A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ensenada vs. Big Sur for Couples, Food, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Ensenada or Big Sur?

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

Should I visit Ensenada or Big Sur? 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.

Ensenada

Ensenada is a outdoorsy, historic, and cultural city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Ensenada travel costs.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a scenic, remote, and breathtaking natural area. The famous beauty of Big Sur is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food. See Big Sur travel costs.

Ensenada and Big Sur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ensenada or Big Sur?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ensenada. Although Ensenada and Big Sur are both popular with visitors, Ensenada has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Ensenada is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Big Sur is known for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Ensenada is popular for its local cuisine, golf, and outdoor sports. It is also home to Avenida Lopez Mateos. Big Sur is popular for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views.

How is Ensenada different from Big Sur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Ensenada 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 Ensenada. There are several good museums in town such as the Museo de Historia and Caracol Museo de Ciencias.

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

Ensenada is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Big Sur is not as popular, but is still a nice natural area for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Ensenada has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town is known for its seafood, and fish tacos is one of the most popular dishes. You'll find seafood markets and street cards selling fresh and local items. Sample your way through the city and enjoy all of the local specialties.

Big Sur offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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 Ensenada or Big Sur Better for Nightlife?

Ensenada 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 Ensenada has a few options to choose from. There are a number of bars and nightclubs around town. Head to Avenida López Mateos for many of the best restaurants and bars.

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 Ensenada or Big Sur Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is a great destination for the beach. However, Ensenada is a city with minimal options for the beach.

Big Sur is considered a top beach destination. 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.

The beach in Ensenada is worth checking out. It's a working port town and the beaches in the area aren't great. You'll find the best options to the south of the city.

Is Ensenada or Big Sur Better for Hiking?

Big Sur is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Ensenada is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Ensenada is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ensenada or Big Sur?

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

Ensenada has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Avenida López Mateos is the main shopping street in town. You'll find many shops, but be prepared to pay more than you might elsewhere because shopkeepers are used to cruise ship riders who are willing to pay a high price tag.

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 Ensenada or Big Sur More Beautiful?

Big Sur is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, Ensenada is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Big Sur is one of the main draws. 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.

Ensenada is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ensenada or Big Sur Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Ensenada or Big Sur.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ensenada. You'll find ziplining, horseback riding, and surf lessons in the area. Kids will also enjoy seeing the Water Show or going whale watching.

Big Sur offers lots of family activities. 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 Ensenada or Big Sur Better for Couples?

Big Sur is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Ensenada is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Big Sur makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Ensenada is a good city for couples to visit. The city has an authentic atmosphere that will let you experience a more genuine side to Mexico.

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

Ensenada and Big Sur are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Ensenada. There are a few hostels and a number of cheap hotels around town.

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.

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

Ensenada 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 Ensenada. Public transit in the area is limited.

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

Is Ensenada or Big Sur a more walkable city?

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

Ensenada is a very walkable destination. The downtown area is walkable and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Big Sur or Ensenada?

How long in Ensenada or Big Sur?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ensenada and Big Sur. In our opinion, Ensenada has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Ensenada than Big Sur. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Ensenada, and 1-3 days is enough time in Big Sur.

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

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

One day in Ensenada or Big Sur?

In Ensenada, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The beautiful natural area of Big Sur offers food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Ensenada or Big Sur?

In Ensenada, 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 Ensenada has to offer.

Big Sur is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this natural area 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 Big Sur, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Ensenada or Big Sur?

Ensenada 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 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 Ensenada or Big Sur?

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

Big Sur is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This natural area offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.

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