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

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

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea 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. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and food.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a charming, picturesque, and quaint town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

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

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nashville than Carmel-by-the-Sea, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nashville is better known for its nightlife, music, resorts, and big city activities, while Carmel-by-the-Sea is more popular for its food, beaches, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Carmel-by-the-Sea is more touristy than Nashville and is popular for its storybook architecture, its opulent setting, and its popularity with golf enthusiasts. 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 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 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Spend time exploring the notable sights and museums in either Nashville or Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Nashville is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 Nashville or Carmel-by-the-Sea? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Nashville. The city is known for some southern favorites including southern barbecue, mac and cheese, and biscuits and gravy.

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

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

Nashville offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

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 Nashville or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Music?

Nashville is renowned for its music scene. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a live music destination.

In Nashville you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The city is famous for country music, blues, and rock and roll. Popular venues include The Basement, The 5 Spot, and The Cannery Complex.

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

Is Nashville or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Resorts?

Nashville is a city with good options for its resorts. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a resort destination.

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

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Nashville is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Carmel-by-the-Sea attract visitors from all over. 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.

Nashville is not a beach destination.

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

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very popular place for shopping. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Carmel-by-the-Sea. 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Nashville has some nice offerings. 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.

Is Nashville or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Christmas?

Nashville is a city with good options for its Christmas activities. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea does not offer Christmas activities.

Many visitors go to Nashville during the Christmas season. Several different venues decorate beautifully for the Christmas season including the Gaylord Opryland.

Carmel-by-the-Sea does not offer Christmas activities.

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

Nashville 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.

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

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

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very popular place for romance. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

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

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

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.

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

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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.

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

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

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Families should spend more time in Nashville than Carmel-by-the-Sea. 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.

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

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

With food and museums around the destination of Nashville, there's plenty to do. 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.

Even though Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

With museums and nightlife around the southern city of Nashville, there's plenty to do. 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 is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the country music lovers destination of Nashville. 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 it's a great destination if you're short on time. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Nashville is a popular choice for travelers. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. 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 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea, we can see that Nashville 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 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nashville Expensive? and Is Carmel-by-the-Sea Expensive?.

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

Nashville has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Carmel-by-the-Sea. When comparing the sizes of Nashville 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 Nashville 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 Nashville or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nashville as well as Carmel-by-the-Sea. The summer months attract visitors to Nashville because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Carmel-by-the-Sea this time of year.

In July, Nashville is generally much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daily temperatures in Nashville average around 81°F (27°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Nashville usually gets more rain in July than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Nashville gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Nashville are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Nashville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In October, Nashville usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Nashville gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Nashville during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nashville for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Nashville. In the winter, Nashville is much colder than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nashville in January average around 38°F (4°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea averages at about 51°F (11°C).

Nashville usually gets more rain in January than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Nashville gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nashville and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Many visitors come to Nashville in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Nashville is generally a little warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daily temperatures in Nashville average around 62°F (16°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Nashville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Nashville usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Nashville gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

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