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

Should you visit Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee 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.

Tallahassee

Tallahassee is a lively, vibrant, and youthful city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

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.

Tallahassee and Big Sur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tallahassee or Big Sur?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Big Sur. Although Tallahassee and Big Sur are popular destinations, Big Sur has more sights and attractions for tourists. Big Sur is very popular for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Tallahassee attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Big Sur is more touristy than Tallahassee and is known for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views. It is also well known for Bixby Bridge. Tallahassee is famous for its capital building and many universities.

How is Tallahassee different from Big Sur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Many visitors head to Tallahassee specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. As the capital city of Florida, you'll find a number of museums around town. Tallahassee Museum has outdoor and indoor space to explore. You can also visit the Tallahassee Automobile Museum, the Museum of Florida History, or the Florida Historic Capital 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 Tallahassee or Big Sur? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Big Sur is a natural area with good options for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination 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.

Tallahassee offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find plenty of chain restaurants and cheap eateries that cater to the students. The main options are classic American restaurants with a few international restaurants mixed in as well.

Is Tallahassee or Big Sur Better for Nightlife?

Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the student population. There are many bars and pubs that fill up with students on weekends.

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 Tallahassee or Big Sur Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is great for the beach. However, Tallahassee 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.

Tallahassee is not a beach destination.

Is Tallahassee or Big Sur Better for Hiking?

Big Sur is great for hiking. However, Tallahassee is not a hiking destination.

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.

Tallahassee is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallahassee or Big Sur?

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

Tallahassee has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There is no shortage of strip malls and shopping centers in the area. Some of the most interesting shopping is found at Railroad Square and Market Square.

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 Tallahassee or Big Sur Better for Families?

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

Tallahassee offers lots of family activities. There are plenty of outdoor parks and adventure activities for kids. You could also see the wild manatees at Wakulla Springs.

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 Tallahassee or Big Sur Better for Couples?

Big Sur is an amazing natural area to visit for couples. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination 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.

Tallahassee is not the best destination for a couple to visit. Head to a restaurant or bar. You could also check out a concert or explore a garden or park in town.

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

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

Tallahassee is a good city to visit for backpackers. The student population creates an environment that is welcoming to backpackers. There's also a hostel in town with affordable rooms.

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

Is Tallahassee or Big Sur Better for Students?

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

Tallahassee is very popular with students. Both Florida State University and Florida A&M University are located here. There's a large student population with many activities and cheap restaurants that appeal to the student crowd.

Big Sur is not popular with students.

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

Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee. There is a bus system operated by StarMetro.

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

Is Tallahassee or Big Sur a more walkable city?

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

Tallahassee is generally not a very walkable city. There are a couple of walkable areas around Railroad Square, Downtown, and Midtown, but for the most part the city is not pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Big Sur or Tallahassee?

How long in Tallahassee or Big Sur?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tallahassee and Big Sur. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Big Sur than in Tallahassee. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Tallahassee, and 1-3 days is enough time in Big Sur.

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

One day in Tallahassee or Big Sur?

In Tallahassee, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the scenic natural area of Big Sur. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this natural area has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Tallahassee or Big Sur?

In Tallahassee, you'll find nightlife 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 Tallahassee has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the breathtaking destination of Big Sur. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This natural area offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Tallahassee or Big Sur?

Tallahassee 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.

The remote natural area of Big Sur offers food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Tallahassee or Big Sur?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tallahassee. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Tallahassee. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the food when visiting Big Sur. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.

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

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

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

Tallahassee is much warmer than Big Sur in the summer. The daily temperature in Tallahassee averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Big Sur fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It's quite rainy in Tallahassee. In July, Tallahassee usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Tallahassee gets 8.9 inches (227 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tallahassee or Big Sur in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Tallahassee is a little warmer than Big Sur. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tallahassee in October average around 69°F (20°C), and Big Sur averages at about 62°F (17°C).

Tallahassee usually gets more rain in October than Big Sur. Tallahassee gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Tallahassee is June to November.

Should I visit Tallahassee or Big Sur in the Winter?

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

In January, Tallahassee is generally around the same temperature as Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Tallahassee average around 51°F (11°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In January, Tallahassee usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Tallahassee gets 3.7 inches (95 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tallahassee or Big Sur in the Spring?

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

Tallahassee is a little warmer than Big Sur in the spring. The daily temperature in Tallahassee averages around 67°F (19°C) in April, and Big Sur fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Tallahassee receives a lot of rain in the spring. Tallahassee usually gets more rain in April than Big Sur. Tallahassee gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Tallahassee.

Typical Weather for Big Sur and Tallahassee