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

Should you visit Guadalajara or Big Sur?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Guadalajara 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.

Guadalajara

Guadalajara is a vibrant, cultural, and historical city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Guadalajara travel costs.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a remote, breathtaking, and scenic natural area. Many visitors also come to Big Sur because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and beaches. See Big Sur travel costs.

Guadalajara and Big Sur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Guadalajara or Big Sur?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Guadalajara. Although Guadalajara and Big Sur are popular destinations, Guadalajara has more sights and attractions for tourists. Guadalajara is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Big Sur attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Big Sur is more touristy than Guadalajara and is known for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views. Guadalajara is famous for its mariachi music, tequila, and many festivals. It is also well known for the Guadalajara Cathedral.

How is Guadalajara different from Big Sur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Many visitors head to Guadalajara specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. It's a city that's filled with culture and history, with many impressive landmarks such as the Guadalajara Cathedral. Also make sure you visit the Instituto Cultural de Cabañas, Expiatory Temple, the Government Palace, and the Regional Museum of Guadalajara.

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

Guadalajara 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.

Guadalajara has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The cuisine uses some key ingredients such as corn tortillas, chilis, and beans. You'll find a lot of street food which includes tacos and tortas as well as restaurant dishes like birria (meat stew), pozole (hominy soup), and fish ceviche.

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 Guadalajara or Big Sur Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Guadalajara for the nightlife scene. The city comes to life at night. You'll find vibrant dance clubs, live music, and traditional bars. The craft beer scene has also grown in recent years. The most active areas are around Chapultepec Avenue and Zapopan.

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 Guadalajara or Big Sur Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is great for the beach. However, Guadalajara 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.

Guadalajara is not a beach destination.

Is Guadalajara or Big Sur Better for its Old Town?

Guadalajara is great for its historic old town charm. However, Big Sur does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Guadalajara. The city center is filled with Spanish colonial architecture. With a walking tour you will find baroque, neoclassical, renaissance, and Gothic style buildings that highlight the city's long running past and rich history.

Big Sur does not have a historic old town.

Is Guadalajara or Big Sur Better for Hiking?

Big Sur is great for hiking. However, Guadalajara is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Big Sur for the hiking trails. 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.

Guadalajara is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Guadalajara or Big Sur?

Guadalajara is great for its shopping areas. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Guadalajara. One of the best shopping streets is Avenida Juarez. A must-see stop is also the large indoor market of Mercado Libertad. You'll also find shopping centers and retail outlets around town.

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 Guadalajara or Big Sur More Beautiful?

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

Many visitors also come to Big Sur because of it's amazing beauty. 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.

Guadalajara is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Guadalajara or Big Sur Better for Families?

Big Sur is a nice place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Guadalajara is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Guadalajara is not the most family-friendly destination. While it's not the most popular destination for families, those who visit will enjoy exploring the nature parks or amusement parks.

Is Guadalajara or Big Sur Better for Couples?

Big Sur is an amazing natural area to visit for couples. Also, Guadalajara is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

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.

Guadalajara is a nice destination for couples. It's filled with nice architecture, a vibrant nightlife scene, and great urban parks, making it a nice and romantic destination for couples.

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

Guadalajara is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Big Sur is not as popular, but is still a nice natural area for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Guadalajara. There are plenty of hostels and cheap hotels around town.

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.

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

Guadalajara 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 Guadalajara. There's a bus system as well as a metro system with two lines, which are primarily used by commuters.

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

Is Guadalajara or Big Sur a more walkable city?

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

Guadalajara is a very walkable destination. The city center is pedestrian-friendly. This is also where you'll find most of the sights.

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

Should I spend more time in Big Sur or Guadalajara?

How long in Guadalajara or Big Sur?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Guadalajara than Big Sur. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Guadalajara that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Guadalajara 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 Guadalajara.

One day in Guadalajara or Big Sur?

In Guadalajara, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the scenic natural area of Big Sur. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this natural area has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Guadalajara or Big Sur?

In Guadalajara, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Guadalajara has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the remote destination of Big Sur. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This natural area offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Guadalajara or Big Sur?

Guadalajara is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

The scenic natural area of Big Sur offers food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Guadalajara or Big Sur?

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

Many people enjoy the food when visiting Big Sur. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to 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 Guadalajara and Big Sur, we can see that Guadalajara 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 Guadalajara would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Guadalajara 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 Guadalajara Expensive? and Is Big Sur Expensive?.