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

Should you visit Houston or Big Sur?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Houston and Big Sur. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Houston

Houston is a diverse, sprawling, and southern city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Houston 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.

Houston and Big Sur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Houston or Big Sur?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Houston. Although Houston and Big Sur are both popular with visitors, Houston has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Houston is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, 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 Houston and is popular for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views. Houston is popular for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA. It is also home to The Space Center Houston.

How is Houston different from Big Sur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Many visitors head to Houston specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Head to Houston's Museum District to explore 19 different museums in a walkable area. A highlight of a trip to the city is a visit to the Space Center, but other popular museums include the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Houston Children's Museum.

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

Houston 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.

Houston has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city is famous for its Texas barbecue, Mexican food, and a wide diversity of other different ethnic foods. It's a surprisingly diverse city and this is reflected in the restaurant selection around town.

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 Houston or Big Sur Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Houston for the nightlife scene. The nightlife is at its best on weekends when bars, dance clubs, and concert halls come to life. There are a diversity of venues around town including dance clubs, Honky Tonks, and cocktail bars. Some of the most active nightlife areas are Downtown, Midtown, Montrose, Washington Avenue, and Rice Village.

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 Houston or Big Sur Better for Music?

Houston is very good for its music scene. However, Big Sur is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Houston. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.

Big Sur is not a live music destination.

Is Houston or Big Sur Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is well known for the beach. However, Houston is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Big Sur for it's beautiful 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.

Houston is not a beach destination.

Is Houston or Big Sur Better for Hiking?

Big Sur is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Houston 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.

Houston is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Houston or Big Sur?

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

Houston has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of upscale malls and shopping centers that have brand names, chain stores, and the occasional local shop where you can pick up items.

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 Houston or Big Sur More Beautiful?

Big Sur is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Houston 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.

Houston is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Houston or Big Sur Better for Families?

Houston is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Big Sur is not as popular, but is still a nice natural area for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Houston. It is a large city with plenty of things that kids can enjoy including museums, theaters, a zoo, and even the Space Center. The Children's Museum of Houston is perfect for a rainy day. For science loving kids there's the Health Museum and the Museum of Natural Science. Houston also has a Six Flags nearby which the whole family can enjoy.

Big Sur is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Houston or Big Sur Better for Couples?

Big Sur is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Big Sur is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Houston is a good city for couples to visit. There's a surprising diversity of restaurants around the city. There are also performing arts productions and many outdoor parks and gardens.

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

Big Sur is a good destination for backpackers. However, Houston is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Houston is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers skip this sprawling city, but there are some hostels and cheap motels.

Is Houston or Big Sur Better for Students?

Houston is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Big Sur is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Houston. It's a large city with a number of universities and a large student population.

Big Sur is not popular with students.

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

Houston 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 Houston. The system includes buses and a limited light rail. Houston is known as a car-centric city and you really need a car to fully experience it.

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

Is Houston or Big Sur a more walkable city?

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

Houston is generally not a very walkable city. The most walkable neighborhood is the historic Houston Heights, but most parts of the city aren't very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Big Sur or Houston?

How long in Houston or Big Sur?

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

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

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

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

One day in Houston or Big Sur?

Because Houston is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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 Houston or Big Sur?

Because Houston is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Houston 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 Houston or Big Sur?

Houston 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 Houston or Big Sur?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Houston. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Houston. 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 The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Both Big Sur and Houston during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Houston for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Big Sur in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Houston is much warmer than Big Sur. Typically, the summer temperatures in Houston in July average around 84°F (29°C), and Big Sur averages at about 63°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Houston. Houston usually gets more rain in July than Big Sur. Houston gets 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Houston or Big Sur in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Houston and Big Sur. Many visitors come to Houston in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, most visitors come to Big Sur for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Houston is generally a little warmer than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Houston average around 71°F (22°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Houston gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Houston usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Houston gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Houston or Big Sur in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Houston as well as Big Sur. Most visitors come to Houston for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Big Sur because of the cuisine.

Houston is around the same temperature as Big Sur in the winter. The daily temperature in Houston averages around 52°F (11°C) in January, and Big Sur fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Houston usually gets more rain in January than Big Sur. Houston gets 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Houston or Big Sur in the Spring?

Both Big Sur and Houston are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Houston because of the activities around the city. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Big Sur this time of year.

In the spring, Houston is much warmer than Big Sur. Typically, the spring temperatures in Houston in April average around 70°F (21°C), and Big Sur averages at about 56°F (13°C).

In April, Houston usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Houston 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 Houston