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

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

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

Should I visit Columbus 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.

Columbus

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

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a charming, picturesque, and quaint town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. Carmel-by-the-Sea is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Carmel-by-the-Sea travel costs.

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

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea than Columbus, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Carmel-by-the-Sea is better known for its food, beaches, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Columbus is more popular for its nightlife. Carmel-by-the-Sea is more touristy than Columbus and is popular 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. Columbus is well known for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene.

How is Columbus 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 Columbus. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Spend time exploring the notable sights and museums in either Columbus or Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Columbus is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Popular museums around town include the Center of Science and Technology, the Franklin Park Conservatory, the Columbus Museum of Art, and the Ohio History Center.

Carmel-by-the-Sea offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 Columbus or Carmel-by-the-Sea? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Columbus. Hearty and heavy comfort food is the mainstay in this town. There's pizza, casseroles, sausage, and milkshakes around town.

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

Columbus 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 Columbus. The live music scene is growing. There are also a growing number of breweries around town.

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

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Columbus 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.

Columbus is not a beach destination.

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

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Columbus offers some nice shopping areas. In addition to the standard shopping malls and retail outlets, there are some interesting shops in the Short North Arts District, German Village, and Easton Town Center.

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

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

Carmel-by-the-Sea is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's a beautiful town with nice beaches and a European atmosphere.

Columbus is not a destination known for its beauty.

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

Columbus 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.

Columbus is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a highlight for many families. Right by it is the Zoombezi Bay Waterpark. For hands-on science-based activities check out the Center of Science and Industry. Kids will also love the Legoland Discovery Center or the Anthony-Thomas Candy Factory. There are also many outdoor parks, greenways, and playgrounds to visit.

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

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very popular place for romance. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Carmel-by-the-Sea makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Most people don't think of Columbus as a couple's destination. You'll find restaurants and music venues that make for a nice date night. There are also wine tours and other entertainment options.

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

Visitors will find respectable public transit in both Columbus and Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Public transit is mostly limited in Columbus. While there's a bus system, you'll really want to have a vehicle to get around town efficiently.

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.

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

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

Columbus is a somewhat walkable place. The older neighborhoods are the most walkable, but if you want to get around town, you'll need to have a car.

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

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

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

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Columbus 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 Columbus. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Columbus, and 1-3 days is enough time in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

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

Couples should spend more time in Carmel-by-the-Sea than Columbus. 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 Columbus 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 Columbus or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Columbus, 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 Columbus or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

With shopping and museums around the authentic city of Columbus, 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 Columbus or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the friendly destination of Columbus. 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 Columbus or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Columbus 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 Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

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

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

Columbus has a larger population, and is about 180 times larger than the population of Carmel-by-the-Sea. When comparing the sizes of Columbus 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 Columbus or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Columbus as well as Carmel-by-the-Sea. Many visitors come to Columbus in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Columbus is generally a little warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daily temperatures in Columbus average around 77°F (25°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Columbus receives a lot of rain in the summer. Columbus usually gets more rain in July than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Columbus gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Columbus are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Columbus 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.

Columbus is cooler than Carmel-by-the-Sea in the autumn. The daily temperature in Columbus averages around 57°F (14°C) in October, and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In October, Columbus usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Columbus during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Columbus 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.

The weather in Columbus can be very cold. In the winter, Columbus is much colder than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Typically, the winter temperatures in Columbus in January average around 30°F (-1°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea averages at about 51°F (11°C).

Columbus usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Carmel-by-the-Sea. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbus and 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 April, Columbus is generally around the same temperature as Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daily temperatures in Columbus average around 54°F (12°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In April, Columbus usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Columbus gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

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