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

Should you visit Greensboro 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 Greensboro 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.

Greensboro

Greensboro is a welcoming, under-rated, and friendly city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a scenic, remote, and breathtaking natural area. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food.

Greensboro and Big Sur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Greensboro or Big Sur?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Big Sur. Although Greensboro and Big Sur are both popular with visitors, Big Sur has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Big Sur is more popular for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Greensboro is known for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Big Sur is more touristy than Greensboro and is popular for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views. It is also home to Bixby Bridge. Greensboro is popular for its interesting museums and diverse restaurants.

How is Greensboro different from Big Sur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Greensboro 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 Greensboro. The Greensboro Science Center is a highlight for families. Other interesting museums around town include the Elsewhere Modern Art Museum, the Greensboro History Museum, the International Civil Rights Center, and the Weatherspoon Art Museum.

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

Big Sur is a good destination for its restaurant scene. However, Greensboro is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Big Sur. Most of the restaurants offer a breathtaking view. Many use locally-sourced ingredients and they range in style from fine dining to casual eateries.

Greensboro may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. You'll find a good selection of restaurants around town with Mexican, southern, Italian, and Chinese all being popular options.

Is Greensboro or Big Sur Better for Nightlife?

Greensboro 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 Greensboro has a few options to choose from. Head downtown for the most trendy bars, breweries, and nightclubs.

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 Greensboro or Big Sur Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is well known for the beache. However, Greensboro 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.

Greensboro is not a beach destination.

Is Greensboro or Big Sur Better for Hiking?

Big Sur is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Greensboro is not a hiking destination.

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.

Greensboro is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Greensboro or Big Sur?

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

Greensboro has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are shopping centers and shopping malls around town as well as some interesting local boutiques.

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 Greensboro or Big Sur Better for Families?

Both Greensboro and Big Sur are good family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Greensboro. Kids will love visiting the Greensboro Science Center, which has hands-on science exhibits and a small zoo. Younger kids will also enjoy a visit to the Miriam P. Brenner Children’s Museum. During the summer months the Wet 'n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park is a great way to spend a day. Other times of the year, there are indoor play spaces and movie theaters around town.

Big Sur offers lots of family activities. 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 Greensboro or Big Sur Better for Couples?

Big Sur is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. However, Greensboro is not particularly known for couples.

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.

Greensboro is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The Carolina Theater makes a great date night activity. There is also a diverse selection of restaurants around town and a few parks for a daytime outing.

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

Big Sur is a good destination for backpackers. However, Greensboro is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Greensboro is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a number of budget hotels nearby but no real hostels.

Is Greensboro or Big Sur Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit Greensboro. University of North Carolina at Greensboro attracts students to the city. There are also several smaller colleges in the area.

Big Sur is not popular with students.

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

Greensboro 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 Greensboro. There are several bus routes around town, but you really can depend on them to get where you're going. A car is important for making the most of your trip.

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

Is Greensboro or Big Sur a more walkable city?

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

Greensboro is generally not a very walkable city. Most areas aren't walkable, but for the most pedestrian-friendly sections head to College Hill, downtown, or Brice Street.

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 Greensboro Worth Visiting? and Is Big Sur Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Big Sur or Greensboro?

How long in Greensboro or Big Sur?

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

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

In Greensboro, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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.

With food around the breathtaking 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 Greensboro or Big Sur?

In Greensboro, you'll find nightlife 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 Greensboro 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 Greensboro or Big Sur?

Greensboro 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.

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 Greensboro or Big Sur?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Greensboro. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Greensboro. 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 Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.

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

When is the best time to visit Greensboro or Big Sur?

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 Greensboro or Big Sur in the Summer?

Both Big Sur and Greensboro during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Greensboro for 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 the summer, Greensboro is much warmer than Big Sur. Typically, the summer temperatures in Greensboro in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Big Sur averages at about 63°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Greensboro. Greensboro usually gets more rain in July than Big Sur. Greensboro gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Greensboro or Big Sur in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Greensboro and Big Sur. Many visitors come to Greensboro in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Big Sur for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Greensboro is generally around the same temperature as Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Greensboro average around 62°F (17°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In October, Greensboro usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Greensboro gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Greensboro or Big Sur in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Greensboro as well as Big Sur. Most visitors come to Greensboro 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.

Greensboro can be very cold during winter. Greensboro is much colder than Big Sur in the winter. The daily temperature in Greensboro averages around 40°F (4°C) in January, and Big Sur fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Greensboro usually gets more rain in January than Big Sur. Greensboro gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Greensboro or Big Sur in the Spring?

Both Big Sur and Greensboro are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Big Sur this time of year.

In the spring, Greensboro is a little warmer than Big Sur. Typically, the spring temperatures in Greensboro in April average around 61°F (16°C), and Big Sur averages at about 56°F (13°C).

In April, Greensboro usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Greensboro gets 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Big Sur and Greensboro