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

Should you visit Newport or Big Sur?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Newport and Big Sur can help you decide which place is right for you.

Newport

Newport is a charming, coastal, and seaside town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

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.

Newport and Big Sur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Newport or Big Sur?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Newport. Although Newport and Big Sur are popular destinations, Newport has more sights and attractions for tourists. Newport is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Big Sur attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Newport is famous for its sailing regattas, its mansions along Bellevue Avenue, and its maritime history. It is also well known for Thames Street. Big Sur is famous for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views.

How is Newport different from Big Sur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Many visitors head to Newport specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The historic mansions and local museums educate visitors on the town's maritime past and colonial roots. Some of the more popular places to visit include The Breakers, The Elms Mansion, The Marble House, and Chateau-sur-mer Mansion.

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

Newport 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.

Newport has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Find a waterfront restaurant and enjoy fresh seafood and a charming atmosphere. Many restaurants are influenced by the town's Portuguese and Irish roots. You'll find classic pubs as well as brunch cafes and traditional taverns.

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 Newport or Big Sur Better for Nightlife?

Newport 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 Newport has a few options to choose from. There's a lively atmosphere in the evening with many pubs, taverns, and bars that keep the energy high.

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 Newport or Big Sur Better for Beaches?

Newport and Big Sur are very good choices for a beach vacation.

Newport is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Tucked in along the rocky coastline are many beautiful sandy beaches. You'll find popular and active beaches where you can lounge in a chair and people watch, as well as more secluded spots where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. The largest beach is Easton's Beach (also known as First Beach). Surfers and boaters enjoy Sachuest Beach (or Second Beach), and a less popular, but very rewarding beach is also King Park Beach.

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 Newport or Big Sur Better for its Old Town?

Newport 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 Newport. The Historic District is filled with colonial buildings and impressive mansions. There are cobblestone streets and a charming loop through the town's Old Quarter.

Big Sur does not have a historic old town.

Is Newport or Big Sur Better for Hiking?

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

Newport is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Newport or Big Sur?

Newport is great for its shopping areas. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Newport. Walk along the charming cobblestone streets and pop in the many local boutiques and 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 Newport or Big Sur Better for Families?

Newport 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 Newport. For an educational and interactive experience, head to Save The Bay Exploration Center & Aquarium. The Norman Bird Sanctuary also has a lot of land and places to explore. Kids will enjoy a visit to the beach or running around Breton Point State Park as well. On a rainy day, Ryans Family Amusements is the perfect way to pass some time.

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 Newport or Big Sur Better for Couples?

Both Newport and Big Sur are fantastic destinations to visit as a couple.

For those traveling as a couple, Newport has plenty to offer. It's a coastal town with a lot of charm that makes for a perfect romantic escape. Enjoy dining and shopping along Thames Street or take a walk along the coast. There are many local restaurants and evening activities for couples as well.

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.

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

Big Sur is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Newport is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Big Sur is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels in the area, but budget travelers often prefer vacation rentals, which are more common.

Newport is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a beautiful town, but accommodation tends to be expensive and there aren't any hostels to attract the budget crowd.

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

Newport 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 Newport offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses operated by RIPTA. You can visit most of the attractions in the downtown area by catching a ride on one of the classic green and gold hybrid trolley buses.

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

Is Newport or Big Sur a more walkable city?

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

Newport is a very walkable destination. The town's downtown are compact and fun to explore on foot. There is a nice concentration of shops, restaurants, hotels and sights.

Big Sur is not a walkable 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 Newport Worth Visiting? and Is Big Sur Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Big Sur or Newport?

How long in Newport or Big Sur?

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

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

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

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

One day in Newport or Big Sur?

In Newport, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Big Sur, you'll find food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This natural area offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Newport or Big Sur?

In Newport, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Newport has to offer.

In Big Sur, you'll find food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Big Sur has to offer.

Five days in Newport or Big Sur?

Newport is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Newport has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Big Sur is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

A week in Newport or Big Sur?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Newport. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Newport. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Big Sur. Many people enjoy the food when visiting Big Sur. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.

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

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Newport and Big Sur. The summer months attract visitors to Newport because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Big Sur this time of year.

Newport is a little warmer than Big Sur in the summer. The daily temperature in Newport averages around 73°F (23°C) in July, and Big Sur fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In July, Newport usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Newport gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Newport or Big Sur in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Newport as well as Big Sur. The shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Newport this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Big Sur for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Newport is cooler than Big Sur. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Newport in October average around 53°F (12°C), and Big Sur averages at about 62°F (17°C).

Newport usually gets more rain in October than Big Sur. Newport gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Newport or Big Sur in the Winter?

Both Big Sur and Newport are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Newport for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Big Sur in the winter for the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Newport. In January, Newport is generally much colder than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Newport average around 28°F (-2°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In January, Newport usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Newport gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Newport or Big Sur in the Spring?

Both Big Sur and Newport during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Newport in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Big Sur for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Newport is cooler than Big Sur in the spring. The daily temperature in Newport averages around 48°F (9°C) in April, and Big Sur fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Newport usually gets more rain in April than Big Sur. Newport gets 3.7 inches (94 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 Newport