A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Everglades National Park vs. Carmel-by-the-Sea for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Everglades National Park or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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 Everglades National Park and Carmel-by-the-Sea can help you decide which place is right for you.

Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is a natural, wild, and pristine national park. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include hiking.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a quaint, charming, and picturesque town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and beaches.

Everglades National Park and Carmel-by-the-Sea: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Pebble Beach Golf Course
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Everglades National Park or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Although Everglades National Park and Carmel-by-the-Sea are popular destinations, Carmel-by-the-Sea has more sights and attractions for tourists. Carmel-by-the-Sea is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Everglades National Park attracts visitors for its hiking. Everglades National Park is famous for its unique habitats and wildlife such as the friendly manatees. Carmel-by-the-Sea is famous for its storybook architecture, its opulent setting, and its popularity with golf enthusiasts. It is also well known for Pebble Beach Golf Course.

How is Everglades National Park different from Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Carmel-by-the-Sea and Everglades National Park. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Everglades National Park or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Everglades National Park
Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is very good for its historical sights. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its sights and museums.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Carmel-by-the-Sea. The Carmel Mission is a beautiful and fascinating Spanish mission that dates back to 1770. It's also well worth visiting the nearby Pebble Beach Golf Course. There are also a few fairytale style cottages in the area with some of the most notable being the Hansel cottage, the Gretel cottage, and the Tuck Box cottage.

Everglades National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. It's worth checking out the Museum of the Everglades, but most visitors prefer to spend their time outdoors exploring the habitats.


Is the Food Better in Everglades National Park or Carmel-by-the-Sea? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Everglades National Park
Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Carmel-by-the-Sea has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. For such a small town there is a huge number of bistros and local cafes. Seafood is popular, but you'll also find international restaurants and more casual eateries.

Everglades National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are a few casual eateries near the park. The options include taquerias and grills. You'll also find some farm fresh fruit stands on the side of the road and it's definitely worth stopping to pick up a snack.

Is Everglades National Park or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Nightlife?

Everglades National Park
Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is adequate for its evening party scene. However, Everglades National Park is not known for nightlife.

Carmel-by-the-Sea doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's not a late night town, but there are a couple of bars and some decent Happy Hours around town.

People don't go to Everglades National Park for the nightlife. There are a couple of grills outside of the park, but the nightlife scene is very limited.

Is Everglades National Park or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Beaches?

Everglades National Park
Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great town for the beach. However, Everglades National Park is not a beach destination.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. It's easy to walk to the beach from the village center. Just head down Ocean Avenue and you'll be at a beautiful beach with great scenery, surfing, and fun activities.

Everglades National Park is not a beach destination.


Is Everglades National Park or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Hiking?

Everglades National Park
Carmel-by-the-Sea

Everglades National Park is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a hiking destination.

Everglades National Park is a popular spot for hiking. The trails take you through a variety of habitats and range in length from short nature walks to longer, in depth hikes. Do be aware that the insects can be brutal. Mosquitos and biting flies are both common.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Everglades National Park or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Everglades National Park
Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great town for its shopping areas. However, Everglades National Park is not known for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's easy to walk around the heart of town and pop in the many shops and galleries. The highest concentration of shops is found around the Carmel Plaza which has upscale brands as well as local items.

Everglades National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There's a park store, but otherwise the shopping is very limited.

Is Everglades National Park or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Families?

Everglades National Park
Carmel-by-the-Sea

Everglades National Park is a national park with good options for its family-friendly activities. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for its kid-friendly activities.

Everglades National Park is a family-friendly place to visit. An airboat ride is a highlight for many kids. There's also hiking, kayaking, and even Junior Ranger programs. Do be on the lookout for mosquitoes, which can be relentless in the park.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not always a place people visit with their families. Carmel is a good place to let the kids stretch their legs. There are also some good kid-friendly walks in the area.


Is Everglades National Park or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Couples?

Everglades National Park
Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great town for couples. Also, Everglades National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for romance.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. It's a charming town with a beautiful coastline and plenty of cute hotels that makes for a great romantic getaway. There's wonderful shopping and many great restaurants where you can enjoy a local meal.

Everglades National Park is a nice destination for couples. Hiking and enjoying a bit of nature makes for a nice romantic getaway. Go kayaking or take an airboat ride and then enjoy some time exploring the natural setting.

Is Everglades National Park or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Everglades National Park
Carmel-by-the-Sea

Everglades National Park is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Everglades National Park is a very popular national park for backpackers and budget travelers. There are two drive-in campgrounds (Long Pine Key Campground and Flamingo Campground) that you can reach from the Homestead entrance to the park.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't any real hostels or accommodation options that appeal to backpackers.

Is Everglades National Park or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Everglades National Park
Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Carmel-by-the-Sea. There are a couple of buses, but you can't really depend on them to get around.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Everglades National Park. There is no real public transportation to the park so an organized tour is your best option if you don't have a vehicle.


Is Everglades National Park or Carmel-by-the-Sea a more walkable city?

Everglades National Park
Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great town for its ease of walking around. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its walkability.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very walkable destination. The village center is very walkable so it's easy to park you car and shop or walk to the beach.

Everglades National Park is generally not very walkable. While there are hiking trails, to really explore the park you'll want to have a car or take an organized tour.

For even more information, also check out Is Everglades National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Carmel-by-the-Sea Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Everglades National Park?

How long in Everglades National Park or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Everglades National Park and Carmel-by-the-Sea. In our opinion, Carmel-by-the-Sea has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Carmel-by-the-Sea than Everglades National Park. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Everglades National Park, and 1-3 days is enough time in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Couples should spend more time in Carmel-by-the-Sea than Everglades National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Carmel-by-the-Sea that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Carmel-by-the-Sea than Everglades National Park 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea.


