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

Should you visit Carmel-by-the-Sea or Colorado Springs?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Carmel-by-the-Sea and Colorado Springs can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a charming, picturesque, and quaint town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. Carmel-by-the-Sea is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and food. See Carmel-by-the-Sea travel costs.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a welcoming, friendly, and outdoorsy mountain town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, Colorado Springs attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and hiking. See Colorado Springs travel costs.

Carmel-by-the-Sea and Colorado Springs: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea than Colorado Springs, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Carmel-by-the-Sea is better known for its food, beaches, shopping, and small town charm, while Colorado Springs is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, and hiking. Carmel-by-the-Sea is more touristy than Colorado Springs and is known for its storybook architecture, its opulent setting, and its popularity with golf enthusiasts. Also, Carmel-by-the-Sea is famous for Pebble Beach Golf Course. Colorado Springs is well known for its many outdoor recreation areas, world-class parks, striking red sandstone formations, and beautiful mountain views.

How is Carmel-by-the-Sea different from Colorado Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Colorado Springs and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea or Colorado Springs Better for Skiing?

Colorado Springs is a moderate mountain town for snow skiing. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a skiing destination.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Colorado Springs for snow skiing. The town isn't as accessible to skiing as Denver is, but there are still options, like Breckenridge, within a few hours drive.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Colorado Springs?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Carmel-by-the-Sea or Colorado Springs.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Carmel-by-the-Sea. 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.

Colorado Springs is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Most people visit this area for the outdoor recreation, not the museums, but in town you'll find the Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum, the Peterson Air and Space Museum, the Western Museum of Mining and Industry, and the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. The U.S. Olympic Complex Training Center is also a unique place to visit and well worth some time.

Is the Food Better in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Colorado Springs? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Carmel-by-the-Sea makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Colorado Springs has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's a combination of local restaurants that serve local items such as trout and bison, as well as your standard chain restaurants and more predictable American classics like burgers, pizza, and chicken fingers.

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea or Colorado Springs Better for Nightlife?

Colorado Springs is a mountain town with good options for its evening party scene. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Colorado Springs. The town has a number of breweries and a great craft beer selection. There are local bars along Tejon Street, or head through Downtown Colorado Springs for some of the most active nightlife.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea or Colorado Springs Better for Beaches?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great destination for its beaches. However, Colorado Springs 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.

Colorado Springs is not a beach destination.

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea or Colorado Springs Better for Hiking?

Colorado Springs is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a hiking destination.

Around Colorado Springs visitors will find world-class hiking trails. There are both world-famous hiking areas, as well as lesser known hikes that the locals often prefer. Some of the more famous places include Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and Manitou Incline in Manitou Springs. For families, check out Seven Bridges Trail or Mount Muscoco Trail. Loud's Cabin is a longer trail that also includes Seven Bridges Trail.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Colorado Springs?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great destination for shopping. However, Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea or Colorado Springs More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of superb scenery and beauty in both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Colorado Springs.

With stunning beauty, Carmel-by-the-Sea attracts visitors from all around. It's a beautiful town with nice beaches and a European atmosphere.

Colorado Springs is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The town is surrounded by tons of natural beauty. In the area you'll find the Garden of the Gods, Cheyenne Mountain State Park, and the Broadmoor Seven Falls.

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea or Colorado Springs Better for Families?

Colorado Springs 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.

Colorado Springs is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The town is conveniently located near many outdoor adventures that are family-friendly. There are many parks, hiking trails, and wildlife centers in the area that make for a fun outing. Popular activities include the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the Dinosaur Resource Center, and Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea or Colorado Springs Better for Couples?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great destination for romance. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

Colorado Springs makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy hiking and exploring nature together will love visiting this town and the areas nearby. There are many hiking trails in easy reach of the town. Hot air balloon rides are also popular and offer an amazing view over the beautiful landscape.

