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

Should you visit Minneapolis or Big Sur?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Minneapolis or Big Sur, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a diverse, dynamic, and innovative 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 scenic, remote, and breathtaking natural area. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and food.

Minneapolis and Big Sur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Minneapolis or Big Sur?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Minneapolis. Although Minneapolis and Big Sur are both popular with visitors, Minneapolis has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Minneapolis is more popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Big Sur is known for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Big Sur is more touristy than Minneapolis and is known for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views. Minneapolis is popular for its professional sports teams, countless outdoor activities, and friendly people. It is also home to Mall of America.

How is Minneapolis different from Big Sur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Many visitors head to Minneapolis specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There's a wide variety of museums that include art, history, science, and local culture. Some of the favorite museums in the city are the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Walker Art Center, the American Swedish Institute, and the Weisman 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 Minneapolis or Big Sur? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Minneapolis and Big Sur both to be good destinations.

Minneapolis has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Dishes in the Midwest are known for being hearty comfort foods, and the food in Minneapolis is no exception. You'll find cheese-stuffed burgers that are known as Juicy Lucys, Tator Tot casseroles, and deep-fried cheese curds. For international food, there's a variety of Scandinavian options around town.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Big Sur area. 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 Minneapolis or Big Sur Better for Nightlife?

Minneapolis is great for its evening party scene. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Minneapolis for the nightlife scene. There are diverse neighborhoods that each have their own personality. You'll find rooftop lounges in Uptown, international venues in Whittier, and trendy bars in the North Loop. But at the heart of the city's nightlife scene is Downtown Minneapolis.

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 Minneapolis or Big Sur Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is a very popular place for the beache. However, Minneapolis is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Big Sur. 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.

Minneapolis is not a beach destination.

Is Minneapolis or Big Sur Better for Hiking?

Big Sur is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Minneapolis is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

Minneapolis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Minneapolis or Big Sur?

Minneapolis is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for shopping.

Many people travel to Minneapolis specifically to go shopping. Known for the megamall, Mall of America, this is a shopper's paradise. Mall of America is the largest shopping mall in the country and it even has an aquarium and a theme park within it. In addition to this iconic shopping mall, Minneapolis also has many shopping districts including the Minnehaha Mile.

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 Minneapolis or Big Sur Better for Families?

Minneapolis is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Big Sur is not as popular, but is still a nice natural area for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Minneapolis. Mall of America is at the top of the list for most families, but there's also plenty of kid-friendly museums around town as well as nature centers, parks, and playgrounds. There's the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, the Minnesota Zoo, and Afton Apple Orchard. For museums, kids will love the Minnesota Children's Museum or the Science Museum of Minnesota.

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 Minneapolis or Big Sur Better for Couples?

Big Sur is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Big Sur has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Minneapolis is a good city for couples to visit. There are beautiful parks and outdoor spaces to explore as well as museums and fine dining. Couples will appreciate stopping by the Stone Arch Bridge or wandering through the Lyndale Park Rose Garden.

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

Big Sur is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Minneapolis is lacking in good options for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Big Sur. There are a couple of hostels in the area, but budget travelers often prefer vacation rentals, which are more common.

Minneapolis is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not a popular destination for backpackers, there is at least one hostel in town.

Is Minneapolis or Big Sur Better for Students?

Minneapolis is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Big Sur is not popular with students.

Minneapolis is very popular with students. There are a number of colleges and universities in the area including the University of Minnesota. The city is known for its academic and intellectual focus, and students will enjoy being challenged educationally while enjoying a dynamic city.

Big Sur is not popular with students.

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

Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses, light rail, and commuter trains that stop at many of the major entertainment centers around town.

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

Is Minneapolis or Big Sur a more walkable city?

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

Minneapolis is a somewhat walkable city. There are neighborhoods that are dense enough to be walkable, but the city is still very car-focused.

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

Should I spend more time in Big Sur or Minneapolis?

How long in Minneapolis or Big Sur?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Minneapolis and Big Sur. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Minneapolis than in Big Sur. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Minneapolis, and 1-3 days is enough time in Big Sur.

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

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

In Minneapolis, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the scenic natural area of Big Sur. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this natural area has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Minneapolis or Big Sur?

In Minneapolis, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Minneapolis has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the breathtaking destination of Big Sur. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This natural area offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Minneapolis or Big Sur?

Minneapolis 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.

The scenic natural area of Big Sur offers food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Minneapolis or Big Sur?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Minneapolis. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Minneapolis. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the food when visiting Big Sur. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.

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

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Minneapolis and Big Sur. Most visitors come to Minneapolis for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Big Sur because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Minneapolis is a little warmer than Big Sur. Typically, the summer temperatures in Minneapolis in July average around 76°F (25°C), and Big Sur averages at about 63°F (17°C).

In July, Minneapolis usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Minneapolis gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Minneapolis or Big Sur in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Minneapolis as well as Big Sur. The autumn months attract visitors to Minneapolis because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Big Sur this time of year.

In October, Minneapolis is generally much colder than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Minneapolis average around 52°F (11°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Minneapolis usually gets more rain in October than Big Sur. Minneapolis gets 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Minneapolis or Big Sur in the Winter?

Both Big Sur and Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Big Sur for the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Minneapolis in the winter. Minneapolis is much colder than Big Sur in the winter. The daily temperature in Minneapolis averages around 15°F (-10°C) in January, and Big Sur fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In January, Minneapolis usually receives less rain than Big Sur. Minneapolis gets 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Minneapolis or Big Sur in the Spring?

Both Big Sur and Minneapolis during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Minneapolis for the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Big Sur in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Minneapolis is cooler than Big Sur. Typically, the spring temperatures in Minneapolis in April average around 49°F (10°C), and Big Sur averages at about 56°F (13°C).

Minneapolis usually gets more rain in April than Big Sur. Minneapolis gets 2.1 inches (53 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 Minneapolis