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

Should you visit Phoenix 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 Phoenix 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.

Phoenix

Phoenix is a laid back, sprawling, and desert city. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a remote, breathtaking, and scenic natural area. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and beaches.

Phoenix and Big Sur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Phoenix or Big Sur?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Big Sur. Although Phoenix and Big Sur are popular destinations, Big Sur has more sights and attractions for tourists. Big Sur is very popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Phoenix attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Big Sur is more touristy than Phoenix and is known for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views. It is also well known for Bixby Bridge. Phoenix is famous for its desert landscapes, high number of golf courses, and year round warm weather.

How is Phoenix different from Big Sur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Phoenix 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 Phoenix. You'll find art, science, and cultural museums around town. Favorites include the Heard Museum, the Phoenix Art Museum, S'edav Va'aki Museum, and the Arizona Science 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 Phoenix or Big Sur? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Phoenix and Big Sur can be an enjoyable experience.

Phoenix is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are many mom-and-pop shops around town that serve everything from casual meals to quality steaks. There's also a huge selection of Mexican restaurants, as well as other international options such as sushi, dim sum, and Italian.

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 Phoenix or Big Sur Better for Nightlife?

Phoenix 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 Phoenix has a few options to choose from. The best nightlife scene is found in downtown and central Phoenix. There are bars, restaurants, and venues where you can catch a show. North Phoenix also has grown into a popular evening spot with cocktail bars and pubs.

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 Phoenix or Big Sur Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is a great natural area for the beach. However, Phoenix 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.

Phoenix is not a beach destination.

Is Phoenix or Big Sur Better for Hiking?

Big Sur is a great natural area for hiking. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Big Sur for the hiking trails. 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.

Phoenix offers some nice hiking trails. You don't have to head far out of town for impressive hiking opportunities. You'll find trails that range from easy to challenging, and many pass through other-worldly landscapes. You'll find popular trails in Usery Mountain Regional Park, Papago Park, White Tank Mountain Regional Park, South Mountain Park and many others.

Is the Shopping Better in Phoenix or Big Sur?

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

Phoenix has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are plenty of shopping centers, outlets, and malls where you'll find the standard chain stores. You'll also find farmer's markets around town.

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 Phoenix or Big Sur Better for Families?

Both Phoenix and Big Sur are nice to visit with kids.

Phoenix offers lots of family activities. Kids will love the Phoenix Zoo, the Arizona Science Center, the SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, and the Bearizona Wildlife Park. There's also a number of parks and gardens as well as a children's museum and several other interactive museums for kids.

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 Phoenix or Big Sur Better for Couples?

Big Sur is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

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.

Phoenix is a nice destination for couples. There are many parks and gardens in town as well as beautiful hikes and outdoor activities that couples will enjoy. In the evening, there's theater, shows, and many romantic restaurants.

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

Big Sur is a natural area with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Phoenix is not known 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.

Phoenix is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel or two around town for budget travelers.

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

Phoenix 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 Phoenix. There's a bus and light rail system, but you really need your own vehicle to get around.

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

Is Phoenix or Big Sur a more walkable city?

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

Phoenix is generally not a very walkable city. It's a sprawling city and the only real area that's walkable is the downtown.

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 Phoenix Worth Visiting? and Is Big Sur Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Big Sur or Phoenix?

How long in Phoenix or Big Sur?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Phoenix and Big Sur. In our opinion, Phoenix has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Phoenix than Big Sur. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Big Sur than Phoenix. 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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix or Big Sur?

In Phoenix, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 Phoenix or Big Sur?

In Phoenix, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Phoenix 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 Phoenix or Big Sur?

Phoenix is a great place to explore. 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.

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 Phoenix or Big Sur?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Phoenix. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Phoenix. 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 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.

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

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

Both Big Sur and Phoenix are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Phoenix in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Big Sur for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

It's very hot in Phoenix this time of the year. Phoenix is much warmer than Big Sur in the summer. The daily temperature in Phoenix averages around 98°F (36°C) in July, and Big Sur fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In July, Phoenix usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Phoenix gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Phoenix or Big Sur in the Autumn?

Both Big Sur and Phoenix during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Phoenix for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Big Sur because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Phoenix is much warmer than Big Sur. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Phoenix in October average around 79°F (26°C), and Big Sur averages at about 62°F (17°C).

Phoenix usually gets more rain in October than Big Sur. Phoenix gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Phoenix or Big Sur in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Phoenix and Big Sur. The winter months attract visitors to Phoenix because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the cuisine are the main draw to Big Sur this time of year.

In January, Phoenix is generally a little warmer than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Phoenix average around 58°F (14°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In January, Phoenix usually receives less rain than Big Sur. Phoenix gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Phoenix or Big Sur in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Phoenix as well as Big Sur. Additionally, many travelers come to Big Sur for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Phoenix is much warmer than Big Sur in the spring. The daily temperature in Phoenix averages around 74°F (23°C) in April, and Big Sur fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Phoenix usually gets less rain in April than Big Sur. Phoenix gets 0.2 inches (6 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 Phoenix