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

Should you visit Big Sur or Vernon?

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 Vernon can help you decide which place is right for you.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a remote, breathtaking, and scenic natural area. You'll find world class beauty in Big Sur as well. Other popular activities here include hiking, food, and beaches. See Big Sur travel costs.

Vernon

Vernon is a quiet, peaceful, and relaxing town. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking. See Vernon travel costs.

Big Sur and Vernon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Big Sur or Vernon?

Both Vernon and Big Sur have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Big Sur is very popular for its beaches and impressive beauty, while Vernon attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and shopping. Big Sur is more touristy than Vernon and is popular for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views. Vernon is famous for its surrounding valley with lakes and hiking trails.

How is Big Sur different from Vernon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Vernon 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 Vernon?

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

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Vernon. There are local galleries and museums that offer information on the region's history and culture. You can visit the Canadian Wildlife Museum, the Caetani Center, the Museum and Archives of Vernon, the Paddlewheel Park Stationhouse Museum, and the Vernon Public Art Gallery.

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 Vernon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Big Sur and Vernon 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.

Vernon offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The region is known for its vineyards and wineries and many of the local restaurants have been around for generations. The food is often locally produced and prepared with traditional recipes.

Is Big Sur or Vernon Better for Nightlife?

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

Vernon doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The town gets very quiet in the evenings, so you won't find much of a nightlife scene.

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 Vernon Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is a well-known place for the beach. However, Vernon is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Big Sur. 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.

Vernon is not a beach destination.

Is Big Sur or Vernon Better for Hiking?

You'll find excellent hiking in both Big Sur and Vernon.

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.

Vernon is a popular spot for hiking. The surrounding valley has more than 300 kilometers of hiking trails. They run along pristine lakes, pass by granite rock formations, and take you to impressive viewpoints.

Is the Shopping Better in Big Sur or Vernon?

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

Vernon has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of boutique shops that are fun to explore in the downtown area.

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 Vernon More Beautiful?

Big Sur is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Vernon is not a destination known for its 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.

Vernon is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Big Sur or Vernon Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Big Sur or Vernon.

Big Sur offers lots of family activities. 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.

Vernon is a family-friendly place to visit. There are biking and hiking trails as well as other outdoor activities. You can also visit the Allan Brooks Nature Center or the Rock Garden Climbing Center.

Is Big Sur or Vernon Better for Couples?

Big Sur is terrific for couples. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

Big Sur has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Vernon is a nice destination for couples. It offers a peaceful getaway for couples. You can visit the Okanagan wineries or enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also nice restaurants to try.

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

Big Sur is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Vernon is not a good town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Vernon is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel in town, but this isn't a popular destination for backpackers.

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

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Vernon. There is a bus system, but it's better not to rely on it.

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

Is Big Sur or Vernon a more walkable city?

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

Vernon is generally not a very walkable town. You'll really want to have a car to make the most of your time here.

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 Vernon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vernon or Big Sur?

How long in Big Sur or Vernon?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Big Sur and Vernon. In our opinion, Vernon has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Vernon than Big Sur. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

One day in Big Sur or Vernon?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Big Sur. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Vernon, you'll find museums and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Big Sur or Vernon?

Big Sur is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Vernon, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Vernon has to offer.

Five days in Big Sur or Vernon?

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. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Vernon 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 Vernon?

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the breathtaking destination of Big Sur. This natural area offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vernon. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Vernon. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Canada, and The Best Adventure Tours to Canada.

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

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

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 Vernon in the Summer?

Both Vernon and Big Sur during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Big Sur this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Vernon for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Big Sur is cooler than Vernon in the summer. The daily temperature in Big Sur averages around 63°F (17°C) in July, and Vernon fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Big Sur usually gets less rain in July than Vernon. Big Sur gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Big Sur or Vernon in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Big Sur and Vernon. Many travelers come to Big Sur for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Vernon in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Big Sur is much warmer than Vernon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Big Sur in October average around 62°F (17°C), and Vernon averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In October, Big Sur usually receives around the same amount of rain as Vernon. Big Sur gets 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Big Sur or Vernon in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Big Sur as well as Vernon. Many visitors come to Big Sur in the winter for the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Vernon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Vernon can be very cold during winter. In January, Big Sur is generally much warmer than Vernon. Daily temperatures in Big Sur average around 51°F (11°C), and Vernon fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

Big Sur usually gets more rain in January than Vernon. Big Sur gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Big Sur or Vernon in the Spring?

Both Vernon and Big Sur are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Big Sur for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Big Sur is a little warmer than Vernon in the spring. The daily temperature in Big Sur averages around 56°F (13°C) in April, and Vernon fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In April, Big Sur usually receives more rain than Vernon. Big Sur gets 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Vernon and Big Sur