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

Should you visit Isla Mujeres 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 Isla Mujeres 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.

Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is a relaxing, laid back, and idyllic island. Isla Mujeres offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and nightlife. See Isla Mujeres travel costs.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a scenic, remote, and breathtaking natural area. You'll find world class beauty in Big Sur as well. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food. See Big Sur travel costs.

Isla Mujeres and Big Sur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Isla Mujeres or Big Sur?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Isla Mujeres. Although Isla Mujeres and Big Sur are both popular with visitors, Isla Mujeres has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Isla Mujeres is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Big Sur is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Isla Mujeres is popular for its award-winning beaches, underwater marine life, and tranquil atmosphere. It is also home to the Underwater Museum of Art. Big Sur is popular for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views.

How is Isla Mujeres different from Big Sur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Neither Isla Mujeres or Big Sur offer quality museums and landmarks.

Isla Mujeres offers a few options for museum-goers. Nobody really heads to this island for the museums.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Big Sur. Nature is what brings visitors to the area, so most people don't prioritize museums or manmade landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Isla Mujeres or Big Sur? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Isla Mujeres 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.

Isla Mujeres has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The island has many restaurants, particularly along Hidalgo Street in the Centro area. They typically have a laid back island vibe and serve local seafood or other popular cuisines.

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 Isla Mujeres or Big Sur Better for Nightlife?

Isla Mujeres 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 Isla Mujeres has a few options to choose from. Many people visit the island as a day trip, but those who spend the night will enjoy hanging out at the beach bars along Playa Norte. Many have a laid back vibe and some have live music or DJs.

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 Isla Mujeres or Big Sur Better for Resorts?

Isla Mujeres is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Big Sur is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Isla Mujeres is a perfect choice. Despite its small size, there are a range of impressive resorts on the island. Accommodation ranges from affordable hostels to stunning luxury resorts.

Big Sur is not a resort destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Big Sur Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Isla Mujeres is an unbeatable place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Big Sur is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Isla Mujeres is not to be missed. There are many great snorkeling and diving areas just off the island. It's easy to arrange tours that will take you to the best spots. Popular areas include Manchones Reef, the Underwater Museum of Art, and Garrafon Natural Park.

Big Sur is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Big Sur Better for Beaches?

Isla Mujeres is an unbeatable place for the beach. Also, Big Sur is not as popular, but is still a nice natural area for its beaches.

With world-famous beaches, Isla Mujeres is a very popular vacation destination. The island has spectacular beaches where the white sand meets the blue water. The idyllic setting is the perfect place to relax with a drink or soak up the island vibe. Playa Norte is an award winning beach that has calm water and stunning snorkeling. Playa Centro has many restaurants and bars, and you'll likely see people sunbathing topless. There's a beach club at Playa Albatros as well as hammocks, umbrellas, and recreational activities.

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.

Is Isla Mujeres or Big Sur Better for Hiking?

Big Sur is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Isla Mujeres 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.

Isla Mujeres is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Isla Mujeres or Big Sur?

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

Isla Mujeres has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head downtown for the best opportunities to pick up gifts or souvenirs. You'll find local jewelry, art, and handicrafts.

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 Isla Mujeres or Big Sur More Beautiful?

Big Sur is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Isla Mujeres is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its scenery and 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.

Isla Mujeres offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Beautiful beaches with white sand and blue water make this a beautiful destination. The underwater world is also spectacular to explore.

Is Isla Mujeres or Big Sur Better for Families?

Isla Mujeres is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Big Sur is not as popular, but is still a nice natural area for its family-friendly activities.

Isla Mujeres is one of the most popular family destinations. Kids will love the outdoor sports, which include kayaking, surfing, cave exploration, and snorkeling or diving. There are also opportunities to get up close with marine life or spend the day playing at a water park.

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 Isla Mujeres or Big Sur Better for Couples?

Isla Mujeres and Big Sur both first-rate destinations for a couple.

Isla Mujeres is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's a world class honeymoon destination and couples enjoy the white powdery sand beaches, turquoise blue waters, and laid back island vibe. There's diving and snorkeling as well as romantic hotels and wonderful local restaurants.

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.

Is Isla Mujeres or Big Sur Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Isla Mujeres 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 Isla Mujeres. There are a handful of hostels on the island that offer budget accommodation and a social atmosphere.

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

Isla Mujeres is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Isla Mujeres offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are two bus routes around the island that are operated by Isleños Bus.

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

Is Isla Mujeres or Big Sur a more walkable city?

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

Isla Mujeres is a very walkable destination. The most walkable part of the island is the North part, which is the town center.

Big Sur is not a walkable island. 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 Isla Mujeres Worth Visiting? and Is Big Sur Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Big Sur or Isla Mujeres?

How long in Isla Mujeres or Big Sur?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Isla Mujeres and Big Sur. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Big Sur than in Isla Mujeres. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Isla Mujeres, and 1-3 days is enough time in Big Sur.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Isla Mujeres 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 Isla Mujeres.

One day in Isla Mujeres or Big Sur?

In Isla Mujeres, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island 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, many people enjoy the food that this breathtaking natural area offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this natural area.

A weekend in Isla Mujeres or Big Sur?

In Isla Mujeres, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Isla Mujeres has to offer.

Big Sur is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Isla Mujeres or Big Sur?

Isla Mujeres is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

You'll find food around the remote destination of Big Sur. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Isla Mujeres or Big Sur?

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

Big Sur is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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