A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Houston vs. Carmel-by-the-Sea for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Houston or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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 Houston and Carmel-by-the-Sea. 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.

Houston

Houston is a sprawling, southern, and one-of-a-kind city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and food.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a picturesque, quaint, and charming town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Houston and Carmel-by-the-Sea: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Houston or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Houston. Although Houston and Carmel-by-the-Sea are both popular with visitors, Houston has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Houston is more popular for its museums, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Carmel-by-the-Sea is known for its food, beaches, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Carmel-by-the-Sea is more touristy than Houston and is known for its storybook architecture, its opulent setting, and its popularity with golf enthusiasts. Houston is popular for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA. It is also home to The Space Center Houston.

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Houston or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Houston is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Houston. Head to Houston's Museum District to explore 19 different museums in a walkable area. A highlight of a trip to the city is a visit to the Space Center, but other popular museums include the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Houston Children's Museum.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

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

Carmel-by-the-Sea is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Carmel-by-the-Sea. 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.

Houston is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city is famous for its Texas barbecue, Mexican food, and a wide diversity of other different ethnic foods. It's a surprisingly diverse city and this is reflected in the restaurant selection around town.

Is Houston or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Nightlife?

Houston is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for nightlife.

Houston offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife is at its best on weekends when bars, dance clubs, and concert halls come to life. There are a diversity of venues around town including dance clubs, Honky Tonks, and cocktail bars. Some of the most active nightlife areas are Downtown, Midtown, Montrose, Washington Avenue, and Rice Village.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's not a late night town, but there are a couple of bars and some decent Happy Hours around town.

Is Houston or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Music?

Houston is a city with good options for its music scene. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in Houston. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a live music destination.

Is Houston or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Beaches?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is well known for the beache. However, Houston is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Carmel-by-the-Sea for it's beautiful 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.

Houston is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Houston or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Houston has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of upscale malls and shopping centers that have brand names, chain stores, and the occasional local shop where you can pick up items.

Is Houston or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Families?

Houston is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for its kid-friendly activities.

Houston is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It is a large city with plenty of things that kids can enjoy including museums, theaters, a zoo, and even the Space Center. The Children's Museum of Houston is perfect for a rainy day. For science loving kids there's the Health Museum and the Museum of Natural Science. Houston also has a Six Flags nearby which the whole family can enjoy.

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 Houston or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Couples?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Carmel-by-the-Sea frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Houston is a good city for couples to visit. There's a surprising diversity of restaurants around the city. There are also performing arts productions and many outdoor parks and gardens.

Is Houston or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Students?

Houston is a city with good options for students. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not popular with students.

Houston is a good city to visit for students. It's a large city with a number of universities and a large student population.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Houston and Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Public transit is generally limited in Houston. The system includes buses and a limited light rail. Houston is known as a car-centric city and you really need a car to fully experience it.

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.

Is Houston or Carmel-by-the-Sea a more walkable city?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is well known for its high level of walkability. However, Houston is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

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

Houston is generally not a very walkable city. The most walkable neighborhood is the historic Houston Heights, but most parts of the city aren't very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Houston?

How long in Houston or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Houston 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 Houston. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Houston, and 1-3 days is enough time in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

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

Couples should spend more time in Carmel-by-the-Sea than Houston. 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 Houston 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.

One day in Houston or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

When visiting Houston, people usually allow for lots of time. 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 with plenty to do. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

A weekend in Houston or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

When visiting Houston, people usually allow for lots of time. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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 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. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Carmel-by-the-Sea has to offer.

Five days in Houston or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the one-of-a-kind big city of Houston. 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 great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

A week in Houston or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Houston is a popular choice for travelers. This city 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Since Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Houston or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 500 times larger than the population of Carmel-by-the-Sea. When comparing the sizes of Houston and Carmel-by-the-Sea, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Houston or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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 Houston or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Houston and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Most visitors come to Houston for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Carmel-by-the-Sea because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Houston is much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Typically, the summer temperatures in Houston in July average around 84°F (29°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea averages at about 63°F (17°C).

Houston gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Houston usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Houston gets 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Houston or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Houston as well as Carmel-by-the-Sea. The autumn months attract visitors to Houston because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Additionally, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Carmel-by-the-Sea this time of year.

In October, Houston is generally a little warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daily temperatures in Houston average around 71°F (22°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Houston receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Houston usually gets more rain in October than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Houston gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Houston or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Winter?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Houston are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Houston this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Houston is around the same temperature as Carmel-by-the-Sea in the winter. The daily temperature in Houston averages around 52°F (11°C) in January, and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In January, Houston usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Houston gets 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Houston or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Spring?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Houston during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Houston for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Houston is much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Typically, the spring temperatures in Houston in April average around 70°F (21°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea averages at about 56°F (13°C).

Houston usually gets more rain in April than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Houston gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Carmel-by-the-Sea and Houston