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

Should you visit Sedona or Big Sur?

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

Should I visit Sedona 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.

Sedona

Sedona is a striking, desert, and dramatic town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Big Sur

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

Sedona and Big Sur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sedona or Big Sur?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sedona. Although Sedona and Big Sur are both popular with visitors, Sedona has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Sedona is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Big Sur is known for its beaches. Sedona is popular for its stargazing, desert setting, and yoga retreats. It is also home to Red Rock Crossing Park. Big Sur is popular for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views.

How is Sedona different from Big Sur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Sedona 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 Sedona. The Sedona Heritage Museum offers a glimpse into the history and culture of the area. There are also many galleries around town.

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

Sedona 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.

Sedona has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's grown into a foodie destination with local restaurants that pride themselves on using local ingredients. Mexican food is common but you'll also find cafes, classic American food, and other international options.

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 Sedona or Big Sur Better for Nightlife?

Sedona 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 Sedona has a few options to choose from. There are bars, live music venues, and even a casino in town. Breweries are popular and there are also upscale wine bars.

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 Sedona or Big Sur Better for Resorts?

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

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Sedona. Upscale resorts with spas, pools, and other amenities offer the perfect backdrop for a desert vacation.

Big Sur is not a resort destination.

Is Sedona or Big Sur Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is great for the beache. However, Sedona 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.

Sedona is not a beach destination.

Is Sedona or Big Sur Better for its Old Town?

Sedona is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Big Sur does not have a historic old town.

Sedona has an old town worth visiting. Traditional architecture and historic charm give downtown Sedona a lot of character.

Big Sur does not have a historic old town.

Is Sedona or Big Sur Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Sedona for the hiking trails. It's red rock cliffs offer the perfect setting for dramatic hikes and breathtaking views. The colors are most impressive at sunrise and sunset and some of the most famous landmarks include Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock and Boynton Canyon.

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 Sedona or Big Sur?

Sedona is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for shopping.

Many people travel to Sedona specifically to go shopping. It's filled with local artisan shops and art galleries that highlight the region's beauty. Head to Uptown Sedona for some of the best boutiques. You should also check out the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village, the Sedona Art Center, and Hozho Distinctive Shops and Galleries.

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 Sedona or Big Sur Better for Families?

Sedona 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 Sedona. There are impressive parks and fun outdoor activities for the whole family. Head to Slide Rock State Park where your kids can enjoy a natural waterslide. There's also the Out of Africa Wildlife Zoo as well as a canyon railroad.

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 Sedona or Big Sur Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Sedona and Big Sur make for a world-class place to visit.

Sedona makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Stargazing in the evening or picnicking in a park during the day. There are countless romantic activities that couples can enjoy. The area is filled with striking natural beauty that is at its best during sunset. Couples will also enjoy fine dining and a variety of outdoor activities.

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.

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

For backpackers, both Sedona and Big Sur are good places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Sedona. You'll find campgrounds, RV parks, and motels in the area, but no real hostels.

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

Sedona 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 Sedona. Verde Shuttle offers shuttle routes through town.

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

Is Sedona or Big Sur a more walkable city?

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

Sedona is a somewhat walkable town. If you stay in Uptown Sedona, then the area is walkable, but if you're planning to stay further away then you'll need to have a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Big Sur or Sedona?

How long in Sedona or Big Sur?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Sedona and Big Sur. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sedona than in Big Sur. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Sedona, and 1-3 days is enough time in Big Sur.

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

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

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

One day in Sedona or Big Sur?

Sedona is a small town with plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Big Sur. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Sedona or Big Sur?

Sedona might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Big Sur is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Sedona or Big Sur?

Sedona 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 Sedona has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Big Sur. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Sedona or Big Sur?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sedona. Since Sedona is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the remote destination of Big Sur. This natural area offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

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