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

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

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

Should I visit Columbia or Carmel-by-the-Sea? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Columbia

Columbia is a welcoming, suburban, and friendly city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Columbia travel costs.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a picturesque, quaint, and charming town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The beauty of Carmel-by-the-Sea is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping. See Carmel-by-the-Sea travel costs.

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

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Although Columbia and Carmel-by-the-Sea are both popular with visitors, Carmel-by-the-Sea has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Carmel-by-the-Sea is more popular for its food, beaches, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Columbia is known for its nightlife. Carmel-by-the-Sea is more touristy than Columbia and is known for its storybook architecture, its opulent setting, and its popularity with golf enthusiasts. It is also home to Pebble Beach Golf Course. Columbia is popular for its southern hospitality and friendly people.

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

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both Columbia and Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Columbia offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. As the state capital, there are some decent museums around town like the Columbia Museum of Art, the South Carolina Military Museum, the South Carolina State Museum, and the U.S. Army Basic Combat Training Museum.

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.

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

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Columbia is not a good city for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Carmel-by-the-Sea. 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.

Columbia may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Barbecue and other southern favorites are among the more local dishes, but the city is also filled with fast food joints and other major chain restaurants.

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

Columbia 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 Columbia. You'll find live music venues as well as low key bars and more trendy cocktail lounges.

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 Columbia or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Beaches?

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

Carmel-by-the-Sea is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Columbia is not a beach destination.

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

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

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Columbia has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find independent and locally owned shops along Devine Street and in the Five Points area. Also interesting are the Vista, which is a warehouse district, and Trenholm Plaza.

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

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Columbia is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Carmel-by-the-Sea is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It's a beautiful town with nice beaches and a European atmosphere.

Columbia is not a destination known for its beauty.

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

Columbia is a city with good options for its family-friendly activities. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for its kid-friendly activities.

Columbia is a family-friendly place to visit. Around town you'll find parks, playgrounds, and kid-friendly restaurants. There's a zoo in the area as well as a nice state park - Sesquicentennial State Park. There's also EdVenture Children's Museum, which is filled with hands-on exhibits.

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 Columbia or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Couples?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a well-known place for its romantic activities. However, Columbia is not a good city for couples.

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.

Columbia is not always the best place to visit for a couple. You'll find parks to explore and some nice restaurants that make for a good date night.

Is Columbia or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Students?

Columbia is a city with good options for students. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not popular with students.

Columbia is a good city to visit for students. The University of South Carolina, and other nearby colleges all bring in a decent student population.

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

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

Both Columbia and Carmel-by-the-Sea offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Columbia. The COMET is the bus system through town, but you really must have your own car to enjoy the city.

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

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

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Columbia is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

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

Columbia is not a very walkable city. It's filled with suburban-style development and is generally very car dependent.

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

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

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

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Columbia and Carmel-by-the-Sea. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Carmel-by-the-Sea than in Columbia. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Columbia, and 1-3 days is enough time in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Carmel-by-the-Sea than Columbia 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea.

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

With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Columbia, there's plenty to do. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

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.

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

With shopping and museums around the welcoming city of Columbia, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

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.

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

Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the welcoming destination of Columbia. 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.

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.

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

Columbia 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.

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.

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

When comparing the travel costs between Columbia and Carmel-by-the-Sea, we can see that Columbia is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Columbia Expensive? and Is Carmel-by-the-Sea Expensive?.

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

Columbia has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Carmel-by-the-Sea. When comparing the sizes of Columbia and Carmel-by-the-Sea, 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 Columbia or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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

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

In the summer, Columbia is much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Typically, the summer temperatures in Columbia in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea averages at about 63°F (17°C).

It's quite rainy in Columbia. In July, Columbia usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Columbia gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Columbia during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Columbia for the shopping scene during these months. Also, 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.

In October, Columbia is generally around the same temperature as Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daily temperatures in Columbia average around 64°F (18°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Columbia usually gets more rain in October than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Columbia gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbia and Carmel-by-the-Sea. The winter months attract visitors to Columbia because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Carmel-by-the-Sea this time of year.

Columbia is cooler than Carmel-by-the-Sea in the winter. The daily temperature in Columbia averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In January, Columbia usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Columbia gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

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

In the spring, Columbia is a little warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Typically, the spring temperatures in Columbia in April average around 64°F (18°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea averages at about 56°F (13°C).

Columbia usually gets more rain in April than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Columbia gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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