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

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

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea can help you decide which place is right for you.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a vibrant, diverse, and colorful city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Baltimore 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.

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

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Baltimore. Although Baltimore and Carmel-by-the-Sea are both popular with visitors, Baltimore has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Baltimore is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and big city activities, while Carmel-by-the-Sea is known for its beaches, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Baltimore is popular for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities. It is also home to the National Aquarium. Carmel-by-the-Sea is popular for its storybook architecture, its opulent setting, and its popularity with golf enthusiasts.

How is Baltimore 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 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Baltimore 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 Baltimore. 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.

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 Baltimore or Carmel-by-the-Sea? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Baltimore and Carmel-by-the-Sea both to be superb destinations.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Baltimore. 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.

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 Baltimore or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Nightlife?

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

Baltimore offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

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 Baltimore or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Beaches?

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

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very popular place to visit for its 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.

Baltimore is not a beach destination.

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

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

Baltimore is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

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 Baltimore or Carmel-by-the-Sea More Beautiful?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Baltimore is not a destination known for its 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.

Baltimore is not a destination known for its beauty.

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

Baltimore 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.

Baltimore is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

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

Carmel-by-the-Sea is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Carmel-by-the-Sea frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

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

Baltimore is a city with good options for backpackers. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Baltimore is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

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

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

Baltimore offers a very effecient public transportation network. 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 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 Baltimore or Carmel-by-the-Sea a more walkable city?

Baltimore and Carmel-by-the-Sea both are superb when exploring on foot.

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

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very walkable destination. 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 Baltimore Worth Visiting? and Is Carmel-by-the-Sea Worth Visiting?.

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

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

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Carmel-by-the-Sea than Baltimore. 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 Baltimore 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 Baltimore.

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

With shopping and museums around the destination of Baltimore, 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 Baltimore or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

With museums and nightlife around the historic city of Baltimore, 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 Baltimore or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the diverse destination of Baltimore. 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 Baltimore or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Baltimore 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 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea, we can see that Baltimore 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 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea.

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

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

Baltimore has a larger population, and is about 150 times larger than the population of Carmel-by-the-Sea. When comparing the sizes of Baltimore 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 Baltimore 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 Baltimore or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Baltimore and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Many travelers come to Baltimore for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea in the summer for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Baltimore is a little warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Typically, the summer temperatures in Baltimore in July average around 78°F (25°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea averages at about 63°F (17°C).

Baltimore gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Baltimore usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Baltimore gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Baltimore as well as Carmel-by-the-Sea. Many visitors come to Baltimore in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Baltimore is generally cooler than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daily temperatures in Baltimore average around 57°F (14°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Baltimore usually gets more rain in October than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Baltimore gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Baltimore are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Baltimore for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Carmel-by-the-Sea because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Baltimore can be very cold during winter. Baltimore is much colder than Carmel-by-the-Sea in the winter. The daily temperature in Baltimore averages around 32°F (0°C) in January, and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In January, Baltimore usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Baltimore gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Baltimore during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Baltimore because of the activities around the city. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Carmel-by-the-Sea this time of year.

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

Baltimore usually gets more rain in April than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Baltimore gets 3.1 inches (78 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 Baltimore