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

Should you visit Savannah or Big Sur?

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

Should I visit Savannah 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.

Savannah

Savannah is a scenic, historic, and beautiful city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and beaches.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a breathtaking, scenic, and remote natural area. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

Savannah and Big Sur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Savannah or Big Sur?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Savannah than Big Sur, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Savannah is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping, while Big Sur is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Big Sur is more touristy than Savannah and is popular for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views. Savannah is well known for its maritime past, its southern atmosphere, and its Historic District. Also, Savannah is famous for Forsyth Park.

How is Savannah different from Big Sur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Savannah is great for its historical sights. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Savannah specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city's long history can be explored at the Savannah History Museum. With the Savannah School of Art and Design in town, you'll also find a great art culture with several museums such as the SCAD Museum of Art and the Jepson Center for the Arts. There's also the Georgia State Railroad Museum and the Sea Maritime Museum. There are several historic houses that you can visit as well, such as the Andrew Low House, the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, and Harper Fowlkes House.

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 Savannah or Big Sur? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Savannah 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.

Savannah has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Local restaurants highlight southern hospitality as well as the cuisine. You'll find many classics such as crab cakes, shrimp and grits, and fried fish. There are many restaurants in historic buildings in the Historic District, but you'll also find a number of casual eateries in other neighborhoods.

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 Savannah or Big Sur Better for Nightlife?

Big Sur is not a good place to visit for nightlife. However, Savannah is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Savannah is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife. Downtown Savannah and River Street are filled with bars and clubs that keep things lively when the sun goes down. During the warmer months there are outdoor venues, concerts and events, but even during the cooler seasons things stay busy.

Is Savannah or Big Sur Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is a well-known place for its beaches. Also, Savannah is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for the beache.

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.

Many people head to Savannah to enjoy the beach. While Savannah doesn't actually have a beach, you can head to nearby Tybee Island for waves and sun. It's about half an hour away and the closest beaches to the city are on the island's north side.

Is Savannah or Big Sur Better for its Old Town?

Savannah is great for its historic old town charm. However, Big Sur does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Savannah. There's an impressive Historic District that is filled with gardens, historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and Oak-lined streets. There are wonderful hotels and traditional restaurants that offer a beautiful experience.

Big Sur does not have a historic old town.

Is Savannah or Big Sur Better for Hiking?

Big Sur is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Savannah is not a hiking destination.

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.

Savannah is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Savannah or Big Sur?

Savannah is great for its shopping areas. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Savannah. Shopping opportunities include art galleries, trendy clothing boutiques, and larger shopping malls. Visitors can wander down the popular Broughton Street, but there's also a City Market and Starland District.

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 Savannah or Big Sur Better for Families?

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

Savannah is a family-friendly place to visit. There's a children's museum in town. There's also many outdoor parks and the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. Kids will enjoy stopping for ice cream or other sweet treats, which are plentiful as well.

Big Sur is a family-friendly city. 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 Savannah or Big Sur Better for Couples?

Big Sur is an amazing natural area to visit for romance. Also, Savannah is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Savannah makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Trees with Spanish Moss as well as a charming Historic District make this a nice destination for a couple's weekend. There are parks where you can enjoy a picnic. There are also nature trails and many great southern restaurants.

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

Both Savannah and Big Sur are notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Savannah. There's a hostel in town, as well as a number of cheaper motels that are a bit outside of the Historic District.

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 Savannah or Big Sur Better for Students?

Savannah is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Big Sur is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Savannah. There are a couple of colleges in town including the Savannah College of Art and Design.

Big Sur is not popular with students.

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

Savannah 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 Savannah. While there are some types of public transit available, the vast majority of visitors have a vehicle, which they use to get around.

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

Is Savannah or Big Sur a more walkable city?

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

Savannah is a very walkable destination. The Historic District is very walkable, and it makes a pleasant place to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Big Sur or Savannah?

How long in Savannah or Big Sur?

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

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

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

One day in Savannah or Big Sur?

In Savannah, you'll find museums and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

The beautiful natural area of Big Sur offers food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Savannah or Big Sur?

In Savannah, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Savannah has to offer.

Big Sur is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this natural area makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Big Sur, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Savannah or Big Sur?

Savannah is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Savannah or Big Sur?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Savannah. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Savannah. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Big Sur is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This natural area offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.

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

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

The summer brings many poeple to Savannah as well as Big Sur. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Savannah this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Big Sur for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Savannah is generally much warmer than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Savannah average around 82°F (28°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Savannah receives a lot of rain in the summer. Savannah usually gets more rain in July than Big Sur. Savannah gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Savannah or Big Sur in the Autumn?

Both Big Sur and Savannah are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Savannah for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Big Sur in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Savannah is a little warmer than Big Sur in the autumn. The daily temperature in Savannah averages around 68°F (20°C) in October, and Big Sur fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In October, Savannah usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Savannah 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 Savannah or Big Sur in the Winter?

Both Big Sur and Savannah during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Savannah 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.

In the winter, Savannah is cooler than Big Sur. Typically, the winter temperatures in Savannah in January average around 49°F (9°C), and Big Sur averages at about 51°F (11°C).

Savannah usually gets more rain in January than Big Sur. Savannah gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Savannah or Big Sur in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Savannah and Big Sur. Most visitors come to Savannah for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Big Sur because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Savannah is generally a little warmer than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Savannah average around 66°F (19°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In April, Savannah usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Savannah gets 2.9 inches (74 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 Savannah