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

Should you visit Pensacola 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 Pensacola and Big Sur can help you decide which place is right for you.

Pensacola

Pensacola is a entertaining, fun-filled, and active beach town. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a scenic, remote, and breathtaking natural area. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food.

Pensacola and Big Sur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pensacola or Big Sur?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Pensacola. Although Pensacola and Big Sur are both popular with visitors, Pensacola has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Pensacola is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Big Sur is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Pensacola is more touristy than Big Sur and is popular for its white sand beaches and long running naval history. It is also home to Gulf Islands National Seashore. Big Sur is popular for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views.

How is Pensacola different from Big Sur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Pensacola 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 Pensacola. On a rainy day there are some nice museums in the area. You can visit the National Naval Aviation Museum, the Historic Pensacola Village, the Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum, or Pensacola Children's 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 Pensacola or Big Sur? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Pensacola 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.

Pensacola has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find no shortage of seafood options around town. Oysters, shrimp, and fresh fish are popular on the menus. You'll also find lots of Cajun flavors as well as casual sandwiches and pizza.

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 Pensacola or Big Sur Better for Nightlife?

Pensacola 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 Pensacola has a few options to choose from. There's a casual nightlife scene with pubs, live music, and a mellow but fun setting.

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 Pensacola or Big Sur Better for Resorts?

Pensacola is great for its luxury resorts. However, Big Sur is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Pensacola. Family-friendly resorts with pools, waterslides, and lazy rivers are common. You'll also find beachfront hotels and more affordable options set back from the beach.

Big Sur is not a resort destination.

Is Pensacola or Big Sur Better for Beaches?

Pensacola is an unbeatable place for the beach. Also, Big Sur is not as popular, but is still a nice natural area for its beaches.

With world-famous beaches, Pensacola is a very popular vacation destination. White sand beaches with blue water and mild temperatures make this a wonderful beach destination. Some of the best beaches include Casino Beach, Perdido Key Beach, and Opal 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 Pensacola or Big Sur Better for Hiking?

Big Sur is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Pensacola is a mediocre beach town for its hiking trails.

Big Sur is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Hiking is a fun activity while in Pensacola. Step away from the beachfront development and you'll find some nice nature parks with quiet walking trails.

Is the Shopping Better in Pensacola or Big Sur?

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

Pensacola has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are sprawling shopping malls and shopping centers as well as local boutiques and quintessential souvenir 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 Pensacola or Big Sur Better for Families?

Pensacola 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 Pensacola. Kid-friendly beaches, minigolf, a zoo, and even a few museums make this a great family destination. There are family-friendly resorts and kid-friendly restaurants that make for an easy vacation that everyone will enjoy.

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 Pensacola or Big Sur Better for Couples?

Big Sur is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Pensacola is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Big Sur 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.

Pensacola makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Beautiful beaches and sunset cruises make this a great romantic getaway. You'll find great restaurants for a date night and plenty of activity once the sun goes down. During the day you can lounge on the beach or by the pool, sip drinks, and enjoy a vacation with your loved one.

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

Big Sur is very good for backpackers. However, Pensacola is a mediocre beach town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Pensacola is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a few budget-friendly places to stay, particularly away from the beach.

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

Neither Pensacola or Big Sur offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Pensacola. There's a bus system, but it's not particularly helpful to vacationers.

Public transit is quite limited in Big Sur. There is no real public transportation in the area.

Is Pensacola or Big Sur a more walkable city?

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

Pensacola is generally not a very walkable beach town. It's not a particularly walkable city and you'll want to have a car to fully enjoy your vacation.

Big Sur is not a 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 Pensacola Worth Visiting? and Is Big Sur Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Big Sur or Pensacola?

How long in Pensacola or Big Sur?

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

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

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

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

One day in Pensacola or Big Sur?

In Pensacola, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This beach town 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 Pensacola or Big Sur?

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

You'll find food around the scenic 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 Pensacola or Big Sur?

Pensacola is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Pensacola has to offer. 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 Pensacola or Big Sur?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pensacola. In Pensacola, you'll find museums and nightlife. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.

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

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

The summer brings many poeple to Pensacola as well as Big Sur. The summer months attract visitors to Pensacola because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Big Sur this time of year.

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

Pensacola receives a lot of rain in the summer. Pensacola usually gets more rain in July than Big Sur. Pensacola gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pensacola or Big Sur in the Autumn?

Both Big Sur and Pensacola are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Pensacola this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Big Sur for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Pensacola is generally a little warmer than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Pensacola average around 69°F (21°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

It's quite rainy in Pensacola. In October, Pensacola usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Pensacola gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Pensacola.

Should I visit Pensacola or Big Sur in the Winter?

Both Big Sur and Pensacola during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Pensacola for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Big Sur in the winter for the cuisine.

Pensacola is around the same temperature as Big Sur in the winter. The daily temperature in Pensacola averages around 51°F (10°C) in January, and Big Sur fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pensacola. Pensacola usually gets more rain in January than Big Sur. Pensacola gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pensacola or Big Sur in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Pensacola and Big Sur. Many visitors come to Pensacola in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Big Sur for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Pensacola is a little warmer than Big Sur. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pensacola in April average around 67°F (20°C), and Big Sur averages at about 56°F (13°C).

In April, Pensacola usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Pensacola gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Pensacola is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Big Sur and Pensacola