A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Naples vs. Big Sur for Beaches, Couples, Food, and Hiking

Should you visit Naples or Big Sur?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Naples and Big Sur can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Naples

Naples is a nature-filled, relaxing, and peaceful beach town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a remote, breathtaking, and scenic natural area. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and beaches.

Naples and Big Sur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Naples or Big Sur?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Naples. Although Naples and Big Sur are popular destinations, Naples has more sights and attractions for tourists. Naples is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Big Sur attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Naples is famous for its white sand, blue water, water sports, and golf resorts. It is also well known for Naples Pier and the miles of sandy beach. Big Sur is famous for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views.

How is Naples different from Big Sur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Naples 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 Naples. While most visitors spend most of their time at the beach, on a rainy day you can check out the town's art museums, history museums, or local spots such as the Palm Cottage.

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

Naples is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Big Sur is not as popular, but is still a nice natural area for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Naples has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Seafood is a favorite around town, but you'll also find plenty of Italian food. Everything from casual to fine dining is available with many local favorites to choose from.

Big Sur offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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 Naples or Big Sur Better for Nightlife?

Naples 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 Naples has a few options to choose from. There are live music venues, cocktail bars, and dance clubs around town.

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 Naples or Big Sur Better for Resorts?

Naples is great for its luxury resorts. However, Big Sur is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Naples. There are luxury resorts, family-friendly hotels, and a range of prices to choose from. Most have pools and many have oceanfront views with golf facilities available. Many of the major brands such as Marriott are found here.

Big Sur is not a resort destination.

Is Naples or Big Sur Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Naples is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Big Sur is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Naples. Snorkeling and scuba diving are both available in the area, in part because of the impressive artificial reefs that have been constructed. Snorkeling is available at Tigertail Beach, Clam Pass, and Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park.

Big Sur is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Naples or Big Sur Better for Beaches?

Naples is an unbeatable place for the beach. Also, Big Sur is not as popular, but is still a nice natural area for its beaches.

With world-famous beaches, Naples is a very popular vacation destination. White sand beaches and calm Gulf waters make this an ideal beach destination. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is a favorite beach spot in the area, but you should also check out Naples Municipal Beach which is where you'll find the Naples Pier. If you want a more natural setting, head to Barefoot Beach Preserve County Park.

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.

Is Naples or Big Sur Better for Hiking?

Big Sur is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Naples is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

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.

Naples offers some nice hiking trails. The area is filled with state parks and nature reserves where you can explore and enjoy a scenic hike. There are also greenways and coastal paths nearby.

Is the Shopping Better in Naples or Big Sur?

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

Naples has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find shopping centers, outlet malls, and plenty of retail space around town. Some of the favorite shopping spots are the Mercato, Coastland Center, and Waterside Shops. For souvenirs and beach items head to Tin City Waterfront Shops.

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 Naples or Big Sur Better for Families?

Naples 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 Naples. You'll find relaxing beaches, nice parks, plenty of playgrounds, and even the Golisano Childrens Museum for rainy days. There are also nature centers with great walks as well as gardens and wildlife viewpoints.

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 Naples or Big Sur Better for Couples?

Big Sur is renowned for couples. Also, Naples is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Big Sur is a great natural area for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Couples visit Naples frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Beautiful beaches and relaxing spas make this a favorite couples destination. Golf, high end restaurants and plenty of romantic activities will ensure you have the anniversary trip or honeymoon to remember.

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

Naples and Big Sur are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Naples is a good beach town to visit for backpackers. There's a hostel or two in the area as well as cheaper accommodation than other parts of Florida.

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.

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

Naples 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 Naples. There's a trolley system as well as a public bus system.

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

Is Naples or Big Sur a more walkable city?

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

Naples is a somewhat walkable beach town. The downtown area is relatively walkable, but to fully explore the region you'll need your own car.

Big Sur is not a walkable beach town. 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 Naples Worth Visiting? and Is Big Sur Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Big Sur or Naples?

How long in Naples or Big Sur?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Naples and Big Sur. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Naples than in Big Sur. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Naples, and 1-3 days is enough time in Big Sur.

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

Couples should spend more time in Naples than Big Sur. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Naples that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Naples than Big Sur 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 Naples.

One day in Naples or Big Sur?

In Naples, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This beach town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Big Sur. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Naples or Big Sur?

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

Big Sur is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Naples or Big Sur?

Naples is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Naples has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Big Sur. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Naples or Big Sur?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Naples. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Naples. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the scenic destination of Big Sur. This natural area offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

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