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

Should you visit Durham or Big Sur?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Durham and Big Sur can help you decide which place is right for you.

Durham

Durham is a diverse, student-filled, and sports oriented city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Durham travel costs.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a remote, breathtaking, and scenic natural area. You'll find world class beauty in Big Sur as well. Other popular activities here include hiking, food, and beaches. See Big Sur travel costs.

Durham and Big Sur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Durham or Big Sur?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Big Sur. Although Durham and Big Sur are popular destinations, Big Sur has more sights and attractions for tourists. Big Sur is very popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Durham attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and shopping. Big Sur is more touristy than Durham and is popular for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views. It is also well known for Bixby Bridge. Durham is famous for its college town vibe as well as being the home of the famous Blue Devil basketball team.

How is Durham different from Big Sur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Durham is great for its historical sights. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Durham specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Duke University is one of the most popular destinations in town. There are several museums on campus as well as the famous Duke Chapel. Elsewhere in Durham there's the Durham Museum of Life and Science.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Durham and Big Sur can be difficult as they are each nice in their own way.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Durham area. Barbecue is a favorite around town. You'll also find plenty of restaurants that cater to the student population, particularly along Nineth Street near Duke's campus.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Big Sur. 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 Durham or Big Sur Better for Nightlife?

Durham 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 Durham has a few options to choose from. The younger population tends to hang out near campus and along Nineth Street. If you're looking for something less student oriented, head to downtown Durham.

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 Durham or Big Sur Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is a well-known place for the beach. However, Durham is not a beach destination.

Big Sur is a very popular place to visit for its 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.

Durham is not a beach destination.

Is Durham or Big Sur Better for Hiking?

Big Sur is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Durham is not a hiking destination.

Big Sur is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Durham is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Durham or Big Sur?

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

Durham has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The Streets of Southpoint is the best mall in the area. Other shopping areas include Brightleaf Square and Nineth Street.

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 Durham or Big Sur More Beautiful?

Big Sur is an amazing natural area to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Durham is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Big Sur as well. 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.

Durham is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Durham or Big Sur Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Durham or Big Sur.

Durham is a family-friendly place to visit. A highlight for kids is a visit to the Durham Museum of Life and Science. It has both an indoor and an outdoor section and brings science to life for families. There's also an impressive playground and climbing area. Other activities in town include the Notasium and Eno River State Park. If you plan ahead you could also organize a trip to the Duke Lemur Center.

Big Sur is a family-friendly city. 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 Durham or Big Sur Better for Couples?

Big Sur is an amazing natural area to visit for couples. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Big Sur has plenty to offer. 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.

Durham is a nice destination for couples. Have a picnic at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens or spend the day hiking at Eno River State Park. In the evening there's a wonderful selection of restaurants around town. Then you can check out a show at the Durham Performing Arts Center or see a Durham Bulls game.

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

Big Sur is very good for backpackers. However, Durham is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Durham is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The student population means there are a number of parties and bars around town, but most backpackers overlook this city.

Is Durham or Big Sur Better for Students?

Durham is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Big Sur is not popular with students.

Durham is very popular with students. Duke University has a stunning campus with a world class garden. There's also nearby Nineth Street, which has shops, restaurants, and bars that are geared toward the student population.

Big Sur is not popular with students.

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

Durham 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 Durham. There are buses around town, but you really need a car to explore the area.

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

Is Durham or Big Sur a more walkable city?

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

Durham is generally not a very walkable city. Downtown Durham and a few areas near Duke University are the most walkable areas.

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 Durham Worth Visiting? and Is Big Sur Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Big Sur or Durham?

How long in Durham or Big Sur?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Big Sur than Durham. 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.

One day in Durham or Big Sur?

In Durham, you'll find nightlife and food. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Big Sur. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Durham or Big Sur?

In Durham, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Durham has to offer.

Big Sur is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Durham or Big Sur?

Durham 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Big Sur. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Durham or Big Sur?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Durham. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Durham. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the scenic destination of Big Sur. This natural area offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

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

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

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 Durham or Big Sur in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Durham as well as Big Sur. The summer months attract visitors to Durham because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Big Sur this time of year.

Durham is much warmer than Big Sur in the summer. The daily temperature in Durham averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Big Sur fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Durham receives a lot of rain in the summer. Durham usually gets more rain in July than Big Sur. Durham gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Durham or Big Sur in the Autumn?

Both Big Sur and Durham are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene are the main draw to Durham this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Big Sur for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Durham is around the same temperature as Big Sur. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Durham in October average around 61°F (16°C), and Big Sur averages at about 62°F (17°C).

In October, Durham usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Durham gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Durham or Big Sur in the Winter?

Both Big Sur and Durham during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Durham for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Big Sur in the winter for the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Durham. In January, Durham is generally much colder than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Durham average around 40°F (5°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Durham usually gets more rain in January than Big Sur. Durham gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Durham or Big Sur in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Durham and Big Sur. Furthermore, most visitors come to Big Sur for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Durham is a little warmer than Big Sur in the spring. The daily temperature in Durham averages around 60°F (16°C) in April, and Big Sur fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In April, Durham usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Durham gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Big Sur and Durham