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

Should you visit New Orleans 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 New Orleans 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.

New Orleans

New Orleans is a festive, vibrant, and energetic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the food, 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.

New Orleans and Big Sur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in New Orleans or Big Sur?

Visitors will usually find more to do in New Orleans than Big Sur, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. New Orleans is better known for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Big Sur is more popular for its museums, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. New Orleans is more touristy than Big Sur and is known for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. Also, New Orleans is famous for The French Quarter. Big Sur is well known for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views.

The French Quarter

How is New Orleans different from Big Sur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Big Sur is not a good area for its museums and history. However, New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Big Sur. Nature is what brings visitors to the area, so most people don't prioritize museums or manmade landmarks.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in New Orleans or Big Sur? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New Orleans is an unbeatable place 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.

New Orleans has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It has rapidly grown into one of the United State's most well known foodie destinations. It's the birthplace of bananas foster and popular for it's gumbo, crawfish etouffee, jambalaya, and red beans and rice. While there are a number of celebrity chefs from New Orleans, you'll also find many local restaurants that aren't as well known but are equally worth visiting.

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 New Orleans or Big Sur Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for nightlife.

The nightlife in New Orleans is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The nightlife scene is at its best during Mardi Gras. But year-round you'll find Bachelor and Bachelorette parties, spring breakers, and anyone who wants to enjoy a crazy time heads to New Orleans. New Orleans is a destination that attracts partiers any time of the year, and the French Quarter is the place to be if you're looking for a party.

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 New Orleans or Big Sur Better for Music?

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

New Orleans has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city is known for its music festivals that feature jazz, blues, and many other types of live music. The Jazz Festival is a great time to visit.

Big Sur is not a live music destination.

Is New Orleans or Big Sur Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is an excellent place to visit for its beaches. However, New Orleans 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.

New Orleans is not a beach destination.

Is New Orleans or Big Sur Better for its Old Town?

New Orleans is great for its historic old town charm. However, Big Sur does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of New Orleans. The French Quarter is filled with old architecture and beautiful historic landmarks.

Big Sur does not have a historic old town.

Is New Orleans or Big Sur Better for Hiking?

Big Sur is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, New Orleans 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.

New Orleans is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in New Orleans or Big Sur?

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

New Orleans has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. New Orleans shopping is mostly centered around shopping malls and chain stores.

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 New Orleans or Big Sur Better for Families?

Big Sur is a natural area with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Big Sur is a family-friendly natural area. 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.

New Orleans doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. While there are some family-friendly activities in New Orleans like a zoo and several great parks, the city is more known for its parties and nightlife scene. Particularly during certain seasons, most people choose to visit New Orleans without kids.

Is New Orleans or Big Sur Better for Couples?

Big Sur is a world-class destination for romance. Also, New Orleans 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.

New Orleans makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy a lively evening, fun festivals, and exploring absolutely amazing restaurants will enjoy a visit to New Orleans. It has a festive and unique atmosphere any time of the year. There are also nice hotels and beautiful parks.

Is New Orleans or Big Sur Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Big Sur is a natural area with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for backpackers.

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

New Orleans is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a handful of hostels in New Orleans that are good options for backpackers who want to meet other travelers.

Is New Orleans or Big Sur Better for Students?

New Orleans is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Big Sur is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit New Orleans. Students head to New Orleans to enjoy spring break and Mardi Gras.

Big Sur is not popular with students.

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

New Orleans 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 New Orleans. The city has streetcar lines and bus lines that you can use, but you'll want to have a car if you want to venture outside of these main areas.

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

Is New Orleans or Big Sur a more walkable city?

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

New Orleans is a somewhat walkable city. If you stick to the French Quarter and downtown areas, most things are walkable in New Orleans.

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 New Orleans Worth Visiting? and Is Big Sur Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Big Sur or New Orleans?

How long in New Orleans or Big Sur?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New Orleans 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 New Orleans.

One day in New Orleans or Big Sur?

In New Orleans, you'll find food and nightlife. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 remote 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 New Orleans or Big Sur?

In New Orleans, you'll find nightlife and live music. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that New Orleans has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the remote 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 New Orleans or Big Sur?

New Orleans is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 remote 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 New Orleans or Big Sur?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in New Orleans. Many people enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting New Orleans. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.

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

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

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

In July, New Orleans is generally much warmer than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in New Orleans average around 82°F (28°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

New Orleans gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Big Sur. New Orleans gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit New Orleans or Big Sur in the Autumn?

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

New Orleans is a little warmer than Big Sur in the autumn. The daily temperature in New Orleans averages around 69°F (21°C) in October, and Big Sur fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

New Orleans usually gets more rain in October than Big Sur. New Orleans gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New Orleans or Big Sur in the Winter?

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

In the winter, New Orleans is around the same temperature as Big Sur. Typically, the winter temperatures in New Orleans in January average around 51°F (11°C), and Big Sur averages at about 51°F (11°C).

It's quite rainy in New Orleans. In January, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Big Sur. New Orleans gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit New Orleans or Big Sur in the Spring?

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

In April, New Orleans is generally much warmer than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in New Orleans average around 68°F (20°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. New Orleans usually gets more rain in April than Big Sur. New Orleans gets 4.5 inches (114 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 New Orleans