A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Arlington vs. Carmel-by-the-Sea for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Arlington or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Arlington or Carmel-by-the-Sea, 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. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Arlington travel costs.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a quaint, charming, and picturesque town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, Carmel-by-the-Sea attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums. See Carmel-by-the-Sea travel costs.

Arlington and Carmel-by-the-Sea: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Arlington or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Although Arlington and Carmel-by-the-Sea are popular destinations, Carmel-by-the-Sea has more sights and attractions for tourists. Carmel-by-the-Sea is very popular for its beaches, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Arlington attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and nightlife. Arlington is famous for its international connections, its biking and walking trails, and being the location of the Pentagon. Carmel-by-the-Sea is famous for its storybook architecture, its opulent setting, and its popularity with golf enthusiasts. It is also well known for Pebble Beach Golf Course.

How is Arlington different from Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Arlington is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Arlington. 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The Carmel Mission is a beautiful and fascinating Spanish mission that dates back to 1770. It's also well worth visiting the nearby Pebble Beach Golf Course. There are also a few fairytale style cottages in the area with some of the most notable being the Hansel cottage, the Gretel cottage, and the Tuck Box cottage.

Is the Food Better in Arlington or Carmel-by-the-Sea? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Arlington and Carmel-by-the-Sea.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Carmel-by-the-Sea makes for a great culinary experience. For such a small town there is a huge number of bistros and local cafes. Seafood is popular, but you'll also find international restaurants and more casual eateries.

Is Arlington or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Nightlife?

Arlington is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for nightlife.

Arlington offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's not a late night town, but there are a couple of bars and some decent Happy Hours around town.

Is Arlington or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Beaches?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Arlington is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's easy to walk to the beach from the village center. Just head down Ocean Avenue and you'll be at a beautiful beach with great scenery, surfing, and fun activities.

Arlington is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Arlington or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's easy to walk around the heart of town and pop in the many shops and galleries. The highest concentration of shops is found around the Carmel Plaza which has upscale brands as well as local items.

Arlington is a great destination for shopping. 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.

Is Arlington or Carmel-by-the-Sea More Beautiful?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Arlington is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Carmel-by-the-Sea attracts visitors from all around. It's a beautiful town with nice beaches and a European atmosphere.

Arlington is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Arlington or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Families?

Arlington is a city with good options for its family-friendly activities. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for its kid-friendly activities.

Arlington is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not always a place people visit with their families. Carmel is a good place to let the kids stretch their legs. There are also some good kid-friendly walks in the area.

Is Arlington or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Couples?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Carmel-by-the-Sea makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a charming town with a beautiful coastline and plenty of cute hotels that makes for a great romantic getaway. There's wonderful shopping and many great restaurants where you can enjoy a local meal.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Arlington is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Arlington is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels and many free activities nearby. There's also great public transportation that makes for a convenient backpacker destination.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't any real hostels or accommodation options that appeal to backpackers.

Is Arlington or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Students?

Arlington is a well-known place for students. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Arlington. There are a huge number of colleges and museums in the area as well as many great internship and educational opportunities.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not popular with students.

Is Arlington or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Arlington is renowned for its public transit. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

Arlington has a great public transit system. There is a reliable bus system around town as well as many metro connections.

Public transit is mostly limited in Carmel-by-the-Sea. There are a couple of buses, but you can't really depend on them to get around.

Is Arlington or Carmel-by-the-Sea a more walkable city?

Arlington and Carmel-by-the-Sea are high quality when it comes to 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is very walkable. The village center is very walkable so it's easy to park you car and shop or walk to the beach.

For even more information, also check out Is Arlington Worth Visiting? and Is Carmel-by-the-Sea Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Arlington?

How long in Arlington or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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

Families should spend more time in Arlington than Carmel-by-the-Sea. 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.

Couples should spend more time in Carmel-by-the-Sea than Arlington. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Carmel-by-the-Sea that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Arlington than Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Arlington, there's plenty to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

Even though Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Arlington or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

With museums and nightlife around the international city of Arlington, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Arlington or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the international destination of Arlington. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Arlington is a popular choice for travelers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea, we can see that Arlington is more expensive. And not only is Carmel-by-the-Sea much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Carmel-by-the-Sea would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Arlington Expensive? and Is Carmel-by-the-Sea Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Arlington or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Arlington has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Carmel-by-the-Sea. When comparing the sizes of Arlington and Carmel-by-the-Sea, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Arlington or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Arlington or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Arlington as well as Carmel-by-the-Sea. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Arlington this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

Arlington usually gets more rain in July than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Arlington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Arlington or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Autumn?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Arlington are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Arlington for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In October, Arlington usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Arlington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Arlington or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Winter?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Arlington during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Arlington in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Arlington can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Arlington is generally much colder than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daily temperatures in Arlington average around 35°F (1°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Arlington usually gets more rain in January than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Arlington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Arlington or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Arlington and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Carmel-by-the-Sea because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

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

In April, Arlington usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Arlington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Carmel-by-the-Sea and Arlington