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

Should you visit Orlando or Big Sur?

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

Should I visit Orlando 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.

Orlando

Orlando is a active, family-friendly, and entertaining city. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and food. See Orlando 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.

Orlando and Big Sur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orlando or Big Sur?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Orlando than Big Sur, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Orlando is better known for its theatre productions, food, nightlife, resorts, and shopping, while Big Sur is more popular for its museums and attractions, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Orlando is more touristy than Big Sur and is known for being the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and many other theme parks and family-friendly activities. Also, Orlando is famous for Disney World, Universal Studios, and the city's many amusement parks. Big Sur is well known for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views.

How is Orlando different from Big Sur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Big Sur is mediocre for its historical sights. However, Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Big Sur. Nature is what brings visitors to the area, so most people don't prioritize museums or manmade landmarks.

Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Orlando or Big Sur Better for Theater?

Orlando is very good for its shows and theatre. However, Big Sur is not a theatre destination.

If you have some extra time in Orlando, take in a show. The city has a number of local theaters that are fun to explore. As home to Disney World and Universal Studios, there are also a number of shows available that are affiliated with the parks.

Big Sur is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Orlando or Big Sur? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Orlando is great 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.

Orlando has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are a diversity of restaurants on the Disney grounds and nearby. You'll also find many restaurants at Universal CityWalk and Disney Springs. Food can be expensive, and the quality can vary dramatically. Many people enjoy going to dinner shows as well. Restaurants can be challenging also, as reservations must be made months in advance.

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 Orlando or Big Sur Better for Nightlife?

Orlando 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 Orlando has a few options to choose from. If you need a break from the kids, you'll find some of the best nightlife around Orlando at Disney Springs, Wall Street Plaza and Universal CityWalk.

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 Orlando or Big Sur Better for Resorts?

Orlando is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Big Sur is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Orlando is a perfect choice. Disney World is famous for its many iconic resorts. Some of the most popular are the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Port Orleans Resort, and the Grand Floridian Resort. There are also many resorts that aren't affiliated with the major theme parks. These tend to be more affordable, but transportation options to and from the park are limited. You'll also miss out on the perks that come with staying at a theme park resort.

Big Sur is not a resort destination.

Is Orlando or Big Sur Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is great for its beaches. However, Orlando 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.

Orlando is not a beach destination.

Is Orlando or Big Sur Better for Hiking?

Big Sur is great for hiking. However, Orlando is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Big Sur for the hiking trails. 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.

Orlando is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orlando or Big Sur?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Orlando. Shopping is a dream for any Disney enthusiast. There are countless malls and shops, both on and off the Disney grounds, that sell all of the Disney paraphernalia. Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk are the most famous areas. During the evenings, these areas can be very crowded, but during the day they're less popular as most people are at the theme parks.

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 Orlando or Big Sur More Beautiful?

Big Sur is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Orlando is not a destination known for its 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.

Orlando is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Orlando or Big Sur Better for Families?

Orlando is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Big Sur is not as popular, but is still a nice natural area for its family-friendly activities.

Orlando is one of the most popular family destinations. Known as a theme park capital, here you'll find the iconic Disney World, as well as Universal Studios, SeaWorld and many more. While most people spend their vacation at the Disney or Universal resorts, there is also an endless supply of less mainstream parks and activities in the area.

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 Orlando or Big Sur Better for Couples?

Big Sur is renowned for romance. Also, Orlando is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Orlando makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While most people visit the area with family, there is a niche crowd that enjoys honeymooning or vacationing here as a couple. There are many beautiful restaurants and interesting activities that couples can enjoy together. This is the perfect trip for fun loving couples who don't take themselves to seriously.

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

Big Sur is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Orlando is not a good destination for backpackers.

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.

Orlando is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not exactly a backpacker destination, but there are a surprising number of cheap motels that aren't affiliated with the major parks.

Is Orlando or Big Sur Better for Students?

Orlando is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Big Sur is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Orlando. Most people don't think about education when they think about Orlando, but there are actually a diversity of internships and opportunities for students to learn in a fun setting.

Big Sur is not popular with students.

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

Orlando 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 Orlando. If you're staying at a Disney Property, there is excellent transportation around the complex, but otherwise, a car is essential.

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

Is Orlando or Big Sur a more walkable city?

Neither Orlando or Big Sur are walkable places.

Orlando is not a very walkable city. The city is sprawling, so unless you stay on the Disney grounds, it's best to rent a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Big Sur or Orlando?

How long in Orlando or Big Sur?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Orlando and Big Sur. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Big Sur than in Orlando. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Orlando, and 1-3 days is enough time in Big Sur.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Big Sur than Orlando 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 Orlando or Big Sur?

In Orlando, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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 Orlando or Big Sur?

You'll find food and shopping around the entertaining destination of Orlando. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. A weekend is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

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 Orlando or Big Sur?

Orlando 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.

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 Orlando or Big Sur?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Orlando. Many people enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting Orlando. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Both Big Sur and Orlando are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Orlando this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Big Sur for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Orlando is generally much warmer than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Orlando average around 82°F (28°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It's quite rainy in Orlando. In July, Orlando usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Orlando gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Orlando or Big Sur in the Autumn?

Both Big Sur and Orlando during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Orlando for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Big Sur in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Orlando is a little warmer than Big Sur in the autumn. The daily temperature in Orlando averages around 75°F (24°C) in October, and Big Sur fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Orlando. Orlando usually gets more rain in October than Big Sur. Orlando gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orlando or Big Sur in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Orlando and Big Sur. Many visitors come to Orlando in the winter for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Big Sur for the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Orlando is a little warmer than Big Sur. Typically, the winter temperatures in Orlando in January average around 59°F (15°C), and Big Sur averages at about 51°F (11°C).

In January, Orlando usually receives around the same amount of rain as Big Sur. Orlando gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Orlando or Big Sur in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Orlando as well as Big Sur. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Big Sur because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Orlando is generally much warmer than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Orlando average around 72°F (22°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Orlando usually gets more rain in April than Big Sur. Orlando gets 2.7 inches (69 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 Orlando