A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Carmel-by-the-Sea vs. Victoria for Food, Families, Couples, and Attractions

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

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 Victoria 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 quaint, charming, and picturesque town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, Carmel-by-the-Sea attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums. See Carmel-by-the-Sea travel costs.

Victoria

Victoria is a cultural, scenic, and relaxing city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and hiking. See Victoria travel costs.

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

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Although Carmel-by-the-Sea and Victoria are popular destinations, Carmel-by-the-Sea has more sights and attractions for tourists. Carmel-by-the-Sea is very popular for its food, beaches, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Victoria attracts visitors for its nightlife and hiking. Carmel-by-the-Sea is famous for its storybook architecture, its opulent setting, and its popularity with golf enthusiasts. It is also well known for Pebble Beach Golf Course. Victoria is famous for its colonial buildings and public parks.

How is Carmel-by-the-Sea different from Victoria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

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.

Victoria is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several popular museums like the Royal BC Museum and Craigdarroch Castle. Also make sure you check out the Parliament Buildings.

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

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

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

Victoria is a city 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 Victoria. 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.

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 Victoria Better for Beaches?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very popular place for the beach. However, Victoria is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Carmel-by-the-Sea for it's beautiful 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.

Victoria is not a beach destination.

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea or Victoria Better for Hiking?

Victoria is a city with good options for the nearby hiking options. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Victoria. 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.

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

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

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

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.

Victoria is a great destination for shopping. There are plenty of larger shopping malls as well as local boutiques and farmer's markets.

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea or Victoria More Beautiful?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Victoria is not a destination known for its beauty.

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

Victoria is not a destination known for its beauty.

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

Victoria 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.

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

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 Victoria Better for Couples?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Victoria are very good destinations for a couple's getaway.

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

Victoria makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea or Victoria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Victoria is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels around town that attract the backpacker and budget traveler crowd.

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

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Victoria offer reasonable public transit options.

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

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

Carmel-by-the-Sea and Victoria both are very good when exploring on foot.

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.

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

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

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

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

It's fun to spend time in either Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea, and 3-4 days is enough time in Victoria.

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

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

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With shopping and museums around the destination of Victoria, 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.

A weekend in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Victoria?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With museums and nightlife around the scenic city of Victoria, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Five days in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Victoria?

Carmel-by-the-Sea 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural destination of Victoria. 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 Victoria?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

Victoria 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.

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 Adventure Tours to Canada, and The Best Eco Tours in Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Carmel-by-the-Sea and Victoria, we can see that Victoria 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 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 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 Victoria Expensive?.

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

Victoria has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Carmel-by-the-Sea. When comparing the sizes of Carmel-by-the-Sea and Victoria, 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 Victoria?

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea or Victoria in the Summer?

Both Victoria and Carmel-by-the-Sea during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Carmel-by-the-Sea this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Victoria for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

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

Carmel-by-the-Sea usually gets less rain in July than Victoria. Carmel-by-the-Sea gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Victoria. Many travelers come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Victoria in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

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

In October, Carmel-by-the-Sea usually receives less rain than Victoria. Carmel-by-the-Sea gets 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

The winter brings many poeple to Carmel-by-the-Sea as well as Victoria. Many visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Victoria for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Victoria can be very cold during winter. In January, Carmel-by-the-Sea is generally much warmer than Victoria. Daily temperatures in Carmel-by-the-Sea average around 51°F (11°C), and Victoria fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

It's quite rainy in Victoria. Carmel-by-the-Sea usually gets less rain in January than Victoria. Carmel-by-the-Sea gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Victoria and Carmel-by-the-Sea are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

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

In April, Carmel-by-the-Sea usually receives less rain than Victoria. Carmel-by-the-Sea gets 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Victoria and Carmel-by-the-Sea