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

Should you visit Norfolk or Big Sur?

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

Should I visit Norfolk or Big Sur? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Norfolk

Norfolk is a authentic, blue collar, and maritime city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Norfolk 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.

Norfolk and Big Sur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Norfolk or Big Sur?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Big Sur than Norfolk, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Big Sur is better known for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Norfolk is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and shopping. Big Sur is more touristy than Norfolk and is popular for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views. Also, Big Sur is famous for Bixby Bridge. Norfolk is well known for its naval base and military presence.

How is Norfolk different from Big Sur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Norfolk 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 Norfolk. There are some interesting museums in town like the Chrysler Museum, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, and the Norfolk Police and Fire Museum. You should also check out the Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin.

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

Both Norfolk and Big Sur offer a number of notable restaurants to choose from.

Norfolk offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find a decent collection of restaurants in the downtown area. Food options include local seafood, brunch, casual eateries, and fine dining.

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.

Is Norfolk or Big Sur Better for Nightlife?

Norfolk 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 Norfolk has a few options to choose from. Downtown is where you'll find the most busy nightlife venues. The city has great breweries, and the live music scene has taken off. There are also lounges, dance clubs, and wine bars to choose from.

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 Norfolk or Big Sur Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is a great destination for its beaches. However, Norfolk is not a beach destination.

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.

Norfolk is not a beach destination.

Is Norfolk or Big Sur Better for Hiking?

Big Sur is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Norfolk 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.

Norfolk is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Norfolk or Big Sur?

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

Norfolk has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a mix of shopping malls, local boutiques, farmer's markets, and shopping centers around town.

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 Norfolk or Big Sur More Beautiful?

Big Sur is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Norfolk 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.

Norfolk is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Norfolk or Big Sur Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Norfolk or Big Sur.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Norfolk. The Norfolk Zoo is always a hit with kids. You should also visit the USS Wisconsin which offers tours, as well as the Douglas MacArthur Memorial Museum.

Big Sur offers lots of family activities. 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 Norfolk or Big Sur Better for Couples?

Big Sur is a must-visit destination for romance. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for its romantic activities.

Big Sur makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Most people don't think of Norfolk as a couple's destination. There are some nice hotels and several great parks and outdoor activities.

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

Big Sur is a popular place for backpackers. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Norfolk is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This is an often overlooked area for backpackers.

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

Norfolk 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 Norfolk. While there are buses, ferries, and even lightrail in the area, you really want to have a car to get around.

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

Is Norfolk or Big Sur a more walkable city?

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

Norfolk is a somewhat walkable city. Downtown is the most walkable part of the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Big Sur or Norfolk?

How long in Norfolk or Big Sur?

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

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

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

In Norfolk, you'll find nightlife and food. 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.

In Big Sur, you'll find food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This natural area offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Norfolk or Big Sur?

In Norfolk, you'll find food 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 Norfolk has to offer.

In Big Sur, you'll find food. 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Big Sur has to offer.

Five days in Norfolk or Big Sur?

Norfolk 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.

Big Sur 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.

A week in Norfolk or Big Sur?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Big Sur. Many people enjoy the food when visiting Big Sur. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Both Big Sur and Norfolk during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Norfolk this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Big Sur for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Norfolk is generally much warmer than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Norfolk average around 79°F (26°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Norfolk. Norfolk usually gets more rain in July than Big Sur. Norfolk gets 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Norfolk or Big Sur in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Norfolk and Big Sur. Many travelers come to Norfolk for the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Big Sur in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Norfolk is around the same temperature as Big Sur in the autumn. The daily temperature in Norfolk averages around 62°F (16°C) in October, and Big Sur fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In October, Norfolk usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Norfolk gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Norfolk or Big Sur in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Norfolk as well as Big Sur. Many visitors come to Norfolk in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Big Sur for the cuisine during these months.

Norfolk can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Norfolk is much colder than Big Sur. Typically, the winter temperatures in Norfolk in January average around 39°F (4°C), and Big Sur averages at about 51°F (11°C).

Norfolk usually gets more rain in January than Big Sur. Norfolk gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Norfolk or Big Sur in the Spring?

Both Big Sur and Norfolk are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Big Sur because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Norfolk is generally around the same temperature as Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Norfolk average around 58°F (14°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In April, Norfolk usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Norfolk gets 2.7 inches (69 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 Norfolk