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

Should you visit Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod 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.

Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a wealthy, maritime, and beautiful beach destination. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. It's also popular because of the shopping, 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 Cod and Big Sur: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cape Cod. Although Cape Cod and Big Sur are popular destinations, Cape Cod has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cape Cod is very popular for its food, resorts, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Big Sur attracts visitors for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Cape Cod is famous for its long scenic coastline, charming compact towns, and magnificent migrating whales. It is also well known for The Cape Cod National Seashore. Big Sur is famous for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views.

How is Cape Cod 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 Cod. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Big Sur is mediocre for its historical sights. However, Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Big Sur. Nature is what brings visitors to the area, so most people don't prioritize museums or manmade landmarks.

Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cape Cod 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.

Cape Cod has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The region is famous for its fresh seafood and popular dishes include the fried clams and broiled lobster. There are also many diners and brunch cafes where you can enjoy pancakes or eggs benedict.

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 Cod or Big Sur Better for Nightlife?

Neither Cape Cod or Big Sur offer decent nightlife.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Cape Cod This area isn't really known for its nightlife, but the downtown of Hyannis has some activity at night.

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 Cod or Big Sur Better for Resorts?

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

Cape Cod has a few great resort options. Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, White Elephant Resorts, and Chatham Bars Inn are favorite resorts in the Cape Cod area.

Big Sur is not a resort destination.

Is Cape Cod or Big Sur Better for Beaches?

Cape Cod and Big Sur both offer high quality beaches.

Many people visit Cape Cod for it's beautiful beaches. Beaches in the area include long stretches of soft sand as well as tidal pools where kids can play. Several of the best beaches around Cape Cod include Mayflower Beach, Marconi Beach, and Race Point Beach.

Big Sur is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Is Cape Cod or Big Sur Better for Hiking?

Big Sur is great for hiking. Also, Cape Cod is not as popular, but is still a nice beach destination for the nearby hiking options.

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 Cod is a good destination for hiking. Hikes range from casual strolls to longer trails. Popular options include Bass Hole Boardwalk in Yarmouth and the 22 mile Cape Cod Rail Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Cod or Big Sur?

Cape Cod is great for its shopping areas. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Cape Cod. Many of the area's towns have charming Main Streets where you can enjoy shopping and dining.

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 Cod or Big Sur Better for Families?

Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod. The coastal towns have a number of kid-friendly activities. In the Upper Cape, Falmouth is one of the best towns for families. On Mid Cape, Dennis and Yarmouth are both kid-friendly. Dennis has a resorty vibe and Yarmouth has kid-friendly museums. On the Lower Cape, both Harwich and Orleans are family-friendly options.

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 Cod or Big Sur Better for Couples?

Big Sur is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Cape Cod is not as popular, but is still a nice beach destination for romance.

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.

Cape Cod is a very popular place to visit for couples. With its charming character and relaxing beach setting, honeymooners and couples will appreciate all that the area has to offer. There are peaceful settings and charming villages to explore. There are also award-winning restaurants and beautiful views.

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

Big Sur is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cape Cod is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Big Sur. There are a couple of hostels in the area, but budget travelers often prefer vacation rentals, which are more common.

Cape Cod is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. This area is more focused on luxury and family vacationers than it is on backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod. While there are buses and shuttles to help you get around, a car really is necessary to explore the area.

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

Is Cape Cod or Big Sur a more walkable city?

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

Cape Cod is a somewhat walkable beach destination. Many of the small towns in the area have compact and walkable areas, but the region is spread out so it's helpful to have a car to get from place to place.

Big Sur is not a walkable beach destination. 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 Cod Worth Visiting? and Is Big Sur Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Cape Cod or Big Sur?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cape Cod and Big Sur. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cape Cod than in Big Sur. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Cape Cod, and 1-3 days is enough time in Big Sur.

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

Couples should spend more time in Big Sur than Cape Cod. 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 Cod 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 Cod or Big Sur?

Cape Cod is a small town with plenty to do. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This beach destination offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The beautiful natural area of Big Sur offers food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Cape Cod or Big Sur?

Cape Cod 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. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Big Sur is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this natural area makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Big Sur, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Cape Cod or Big Sur?

Cape Cod is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cape Cod has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Big Sur is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Cape Cod or Big Sur?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cape Cod. Cape Cod is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Big Sur is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This natural area offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.

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

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

Both Big Sur and Cape Cod are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cape Cod for the beaches, 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.

Cape Cod is a little warmer than Big Sur in the summer. The daily temperature in Cape Cod averages around 68°F (20°C) in July, and Big Sur fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In July, Cape Cod usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Cape Cod gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Big Sur and Cape Cod during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cape Cod 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.

In the autumn, Cape Cod is cooler than Big Sur. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cape Cod in October average around 53°F (12°C), and Big Sur averages at about 62°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cape Cod. Cape Cod usually gets more rain in October than Big Sur. Cape Cod gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Cod and Big Sur. Most visitors come to Cape Cod for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Big Sur because of the cuisine.

Cape Cod can be very cold during winter. In January, Cape Cod is generally much colder than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Cape Cod average around 31°F (-0°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Cape Cod gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Cape Cod usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Cape Cod gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Cape Cod as well as Big Sur. The spring months attract visitors to Cape Cod because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Big Sur this time of year.

Cape Cod is much colder than Big Sur in the spring. The daily temperature in Cape Cod averages around 45°F (7°C) in April, and Big Sur fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Cape Cod receives a lot of rain in the spring. Cape Cod usually gets more rain in April than Big Sur. Cape Cod gets 4.1 inches (103 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 Cape Cod