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

Should you visit Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a vibrant, under-rated, and lively city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Jacksonville travel costs.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a remote, breathtaking, and scenic natural area. Big Sur is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and beaches. See Big Sur travel costs.

Jacksonville and Big Sur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jacksonville or Big Sur?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Jacksonville. Although Jacksonville and Big Sur are popular destinations, Jacksonville has more sights and attractions for tourists. Jacksonville is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Big Sur attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Big Sur is more touristy than Jacksonville and is known for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views. Jacksonville is famous for its beautiful beaches and lively downtown area. It is also well known for Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens.

How is Jacksonville different from Big Sur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Many visitors head to Jacksonville specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city has a number of museums that range from art museums to science or kid-friendly museums. Some favorites are the Museum of Science and History, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Mandarin Museum and Historical Society, and Kingsley Plantation.

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

Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Local cuisine has its own identity. Unique dishes around town include garlic crabs, seafood boil, gumbo, and shrimp and grits. The local cuisine is similar to Lowcountry dishes with a lot of Cajun influence. If you want something different from seafood, you should try the barbecue.

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 Jacksonville or Big Sur Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Jacksonville for the nightlife scene. The young population brings out the nightlife scene. There's a great concentration of bars and clubs in the area known as The Elbow, which is at the intersection of N. Ocean and E. Bay Street. You'll find plenty of cocktail bars, lounges, and clubs around town that make for a fun night out.

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 Jacksonville or Big Sur Better for Beaches?

Jacksonville and Big Sur both offer high quality beaches.

Many people visit Jacksonville for it's beautiful beaches. There are a number of beaches that are just a short distance from the city. Some have a historic vibe while others are more lively. Atlantic Beach is about a half hour drive from the city. For a laid back vibe head to Neptune Beach and the most popular beach in the area is Jacksonville 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.

Is Jacksonville or Big Sur Better for Hiking?

Big Sur is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Jacksonville is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

Jacksonville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Jacksonville or Big Sur?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Jacksonville. There are countless malls and shopping districts around town. Some of the best shopping is found at St. John's Center, Five Points, and Avondale.

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 Jacksonville or Big Sur More Beautiful?

Big Sur is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Jacksonville is not a destination known for its beauty.

Big Sur is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. 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.

Jacksonville is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Jacksonville or Big Sur Better for Families?

Both Jacksonville and Big Sur are nice family-friendly destinations.

Jacksonville is a family-friendly city. It's filled with adventure parks, zoos, animal farms, nature centers, and gardens. Adults will have as much fun as kids exploring the city and all of its family-friendly attractions.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Big Sur. 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 Jacksonville or Big Sur Better for Couples?

Big Sur is renowned for couples. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Jacksonville is a nice destination for couples. It's a young city that's near nature and has plenty of adventurous activities. There's sailing, botanical gardens, restaurants, and plenty of bars around town.

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

Jacksonville and Big Sur are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Jacksonville. There are a few hostels in town as well as affordable motels. The city has a young population with plenty to do. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there's a surprising and underrated appeal to the backpacker crowd.

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

Is Jacksonville or Big Sur Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit Jacksonville. There are a few colleges and universities in town. The city's population is also very young, making it a great place to study.

Big Sur is not popular with students.

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

Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The public transportation system includes trolleys, the Skyway, buses, water taxis, and the ferry.

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

Is Jacksonville or Big Sur a more walkable city?

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

Jacksonville is a somewhat walkable city. Downtown Jacksonville is the most walkable part of the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Big Sur or Jacksonville?

How long in Jacksonville or Big Sur?

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

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

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

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

One day in Jacksonville or Big Sur?

In Jacksonville, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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, many people enjoy the food that this scenic 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 Jacksonville or Big Sur?

In Jacksonville, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville or Big Sur?

Jacksonville 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.

You'll find food around the breathtaking 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 Jacksonville or Big Sur?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Jacksonville. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Jacksonville. 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.

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 G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.

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

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

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Big Sur in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Jacksonville and Big Sur. Many travelers come to Jacksonville for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Big Sur in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Jacksonville is much warmer than Big Sur in the summer. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Big Sur fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Jacksonville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Jacksonville usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Jacksonville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Big Sur in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Jacksonville as well as Big Sur. Many visitors come to Jacksonville in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Big Sur for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Jacksonville is a little warmer than Big Sur. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Jacksonville in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Big Sur averages at about 62°F (17°C).

Jacksonville usually gets more rain in October than Big Sur. Jacksonville gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Jacksonville is June to November.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Big Sur in the Winter?

Both Big Sur and Jacksonville are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Jacksonville 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.

In January, Jacksonville is generally around the same temperature as Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 53°F (12°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In January, Jacksonville usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Jacksonville gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Big Sur in the Spring?

Both Big Sur and Jacksonville during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Jacksonville because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Big Sur this time of year.

Jacksonville is much warmer than Big Sur in the spring. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Big Sur fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Jacksonville usually gets more rain in April than Big Sur. Jacksonville gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Jacksonville.

Typical Weather for Big Sur and Jacksonville