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

Should you visit Panama City or Big Sur?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Panama City or Big Sur, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Panama City

Panama City is a cosmopolitan, fun-filled, and active beach town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a scenic, remote, and breathtaking natural area. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food.

Panama City and Big Sur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Panama City or Big Sur?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Panama City. Although Panama City and Big Sur are both popular with visitors, Panama City has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Panama City is more popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, and shopping, while Big Sur is known for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Panama City is more touristy than Big Sur and is popular for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. It is also home to Pier Park. Big Sur is popular for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views.

How is Panama City different from Big Sur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Big Sur is not so good for its museums and landmarks. However, Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Panama City or Big Sur? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Panama City and Big Sur can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Panama City. There are many waterfront restaurants that serve freshly caught seafood. Head to town for a charming atmosphere or grab a bite at a casual eatery. Fried seafood is popular when eating out but you'll also find plenty of options for land-lovers. Most restaurants also have kid-friendly menus.

Big Sur is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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 Panama City or Big Sur Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Panama City for the nightlife scene. The nightlife is particular crazy during spring break, when the town fills with students. Head to the famous Club La Vela or Spinnaker for music and fun at night.

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 Panama City or Big Sur Better for Music?

Panama City is very good for its music scene. However, Big Sur is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Panama City. A popular way to enjoy music in the area is to find a restaurant with a lounge where local musicians perform.

Big Sur is not a live music destination.

Is Panama City or Big Sur Better for Resorts?

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

Panama City has a few great resort options. Most people stay in condos that are VRBO's or Airbnbs, but there are resorts in the area as well.

Big Sur is not a resort destination.

Is Panama City or Big Sur Better for Beaches?

Both Panama City and Big Sur have excellent beaches worth visiting.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Panama City. With miles of long white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters, this area's beaches offer a beautiful escape. Head to the area's state parks for the most natural experience. These include St. Andrews State Park and Camp Helen State Park. A day trip to Shell Island is also popular.

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.

Is Panama City or Big Sur Better for Hiking?

Big Sur is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Panama City is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Panama City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Panama City or Big Sur?

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

Panama City has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of malls and shopping centers in the area.

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 Panama City or Big Sur Better for Families?

Panama City is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Big Sur is not as popular, but is still a nice natural area for its family-friendly activities.

Panama City is one of the most popular family destinations. This area has large sandy beaches, waterparks, amusement parks, and marine parks. Kids will enjoy playing around at WonderWorks, cooling off at Shipwreck Island Waterpark, and learning about marine life at Gulf World Marine Park. There are also many watersports and water activities that are fun for the whole family.

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 Panama City or Big Sur Better for Couples?

Big Sur is an amazing natural area to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Panama City is a great beach town if you're traveling as a couple. The beautiful beaches and romantic restaurants make for a great romantic getaway. This is the perfect place to take sunset walks along the beach and sample freshly caught local seafood.

Is Panama City or Big Sur Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Big Sur is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Panama City is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Panama City is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Panama City or Big Sur Better for Students?

Panama City is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Big Sur is not popular with students.

Panama City is very popular with students. It's not the spring break destination that it once was, but you'll still find students hanging out around the spring holidays.

Big Sur is not popular with students.

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

Panama City 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 Panama City. Most people need a car in Panama City but there is a trolley service that connects major tourist areas.

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

Is Panama City or Big Sur a more walkable city?

Neither Panama City or Big Sur are walkable places.

Panama City is not a walkable beach town. There's often construction and the streets aren't designed for pedestrians.

Big Sur is not a very 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 Panama City Worth Visiting? and Is Big Sur Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Big Sur or Panama City?

How long in Panama City or Big Sur?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Panama City and Big Sur. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Panama City than in Big Sur. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Panama City, and 1-3 days is enough time in Big Sur.

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

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

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

One day in Panama City or Big Sur?

In Panama City, you'll find nightlife and live music. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This beach town 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 breathtaking 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 Panama City or Big Sur?

In Panama City, you'll find live music and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the scenic 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 Panama City or Big Sur?

Panama City 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 Panama City has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

The breathtaking 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 Panama City or Big Sur?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Panama City. In Panama City, you'll find shopping and nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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 Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.

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

When is the best time to visit Panama City or Big Sur?

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 Panama City or Big Sur in the Summer?

Both Big Sur and Panama City during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Panama City for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Big Sur because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Panama City is much warmer than Big Sur. Typically, the summer temperatures in Panama City in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Big Sur averages at about 63°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Panama City. Panama City usually gets more rain in July than Big Sur. Panama City gets 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Panama City or Big Sur in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Panama City and Big Sur. The autumn months attract visitors to Panama City because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Big Sur this time of year.

In October, Panama City is generally a little warmer than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Panama City average around 71°F (22°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In October, Panama City usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Panama City gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Panama City or Big Sur in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Panama City as well as Big Sur. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Panama City this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Big Sur for the cuisine.

Panama City is around the same temperature as Big Sur in the winter. The daily temperature in Panama City averages around 52°F (11°C) in January, and Big Sur fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Panama City usually gets more rain in January than Big Sur. Panama City gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Panama City or Big Sur in the Spring?

Both Big Sur and Panama City are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Panama City for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Big Sur in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Panama City is much warmer than Big Sur. Typically, the spring temperatures in Panama City in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Big Sur averages at about 56°F (13°C).

In April, Panama City usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Panama City gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Big Sur and Panama City