveral gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Big Sur in the Autumn?

Both Big Sur and Cape Canaveral during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Cape Canaveral because of the shopping scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Big Sur this time of year.

In the autumn, Cape Canaveral is a little warmer than Big Sur. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cape Canaveral in October average around 74°F (24°C), and Big Sur averages at about 62°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cape Canaveral. Cape Canaveral usually gets more rain in October than Big Sur. Cape Canaveral gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Cape Canaveral is June to November.

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Big Sur in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Canaveral and Big Sur. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cape Canaveral this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Big Sur for the cuisine.

In January, Cape Canaveral is generally a little warmer than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Cape Canaveral average around 60°F (15°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In January, Cape Canaveral usually receives around the same amount of rain as Big Sur. Cape Canaveral gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Big Sur in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cape Canaveral as well as Big Sur. Many travelers come to Cape Canaveral for the beaches. Additionally, many visitors come to Big Sur in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Cape Canaveral is much warmer than Big Sur in the spring. The daily temperature in Cape Canaveral averages around 70°F (21°C) in April, and Big Sur fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Cape Canaveral usually gets more rain in April than Big Sur. Cape Canaveral gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Cape Canaveral.

Typical Weather for Big Sur and Cape Canaveral