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

Should you visit Baltimore 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 Baltimore and Big Sur can help you decide which place is right for you.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a historic, vibrant, and diverse city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Baltimore travel costs.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a scenic, remote, and breathtaking natural area. The famous beauty of Big Sur is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food. See Big Sur travel costs.

Baltimore and Big Sur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Baltimore or Big Sur?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Baltimore. Although Baltimore and Big Sur are both popular with visitors, Baltimore has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Baltimore is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Big Sur is known for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Baltimore is popular for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities. It is also home to the National Aquarium. Big Sur is popular for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views.

How is Baltimore different from Big Sur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Many visitors head to Baltimore specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.

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

Baltimore 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.

Baltimore has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

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 Baltimore or Big Sur Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Baltimore for the nightlife scene. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

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 Baltimore or Big Sur Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is well known for the beach. However, Baltimore 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.

Baltimore is not a beach destination.

Is Baltimore or Big Sur Better for Hiking?

Big Sur is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Baltimore is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Baltimore is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Baltimore or Big Sur?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Baltimore. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

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 Baltimore or Big Sur More Beautiful?

Big Sur is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Baltimore is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Big Sur is one of the main draws. 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.

Baltimore is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Baltimore or Big Sur Better for Families?

Baltimore 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 Baltimore. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

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 Baltimore or Big Sur Better for Couples?

Big Sur is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Baltimore is a good city for couples to visit. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

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

Baltimore and Big Sur are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Baltimore is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

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

Baltimore is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Baltimore. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail system.

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

Is Baltimore or Big Sur a more walkable city?

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

Baltimore is a very walkable destination. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Big Sur or Baltimore?

How long in Baltimore or Big Sur?

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

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

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

One day in Baltimore or Big Sur?

In Baltimore, 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 Baltimore or Big Sur?

In Baltimore, 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 Baltimore has to offer.

You'll find food around the remote 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 Baltimore or Big Sur?

Baltimore 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 breathtaking 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 Baltimore or Big Sur?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Baltimore. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Baltimore. 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 Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.

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

When is the best time to visit Baltimore or Big Sur?

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 Baltimore or Big Sur in the Summer?

Both Big Sur and Baltimore during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Baltimore because of the city activities 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 the summer, Baltimore is a little warmer than Big Sur. Typically, the summer temperatures in Baltimore in July average around 78°F (25°C), and Big Sur averages at about 63°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Baltimore. Baltimore usually gets more rain in July than Big Sur. Baltimore gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Baltimore or Big Sur in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Baltimore and Big Sur. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Baltimore this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Big Sur for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Baltimore is generally cooler than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Baltimore average around 57°F (14°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In October, Baltimore usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Baltimore gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Baltimore or Big Sur in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Baltimore as well as Big Sur. Many travelers come to Baltimore for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Big Sur in the winter for the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Baltimore. Baltimore is much colder than Big Sur in the winter. The daily temperature in Baltimore averages around 32°F (0°C) in January, and Big Sur fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Baltimore usually gets more rain in January than Big Sur. Baltimore gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Baltimore or Big Sur in the Spring?

Both Big Sur and Baltimore are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Baltimore in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Big Sur for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Baltimore is around the same temperature as Big Sur. Typically, the spring temperatures in Baltimore in April average around 54°F (12°C), and Big Sur averages at about 56°F (13°C).

In April, Baltimore usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Baltimore gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Big Sur and Baltimore