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

Should you visit Roanoke or Big Sur?

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

Should I visit Roanoke 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.

Roanoke

Roanoke is a scenic, outdoorsy, and laid back town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and hiking.

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.

Roanoke and Big Sur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Roanoke or Big Sur?

Both Big Sur and Roanoke have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Roanoke is very popular for its museums, nightlife, and shopping, while Big Sur attracts visitors for its food, beaches, and impressive beauty. Big Sur is more touristy than Roanoke and is known for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views. Roanoke is famous for its welcoming hospitality and convenient access to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

How is Roanoke different from Big Sur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Roanoke 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 Roanoke. There are several museums and sights around town such as the Living-Coral Reef Aquarium, the Science Museum of Western Virginia, and the Taubman Museum of Art. There's also the Harrison Museum of African American Culture and even the Roanoke Pinball 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 Roanoke or Big Sur? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Big Sur is a popular place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Roanoke is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Roanoke offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are burger joints, pizza restaurants, and plenty of other casual eateries where you can grab a quick meal.

Is Roanoke or Big Sur Better for Nightlife?

Roanoke 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 Roanoke has a few options to choose from. There are local venues in the area that have drinks and often live music. You'll find jazz, country, rock, and bluegrass, particularly along Crooked Road in Franklin County.

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 Roanoke or Big Sur Better for Beaches?

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

Roanoke is not a beach destination.

Is Roanoke or Big Sur Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Roanoke and Big Sur both have great trails.

Many visitors go to Roanoke for the hiking trails. The surrounding countryside is filled with mountain hikes. The Blue Ridge Mountains are crossed by trails that take you to waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and through serene forest. McAfee Knob, Sharp Top Mountain, and Roaring Run Trail some of the best hikes in the area.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Roanoke or Big Sur?

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

Roanoke has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Market Street in Downtown Roanoke is lined with local vendors, particularly at the Historic Roanoke City Market. The town also has a mall and several shopping centers.

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 Roanoke or Big Sur Better for Families?

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

Roanoke offers lots of family activities. The Blue Ridge Parkway is filled with kid-friendly hiking trails and fun outdoor activities. You can visit the Blue Ridge Institute & Farm Museum or Smith Mountain Lake Farm. There's also Virginia Children's Theater.

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 Roanoke or Big Sur Better for Couples?

Big Sur is renowned for couples. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Roanoke is a very popular place to visit for couples. Staying at a quaint bed and breakfast, tucked into the beautiful mountain setting is the perfect romantic getaway. Nearby there are vineyards and wine cellars, as well as gardens, hikes, and other outdoor activities.

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

For backpackers, both Roanoke and Big Sur are nice places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Roanoke. There are several campgrounds in the area as well as great hiking trails.

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.

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

Roanoke 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 Roanoke. There are buses as well as a free trolley service through the downtown, but you really do need a car to get most places.

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

Is Roanoke or Big Sur a more walkable city?

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

Roanoke is generally not a very walkable town. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, with sidewalks and more dense development styles.

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

Should I spend more time in Big Sur or Roanoke?

How long in Roanoke or Big Sur?

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

Couples should spend more time in Big Sur than Roanoke. 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 Roanoke 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 Roanoke.

One day in Roanoke or Big Sur?

In Roanoke, you'll find museums and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town 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 Roanoke or Big Sur?

In Roanoke, you'll find nightlife and shopping. 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 Roanoke 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 Roanoke or Big Sur?

Roanoke is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this 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.

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 Roanoke or Big Sur?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Roanoke. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Roanoke. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Both Big Sur and Roanoke are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Roanoke this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Big Sur for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite rainy in Roanoke. In July, Roanoke usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Roanoke gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Roanoke or Big Sur in the Autumn?

Both Big Sur and Roanoke during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Roanoke for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Big Sur in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Roanoke is around the same temperature as Big Sur. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Roanoke in October average around 60°F (16°C), and Big Sur averages at about 62°F (17°C).

Roanoke usually gets more rain in October than Big Sur. Roanoke gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Roanoke or Big Sur in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Roanoke and Big Sur. Many visitors come to Roanoke in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Big Sur for the cuisine during these months.

Roanoke can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Roanoke is generally much colder than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Roanoke average around 38°F (3°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In January, Roanoke usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Roanoke gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Roanoke or Big Sur in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Roanoke as well as Big Sur. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Big Sur because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Roanoke is a little warmer than Big Sur in the spring. The daily temperature in Roanoke averages around 59°F (15°C) in April, and Big Sur fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Roanoke usually gets more rain in April than Big Sur. Roanoke gets 3.1 inches (79 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 Roanoke