A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Minneapolis vs. Carmel-by-the-Sea for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Minneapolis or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Minneapolis or Carmel-by-the-Sea, 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.

Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a diverse, dynamic, and innovative city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Minneapolis travel costs.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a picturesque, quaint, and charming town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. The beauty of Carmel-by-the-Sea is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and museums. See Carmel-by-the-Sea travel costs.

Minneapolis and Carmel-by-the-Sea: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Minneapolis or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Minneapolis. Although Minneapolis and Carmel-by-the-Sea are both popular with visitors, Minneapolis has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Minneapolis is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Carmel-by-the-Sea is known for its beaches, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Carmel-by-the-Sea is more touristy than Minneapolis and is popular for its storybook architecture, its opulent setting, and its popularity with golf enthusiasts. Minneapolis is popular for its professional sports teams, countless outdoor activities, and friendly people. It is also home to Mall of America.

How is Minneapolis different from Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Carmel-by-the-Sea and Minneapolis. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Minneapolis or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Minneapolis is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Minneapolis. There's a wide variety of museums that include art, history, science, and local culture. Some of the favorite museums in the city are the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Walker Art Center, the American Swedish Institute, and the Weisman Art Museum.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The Carmel Mission is a beautiful and fascinating Spanish mission that dates back to 1770. It's also well worth visiting the nearby Pebble Beach Golf Course. There are also a few fairytale style cottages in the area with some of the most notable being the Hansel cottage, the Gretel cottage, and the Tuck Box cottage.

Is the Food Better in Minneapolis or Carmel-by-the-Sea? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Minneapolis and Carmel-by-the-Sea both to be high quality destinations.

Minneapolis has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Dishes in the Midwest are known for being hearty comfort foods, and the food in Minneapolis is no exception. You'll find cheese-stuffed burgers that are known as Juicy Lucys, Tator Tot casseroles, and deep-fried cheese curds. For international food, there's a variety of Scandinavian options around town.

Dining out in Carmel-by-the-Sea is an experience not to be missed. For such a small town there is a huge number of bistros and local cafes. Seafood is popular, but you'll also find international restaurants and more casual eateries.

Is Minneapolis or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Nightlife?

Minneapolis is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for nightlife.

Minneapolis offers plenty to do in the evening. There are diverse neighborhoods that each have their own personality. You'll find rooftop lounges in Uptown, international venues in Whittier, and trendy bars in the North Loop. But at the heart of the city's nightlife scene is Downtown Minneapolis.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's not a late night town, but there are a couple of bars and some decent Happy Hours around town.

Is Minneapolis or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Beaches?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very popular place for the beach. However, Minneapolis is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's easy to walk to the beach from the village center. Just head down Ocean Avenue and you'll be at a beautiful beach with great scenery, surfing, and fun activities.

Minneapolis is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Minneapolis or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Minneapolis is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Minneapolis is a world class destination for shoppers. Known for the megamall, Mall of America, this is a shopper's paradise. Mall of America is the largest shopping mall in the country and it even has an aquarium and a theme park within it. In addition to this iconic shopping mall, Minneapolis also has many shopping districts including the Minnehaha Mile.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's easy to walk around the heart of town and pop in the many shops and galleries. The highest concentration of shops is found around the Carmel Plaza which has upscale brands as well as local items.

Is Minneapolis or Carmel-by-the-Sea More Beautiful?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Minneapolis is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Carmel-by-the-Sea is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It's a beautiful town with nice beaches and a European atmosphere.

Minneapolis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Minneapolis or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Families?

Minneapolis is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for its kid-friendly activities.

Minneapolis is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Mall of America is at the top of the list for most families, but there's also plenty of kid-friendly museums around town as well as nature centers, parks, and playgrounds. There's the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, the Minnesota Zoo, and Afton Apple Orchard. For museums, kids will love the Minnesota Children's Museum or the Science Museum of Minnesota.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not always a place people visit with their families. Carmel is a good place to let the kids stretch their legs. There are also some good kid-friendly walks in the area.

Is Minneapolis or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Couples?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Carmel-by-the-Sea makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a charming town with a beautiful coastline and plenty of cute hotels that makes for a great romantic getaway. There's wonderful shopping and many great restaurants where you can enjoy a local meal.

Minneapolis is a good city for couples to visit. There are beautiful parks and outdoor spaces to explore as well as museums and fine dining. Couples will appreciate stopping by the Stone Arch Bridge or wandering through the Lyndale Park Rose Garden.

Is Minneapolis or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Students?

Minneapolis is a well-known place for students. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Minneapolis. There are a number of colleges and universities in the area including the University of Minnesota. The city is known for its academic and intellectual focus, and students will enjoy being challenged educationally while enjoying a dynamic city.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not popular with students.

Is Minneapolis or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Minneapolis is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

Minneapolis has a few public transit options. There are buses, light rail, and commuter trains that stop at many of the major entertainment centers around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Carmel-by-the-Sea. There are a couple of buses, but you can't really depend on them to get around.

Is Minneapolis or Carmel-by-the-Sea a more walkable city?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very walkable town. The village center is very walkable so it's easy to park you car and shop or walk to the beach.

Minneapolis is a somewhat walkable city. There are neighborhoods that are dense enough to be walkable, but the city is still very car-focused.

For even more information, also check out Is Minneapolis Worth Visiting? and Is Carmel-by-the-Sea Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Minneapolis?

How long in Minneapolis or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Minneapolis and Carmel-by-the-Sea. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Minneapolis than in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Minneapolis, and 1-3 days is enough time in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

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

Couples should spend more time in Carmel-by-the-Sea than Minneapolis. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Carmel-by-the-Sea that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Minneapolis than Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Minneapolis.

One day in Minneapolis or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Minneapolis, there's plenty to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town with plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Minneapolis or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

With museums and nightlife around the diverse city of Minneapolis, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Carmel-by-the-Sea might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Minneapolis or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the innovative destination of Minneapolis. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Because Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Minneapolis or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Minneapolis is a popular choice for travelers. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Since Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Minneapolis and Carmel-by-the-Sea, we can see that Minneapolis is more expensive. And not only is Carmel-by-the-Sea much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Carmel-by-the-Sea would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Minneapolis would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Minneapolis than you might in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Minneapolis Expensive? and Is Carmel-by-the-Sea Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Minneapolis or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Minneapolis has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Carmel-by-the-Sea. When comparing the sizes of Minneapolis and Carmel-by-the-Sea, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Minneapolis or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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 Minneapolis or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Minneapolis as well as Carmel-by-the-Sea. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Minneapolis this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Minneapolis is a little warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Typically, the summer temperatures in Minneapolis in July average around 76°F (25°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea averages at about 63°F (17°C).

Minneapolis usually gets more rain in July than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Minneapolis gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Minneapolis or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Autumn?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Minneapolis are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Minneapolis for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Minneapolis is generally much colder than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daily temperatures in Minneapolis average around 52°F (11°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In October, Minneapolis usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Minneapolis gets 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Minneapolis or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Winter?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Minneapolis during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Minneapolis in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Minneapolis can get quite cold in the winter. Minneapolis is much colder than Carmel-by-the-Sea in the winter. The daily temperature in Minneapolis averages around 15°F (-10°C) in January, and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Minneapolis usually gets less rain in January than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Minneapolis gets 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Minneapolis or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Minneapolis and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Most visitors come to Minneapolis for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Carmel-by-the-Sea because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Minneapolis is cooler than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Typically, the spring temperatures in Minneapolis in April average around 49°F (10°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea averages at about 56°F (13°C).

In April, Minneapolis usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Minneapolis gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Carmel-by-the-Sea and Minneapolis