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

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

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Asheville and Carmel-by-the-Sea. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Asheville

Asheville is a eclectic, outdoorsy, and progressive mountain town. Asheville offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and food. See Asheville travel costs.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a picturesque, quaint, and charming town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The beauty of Carmel-by-the-Sea is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food. See Carmel-by-the-Sea travel costs.

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

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Asheville. Although Asheville and Carmel-by-the-Sea are both popular with visitors, Asheville has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Asheville is more popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, historical sights, hiking, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere, while Carmel-by-the-Sea is known for its museums and attractions, beaches, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Carmel-by-the-Sea is more touristy than Asheville and is known for its storybook architecture, its opulent setting, and its popularity with golf enthusiasts. Asheville is popular for its fall foliage, artsy downtown, and local North Carolina barbecue. It is also home to The Biltmore Estate.

How is Asheville 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 Asheville. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Asheville or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

Carmel-by-the-Sea offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Asheville and Carmel-by-the-Sea can be an enjoyable experience.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Asheville. Downtown Asheville is filled with local restaurants that serve everything from brunch to late night snacks. There are many vegan and vegetarian options as well as a number of international restaurants. Popular local dishes include North Carolina barbeque and country ham biscuits.

Carmel-by-the-Sea has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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 Asheville or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Nightlife?

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

Asheville offers plenty to do in the evening. The city has a fun and eclectic nightlife scene that centers around the city's breweries and live music venues.

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 Asheville or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Music?

Asheville is a well-known place for its music scene. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Asheville is very popular with diverse venues. The city has grown into a world famous music destination that holds true to its mountain roots and independent artists.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a live music destination.

Is Asheville or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Resorts?

Asheville is a mountain town with good options for its resorts. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a resort destination.

Asheville has a few great resort options. The most famous resorts in the area are the Biltmore Estate and the Grove Park Inn. Both offer luxury restaurants and beautiful grounds that are particularly nice during the holidays.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a resort destination.

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

Carmel-by-the-Sea is well known for the beach. However, Asheville is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Carmel-by-the-Sea for it's beautiful beaches. 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.

Asheville is not a beach destination.

Is Asheville or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for its Old Town?

Asheville is a moderate mountain town for its historic old town charm. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea does not have a historic old town.

The old town area in Asheville is worth visiting. Downtown Asheville maintains much of its historic vibe, but it's smaller than some of the more notable old cities around the country.

Carmel-by-the-Sea does not have a historic old town.

Is Asheville or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Hiking?

Asheville is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a hiking destination.

Asheville is a popular spot for hiking. Just outside of town are many great hikes to waterfalls or through the mountains. The hikes range in skill level and length but many pass through local forests or along the beautiful skyline.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a hiking destination.

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

Shopping is a popular activity in both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Asheville.

Asheville is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has many local shops that sell local crafts and independent art. The downtown area is filled with art vendors and you'll find the greatest concentration of shopping along the pedestrian-friendly Lexington Avenue.

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.

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

Carmel-by-the-Sea is well known for its scenery and beauty. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The beauty of Carmel-by-the-Sea is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It's a beautiful town with nice beaches and a European atmosphere.

Asheville offers plenty of beauty for visitors. With the surrounding mountains and the charming town, the area is filled with natural beauty.

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

Asheville is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for its kid-friendly activities.

Asheville is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. With its beautiful hiking, interesting nature centers, and outdoor adventure activities, this mountain town makes a great kid-friendly destination. There are outdoor adventure parks where kids can zipline or climb. There are also hands on farms and orchards for fruit-picking.

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 Asheville or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Couples?

Asheville and Carmel-by-the-Sea both very good destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Asheville frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples enjoy exploring the beautiful Biltmore Estates or visiting the spa at the Grove Park Inn. The quaint town makes a great honeymoon destination or a nice romantic getaway. There are luxury hotels or intimate bed and breakfasts that offer different options for couples on a romantic trip.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great mountain town if you're traveling as 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.

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

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

Asheville is a very popular mountain town for backpackers and budget travelers. The town has an eclectic vibe that backpackers appreciate. There are a few good hostels around town as well as nearby campgrounds that are perfect for budget travelers or hikers.

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 Asheville or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Students?

Asheville 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 Asheville. With its progressive personality and charming downtown, students enjoy spending time in this great town.

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

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Asheville and Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Public transit is generally limited in Asheville. There are buses around town, but almost everyone gets around by using their own vehicle. In particular, if you plan to hike or explore the Blue Ridge Mountains, you'll need a car. Many of the downtown hotels offer shuttle buses to the Biltmore area.

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 Asheville or Carmel-by-the-Sea a more walkable city?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Asheville is a somewhat walkable mountain town. If you stay downtown and don't plan to explore the outlying areas, then it's possible to reach restaurants and shops on foot. Otherwise, you'll need a car.

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

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

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

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Asheville and Carmel-by-the-Sea. In our opinion, Asheville has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Asheville than Carmel-by-the-Sea. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Asheville, and 1-3 days is enough time in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

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

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

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

One day in Asheville or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

With food and shopping around the destination of Asheville, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Asheville or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

With shopping and nightlife around the eclectic mountain town of Asheville, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Asheville or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the eclectic destination of Asheville. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Asheville or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Asheville is a popular choice for travelers. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This mountain town 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 Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.

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

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

Asheville has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Carmel-by-the-Sea. When comparing the sizes of Asheville 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 Asheville or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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 Asheville or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Asheville and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Most visitors come to Asheville for the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Carmel-by-the-Sea because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Asheville is much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Typically, the summer temperatures in Asheville in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea averages at about 63°F (17°C).

Asheville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Asheville usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Asheville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Asheville as well as Carmel-by-the-Sea. The autumn months attract visitors to Asheville because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Carmel-by-the-Sea this time of year.

In October, Asheville is generally around the same temperature as Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daily temperatures in Asheville average around 64°F (18°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Asheville usually gets more rain in October than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Asheville gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Asheville are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Asheville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Asheville is much colder than Carmel-by-the-Sea in the winter. The daily temperature in Asheville averages around 44°F (7°C) in January, and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

It's quite rainy in Asheville. In January, Asheville usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Asheville gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Asheville during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Asheville for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Asheville is a little warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Typically, the spring temperatures in Asheville in April average around 64°F (18°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea averages at about 56°F (13°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Asheville. Asheville usually gets more rain in April than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Asheville gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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