  • How many days in Everglades National Park or Carmel-by-the-Sea? Ideal Length of Stay
    Everglades National Park 2-3 
    Carmel-by-the-Sea 1-3

One day in Everglades National Park or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

With around the destination of Everglades National Park, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and museums. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A weekend in Everglades National Park or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

With around the natural national park of Everglades National Park, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town with plenty to do. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation.A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


Five days in Everglades National Park or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the adventure-filled destination of Everglades National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people come for the beaches. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Everglades National Park or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Everglades National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Carmel-by-the-Sea or Everglades National Park?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Everglades National Park is $146, while the average daily cost in Carmel-by-the-Sea is $0.00. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Everglades National Park and Carmel-by-the-Sea in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Everglades National Park $80
    Carmel-by-the-Sea -
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Everglades National Park $160
    Carmel-by-the-Sea $0.00
Compare Hotels in Everglades National Park and Carmel-by-the-Sea

Looking for a hotel in Everglades National Park or Carmel-by-the-Sea? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Everglades National Park


Hotels in Carmel-by-the-Sea


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Carmel-by-the-Sea Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Everglades National Park $56
    Carmel-by-the-Sea $125

Is it cheaper to fly into Everglades National Park or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Prices for flights to both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Everglades National Park change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Everglades National Park $31
    Carmel-by-the-Sea $153

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

  • Thai Cooking Class in Monterey: $99

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Everglades National Park $28
    Carmel-by-the-Sea -

Tours and Activities in Everglades National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Everglades National Park.

  • Flamingo Everglades Boat Tours: $48
  • 2 Hour Chokoloskee Island Kayak Tour: $80
  • Everglades National Park Dolphin, Birding and Wildlife Boat Tour (2 hours): $120
  • Two-Hour Everglades National Park Dolphin, Birding and Wildlife Boat Tour: $120
  • 4 Hour Everglades Kayak Tour: $120
  • 6 Hour Everglades Mangroves Kayak Tour: $200

Tours and Activities in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Carmel-by-the-Sea are as follows:

  • 1-Hour Monterey and Cannery Row Sea Car Tour: $79
  • 17 Mile Drive: A Self-Guide Audio Tour of Pebble Beach’s Historical Highlights: $9.99
  • 17-Mile Drive Electric Bike Guided Tour: $68
  • 2-Hour Monterey and Pacific Grove Sea Car Tour: $149
  • 2.5-Hour Electric Bike Tour Along 17 Mile Drive of Coastal Monterey: $65
  • 3-Hour Monterey Bay Winter Whale-Watching Tour: $70
  • 3-Hour Monterey, Cannery Row and Pacific Grove Sea Car Tour: $189
  • Big Sur Self-Driving Audio Tour: Highway 1, Pacific Coast Highway: $17
  • Carmel Small Group Walking Food & Cultural Tour: $139
  • Carmel by the Sea 2-Hour Private Walking Tour: $20
  • Carmel-By-The-Sea Electric Bike Guided Tour: $68
  • Fairy Tale Houses Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Everglades National Park $7.86
    Carmel-by-the-Sea -

Sample the Local Flavors in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Carmel-by-the-Sea:

  • Wine Tasting and Walking Tour of Carmel-by-the-Sea: $149
  • Wine Tasting and Walking Tour of Carmel-by-the-Sea: $149


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Everglades National Park and Carmel-by-the-Sea, we can see that Everglades National Park is more expensive. And not only is Carmel-by-the-Sea much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Carmel-by-the-Sea would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Everglades National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Everglades National Park than you might in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Everglades National Park Expensive? and Is Carmel-by-the-Sea Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Everglades National Park or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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 Everglades National Park or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Summer?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Everglades National Park during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Everglades National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea in the summer for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Everglades National Park is much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea in the summer. The daily temperature in Everglades National Park averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Everglades National Park. Everglades National Park usually gets more rain in July than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Everglades National Park gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Everglades National Park 82°F (28°C) 
    Carmel-by-the-Sea 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Everglades National Park or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Everglades National Park and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Many visitors come to Everglades National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Everglades National Park is much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Everglades National Park in October average around 78°F (26°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea averages at about 62°F (17°C).

Everglades National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Everglades National Park usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Everglades National Park gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Everglades National Park is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Everglades National Park 78°F (26°C) 
    Carmel-by-the-Sea 62°F (17°C)

Should I visit Everglades National Park or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Everglades National Park as well as Carmel-by-the-Sea. Most visitors come to Everglades National Park for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Carmel-by-the-Sea because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Everglades National Park is generally much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daily temperatures in Everglades National Park average around 67°F (19°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Everglades National Park usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Carmel-by-the-Sea. Everglades National Park gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Everglades National Park 67°F (19°C) 
    Carmel-by-the-Sea 51°F (11°C)

Should I visit Everglades National Park or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Spring?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Everglades National Park are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Everglades National Park because of the natural beauty. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Carmel-by-the-Sea this time of year.

Everglades National Park is much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea in the spring. The daily temperature in Everglades National Park averages around 74°F (24°C) in April, and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In April, Everglades National Park usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Everglades National Park gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Everglades National Park is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Everglades National Park 74°F (24°C) 
    Carmel-by-the-Sea 56°F (13°C)

Typical Weather for Carmel-by-the-Sea and Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park Carmel-by-the-Sea
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 67°F (19°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Feb 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 53°F (12°C) 1.8 inches (47 mm)
Mar 71°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.1 inches (55 mm)
Apr 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm)
May 78°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm) 59°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (4 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm) 62°F (16°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 63°F (17°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
Oct 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.6 inches (14 mm)
Nov 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Dec 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2 inches (51 mm)