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

Should you visit Miami or Big Sur?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Miami and Big Sur can help you decide which place is right for you.

Miami

Miami is a exciting, diverse, and bustling beach 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 beaches, shopping, and nightlife. See Miami travel costs.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a breathtaking, scenic, and remote natural area. The famous beauty of Big Sur is one of the main draws. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking. See Big Sur travel costs.

Miami and Big Sur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Miami or Big Sur?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Miami than Big Sur, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Miami is better known for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Big Sur is more popular for its museums and attractions, hiking, and impressive beauty. Miami is more touristy than Big Sur and is popular for its long sandy beaches, glitzy nightlife scene, diverse cultures, and award-winning restaurants. Also, Miami is famous for South Beach. Big Sur is well known for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views.

How is Miami different from Big Sur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Big Sur is not so good for its museums and landmarks. However, Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Miami is an unbeatable place 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.

Miami has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city's food scene is as diverse as its population. It is a blend of Caribbean, Latin American, and South American flavors and it is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. There is everything from award-winning restaurants to local dives that offer excellent dishes and experiences. The city is known for its stone crabs, fish sandwiches, Cuban sandwiches, and key lime pie.

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 Miami or Big Sur Better for Nightlife?

Miami is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for nightlife.

The nightlife in Miami is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. From the posh nightlife clubs in South Beach, to the local salsa dancing venues in Little Havana, Miami is a city that thrives with energy. There are many world-renowned clubs that keep the music and drinks flowing through the entire night. There's also a glitzy and glamourous scene where the wealthy like to see and be seen.

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 Miami or Big Sur Better for Music?

Miami is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Big Sur is not a live music destination.

Miami has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Popular live music venues include Ball and Chain, Cafe La Trova, Flamingo Theater Bar.

Big Sur is not a live music destination.

Is Miami or Big Sur Better for Resorts?

Miami 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, Miami is a perfect choice. Known for it's luxury, you'll find many resorts in the area. Popular options include The Ritz-Carlton South Beach, Fontainebleau, and Carillon Miami.

Big Sur is not a resort destination.

Is Miami or Big Sur Better for Beaches?

Miami 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, Miami is a very popular vacation destination. If you're looking for long sandy beaches, luxury yacht clubs, and fine dining restaurants, the area's beaches have them all. Some of the best beaches in the area include the world-famous South Beach, the North Beach Oceanside Park, Sunny Isles Beach, and Surfside. Many beaches are lined with high rise hotels that offer an urban beach experience.

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 Miami or Big Sur Better for Hiking?

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

Miami is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Miami or Big Sur?

Miami is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for shopping.

Many people travel to Miami specifically to go shopping. The city has every high end brand you could want, along with diverse neighborhoods with local finds and unique purchases. You'll find many diverse shopping opportunities that are influenced by the city's cultural scene. You'll also find many souvenir stands and t-shirt shops.

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 Miami or Big Sur More Beautiful?

Big Sur is an amazing natural area to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Miami 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.

Miami is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Miami or Big Sur Better for Families?

Miami 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 Miami. Because it's so big, you'll find a number of kid-friendly activities in the area. There's the Miami Zoo, various waterparks, the Everglades Alligator Park, Miccosukee Indian Village, and plenty of indoor playgrounds in case the weather doesn't cooperate.

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 Miami or Big Sur Better for Couples?

Big Sur is an amazing natural area to visit for romance. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Big Sur has plenty to offer. 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.

Miami is a great beach city if you're traveling as a couple. For couples who love nightlife, wining and dining, and high end beach clubs, this is the place to be. There are many award-winning restaurants and plenty of glitz and glam that make for a great romantic getaway.

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

Miami and Big Sur are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Miami is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. This city is large enough to have something for everyone, so you'll find several hostels in the area that bring in the 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.

Is Miami or Big Sur Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit Miami. Spring break in Miami is the stuff of legends.

Big Sur is not popular with students.

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

Miami 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 Miami offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's an elevated metrorail as well as buses around the city.

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

Is Miami or Big Sur a more walkable city?

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

Miami is a very walkable destination. Many parts of city are surprisingly walkable and pedestrian friendly, allowing you to eat out, go shopping, or explore without the need for a car.

Big Sur is not a walkable beach 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 Miami Worth Visiting? and Is Big Sur Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Big Sur or Miami?

How long in Miami or Big Sur?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Miami and Big Sur. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Big Sur than in Miami. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Miami, and 1-3 days is enough time in Big Sur.

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

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

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

One day in Miami or Big Sur?

Because Miami is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This beach 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 breathtaking destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This natural area offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Miami or Big Sur?

You'll find live music and food around the bustling big city of Miami. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Big Sur. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Miami or Big Sur?

Miami 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.

Big Sur is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Big Sur. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Miami or Big Sur?

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

You'll find food around the breathtaking destination of Big Sur. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Both Big Sur and Miami during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Miami because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Big Sur this time of year.

In July, Miami is generally much warmer than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Miami average around 83°F (28°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Miami. Miami usually gets more rain in July than Big Sur. Miami gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Miami or Big Sur in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Miami and Big Sur. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Miami this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Big Sur for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Miami is much warmer than Big Sur in the autumn. The daily temperature in Miami averages around 78°F (26°C) in October, and Big Sur fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Miami gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Miami usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Miami gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Miami or Big Sur in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Miami as well as Big Sur. Many travelers come to Miami for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Big Sur in the winter for the cuisine.

In the winter, Miami is much warmer than Big Sur. Typically, the winter temperatures in Miami in January average around 67°F (20°C), and Big Sur averages at about 51°F (11°C).

Miami usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Big Sur. Miami gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Miami or Big Sur in the Spring?

Both Big Sur and Miami are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Miami in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Big Sur for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Miami is generally much warmer than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Miami average around 75°F (24°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

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