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

Should you visit Nantucket 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 Nantucket and Big Sur can help you decide which place is right for you.

Nantucket

Nantucket is a upscale, charming, and serene island. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, Nantucket attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Nantucket travel costs.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a breathtaking, scenic, and remote natural area. Many visitors also come to Big Sur because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and hiking. See Big Sur travel costs.

Nantucket and Big Sur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nantucket or Big Sur?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nantucket than Big Sur, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nantucket is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Big Sur is more popular for its impressive beauty. Nantucket is well known for its pristine beaches, upscale atmosphere, and history of whaling. Also, Nantucket is famous for Great Point Lighthouse. Big Sur is well known for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views.

How is Nantucket different from Big Sur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nantucket 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 Nantucket. There are several museums around town that educate visitors on the island's whaling history and maritime past.

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

Nantucket 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.

Nantucket has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Upscale eateries where you can look out on the water make dining on this island a true experience. There are raw bars, seafood restaurants, and local cafes with elaborate salads and duck carnitas. Dishes usually use the highest quality fresh ingredients and chefs bring their "A game" with every customer.

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 Nantucket or Big Sur Better for Nightlife?

Nantucket 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 Nantucket has a few options to choose from. You'll find a number of bars and a lively singles scene in town. There's also live music and a laid back but active atmosphere in the evening.

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 Nantucket or Big Sur Better for Resorts?

Nantucket is great for its luxury resorts. However, Big Sur is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Nantucket. Luxury resorts and upscale inns offer guests a relaxed setting with oceanfront views and family-friendly activities.

Big Sur is not a resort destination.

Is Nantucket or Big Sur Better for Beaches?

Nantucket and Big Sur are very good choices for a beach vacation.

Nantucket is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. You'll find the calmest water at the northern beaches, and cooler water with rougher surf to the south. Many of the beaches are accessible from town, but parking can be limited. There are both public and private beaches, each with beautiful settings and relaxing vibes.

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 Nantucket or Big Sur Better for its Old Town?

Nantucket is great for its historic old town charm. However, Big Sur does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Nantucket. The Historic District is filled with New England charm, cobblestone streets, and upscale boutiques. There are many great restaurants and a lot of historic character.

Big Sur does not have a historic old town.

Is Nantucket or Big Sur Better for Hiking?

You'll find very good hiking in both Nantucket and Big Sur.

Many visitors go to Nantucket for the hiking trails. The island is easy to explore on foot, and its covered with hiking trails that follow the serene coastline or take you through forests, bogs, and marshland.

Big Sur is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Nantucket or Big Sur?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Nantucket. The Historic District is filled with boutiques, art galleries, and upscale shops. It's the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering around and shopping.

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 Nantucket or Big Sur More Beautiful?

Big Sur is renowned for its scenery and beauty. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island 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.

The beauty of Nantucket is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Natural beauty and charming character make this a picturesque destination.

Is Nantucket or Big Sur Better for Families?

Nantucket 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 Nantucket. There's a calm beach that's perfect for kids as well as quaint ice cream shops and plenty of New England charm. The town is also filled with hiking and biking trails.

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 Nantucket or Big Sur Better for Couples?

Both Nantucket and Big Sur are fantastic destinations to visit as a couple.

For those traveling as a couple, Nantucket has plenty to offer. The New England charm, natural beauty, and relaxing coastal atmosphere make this a perfect romantic destination. There are also many romantic places to stay and great local restaurants.

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.

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

Big Sur is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Nantucket is not known for backpackers.

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

Nantucket is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's known for its upscale atmosphere that isn't particularly accommodating for backpackers.

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

Nantucket 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 Nantucket offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are shuttle buses around the island that operate with greater frequency during the summer months.

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

Is Nantucket or Big Sur a more walkable city?

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

Nantucket is a very walkable destination. The town is very walkable and parking can be challenging, so it's best to leave your car in the ferry parking lot.

Big Sur is not a walkable island. 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 Nantucket Worth Visiting? and Is Big Sur Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Big Sur or Nantucket?

How long in Nantucket or Big Sur?

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

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

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

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

One day in Nantucket or Big Sur?

Nantucket is a small town with plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This island 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 Nantucket or Big Sur?

Nantucket might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nantucket 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 Nantucket or Big Sur?

Nantucket 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.

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 Nantucket or Big Sur?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nantucket. Since Nantucket is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the food. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.

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

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

Both Big Sur and Nantucket are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Nantucket because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, 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, Nantucket is generally a little warmer than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Nantucket average around 68°F (20°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In July, Nantucket usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Nantucket gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nantucket or Big Sur in the Autumn?

Both Big Sur and Nantucket during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nantucket this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Big Sur for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nantucket. Nantucket usually gets more rain in October than Big Sur. Nantucket gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nantucket or Big Sur in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nantucket and Big Sur. Many travelers come to Nantucket for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Big Sur in the winter for the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Nantucket. In the winter, Nantucket is much colder than Big Sur. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nantucket in January average around 31°F (-0°C), and Big Sur averages at about 51°F (11°C).

Nantucket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Nantucket usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Nantucket gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nantucket or Big Sur in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nantucket as well as Big Sur. Many visitors come to Nantucket in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Big Sur for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Nantucket is generally much colder than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Nantucket average around 45°F (7°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Nantucket receives a lot of rain in the spring. Nantucket usually gets more rain in April than Big Sur. Nantucket gets 4.1 inches (103 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 Nantucket