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

Should you visit Big Sur or Victoria?

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

Big Sur

Big Sur is a remote, breathtaking, and scenic natural area. Big Sur is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and beaches. See Big Sur travel costs.

Victoria

Victoria is a cultural, scenic, and relaxing city. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Victoria travel costs.

Big Sur and Victoria: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Big Sur or Victoria?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Victoria. Although Big Sur and Victoria are popular destinations, Victoria has more sights and attractions for tourists. Victoria is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and shopping, while Big Sur attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Big Sur is famous for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views. Victoria is famous for its colonial buildings and public parks. It is also well known for Butchart Gardens.

How is Big Sur different from Victoria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Victoria 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 Victoria. There are several popular museums like the Royal BC Museum and Craigdarroch Castle. Also make sure you check out the Parliament Buildings.

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 Victoria? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Big Sur and Victoria 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.

Victoria offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find tons of fresh seafood around town. Make sure you try to the Dungeness crab, wild caught salmon, and fish chowder.

Is Big Sur or Victoria Better for Nightlife?

Victoria 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 Victoria has a few options to choose from. There are a good number of bars and pubs around town. Most offer a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy a cold drink in a casual setting.

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 Victoria Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is a very popular place for the beach. However, Victoria is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Big Sur for it's beautiful 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.

Victoria is not a beach destination.

Is Big Sur or Victoria Better for Hiking?

Big Sur is a very popular place for its hiking trails. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

Victoria is a good destination for hiking. There are many outdoor spaces and parks that offer local hiking trails. This is a great way to experience the scenic beauty of the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Big Sur or Victoria?

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

Victoria has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are plenty of larger shopping malls as well as local boutiques and farmer's markets.

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 Victoria More Beautiful?

Big Sur is an amazing natural area to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Victoria is not a destination known for its beauty.

Big Sur is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. 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.

Victoria is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Big Sur or Victoria Better for Families?

Victoria 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 Victoria. There are plenty of opportunities to get outside and get the energy out. Walking trails are popular. You can also do the Malahat SkyWalk which offers impressive views. Cadboro-Gyro Park has a playground, zip-line, and picnic areas. Another hightlight for kids is a visit to the Beacon Hill Children's Farm. If the weather isn't cooperating, you can visit the BC Aviation Museum.

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 Victoria Better for Couples?

Big Sur is an amazing natural area to visit for couples. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Big Sur is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Couples visit Victoria frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city offers many great activities for couples such as a visit to Hatley Park and Castle. The city is also famous for its many flower gardens which are best visited in spring. Kayaking, hiking, and exploring are also favorite activities for couples.

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

For backpackers, both Big Sur and Victoria are nice 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 Victoria. There are a few hostels around town that attract the backpacker and budget traveler crowd.

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

Victoria 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 Victoria. While there are buses, it's best not to count on them because they're not particularly reliable.

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

Is Big Sur or Victoria a more walkable city?

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

Victoria is a very walkable destination. Many of the sights are close by and easy to walk to.

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 Victoria Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Victoria or Big Sur?

How long in Big Sur or Victoria?

It's fun to spend time in either Big Sur or Victoria. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Victoria due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Big Sur, and 3-4 days is enough time in Victoria.

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

Couples should spend more time in Big Sur than Victoria. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Big Sur that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

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

One day in Big Sur or Victoria?

The beautiful natural area of Big Sur offers food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Victoria, 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.

A weekend in Big Sur or Victoria?

Big Sur is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this natural area makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Big Sur, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Victoria, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Big Sur or Victoria?

Big Sur is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Victoria 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.

A week in Big Sur or Victoria?

Big Sur is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This natural area offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Victoria. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Victoria. 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 Adventure Tours to Canada, and The Best Eco Tours in Canada.

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

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

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 Big Sur or Victoria in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Big Sur and Victoria. Many visitors come to Big Sur in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Victoria for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Big Sur is around the same temperature as Victoria in the summer. The daily temperature in Big Sur averages around 63°F (17°C) in July, and Victoria fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In July, Big Sur usually receives less rain than Victoria. Big Sur gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Big Sur or Victoria in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Big Sur as well as Victoria. Most visitors come to Big Sur for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Victoria because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Big Sur is a little warmer than Victoria. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Big Sur in October average around 62°F (17°C), and Victoria averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Big Sur usually gets less rain in October than Victoria. Big Sur gets 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Big Sur or Victoria in the Winter?

Both Victoria and Big Sur are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Big Sur because of the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Victoria this time of year.

It's quite cold in Victoria in the winter. In January, Big Sur is generally much warmer than Victoria. Daily temperatures in Big Sur average around 51°F (11°C), and Victoria fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Victoria. In January, Big Sur usually receives less rain than Victoria. Big Sur gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Big Sur or Victoria in the Spring?

Both Victoria and Big Sur during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Big Sur this time of year.

Big Sur is a little warmer than Victoria in the spring. The daily temperature in Big Sur averages around 56°F (13°C) in April, and Victoria fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Big Sur usually gets less rain in April than Victoria. Big Sur gets 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Victoria and Big Sur