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

Should you visit Washington or Big Sur?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Washington and Big Sur can help you decide which place is right for you.

Washington

Washington is a monument-filled, international, and diverse city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a breathtaking, scenic, and remote natural area. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and hiking.

Washington and Big Sur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Washington or Big Sur?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Washington than Big Sur, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Washington is better known for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Big Sur is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Washington is well known for its reputation as the capital of the United States, but it's also known for its many monuments, memorials, and museums. Also, Washington is famous for The Washington Monument and the White House. Big Sur is well known for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views.

How is Washington different from Big Sur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Washington is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Washington has many famous sights for visitors. The city has world class museums that are often free. The Smithsonian Museums are arguably some of the most impressive museums in the United States. The city also has a large collection of monuments that are dedicated to past presidents or historical events. Many are best experienced at night when the sun sets and the lights come on.

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 Washington or Big Sur Better for Theater?

Washington is great for its shows and theatre. However, Big Sur is not a theatre destination.

Washington has a number of performance venues where you can see a variety of shows. Theater is popular in the city. From major theaters like the Kennedy Center and Ford's Theater, to lesser known smaller venues, there are options for everyone.

Big Sur is not a theatre destination.

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

Washington is an unbeatable place 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.

Washington has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. This city is among the most diverse in the country, so you can find restaurants from almost any cuisine here. It's worth exploring and stepping out of your comfort zone. There are popular neighborhoods for Ethiopian, Korean, Thai, Japanese, and Chinese food, among many others.

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 Washington or Big Sur Better for Nightlife?

Washington is great for its evening party scene. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Washington for the nightlife scene. Many visitors head straight to the museums and the National Mall, and don't realize what a livable and fun city this is. Some of the best nightlife is found in Dupont Circle, U Street, and even Arlington, VA. The city's young population ensures that there's never a dull moment.

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 Washington or Big Sur Better for Music?

Washington is very good for its music scene. However, Big Sur is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Washington. Notable live music venues include the 9:30 Club, the Anthem, and Union Stage.

Big Sur is not a live music destination.

Is Washington or Big Sur Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is great for its beaches. However, Washington is not a beach destination.

Big Sur is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

Washington is not a beach destination.

Is Washington or Big Sur Better for Hiking?

Big Sur is great for hiking. However, Washington is not a good destination for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Many visitors include a hike while visiting Washington. Just outside of Washington DC you'll find plenty of places to go hiking. There's also an elaborate bike and walking trail system in the city. To enjoy a bit of nature, head to Teddy Roosevelt Island.

Is the Shopping Better in Washington or Big Sur?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Washington. Head to Georgetown and Dupont Circle for some of the city's best local shopping. There are name brand chains mixed in with local boutiques. You'll also find plenty of souvenir shops in the more touristy areas if you're looking to pick up some trinkets.

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 Washington or Big Sur Better for Christmas?

Washington is an unbeatable place for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Big Sur does not offer Christmas activities.

With so many activities, Washington is a top place to visit during Christmas. With it's beautiful lights and holiday shows, Christmas is beautiful in the capital of the United States.

Big Sur does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Washington or Big Sur Better for Families?

Washington 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 Washington. It is a fun and educational destination where kids can explore world class museums and try unique foods from all around the world. The city has nationally recognized landmarks, monuments, and memorials and it's also home to some of the best (free) museums in the United States including the world class Smithsonian Institutions. Many schools visit Washington DC as a field trip, particularly during the Spring months, so you'll kids groups in colorful t-shirts running around the National Mall.

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 Washington or Big Sur Better for Couples?

Big Sur is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Washington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic 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.

Washington is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city lights up at night, so couples will enjoy wandering by the monuments in the evening or taking in a dinner and show. During the Spring months you'll find couples wandering through the Cherry Blossoms or along the waterfront.

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

Big Sur is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Washington is not a good destination for backpackers.

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.

Washington is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it is an international travel destination, the city often isn't at the top of most backpacker's lists. There are some affordable accommodation options available though if you know where to look.

Is Washington or Big Sur Better for Students?

Washington is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Big Sur is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Washington. International students come from around the world to study, learn, intern, and work in the capital of the United States. There are many internships available through the federal government as well as NGOs and nonprofits.

Big Sur is not popular with students.

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

Washington is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its public transit.

Visitors in Washington can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The metro system and the bus system are reliable and efficient ways to explore the city.

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

Is Washington or Big Sur a more walkable city?

Washington is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its walkability.

Washington is a very easy city to get around on foot. Many neighborhoods around the city are easy to explore on foot. Most tourists spend a lot of time in the Mall area, which is very 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 Washington Worth Visiting? and Is Big Sur Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Big Sur or Washington?

How long in Washington or Big Sur?

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

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

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

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

One day in Washington or Big Sur?

Because Washington is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With food around the scenic natural area of Big Sur, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Big Sur, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Washington or Big Sur?

Because Washington is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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.

With food around the destination of Big Sur, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this natural area.

Five days in Washington or Big Sur?

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

Big Sur, a popular natural area, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Washington or Big Sur?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Washington. Because Washington is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Big Sur is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Both Big Sur and Washington are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Washington because of the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Big Sur this time of year.

In July, Washington is generally much warmer than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Washington average around 79°F (26°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In July, Washington usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Washington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Washington or Big Sur in the Autumn?

Both Big Sur and Washington during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Washington this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Big Sur for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Washington is around the same temperature as Big Sur in the autumn. The daily temperature in Washington averages around 60°F (15°C) in October, and Big Sur fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Washington usually gets more rain in October than Big Sur. Washington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Washington or Big Sur in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Washington and Big Sur. Many travelers come to Washington for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Big Sur in the winter for the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Washington. In the winter, Washington is much colder than Big Sur. Typically, the winter temperatures in Washington in January average around 35°F (1°C), and Big Sur averages at about 51°F (11°C).

In January, Washington usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Washington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Washington or Big Sur in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Washington as well as Big Sur. Many visitors come to Washington in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Big Sur for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Washington is generally around the same temperature as Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Washington average around 56°F (14°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Washington usually gets more rain in April than Big Sur. Washington gets 2.8 inches (72 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 Washington