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

Should you visit Lancaster or Big Sur?

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

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

Lancaster

Lancaster is a picturesque, scenic, and traditional town. With stunning beauty, Lancaster attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping. See Lancaster 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.

Lancaster and Big Sur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lancaster or Big Sur?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Big Sur. Although Lancaster and Big Sur are popular destinations, Big Sur has more sights and attractions for tourists. Big Sur is very popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Lancaster attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping. Big Sur is more touristy than Lancaster and is known for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views. It is also well known for Bixby Bridge. Lancaster is famous for its history and long running Amish community.

How is Lancaster different from Big Sur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Many visitors head to Lancaster specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Filled with history and local culture, there are many educational opportunities in the area where you can learn about Amish traditions. The Amish Village has tours and unique experiences. The town also has James Buchanan's Wheatland, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, the National Toy Train Museum, the Ephrata Cloister, and the National Watch & Clock Museum, among many others.

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

Lancaster 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.

Lancaster has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You can sample authentic Pennsylvania Dutch dishes at one of the Amish restaurants in the area. Many places serve food family-style and dishes include chicken pot pie, ham balls, and pork and sauerkraut. Whoopie pies also originated in the area.

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 Lancaster or Big Sur Better for Nightlife?

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

Lancaster doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a small town, but you'll still find local pubs and cozy bars where you can enjoy a drink in a laid back atmosphere.

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 Lancaster or Big Sur Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is a great natural area for the beach. However, Lancaster 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.

Lancaster is not a beach destination.

Is Lancaster or Big Sur Better for Hiking?

Big Sur is a great natural area for hiking. However, Lancaster 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.

Lancaster is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lancaster or Big Sur?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Lancaster. Many visitors pick up hand-crafted Amish items while they're in town. Furniture and Amish quilts are particularly popular. Farmers markets and antique shopping are both unique in the area and there are also art galleries and several outlet stores that you can visit.

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 Lancaster or Big Sur More Beautiful?

Big Sur is an amazing natural area to visit for its scenery and beauty. Also, Lancaster is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its scenery and 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.

Lancaster is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The countryside is beautiful, with preserved farmland, covered bridges, and beautiful gardens.

Is Lancaster or Big Sur Better for Families?

Lancaster 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 Lancaster. In you area you'll find farms and petting zoos, amusement parks, and train rides. They can learn about a unique lifestyle at the Amish Experience or soak up the local beauty and farmland in the surrounding countryside.

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 Lancaster or Big Sur Better for Couples?

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

Lancaster is a very popular place to visit for couples. This region is known for it's local beauty and serene farmland, making it a relaxing and peaceful destination for couples. There are walking trails, outdoor activities, buggy rides, and a variety of dining experiences. You can also stay at a bed and breakfast or local inn.

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

Big Sur is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Lancaster is not known for backpackers.

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.

Lancaster is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although it's often overlooked by backpackers, the region offers a unique cultural experience.

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

Lancaster 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 Lancaster. The city has buses and several transportation options, but once you're outside of the urban core, your options are limited.

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

Is Lancaster or Big Sur a more walkable city?

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

Lancaster is generally not a very walkable town. While the city itself has walkable areas, most visitors want to get out and explore the countryside, which requires a car.

Big Sur is not a walkable town. 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 Lancaster Worth Visiting? and Is Big Sur Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Big Sur or Lancaster?

How long in Lancaster or Big Sur?

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

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

One day in Lancaster or Big Sur?

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

You'll find food around the natural area of Big Sur. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Big Sur has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Lancaster or Big Sur?

In Lancaster, 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 Lancaster has to offer.

You'll find food around the remote destination of Big Sur. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this natural area has to offer. This natural area offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Lancaster or Big Sur?

Lancaster 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.

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the remote natural area of Big Sur. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Lancaster or Big Sur?

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

Big Sur is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Both Big Sur and Lancaster are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Lancaster for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Big Sur because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Lancaster is a little warmer than Big Sur in the summer. The daily temperature in Lancaster averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Big Sur fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In July, Lancaster usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Lancaster gets 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lancaster or Big Sur in the Autumn?

Both Big Sur and Lancaster during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Lancaster because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Big Sur this time of year.

In the autumn, Lancaster is cooler than Big Sur. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lancaster in October average around 56°F (13°C), and Big Sur averages at about 62°F (17°C).

Lancaster usually gets more rain in October than Big Sur. Lancaster gets 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lancaster or Big Sur in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lancaster and Big Sur. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lancaster this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Big Sur for the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Lancaster in the winter. In January, Lancaster is generally much colder than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Lancaster average around 30°F (-1°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In January, Lancaster usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Lancaster gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lancaster or Big Sur in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lancaster as well as Big Sur. Many travelers come to Lancaster for the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Big Sur in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Lancaster is cooler than Big Sur in the spring. The daily temperature in Lancaster averages around 53°F (12°C) in April, and Big Sur fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Lancaster usually gets more rain in April than Big Sur. Lancaster gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Big Sur and Lancaster