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

Should you visit Virginia Beach or Big Sur?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Virginia Beach or Big Sur, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a fun-filled, relaxing, and bustling coastal city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the nightlife and beaches.

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.

Virginia Beach and Big Sur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Virginia Beach or Big Sur?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Big Sur. Although Virginia Beach and Big Sur are both popular with visitors, Big Sur has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Big Sur is more popular for its museums, food, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Virginia Beach is known for its nightlife and resorts. Big Sur is more touristy than Virginia Beach and is known for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views. It is also home to Bixby Bridge. Virginia Beach is popular for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe.

How is Virginia Beach different from Big Sur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Big Sur is mediocre for its historical sights. However, Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Big Sur. Nature is what brings visitors to the area, so most people don't prioritize museums or manmade landmarks.

Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Virginia Beach or Big Sur? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Big Sur is a nice place to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Big Sur has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Most of the restaurants offer a breathtaking view. Many use locally-sourced ingredients and they range in style from fine dining to casual eateries.

Virginia Beach may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Seafood is plentiful around town and there are all-you-can-eat buffets as well as high end, waterfront seafood restaurants. Make sure you try the She Crab Soup, soft shell crabs, and oysters.

Is Virginia Beach or Big Sur Better for Nightlife?

Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach has a few options to choose from. While it's a family-friendly beach, there's still a great nightlife scene with many bars and clubs in the area. Popular places to hang out at night include Omega Bar, Peabody's Nightclub, and Sky Bar.

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 Virginia Beach or Big Sur Better for Resorts?

Virginia Beach is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Big Sur is not a resort destination.

Virginia Beach has a few great resort options. Some of the best resorts in the area include the Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club, the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, and The Founders Inn and Spa.

Big Sur is not a resort destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Big Sur Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is great for the beache. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for the beach.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Big Sur. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Virginia Beach. The beaches are long and sandy, but they can get crowded during the summer months. The waves are just the right size for playing in the surf and the water temperature is usually warm enough to swim well into the fall months.

Is Virginia Beach or Big Sur Better for Hiking?

Big Sur is great for hiking. However, Virginia Beach 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.

Virginia Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Virginia Beach or Big Sur?

Big Sur is mediocre for its shopping opportunities. However, Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping in Big Sur can be found for those interested. There are some galleries and gift shops, but most visitors aren't in the area to go shopping.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Big Sur Better for Families?

Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach. This is a popular family-friendly beach with a nice boardwalk, a fun waterpark, aquarium, and nice beaches. It attracts families in the area for its long beaches and fun atmosphere. Most restaurants have kid's menus and there are ice cream shops and minigolf around.

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 Virginia Beach or Big Sur Better for Couples?

Big Sur is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for couples.

Big Sur has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Virginia Beach is a good coastal city for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy a nice escape to the beaches and boardwalk. There are many great seafood restaurants, some with waterfront settings. There's also a variety of activities ranging from many golf to dance clubs.

Is Virginia Beach or Big Sur Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Big Sur is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Virginia Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Virginia Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Big Sur Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit Virginia Beach. It's not as popular as more southern beach towns, but you'll still find students heading here for the spring break holidays.

Big Sur is not popular with students.

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

Neither Virginia Beach or Big Sur offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Virginia Beach. There is very limited public transit in the area so you'll need to have a car to get around.

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

Is Virginia Beach or Big Sur a more walkable city?

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

Virginia Beach is generally not a very walkable coastal city. Most people prefer to have a car but do note that parking can be a nightmare, particularly during the summer season.

Big Sur is not a walkable coastal 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 Virginia Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Big Sur Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Big Sur or Virginia Beach?

How long in Virginia Beach or Big Sur?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Virginia Beach and Big Sur. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Virginia Beach than in Big Sur. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Virginia Beach, and 1-3 days is enough time in Big Sur.

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

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

In Virginia Beach, you'll find nightlife. This coastal 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. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Virginia Beach or Big Sur?

In Virginia Beach, you'll find nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Virginia Beach or Big Sur?

Virginia Beach is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Virginia Beach has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Big Sur. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Virginia Beach or Big Sur?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Virginia Beach. In Virginia Beach, you'll find nightlife. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the natural area of Big Sur. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Both Big Sur and Virginia Beach are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Virginia Beach for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Big Sur because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Virginia Beach is much warmer than Big Sur. Typically, the summer temperatures in Virginia Beach in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Big Sur averages at about 63°F (17°C).

It's quite rainy in Virginia Beach. In July, Virginia Beach usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Virginia Beach gets 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Big Sur in the Autumn?

Both Big Sur and Virginia Beach during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Virginia Beach because of the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Big Sur this time of year.

In October, Virginia Beach is generally around the same temperature as Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Virginia Beach average around 62°F (16°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Virginia Beach usually gets more rain in October than Big Sur. Virginia Beach gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Big Sur in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Virginia Beach and Big Sur. The cuisine are the main draw to Virginia Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Big Sur for the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Virginia Beach in the winter. Virginia Beach is much colder than Big Sur in the winter. The daily temperature in Virginia Beach averages around 39°F (4°C) in January, and Big Sur fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In January, Virginia Beach usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Virginia Beach gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Big Sur in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Virginia Beach as well as Big Sur. Many travelers come to Virginia Beach for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Big Sur in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Virginia Beach is around the same temperature as Big Sur. Typically, the spring temperatures in Virginia Beach in April average around 58°F (14°C), and Big Sur averages at about 56°F (13°C).

Virginia Beach usually gets more rain in April than Big Sur. Virginia Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 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 Virginia Beach