A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Charlottesville vs. Big Sur for Couples, Hiking, Food, and Families

Should you visit Charlottesville or Big Sur?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Charlottesville and Big Sur. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Charlottesville

Charlottesville is a proud, traditional, and young university town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Charlottesville offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and hiking. See Charlottesville travel costs.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a scenic, remote, and breathtaking natural area. Many visitors also come to Big Sur because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and food. See Big Sur travel costs.

Charlottesville and Big Sur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Charlottesville or Big Sur?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Big Sur. Although Charlottesville and Big Sur are both popular with visitors, Big Sur has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Big Sur is more popular for its food, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Charlottesville is known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, historical sights, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Big Sur is more touristy than Charlottesville and is known for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views. It is also home to Bixby Bridge. Charlottesville is popular for being home to the University of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, and serving as a gateway to Shenandoah National Park.

How is Charlottesville different from Big Sur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Big Sur and Charlottesville. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Charlottesville or Big Sur?

Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville. A highlight of a trip to the area is a visit to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. The city is also famously home to the beautiful University of Virginia, which has a manicured and beautiful campus. History buffs will also appreciate visiting the Civil War Sites that are nearby as well.

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 Charlottesville or Big Sur? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Big Sur is a good destination for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Charlottesville is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Big Sur has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Most of the restaurants offer a breathtaking view. Many use locally-sourced ingredients and they range in style from fine dining to casual eateries.

Charlottesville may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Head to the Historic Downtown Mall to enjoy an outdoor meal at a top rated restaurant. There are also restaurants that cater specifically to students and offer affordable and quick meals.

Is Charlottesville or Big Sur Better for Nightlife?

Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville has a few options to choose from. Charlottesville is a university town with an active nightlife. The best areas for nightlife are found around the Downtown Mall, Belmont neighborhood, the Corner, and University Ave west near the mall. Even though there are a number of activities to enjoy at night, this is still a small town and the nightlife scene reflects that.

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 Charlottesville or Big Sur Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is a great natural area for the beach. However, Charlottesville 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.

Charlottesville is not a beach destination.

Is Charlottesville or Big Sur Better for its Old Town?

Charlottesville is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Big Sur does not have a historic old town.

Charlottesville has an old town worth visiting. The Historic Downtown Mall is filled with restaurants and shops. It's a pedestrian only area with a lot of character and energy.

Big Sur does not have a historic old town.

Is Charlottesville or Big Sur Better for Hiking?

Big Sur is a great natural area for hiking. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Charlottesville is a good destination for hiking. Just outside of town there are plenty of hiking opportunities including in and around Shenandoah National Park. Hiking is at its best during the fall season when the leaves are changing.

Is the Shopping Better in Charlottesville or Big Sur?

Big Sur is mediocre for its shopping opportunities. However, Charlottesville is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping in Big Sur can be found for those interested. There are some galleries and gift shops, but most visitors aren't in the area to go shopping.

Charlottesville is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Charlottesville or Big Sur More Beautiful?

Big Sur is terrific for its scenery and beauty. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its scenery and beauty.

Many visitors also come to Big Sur because of it's amazing beauty. 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.

Charlottesville offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Surrounded by the Shenandoah Mountains, this is a beautiful town and home to the beautiful University of Virginia.

Is Charlottesville or Big Sur Better for Families?

Both Charlottesville and Big Sur are good family-friendly destinations.

Charlottesville offers lots of family activities. Wandering the campus of UVA, picking fruit at Carter Mountain Orchard or exploring the downtown mall, including the Virginia Discovery Museum are all activities that everyone can enjoy. There are also great hiking trails just outside of town.

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 Charlottesville or Big Sur Better for Couples?

Big Sur is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for couples.

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.

Charlottesville is a good university town for couples to visit. The UVA campus is beautiful to explore, as is Monticello. The Downtown Mall has many great restaurants and activities that make for a nice date night and during the day, there's also beautiful hikes nearby that are at their peak during the fall season.

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

Big Sur is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Charlottesville is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Big Sur. There are a couple of hostels in the area, but budget travelers often prefer vacation rentals, which are more common.

Charlottesville is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is camping an hiking in the area that is a good option for backpackers.

Is Charlottesville or Big Sur Better for Students?

Charlottesville is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Big Sur is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Charlottesville. The town is home to the beautiful University of Virginia and it's a popular destination for international students as well as local students. Much of the town is focused around student life, and the city's proximity to Washington, DC means it has access to global opportunities.

Big Sur is not popular with students.

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

Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville. There is a bus system that runs between campus, downtown, and several neighborhoods in Charlottesville.

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

Is Charlottesville or Big Sur a more walkable city?

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

Charlottesville is generally not a very walkable university town. While the University of Virginia campus and the Downtown Mall are both very walkable, most of the town is not.

Big Sur is not a walkable university town. 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 Charlottesville Worth Visiting? and Is Big Sur Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Big Sur or Charlottesville?

How long in Charlottesville or Big Sur?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Charlottesville and Big Sur. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Charlottesville, and 1-3 days is enough time in Big Sur.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Big Sur than Charlottesville 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 Big Sur.

One day in Charlottesville or Big Sur?

Charlottesville is a small town with plenty to do. This university town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The scenic destination of Big Sur offers food. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Charlottesville or Big Sur?

Charlottesville might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Charlottesville has to offer.

The natural area of Big Sur offers food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Charlottesville or Big Sur?

Charlottesville 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.

Big Sur is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This natural area offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Charlottesville or Big Sur?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Charlottesville. Since Charlottesville is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the food when visiting Big Sur. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.

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

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

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 Charlottesville or Big Sur in the Summer?

Both Big Sur and Charlottesville are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Charlottesville for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Big Sur in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Charlottesville is much warmer than Big Sur. Typically, the summer temperatures in Charlottesville in July average around 78°F (26°C), and Big Sur averages at about 63°F (17°C).

It's quite rainy in Charlottesville. In July, Charlottesville usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Charlottesville gets 5 inches (128 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Charlottesville or Big Sur in the Autumn?

Both Big Sur and Charlottesville during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Charlottesville in the autumn for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Big Sur for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Charlottesville is generally around the same temperature as Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Charlottesville average around 59°F (15°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Charlottesville usually gets more rain in October than Big Sur. Charlottesville gets 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charlottesville or Big Sur in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Charlottesville and Big Sur. Most visitors come to Charlottesville for the museums, the Christmas ambience, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Big Sur because of the cuisine.

Charlottesville can be very cold during winter. Charlottesville is much colder than Big Sur in the winter. The daily temperature in Charlottesville averages around 36°F (2°C) in January, and Big Sur fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In January, Charlottesville usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Charlottesville gets 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Charlottesville or Big Sur in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Charlottesville as well as Big Sur. The spring months attract visitors to Charlottesville because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Additionally, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Big Sur this time of year.

In the spring, Charlottesville is around the same temperature as Big Sur. Typically, the spring temperatures in Charlottesville in April average around 58°F (14°C), and Big Sur averages at about 56°F (13°C).

Charlottesville usually gets more rain in April than Big Sur. Charlottesville gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Big Sur and Charlottesville