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea or Colorado Springs Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Colorado Springs is a good mountain town to visit for backpackers. Just outside of town you'll find campgrounds with all of the amenities that you might need. In town, there's also a hostel and several affordable accommodation options.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea or Colorado Springs Better for Students?

Colorado Springs is a mountain town with good options for students. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not popular with students.

Colorado Springs is a good mountain town to visit for students. It's a relatively affordable town with easy access to plenty of free activities like hiking, rock climbing, and more.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not popular with students.

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

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a town with a few options for its public transit. However, Colorado Springs is a mountain town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Carmel-by-the-Sea. There are a couple of buses, but you can't really depend on them to get around.

Public transit is quite limited in Colorado Springs. While there are buses, many people come to the area to visit Pikes Peak or several of the other nearby parks, all of which require a car.

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea or Colorado Springs a more walkable city?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great destination for its walkability. However, Colorado Springs is a mountain town with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is very walkable. The village center is very walkable so it's easy to park you car and shop or walk to the beach.

Colorado Springs is generally not a very walkable town. While the downtown area is walkable, you'll really want to have a car so you can explore the areas outside of town.

For even more information, also check out Is Carmel-by-the-Sea Worth Visiting? and Is Colorado Springs Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Colorado Springs?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Colorado Springs. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Carmel-by-the-Sea, and 2-3 days is enough time in Colorado Springs.

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

Couples should spend more time in Carmel-by-the-Sea than Colorado Springs. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Carmel-by-the-Sea that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Colorado Springs 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 Colorado Springs.

One day in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Colorado Springs?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Colorado Springs, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

A weekend in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Colorado Springs?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town with plenty to do. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

With food and museums around the outdoorsy mountain town of Colorado Springs, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Five days in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Colorado Springs?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the healthy destination of Colorado Springs. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

A week in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Colorado Springs?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great place to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Colorado Springs is a popular choice for travelers. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. This mountain town 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Carmel-by-the-Sea or Colorado Springs?

Colorado Springs has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Carmel-by-the-Sea. When comparing the sizes of Carmel-by-the-Sea and Colorado Springs, 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea or Colorado Springs?

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea or Colorado Springs in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Colorado Springs. Many visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea in the summer for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Colorado Springs for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Carmel-by-the-Sea is cooler than Colorado Springs. Typically, the summer temperatures in Carmel-by-the-Sea in July average around 63°F (17°C), and Colorado Springs averages at about 71°F (22°C).

In July, Carmel-by-the-Sea usually receives less rain than Colorado Springs. Carmel-by-the-Sea gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Carmel-by-the-Sea as well as Colorado Springs. 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. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Colorado Springs because of the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Carmel-by-the-Sea is generally much warmer than Colorado Springs. Daily temperatures in Carmel-by-the-Sea average around 62°F (17°C), and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

Carmel-by-the-Sea usually gets less rain in October than Colorado Springs. Carmel-by-the-Sea gets 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Colorado Springs and Carmel-by-the-Sea are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Carmel-by-the-Sea because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the skiing, the museums, and the cuisine are the main draw to Colorado Springs this time of year.

It's quite cold in Colorado Springs in the winter. Carmel-by-the-Sea is much warmer than Colorado Springs in the winter. The daily temperature in Carmel-by-the-Sea averages around 51°F (11°C) in January, and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 26°F (-3°C).

In January, Carmel-by-the-Sea usually receives more rain than Colorado Springs. Carmel-by-the-Sea gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.3 inches (8 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Colorado Springs and Carmel-by-the-Sea during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Carmel-by-the-Sea this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Colorado Springs for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Carmel-by-the-Sea is much warmer than Colorado Springs. Typically, the spring temperatures in Carmel-by-the-Sea in April average around 56°F (13°C), and Colorado Springs averages at about 45°F (7°C).

Carmel-by-the-Sea usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Colorado Springs. Carmel-by-the-Sea gets 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Colorado Springs and Carmel-by-the-Sea