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

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

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

Should I visit Norfolk or Carmel-by-the-Sea? 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. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Norfolk travel costs.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a charming, picturesque, and quaint town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. Carmel-by-the-Sea is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and food. See Carmel-by-the-Sea travel costs.

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

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea than Norfolk, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Carmel-by-the-Sea is better known for its food, beaches, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Norfolk is more popular for its nightlife. Carmel-by-the-Sea is more touristy than Norfolk and is known for its storybook architecture, its opulent setting, and its popularity with golf enthusiasts. Also, Carmel-by-the-Sea is famous for Pebble Beach Golf Course. Norfolk is well known for its naval base and military presence.

How is Norfolk 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 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Both Norfolk and Carmel-by-the-Sea have notable landmarks and museums for visitors.

Norfolk is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 Norfolk or Carmel-by-the-Sea? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Carmel-by-the-Sea makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Norfolk has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find a decent collection of restaurants in the downtown area. Food options include local seafood, brunch, casual eateries, and fine dining.

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

Norfolk is a city with good options for its evening party scene. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Norfolk. 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.

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 Norfolk or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Beaches?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great destination for its beaches. However, Norfolk is not a beach destination.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Norfolk is not a beach destination.

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

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great destination for shopping. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Norfolk. There's a mix of shopping malls, local boutiques, farmer's markets, and shopping centers around town.

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

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Norfolk is not a destination known for its beauty.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's a beautiful town with nice beaches and a European atmosphere.

Norfolk is not a destination known for its beauty.

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

Norfolk is a city with good options for its family-friendly activities. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for its kid-friendly activities.

Norfolk is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

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 Norfolk or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Couples?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great destination for romance. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Carmel-by-the-Sea frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Norfolk and Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Public transit is generally 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 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 Norfolk or Carmel-by-the-Sea a more walkable city?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great destination for its walkability. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Families should spend more time in Norfolk than Carmel-by-the-Sea. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea than Norfolk. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea.

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

With shopping and museums around the destination of Norfolk, there's plenty to do. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town with plenty to do. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This town 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

With museums and nightlife around the maritime city of Norfolk, 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. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea has to offer.

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the blue collar destination of Norfolk. 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Norfolk is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Since Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea, we can see that Norfolk 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 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea.

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

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

Norfolk has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Carmel-by-the-Sea. When comparing the sizes of Norfolk 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 Norfolk or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Norfolk and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Many visitors come to Norfolk in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Norfolk is generally much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daily temperatures in Norfolk average around 79°F (26°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Norfolk gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Norfolk usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Norfolk gets 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Norfolk as well as Carmel-by-the-Sea. Most visitors come to Norfolk for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Carmel-by-the-Sea because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Norfolk usually gets more rain in October than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Norfolk gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Norfolk are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Norfolk because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Carmel-by-the-Sea this time of year.

The weather in Norfolk can be very cold. In the winter, Norfolk is much colder than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Typically, the winter temperatures in Norfolk in January average around 39°F (4°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea averages at about 51°F (11°C).

In January, Norfolk usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Norfolk gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Norfolk during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

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

Norfolk usually gets more rain in April than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Norfolk gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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