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

Should you visit Nashville 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 Nashville 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.

Nashville

Nashville is a country music lovers, eclectic, and southern 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 live music.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a breathtaking, scenic, and remote natural area. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and hiking.

Nashville and Big Sur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nashville or Big Sur?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nashville than Big Sur, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nashville is better known for its museums, nightlife, music, resorts, shopping, and big city activities, while Big Sur is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Big Sur is more touristy than Nashville and is known for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views. Nashville is well known for its influence in country music and its many live music venues. Also, Nashville is famous for The Grand Ole Opry.

How is Nashville different from Big Sur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nashville 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 Nashville. It is famous as the home of the Grand Ole Opry. It's also where you'll find the Country Music Hall of Fame and the unique Johnny Cash 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 Nashville or Big Sur? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Nashville and Big Sur both to be notable destinations.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Nashville. The city is known for some southern favorites including southern barbecue, mac and cheese, and biscuits and gravy.

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.

Is Nashville or Big Sur Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Nashville for the nightlife scene. The city is popular for it's music scene, particularly the country music scene. You can take in one of the free Honky Tonks or head to a rooftop bar. It's also a popular destination for bachelor and bachelorette parties.

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 Nashville or Big Sur Better for Music?

Nashville is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Big Sur is not a live music destination.

Nashville has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city is famous for country music, blues, and rock and roll. Popular venues include The Basement, The 5 Spot, and The Cannery Complex.

Big Sur is not a live music destination.

Is Nashville or Big Sur Better for Resorts?

Nashville is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Big Sur is not a resort destination.

Nashville has a few great resort options. There are a couple of famous resorts in the area including the Gaylord Opryland Resort, the Hermitage Hotel, and the Omni Nashville Hotel.

Big Sur is not a resort destination.

Is Nashville or Big Sur Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Nashville is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Big Sur attract visitors from all over. 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.

Nashville is not a beach destination.

Is Nashville or Big Sur Better for Hiking?

Big Sur is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Nashville 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.

Nashville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nashville or Big Sur?

Nashville is adequate for its shopping areas. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for shopping.

Nashville has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. The town has a number of boutique shops as well as major department stores. You'll find all of the major American chains around town.

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 Nashville or Big Sur Better for Christmas?

Nashville is very good for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Big Sur does not offer Christmas activities.

Nashville worth visiting during the Christmas season. Several different venues decorate beautifully for the Christmas season including the Gaylord Opryland.

Big Sur does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Nashville or Big Sur Better for Families?

Both Nashville and Big Sur are notable to visit with kids.

Nashville is a family-friendly city. The city has a handful of kid-friendly activities like a science center and kid-friendly music venues.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Big Sur. 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 Nashville or Big Sur Better for Couples?

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

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.

Nashville makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For music lovers, this is the ultimate couple's destination. There are also a number of romantic activities around town including horse drawn carriage rides through the downtown. To enjoy the beautiful weather, head to Centennial Park or take a hike in Forest Hills.

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

Nashville and Big Sur are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Nashville is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are one or two hostels around town and there's a great live music scene that attracts a young crowd.

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

Neither Nashville or Big Sur offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Nashville. Public transportation is very limited and you really need a car to explore the city in depth.

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

Is Nashville or Big Sur a more walkable city?

Neither Nashville or Big Sur are walkable places.

Nashville is not a very walkable city. There aren't many parts of the city that are pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Big Sur or Nashville?

How long in Nashville or Big Sur?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nashville 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 Nashville.

One day in Nashville or Big Sur?

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

You'll find food around the natural area of Big Sur. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Big Sur has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Nashville or Big Sur?

In Nashville, you'll find live music and food. 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 live music. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nashville has to offer.

You'll find food around the remote destination of Big Sur. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this natural area has to offer. This natural area offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Nashville or Big Sur?

Nashville 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.

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the scenic natural area of Big Sur. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Nashville or Big Sur?

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

Big Sur is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.

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

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nashville and Big Sur. Many visitors come to Nashville in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Big Sur for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Nashville is generally much warmer than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Nashville average around 81°F (27°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In July, Nashville usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Nashville gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nashville or Big Sur in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nashville as well as Big Sur. Most visitors come to Nashville for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Big Sur because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Nashville is around the same temperature as Big Sur in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nashville averages around 62°F (17°C) in October, and Big Sur fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Nashville usually gets more rain in October than Big Sur. Nashville gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nashville or Big Sur in the Winter?

Both Big Sur and Nashville are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Nashville because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the cuisine are the main draw to Big Sur this time of year.

The weather in Nashville can be very cold. In the winter, Nashville is much colder than Big Sur. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nashville in January average around 38°F (4°C), and Big Sur averages at about 51°F (11°C).

In January, Nashville usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Nashville gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nashville or Big Sur in the Spring?

Both Big Sur and Nashville during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Nashville this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Big Sur for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Nashville is generally a little warmer than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Nashville average around 62°F (16°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nashville. Nashville usually gets more rain in April than Big Sur. Nashville gets 4.3 inches (110 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 Nashville