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

Should you visit Mystic 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 Mystic 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.

Mystic

Mystic is a laid back, charming, and quaint town. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Mystic travel costs.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a breathtaking, scenic, and remote natural area. Big Sur is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and hiking. See Big Sur travel costs.

Mystic and Big Sur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mystic or Big Sur?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Mystic than Big Sur, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Mystic is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and shopping, while Big Sur is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Mystic is well known for its New England charm and local character. Also, Mystic is famous for the Mystic Seaport Museum. Big Sur is well known for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views.

How is Mystic different from Big Sur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Many visitors head to Mystic specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There's a decent selection of museums around town with some of the favorites being the Mystic Seaport Museum, the Mystic Museum of Art, the Denison Homestead Museum, and the Old Lighthouse Museum, The Mystic Aquarium is also a popular destination.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Mystic and Big Sur can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Mystic. As a coastal town, you'll find no shortage of seafood at many restaurants. Popular dishes include oysters, shrimp, or fish. There are also many casual restaurants that serve comfort food for classic American favorites like mac and cheese, pasta, or burgers.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Big Sur. 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 Mystic or Big Sur Better for Nightlife?

Mystic 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 Mystic has a few options to choose from. Head downtown for the most interesting bars and breweries. You can sip wine or enjoy a cocktail at a laid back pub with friends or family.

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 Mystic or Big Sur Better for Beaches?

Mystic and Big Sur both offer high quality beaches.

Many people visit Mystic for it's beautiful beaches. The beaches are accessible from town and offer a laid back setting that's not overly developed. Families will like Ocean Beach Park but Williams Beach Park is one of the easiest beaches to access. If you're willing to drive a bit out of town, you should check out Misquamicut State 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 Mystic or Big Sur Better for Hiking?

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

Mystic is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mystic or Big Sur?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Mystic. Head downtown for scenic shopping streets with boutiques, artisan craft shops, and jewelry stores.

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 Mystic or Big Sur More Beautiful?

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

Mystic is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Mystic or Big Sur Better for Families?

Mystic 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 Mystic. Animal lovers will enjoy wandering around the many trails at Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center or visiting the famous Mystic Aquarium. You can also visit the shops around Olde Mistick Village or dine at one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.

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 Mystic or Big Sur Better for Couples?

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

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.

Mystic makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Check out Mystic Seaport or drive down the coastline and visit the lighthouses. You'll also find breweries around town as well as many fun or romantic restaurants.

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

Big Sur is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Mystic is lacking in options for backpackers.

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

Mystic is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's not high on the list for most backpackers.

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

Neither Mystic or Big Sur offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Mystic. There is a bus but it has limited stops and only runs on weekdays.

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

Is Mystic or Big Sur a more walkable city?

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

Mystic is generally not a very walkable town. While parts of town are very walkable, you'll need a car if you want to see the sights that are a bit further away.

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

Should I spend more time in Big Sur or Mystic?

How long in Mystic or Big Sur?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Big Sur than Mystic. 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 Mystic 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 Mystic or Big Sur?

In Mystic, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Big Sur. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Mystic or Big Sur?

In Mystic, 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 Mystic has to offer.

Big Sur is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Mystic or Big Sur?

Mystic 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Big Sur. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Mystic or Big Sur?

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

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the breathtaking destination of Big Sur. This natural area offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

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

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Mystic and Big Sur. Many travelers come to Mystic for the beaches 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.

In July, Mystic is generally a little warmer than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Mystic average around 73°F (23°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In July, Mystic usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Mystic gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Mystic or Big Sur in the Autumn?

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

Mystic is cooler than Big Sur in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mystic averages around 53°F (12°C) in October, and Big Sur fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Mystic usually gets more rain in October than Big Sur. Mystic gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mystic or Big Sur in the Winter?

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

Mystic can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Mystic is much colder than Big Sur. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mystic in January average around 28°F (-2°C), and Big Sur averages at about 51°F (11°C).

In January, Mystic usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Mystic gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Mystic or Big Sur in the Spring?

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

In April, Mystic is generally cooler than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Mystic average around 48°F (9°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Mystic usually gets more rain in April than Big Sur. Mystic gets 3.7 inches (94 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 Mystic