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

Should you visit Milwaukee or Big Sur?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Milwaukee and Big Sur can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a undiscovered, friendly, and welcoming city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Milwaukee travel costs.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a scenic, remote, and breathtaking natural area. Big Sur is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and food. See Big Sur travel costs.

Milwaukee and Big Sur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Milwaukee or Big Sur?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Big Sur. Although Milwaukee and Big Sur are both popular with visitors, Big Sur has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Big Sur is more popular for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Milwaukee is known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and shopping. Big Sur is more touristy than Milwaukee and is known for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views. It is also home to Bixby Bridge. Milwaukee is popular for its many breweries and its baseball culture.

How is Milwaukee different from Big Sur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Milwaukee. There are several unique museums like the Harley-Davidson Museum, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Milwaukee Public Museum. There's also the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Grohmann Museum as well as outdoor sculpture parks and other cultural and historic museums.

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

Big Sur is a natural area with good options for its restaurants. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Big Sur has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Most of the restaurants offer a breathtaking view. Many use locally-sourced ingredients and they range in style from fine dining to casual eateries.

Milwaukee may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The Midwest is known for its artery clogging comfort foods, and Milwaukee is no exception. Cheese curds, fried fish, fruit dumplings, and frozen custard are all popular.

Is Milwaukee or Big Sur Better for Nightlife?

Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee has a few options to choose from. You'll find a decent number of breweries around town. There are also wine bars, nightclubs, and live music venues that are worth checking 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 Milwaukee or Big Sur Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Milwaukee is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Big Sur attract visitors from all over. 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.

Milwaukee is not a beach destination.

Is Milwaukee or Big Sur Better for Hiking?

Big Sur is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Milwaukee 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.

Milwaukee is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Milwaukee or Big Sur?

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

Milwaukee has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find the standard shopping centers and shopping malls around town, but if you want some more local vendors, check out the areas around the Historic Third Ward and The Village in Wauwatosa.

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 Milwaukee or Big Sur More Beautiful?

Big Sur is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Milwaukee 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.

Milwaukee is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Milwaukee or Big Sur Better for Families?

Both Milwaukee and Big Sur are good to visit with kids.

Milwaukee is a family-friendly city. Kids will enjoy a visit to Discovery World, which is a science center with hands-on exhibits. There's also the Milwaukee County Zoo and the Milwaukee Public Museum. Younger kids will also enjoy a stop at Betty Brinn Children's Museum.

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 Milwaukee or Big Sur Better for Couples?

Big Sur is terrific for its romantic activities. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for couples.

Big Sur is a great natural area for couples, as it 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.

Milwaukee is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Take a walk or visit a local restaurant. There are also museums and performances that make for a nice outing.

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

Big Sur is a natural area with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for backpackers.

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

Milwaukee is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's not a lot to attract backpackers to the area.

Is Milwaukee or Big Sur Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit Milwaukee. It's home to a number of colleges and universities, so there is a bit of a college town vibe.

Big Sur is not popular with students.

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

Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee. There are buses that travel around town.

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

Is Milwaukee or Big Sur a more walkable city?

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

Milwaukee is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the city are relatively compact and walkable. The most walkable neighborhoods are East Side, Riverwest, Brewers Hill, Downtown, Avenues West/Marquette, Third Ward, Walker's Point, and Bay View.

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

Should I spend more time in Big Sur or Milwaukee?

How long in Milwaukee or Big Sur?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Big Sur than Milwaukee 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 Big Sur.

One day in Milwaukee or Big Sur?

In Milwaukee, you'll find museums and nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 Milwaukee or Big Sur?

In Milwaukee, you'll find nightlife 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 Milwaukee has to offer.

You'll find food around the scenic 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 Milwaukee or Big Sur?

Milwaukee 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 scenic 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 Milwaukee or Big Sur?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Milwaukee. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Milwaukee. 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 Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.

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

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Milwaukee and Big Sur. Many visitors come to Milwaukee in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Big Sur for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Milwaukee is a little warmer than Big Sur. Typically, the summer temperatures in Milwaukee in July average around 74°F (23°C), and Big Sur averages at about 63°F (17°C).

In July, Milwaukee usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Milwaukee gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Milwaukee or Big Sur in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Milwaukee as well as Big Sur. Most visitors come to Milwaukee for the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Big Sur because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Milwaukee is generally cooler than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Milwaukee average around 53°F (12°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Milwaukee usually gets more rain in October than Big Sur. Milwaukee gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Milwaukee or Big Sur in the Winter?

Both Big Sur and Milwaukee are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Milwaukee because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the cuisine are the main draw to Big Sur this time of year.

The weather in Milwaukee can be very cold. Milwaukee is much colder than Big Sur in the winter. The daily temperature in Milwaukee averages around 21°F (-6°C) in January, and Big Sur fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In January, Milwaukee usually receives less rain than Big Sur. Milwaukee gets 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Milwaukee or Big Sur in the Spring?

Both Big Sur and Milwaukee during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Big Sur for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Milwaukee is much colder than Big Sur. Typically, the spring temperatures in Milwaukee in April average around 47°F (8°C), and Big Sur averages at about 56°F (13°C).

Milwaukee usually gets more rain in April than Big Sur. Milwaukee gets 2.8 inches (70 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 Milwaukee