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

Should you visit Detroit or Big Sur?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Detroit or Big Sur, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Detroit

Detroit is a overlooked , under-rated, and hardworking city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Detroit travel costs.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a scenic, remote, and breathtaking natural area. Big Sur is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and food. See Big Sur travel costs.

Detroit and Big Sur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Detroit or Big Sur?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Detroit. Although Detroit and Big Sur are both popular with visitors, Detroit has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Detroit is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Big Sur is known for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Big Sur is more touristy than Detroit and is known for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views. Detroit is popular for its Motown music, blue collar atmosphere, and influential auto industry. It is also home to the Henry Ford Experience.

How is Detroit different from Big Sur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Detroit 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 Detroit. Popular museums around town include the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Historical Museum, and the Michigan Science Center.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Detroit and Big Sur can be an enjoyable experience.

Detroit has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's a local flavor to the food with a number of classic dishes that are popular like square pizza, Coney dogs, and corned beef egg rolls.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Big Sur area. Most of the restaurants offer a breathtaking view. Many use locally-sourced ingredients and they range in style from fine dining to casual eateries.

Is Detroit or Big Sur Better for Nightlife?

Detroit is great for its evening party scene. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Detroit for the nightlife scene. It's long history in music still influences the nightlife scene. You'll find bars, clubs, and other activities around town. Greektown and Midtown are both popular neighborhoods during the evening.

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 Detroit or Big Sur Better for Music?

Detroit is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Big Sur is not a live music destination.

Detroit has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Few cities have such an influential music industry. It's home to Motown and is well known for its soul music, jazz, blues, and rap.

Big Sur is not a live music destination.

Is Detroit or Big Sur Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is a very popular place for the beach. However, Detroit is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Big Sur. 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.

Detroit is not a beach destination.

Is Detroit or Big Sur Better for Hiking?

Big Sur is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Detroit is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Big Sur. 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.

Detroit is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Detroit or Big Sur?

Detroit is very good for its shopping areas. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for shopping.

Detroit has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are several shopping streets like Woodward Avenue. There are also outlet malls, shopping centers, and Eastern Market.

Big Sur has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are some galleries and gift shops, but most visitors aren't in the area to go shopping.

Is Detroit or Big Sur More Beautiful?

Big Sur is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, Detroit is not a destination known for its beauty.

Big Sur is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. 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.

Detroit is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Detroit or Big Sur Better for Families?

Detroit and Big Sur are both good destinations for the whole family.

Detroit is a family-friendly city. Head to the Detroit Zoo or check out one of the amusement parks in the area. Kids will enjoy a visit to Legoland and there's also the Sea Life Michigan Aquarium. You could also spend some time visiting the unique museums in the area.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Big Sur. 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 Detroit or Big Sur Better for Couples?

Big Sur is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for couples.

Big Sur has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Detroit is not always the best place to visit for a couple. It's not a city that usually brings to mind romance, but if you find yourself here for a couple of days, there's a RiverWalk area and some interesting local neighborhoods.

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

Big Sur is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for backpackers.

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

Detroit is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels in the area, but this is still an often overlooked city.

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

Detroit 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 Detroit. There's a streetcar and bus system, but the car is still king in Motor City.

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

Is Detroit or Big Sur a more walkable city?

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

Detroit is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of downtown Detroit that are walkable, but most people need a car to get around.

Big Sur is not a walkable city. 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 Detroit Worth Visiting? and Is Big Sur Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Big Sur or Detroit?

How long in Detroit or Big Sur?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Detroit and Big Sur. In our opinion, Detroit has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Detroit than Big Sur. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

One day in Detroit or Big Sur?

In Detroit, you'll find shopping and museums. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Big Sur, you'll find food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This natural area offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Detroit or Big Sur?

In Detroit, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Detroit has to offer.

In Big Sur, you'll find food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Big Sur has to offer.

Five days in Detroit or Big Sur?

Detroit 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

A week in Detroit or Big Sur?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Detroit. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Detroit. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Big Sur. Many people enjoy the food when visiting Big Sur. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.

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

When is the best time to visit Detroit 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 Detroit or Big Sur in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Detroit and Big Sur. Most visitors come to Detroit for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Big Sur because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Detroit is a little warmer than Big Sur. Typically, the summer temperatures in Detroit in July average around 74°F (24°C), and Big Sur averages at about 63°F (17°C).

In July, Detroit usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Detroit gets 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Detroit or Big Sur in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Detroit as well as Big Sur. The autumn months attract visitors to Detroit because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Big Sur this time of year.

In October, Detroit is generally cooler than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Detroit average around 54°F (12°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Detroit usually gets more rain in October than Big Sur. Detroit gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Detroit or Big Sur in the Winter?

Both Big Sur and Detroit are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Detroit this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Big Sur for the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Detroit in the winter. Detroit is much colder than Big Sur in the winter. The daily temperature in Detroit averages around 25°F (-4°C) in January, and Big Sur fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In January, Detroit usually receives less rain than Big Sur. Detroit gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Detroit or Big Sur in the Spring?

Both Big Sur and Detroit during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Detroit for the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Big Sur in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Detroit is cooler than Big Sur. Typically, the spring temperatures in Detroit in April average around 49°F (9°C), and Big Sur averages at about 56°F (13°C).

Detroit usually gets more rain in April than Big Sur. Detroit gets 3.2 inches (80 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 Detroit