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

Should you visit Raleigh or Big Sur?

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

Should I visit Raleigh or Big Sur? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Raleigh

Raleigh is a student-friendly, suburban-style, and friendly city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a remote, breathtaking, and scenic natural area. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include hiking, food, and beaches.

Raleigh and Big Sur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Raleigh or Big Sur?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Raleigh. Although Raleigh and Big Sur are popular destinations, Raleigh has more sights and attractions for tourists. Raleigh is very popular for its museums, nightlife, and big city activities, while Big Sur attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Big Sur is more touristy than Raleigh and is popular for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views. Raleigh is famous for its many museums and being the home to North Carolina State University. It is also well known for North Carolina State University.

How is Raleigh different from Big Sur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Raleigh 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 Raleigh. As the state capital, there are a number of free museums in the area. There are also some kid-friendly options and other activities that are affiliated with the colleges and universities. Popular options include the NC Museum of Natural Sciences (free), the NC Museum of History (free), the NC Museum of Art (free), and Marbles Kids 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 Raleigh or Big Sur? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Raleigh and Big Sur offer nice local cuisine and restaurants.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Raleigh area. In addition to the standard chain restaurants, you'll find a number of local eateries with great southern dishes. Try some southern classics like barbecue, pimento cheese, and fried chicken and waffles. There are also good international options including Nepalese, Laotian, and Ethiopian flavors.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Big Sur. 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 Raleigh or Big Sur Better for Nightlife?

Raleigh 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 Raleigh has a few options to choose from. Head to downtown Raleigh or the areas around NC State University for some of the best nightlife. Trivia nights and happy hours are popular and you'll find breweries popping up in many places.

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 Raleigh or Big Sur Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is well known for the beach. However, Raleigh is not a beach destination.

Big Sur is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Raleigh is not a beach destination.

Is Raleigh or Big Sur Better for Hiking?

Big Sur is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Raleigh 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.

Raleigh is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Raleigh or Big Sur?

Big Sur is not so good for its shopping areas. However, Raleigh is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Raleigh is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Raleigh or Big Sur Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Raleigh or Big Sur.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Raleigh. For such a small city, Raleigh has a number of unique kid-friendly activities like the popular Pullen Park and Marbles Kids' Museum. Pullen Park has small rides and a playground that are perfect for young kids. There's also the NC Museum of Natural History which is free and fun to explore with kids.

Big Sur offers lots of family activities. 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 Raleigh or Big Sur Better for Couples?

Big Sur is very popular for couples. However, Raleigh is not particularly known for romance.

Big Sur makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Raleigh is not the best destination for a couple to visit. While it's often overlooked by couples who want a weekend away, there are a number of museums and some nice restaurants to explore.

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

Big Sur is a popular place for backpackers. However, Raleigh is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Big Sur. There are a couple of hostels in the area, but budget travelers often prefer vacation rentals, which are more common.

Raleigh is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Raleigh or Big Sur Better for Students?

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

Raleigh is very popular with students. The city has a diverse student population with many nearby universities and colleges.

Big Sur is not popular with students.

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

Neither Raleigh or Big Sur offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Raleigh. The city's public transportation options are limited to a few bus lines that are mostly used by students.

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

Is Raleigh or Big Sur a more walkable city?

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

Raleigh is generally not a very walkable city. The city is somewhat walkable in the downtown area, but everywhere else you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Big Sur or Raleigh?

How long in Raleigh or Big Sur?

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

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

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

In Raleigh, you'll find museums and nightlife. This city 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 Raleigh or Big Sur?

In Raleigh, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Raleigh 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 Raleigh or Big Sur?

Raleigh 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 Raleigh or Big Sur?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Raleigh. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Raleigh. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

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

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

Both Big Sur and Raleigh during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Raleigh this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Big Sur for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Raleigh is much warmer than Big Sur in the summer. The daily temperature in Raleigh averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Big Sur fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Raleigh. Raleigh usually gets more rain in July than Big Sur. Raleigh gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Raleigh or Big Sur in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Raleigh and Big Sur. Many travelers come to Raleigh for the city's sights and attractions. Also, many visitors come to Big Sur in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Raleigh is around the same temperature as Big Sur. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Raleigh in October average around 61°F (16°C), and Big Sur averages at about 62°F (17°C).

In October, Raleigh usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Raleigh gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Raleigh or Big Sur in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Raleigh as well as Big Sur. Many visitors come to Raleigh in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Big Sur for the cuisine during these months.

Raleigh can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Raleigh is generally much colder than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Raleigh average around 40°F (5°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Raleigh usually gets more rain in January than Big Sur. Raleigh gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Raleigh or Big Sur in the Spring?

Both Big Sur and Raleigh are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Raleigh for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Big Sur because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Raleigh is a little warmer than Big Sur in the spring. The daily temperature in Raleigh averages around 60°F (16°C) in April, and Big Sur fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In April, Raleigh usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Raleigh gets 3.1 inches (78 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 Raleigh