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

Should you visit Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a lively, youthful, and fun city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches.

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 beaches, shopping, and museums.

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

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Jacksonville. Although Jacksonville and Carmel-by-the-Sea are popular destinations, Jacksonville has more sights and attractions for tourists. Jacksonville is very popular for its museums, nightlife, and big city activities, while Carmel-by-the-Sea attracts visitors for its small town charm and impressive beauty. Carmel-by-the-Sea is more touristy than Jacksonville and is popular for its storybook architecture, its opulent setting, and its popularity with golf enthusiasts. Jacksonville is famous for its beautiful beaches and lively downtown area. It is also well known for Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens.

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

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

Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville. The city has a number of museums that range from art museums to science or kid-friendly museums. Some favorites are the Museum of Science and History, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Mandarin Museum and Historical Society, and Kingsley Plantation.

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 Jacksonville or Carmel-by-the-Sea? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at very good restaurants in both Jacksonville and Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Jacksonville has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Local cuisine has its own identity. Unique dishes around town include garlic crabs, seafood boil, gumbo, and shrimp and grits. The local cuisine is similar to Lowcountry dishes with a lot of Cajun influence. If you want something different from seafood, you should try the barbecue.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Carmel-by-the-Sea makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

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

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

Jacksonville offers plenty to do in the evening. The young population brings out the nightlife scene. There's a great concentration of bars and clubs in the area known as The Elbow, which is at the intersection of N. Ocean and E. Bay Street. You'll find plenty of cocktail bars, lounges, and clubs around town that make for a fun night out.

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 Jacksonville or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Beaches?

Jacksonville and Carmel-by-the-Sea both offer very good beaches.

Many people visit Jacksonville for it's beautiful beaches. There are a number of beaches that are just a short distance from the city. Some have a historic vibe while others are more lively. Atlantic Beach is about a half hour drive from the city. For a laid back vibe head to Neptune Beach and the most popular beach in the area is Jacksonville Beach.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is considered a top beach destination. 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.

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

Shoppers can find a variety of very good stores in both Jacksonville and Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Jacksonville. There are countless malls and shopping districts around town. Some of the best shopping is found at St. John's Center, Five Points, and Avondale.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

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

Jacksonville is a city with good options for its family-friendly activities. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for its kid-friendly activities.

Jacksonville is a family-friendly place to visit. It's filled with adventure parks, zoos, animal farms, nature centers, and gardens. Adults will have as much fun as kids exploring the city and all of its family-friendly attractions.

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

Carmel-by-the-Sea is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Carmel-by-the-Sea makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Jacksonville is a nice destination for couples. It's a young city that's near nature and has plenty of adventurous activities. There's sailing, botanical gardens, restaurants, and plenty of bars around town.

Is Jacksonville or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jacksonville is a city with good options for backpackers. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Jacksonville is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels in town as well as affordable motels. The city has a young population with plenty to do. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there's a surprising and underrated appeal to the backpacker crowd.

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 Jacksonville or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Students?

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

Jacksonville is a good city to visit for students. There are a few colleges and universities in town. The city's population is also very young, making it a great place to study.

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

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

Jacksonville is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

Jacksonville has a few public transit options. The public transportation system includes trolleys, the Skyway, buses, water taxis, and the ferry.

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 Jacksonville or Carmel-by-the-Sea a more walkable city?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Jacksonville is somewhat walkable. Downtown Jacksonville is the most walkable part of the city.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

With shopping and museums around the destination of Jacksonville, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

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

With museums and nightlife around the lively city of Jacksonville, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the youthful destination of Jacksonville. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

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

Jacksonville is a popular choice for travelers. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.

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

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

Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 200 times larger than the population of Carmel-by-the-Sea. When comparing the sizes of Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Jacksonville as well as Carmel-by-the-Sea. Most visitors come to Jacksonville for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Carmel-by-the-Sea because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

Jacksonville receives a lot of rain in the summer. Jacksonville usually gets more rain in July than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Jacksonville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Jacksonville are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Jacksonville because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, 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 the autumn, Jacksonville is a little warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Jacksonville in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea averages at about 62°F (17°C).

In October, Jacksonville usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Jacksonville gets 2.9 inches (73 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 Jacksonville is the hurricane season.

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

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Jacksonville during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Jacksonville this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Jacksonville is generally around the same temperature as Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 53°F (12°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Jacksonville usually gets more rain in January than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Jacksonville gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Jacksonville and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Many travelers come to Jacksonville for the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Jacksonville is much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea in the spring. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In April, Jacksonville usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Jacksonville gets 2.8 inches (72 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 Jacksonville is June to November.

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