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

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

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 Whistler 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 food, beaches, and shopping. See Carmel-by-the-Sea travel costs.

Whistler

Whistler is a charming, adventurous, and outdoorsy village. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, Whistler attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include skiing, nightlife, and food. See Whistler travel costs.

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

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Whistler than Carmel-by-the-Sea, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Whistler is better known for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, and hiking, while Carmel-by-the-Sea is more popular for its museums and attractions, beaches, shopping, and small town charm. Whistler is more touristy than Carmel-by-the-Sea and is known for its world renowned skiing and snowboarding. Also, Whistler is famous for Cloudraker Skybridge. Carmel-by-the-Sea is well known for its storybook architecture, its opulent setting, and its popularity with golf enthusiasts.

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

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Whistler 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 Whistler Better for Skiing?

Whistler is renowned for snow skiing. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a skiing destination.

Visitors will find world class skiing in Whistler. Whistler is the largest ski resort in North America. It covers a vast area that includes two peaks - Whistler and Blackcomb. The slopes are connected by lifts and gondolas and there are options for every level, from beginner to expert.

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

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

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Whistler is not a good village for its museums and history.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

While most people don't head to Whistler specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There is a local museum where you can learn about the areas culture and heritage.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at high quality restaurants in both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Whistler.

Dining out in Carmel-by-the-Sea is an experience not to be missed. 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Whistler. There are many great restaurants and pubs that serve local dishes like Whistler herring, meatloaf, and Artic char fish. There are casual eateries as well as fine dining with upscale cuisine.

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea or Whistler Better for Nightlife?

Whistler is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for nightlife.

Whistler offers plenty to do in the evening. After a day on the slopes, you can enjoy the lively nightlife that includes après ski bars, nightclubs, and late night parties.

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 Whistler Better for Resorts?

Whistler is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a resort destination.

In Whistler, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There's a large selection of resorts that you can choose from. Many have pools and hot tubs and range from romantic to family-friendly.

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

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea or Whistler Better for Beaches?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a well-known place for its beaches. However, Whistler is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Carmel-by-the-Sea. 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.

Whistler is not a beach destination.

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

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

Around Whistler visitors will find world-class hiking trails. During the warmer seasons there are miles of hiking trails that take you through both Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Many trails are accessible by gondola and you'll find great views and stunning vistas. Trails range from short family-friendly options to strenuous and adventurous routes.

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

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

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Whistler is not as famous, but is still a good village to visit for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Whistler. The village offers great shopping where you can pick up local items or any ski gear you may have forgotten.

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

You'll find a similar quality of high quality scenery and beauty in both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Whistler.

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

Whistler is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The town sits in a valley that is surrounded by stunning mountains and impressive glaciers.

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

Whistler is renowned for its family-friendly activities. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for its kid-friendly activities.

Whistler is an extremely popular village to visit for families. Kids will love the winter activities like skiing, dog sledding, and bobsledding. There's also an ice skating rink, climbing gym, and tons of kid-friendly restaurants.

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 Whistler Better for Couples?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Whistler are high quality 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.

Whistler makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy an adventure will love the year-round outdoor sports. There are also romantic spas, fine dining, and scenic gondola rides.

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

Whistler is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Whistler is a very popular village for backpackers and budget travelers. There are several hostels in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Whistler offer respectable 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 Whistler. There's a bus system that connects the town to other nearby neighborhoods.

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

Carmel-by-the-Sea and Whistler both are high quality 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.

Whistler is very walkable. It's a compact town that's easy to explore on foot.

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

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

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

In either Carmel-by-the-Sea or Whistler, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Whistler than Carmel-by-the-Sea because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Carmel-by-the-Sea, and 3-5 days is enough time in Whistler.

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

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

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

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

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 food and shopping around the destination of Whistler, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 Whistler?

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 shopping and skiing around the adventurous village of Whistler, 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. 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 Whistler?

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.

With skiing and nightlife around the outdoorsy destination of Whistler, there's plenty to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. If you have five days, this village makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

A week in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Whistler?

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.

Whistler is a popular choice for travelers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This village 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 Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.

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

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

Whistler has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Carmel-by-the-Sea. When comparing the sizes of Carmel-by-the-Sea and Whistler, 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 Whistler?

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 Whistler in the Summer?

Both Whistler and Carmel-by-the-Sea are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Whistler because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Carmel-by-the-Sea is around the same temperature as Whistler. Typically, the summer temperatures in Carmel-by-the-Sea in July average around 63°F (17°C), and Whistler averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In July, Carmel-by-the-Sea usually receives less rain than Whistler. Carmel-by-the-Sea gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Whistler and Carmel-by-the-Sea during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Carmel-by-the-Sea because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Whistler this time of year.

In October, Carmel-by-the-Sea is generally much warmer than Whistler. Daily temperatures in Carmel-by-the-Sea average around 62°F (17°C), and Whistler fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Whistler gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Carmel-by-the-Sea usually gets less rain in October than Whistler. Carmel-by-the-Sea gets 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Whistler. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Carmel-by-the-Sea this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Whistler for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Whistler. Carmel-by-the-Sea is much warmer than Whistler in the winter. The daily temperature in Carmel-by-the-Sea averages around 51°F (11°C) in January, and Whistler fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Whistler receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Carmel-by-the-Sea usually receives less rain than Whistler. Carmel-by-the-Sea gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Carmel-by-the-Sea as well as Whistler. Many travelers come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Whistler in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a little warmer than Whistler. Typically, the spring temperatures in Carmel-by-the-Sea in April average around 56°F (13°C), and Whistler averages at about 9°C (49°F).

It's quite rainy in Whistler. Carmel-by-the-Sea usually gets less rain in April than Whistler. Carmel-by-the-Sea gets 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

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