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

Should you visit Arlington or Big Sur?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Arlington 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.

Arlington

Arlington is a educational, international, and historical city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Arlington travel costs.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a remote, breathtaking, and scenic natural area. Big Sur is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and beaches. See Big Sur travel costs.

Arlington and Big Sur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Arlington or Big Sur?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Arlington. Although Arlington and Big Sur are popular destinations, Arlington has more sights and attractions for tourists. Arlington is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Big Sur attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Arlington is famous for its international connections, its biking and walking trails, and being the location of the Pentagon. It is also well known for Arlington National Cemetery. Big Sur is famous for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views.

How is Arlington different from Big Sur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Many visitors head to Arlington specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Arlington National Cemetery is where you'll find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as well as the tomb of John F. Kennedy Jr. There are many memorials around town, with the most famous being the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial. There are also several museums like the DEA Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

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

Arlington 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.

Arlington has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's a global city, and the restaurants reflect that. You'll find amazing Thai, Japanese, and Mexican restaurants. There are also less common cuisines to choose from such as Ethiopian, Moroccan, and Peruvian.

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 Arlington or Big Sur Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Arlington for the nightlife scene. The city has a huge young population that drives the nightlife scene. There are clubs, bars, and lounges in many neighborhoods. There are also comedy clubs and plenty of live music.

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 Arlington or Big Sur Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Arlington is not a beach destination.

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.

Arlington is not a beach destination.

Is Arlington or Big Sur Better for Hiking?

Big Sur is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Arlington is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Big Sur. 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.

Arlington is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Arlington or Big Sur?

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

Arlington has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Many neighborhoods have local shops or farmer's markets. There are also shopping centers and malls such as Ballston Quarter, The Crossing Clarendon, and The Village at Shirlington.

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 Arlington or Big Sur More Beautiful?

Big Sur is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Arlington is not a destination known for its beauty.

Big Sur is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The road clings to the cliffs and makes dramatic curves, offering peaks at the striking blue water and breathtaking setting. This is truly one of those special places that feels unreal in its beauty.

Arlington is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Arlington or Big Sur Better for Families?

Arlington and Big Sur are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Arlington is a family-friendly city. Kids will enjoy seeing the planes talk off from Gravelly Point park. There are also plenty of outdoor spaces and educational opportunities in the area, including world class museums.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Big Sur. 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 Arlington or Big Sur Better for Couples?

Big Sur is terrific for couples. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Arlington is a nice destination for couples. There's a vibrant cultural scene and many international restaurants that couples can enjoy. It's also a great place to take in a show or concert.

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

Arlington is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Big Sur is not as popular, but is still a nice natural area for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Arlington. There are a couple of hostels and many free activities nearby. There's also great public transportation that makes for a convenient backpacker 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.

Is Arlington or Big Sur Better for Students?

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

Arlington is very popular with students. There are a huge number of colleges and museums in the area as well as many great internship and educational opportunities.

Big Sur is not popular with students.

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

Arlington 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 Arlington can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. There is a reliable bus system around town as well as many metro connections.

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

Is Arlington or Big Sur a more walkable city?

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

Arlington is a very walkable destination. There are many pedestrian-friendly areas around town, particularly in the neighborhoods that are concentrated around metro stations.

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

Should I spend more time in Big Sur or Arlington?

How long in Arlington or Big Sur?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Arlington and Big Sur. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Arlington than in Big Sur. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Arlington, and 1-3 days is enough time in Big Sur.

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

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

One day in Arlington or Big Sur?

In Arlington, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find food around the natural area of Big Sur. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Big Sur has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Arlington or Big Sur?

In Arlington, you'll find food 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 Arlington has to offer.

You'll find food around the breathtaking destination of Big Sur. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this natural area has to offer. This natural area offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Arlington or Big Sur?

Arlington 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.

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the remote natural area of Big Sur. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Arlington or Big Sur?

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

Big Sur is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

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

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Arlington and Big Sur. Most visitors come to Arlington for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Big Sur because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Arlington is much warmer than Big Sur in the summer. The daily temperature in Arlington averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Big Sur fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In July, Arlington usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Arlington 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 Arlington or Big Sur in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Arlington as well as Big Sur. The autumn months attract visitors to Arlington because of the shopping scene. Additionally, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Big Sur this time of year.

In the autumn, Arlington is around the same temperature as Big Sur. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Arlington in October average around 60°F (15°C), and Big Sur averages at about 62°F (17°C).

Arlington usually gets more rain in October than Big Sur. Arlington 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 Arlington or Big Sur in the Winter?

Both Big Sur and Arlington are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Arlington this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Big Sur for the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Arlington in the winter. In January, Arlington is generally much colder than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Arlington average around 35°F (1°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In January, Arlington usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Arlington 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 Arlington or Big Sur in the Spring?

Both Big Sur and Arlington during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Big Sur in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Arlington is around the same temperature as Big Sur in the spring. The daily temperature in Arlington averages around 56°F (14°C) in April, and Big Sur fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Arlington usually gets more rain in April than Big Sur. Arlington 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 Arlington