A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Charlotte vs. Big Sur for Couples, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Charlotte or Big Sur?

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 Charlotte and Big Sur can help you decide which place is right for you.

Charlotte

Charlotte is a evolving, up-and-coming, and growing city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

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.

Charlotte and Big Sur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Charlotte or Big Sur?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Charlotte. Although Charlotte and Big Sur are popular destinations, Charlotte has more sights and attractions for tourists. Charlotte is very popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Big Sur attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Big Sur is more touristy than Charlotte and is known for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views. Charlotte is famous for its banking industry and growing Uptown area. It is also well known for the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

How is Charlotte different from Big Sur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Charlotte. The Mint Museum is a popular place to visit, as is the Gantt Center for African American Arts. Art enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and sports enthusiasts will enjoy a stop at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

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 Charlotte or Big Sur? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Charlotte and Big Sur.

Charlotte is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The food scene continues to grow and change around town. You'll find the latest trendy restaurant changes regularly, but dishes often include upscale southern faire or classic American. There are also many international restaurants, particularly Mexican, Thai, and Chinese.

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 Charlotte or Big Sur Better for Nightlife?

Charlotte 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 Charlotte has a few options to choose from. Head Uptown for some of the best nightlife. The city has many bars and clubs that keep things fun late into the 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 Charlotte or Big Sur Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is great for the beach. However, Charlotte is not a beach destination.

Big Sur is a very popular place to visit for its 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.

Charlotte is not a beach destination.

Is Charlotte or Big Sur Better for Hiking?

Big Sur is great for hiking. However, Charlotte 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.

Charlotte is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Charlotte or Big Sur?

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

Charlotte has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shopping malls such as SouthPark Mall or Carolina Place offer all of the standard retailers. Concord Mills is another favorite mall in the area. Aside from the malls, there is no shortage of shopping centers around town.

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 Charlotte or Big Sur Better for Families?

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

Charlotte offers lots of family activities. There are a number of museums for kids, with one of the best being Discovery Place. It has many hands-on science based exhibits that kids will love. Another unique experience is a visit to the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Carowinds Amusement Park is also in the area as are many great parks, playgrounds, and natural areas.

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 Charlotte or Big Sur Better for Couples?

Big Sur is terrific for couples. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Big Sur has plenty to offer. 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.

Charlotte is a nice destination for couples. There are a number of date night activities around town, particularly Uptown. You can see a show or concert at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center or hit up one of the trendy bars or restaurants. There are also sporting events and other festivals that are fun to experience.

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

Big Sur is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Charlotte is not a good destination for backpackers.

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.

Charlotte is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not a backpacker destination, there are some cheaper motels that budget travelers can stay at.

Is Charlotte or Big Sur Better for Students?

Charlotte is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Big Sur is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Charlotte. There are a number of smaller colleges in town, but the biggest university is the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Big Sur is not popular with students.

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

Charlotte 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 Charlotte offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

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

Is Charlotte or Big Sur a more walkable city?

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

Charlotte is a somewhat walkable city. The Uptown area is the most walkable part of the city.

Big Sur is not a walkable city. 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 Charlotte Worth Visiting? and Is Big Sur Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Big Sur or Charlotte?

How long in Charlotte or Big Sur?

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

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

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

One day in Charlotte or Big Sur?

In Charlotte, 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.

You'll find food around the natural area of Big Sur. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Big Sur has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Charlotte or Big Sur?

In Charlotte, 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 Charlotte has to offer.

You'll find food around the remote destination of Big Sur. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this natural area has to offer. This natural area offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Charlotte or Big Sur?

Charlotte 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.

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the scenic natural area of Big Sur. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Charlotte or Big Sur?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Charlotte. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Charlotte. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Big Sur is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

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

Both Big Sur and Charlotte are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Charlotte because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Big Sur this time of year.

Charlotte is much warmer than Big Sur in the summer. The daily temperature in Charlotte averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Big Sur fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It's quite rainy in Charlotte. In July, Charlotte usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Charlotte gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Charlotte or Big Sur in the Autumn?

Both Big Sur and Charlotte during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Charlotte this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Big Sur for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Charlotte is around the same temperature as Big Sur. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Charlotte in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Big Sur averages at about 62°F (17°C).

Charlotte usually gets more rain in October than Big Sur. Charlotte gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charlotte or Big Sur in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Charlotte and Big Sur. Many travelers come to Charlotte for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Big Sur in the winter for the cuisine.

In January, Charlotte is generally much colder than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Charlotte average around 42°F (6°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In January, Charlotte usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Charlotte gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Charlotte or Big Sur in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Charlotte as well as Big Sur. Many visitors come to Charlotte in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Big Sur for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Charlotte is a little warmer than Big Sur in the spring. The daily temperature in Charlotte averages around 63°F (17°C) in April, and Big Sur fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Charlotte usually gets more rain in April than Big Sur. Charlotte gets 3.4 inches (86 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 Charlotte