A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Big Sur vs. Niagara Falls for Families, Couples, Hiking, and Food

Should you visit Big Sur or Niagara Falls?

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 Big Sur and Niagara Falls can help you decide which place is right for you.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a scenic, remote, and breathtaking natural area. You'll find world class beauty in Big Sur as well. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food. See Big Sur travel costs.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a impressive, iconic, and breathtaking city. With stunning beauty, Niagara Falls attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Niagara Falls travel costs.

Big Sur and Niagara Falls: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Big Sur or Niagara Falls?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Niagara Falls. Although Big Sur and Niagara Falls are both popular with visitors, Niagara Falls has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Niagara Falls is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and shopping, while Big Sur is known for its beaches and impressive beauty. Niagara Falls is more touristy than Big Sur and is popular for the large volume of water that flows over it. It is also home to the Journey Behind the Falls. Big Sur is popular for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views.

How is Big Sur different from Niagara Falls?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Niagara Falls is adequate for its historical sights. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

While most people don't head to Niagara Falls specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The Niagara Falls History Museum is one of the best museums in the area. There are also more touristy museums and attractions that you can visit as well. There's also a butterfly conservancy that is worth checking out.

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 Big Sur or Niagara Falls? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Big Sur and Niagara Falls can be an enjoyable experience.

Big Sur is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Most of the restaurants offer a breathtaking view. Many use locally-sourced ingredients and they range in style from fine dining to casual eateries.

Niagara Falls offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. It's an iconic Canadian destination so, of course, you should try all things Canadian while you're in town. Maple syrup, poutine, butter tart, and beavertail (fried dough) are all things that should be on your list. Also make sure you sample some of the local game meat.

Is Big Sur or Niagara Falls Better for Nightlife?

Niagara Falls is very good for its evening party scene. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Niagara Falls has a few options to choose from. There's a decent concentration of clubs, pubs, and bars around town that keep things fun late into the evening.

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 Big Sur or Niagara Falls Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is notable for the beach. However, Niagara Falls is not a beach destination.

Big Sur is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Niagara Falls is not a beach destination.

Is Big Sur or Niagara Falls Better for Hiking?

You'll find great hiking in both Big Sur and Niagara Falls.

Many visitors go to Big Sur for the hiking trails. 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.

Niagara Falls is a popular spot for hiking. The nearby area is filled with hiking trails that let you escape into nature and enjoy impressive views.

Is the Shopping Better in Big Sur or Niagara Falls?

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

Niagara Falls has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find touristy souvenir shops as well as outlets and malls nearby.

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 Big Sur or Niagara Falls More Beautiful?

Big Sur is an amazing natural area to visit for its scenery and beauty. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Big Sur as well. 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.

With stunning beauty, Niagara Falls attracts visitors from all around. It's an impressive sight and the Canadian side offers the best views. It's definitely something you should try and see at least once.

Is Big Sur or Niagara Falls Better for Families?

Niagara Falls is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Big Sur is not as popular, but is still a nice natural area for its family-friendly activities.

Niagara Falls is one of the most popular family destinations. The views and setting are spectacular, and kids will love the boat tours or taking a ride on the Whirlpool Aero Car. There's also an indoor waterpark, a butterfly conservatory, and plenty of nature to explore.

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 Big Sur or Niagara Falls Better for Couples?

Big Sur is an amazing natural area to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Big Sur makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Niagara Falls makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The setting has long brought to mind romance, and to this day couples still honeymoon at this iconic destination. There are boat tours, nature trails, luxury hotels, and even wineries to explore.

Is Big Sur or Niagara Falls Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Big Sur and Niagara Falls are good places to visit.

Big Sur is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels in the area, but budget travelers often prefer vacation rentals, which are more common.

It's common for backpackers to visit Niagara Falls. There's a hostel or two where you can stay for cheap and meet other travelers.

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

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

While Niagara Falls offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system through town.

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

Is Big Sur or Niagara Falls a more walkable city?

Niagara Falls is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its walkability.

Niagara Falls is a somewhat walkable city. Most of the attractions and close together by the falls, so it's relatively walkable.

Big Sur is not a walkable natural area. 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 Big Sur Worth Visiting? and Is Niagara Falls Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Niagara Falls or Big Sur?

How long in Big Sur or Niagara Falls?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls.

One day in Big Sur or Niagara Falls?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the breathtaking destination of Big Sur. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Niagara Falls, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Big Sur or Niagara Falls?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Big Sur. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Niagara Falls, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Niagara Falls has to offer.

Five days in Big Sur or Niagara Falls?

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the scenic destination of Big Sur. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This natural area offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

Niagara Falls is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

A week in Big Sur or Niagara Falls?

You'll find food around the beautiful natural area of Big Sur. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Niagara Falls. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Niagara Falls. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada, and The Best Camping Tours in Canada.

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

When is the best time to visit Big Sur or Niagara Falls?

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 Big Sur or Niagara Falls in the Summer?

Both Niagara Falls and Big Sur during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Big Sur for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Niagara Falls because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Big Sur is generally cooler than Niagara Falls. Daily temperatures in Big Sur average around 63°F (17°C), and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

Big Sur usually gets less rain in July than Niagara Falls. Big Sur gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Big Sur or Niagara Falls in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Big Sur and Niagara Falls. The autumn months attract visitors to Big Sur because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Niagara Falls this time of year.

Big Sur is a little warmer than Niagara Falls in the autumn. The daily temperature in Big Sur averages around 62°F (17°C) in October, and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In October, Big Sur usually receives less rain than Niagara Falls. Big Sur gets 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Big Sur or Niagara Falls in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Big Sur as well as Niagara Falls. The cuisine are the main draw to Big Sur this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Niagara Falls for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Niagara Falls. In the winter, Big Sur is much warmer than Niagara Falls. Typically, the winter temperatures in Big Sur in January average around 51°F (11°C), and Niagara Falls averages at about -4°C (26°F).

Big Sur usually gets more rain in January than Niagara Falls. Big Sur gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Big Sur or Niagara Falls in the Spring?

Both Niagara Falls and Big Sur are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Big Sur for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Niagara Falls in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Big Sur is generally a little warmer than Niagara Falls. Daily temperatures in Big Sur average around 56°F (13°C), and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In April, Big Sur usually receives less rain than Niagara Falls. Big Sur gets 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Niagara Falls and Big Sur