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

Should you visit Providence 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 Providence 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.

Providence

Providence is a active, friendly, and fascinating city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Providence travel costs.

Big Sur

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

Providence and Big Sur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Providence or Big Sur?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Big Sur. Although Providence and Big Sur are popular destinations, Big Sur has more sights and attractions for tourists. Big Sur is very popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Providence attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping. Big Sur is more touristy than Providence and is known for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views. It is also well known for Bixby Bridge. Providence is famous for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe.

How is Providence different from Big Sur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Providence 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 Providence. There are several historical museums around town as well as art museums, zoos, a planetarium and natural history museum, and even a children's museum.

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

Providence 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.

Providence has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The food scene around town has grown and diversified in recent years. You'll find a mix of international and local options and for such a small city, it really has a lot to offer.

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 Providence or Big Sur Better for Nightlife?

Providence 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 Providence has a few options to choose from. Comedy clubs, bars, and clubs keep the energy high during the evening hours. It's not hard to find something to do, particularly on weekend nights.

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 Providence or Big Sur Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is a great natural area for the beach. However, Providence is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Big Sur for it's beautiful beaches. 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.

Providence is not a beach destination.

Is Providence or Big Sur Better for Hiking?

Big Sur is a great natural area for hiking. However, Providence 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.

Providence is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Providence or Big Sur?

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

Providence has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Malls, shopping centers, and boutiques all offer a range of shopping experiences 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 Providence or Big Sur More Beautiful?

Big Sur is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, Providence 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.

Providence is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Providence or Big Sur Better for Families?

Both Providence and Big Sur are nice family-friendly destinations.

Providence offers lots of family activities. There are opportunities for kids to interact with animals at the Roger Williams Park Zoo, as well as plenty of places for kids to run around like Rocky Point Park or Goddard Memorial State Park. There's also the Providence Children's Museum, go carting, and entertainment centers.

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 Providence or Big Sur Better for Couples?

Big Sur is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

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.

Providence is a nice destination for couples. You can see a show at the Providence Performing Arts Center or visit some of the city's historic buildings and museums. There are also parks and coastal walks as well as many great restaurants.

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

Big Sur is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Providence is not known 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.

Providence is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town for those who want an affordable place to stay.

Is Providence or Big Sur Better for Students?

Providence is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Big Sur is not popular with students.

Providence is very popular with students. There's a college town vibe to this small city because it's home to Brown University, which is a member of the Ivy League.

Big Sur is not popular with students.

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

Providence 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 Providence offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are RIPTA buses that travel around town.

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

Is Providence or Big Sur a more walkable city?

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

Providence is a very walkable destination. It's a walkable city and it's relatively easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Big Sur or Providence?

How long in Providence or Big Sur?

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

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

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

One day in Providence or Big Sur?

In Providence, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With food around the scenic natural area of Big Sur, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Big Sur, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Providence or Big Sur?

In Providence, 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 Providence has to offer.

With food around the destination of Big Sur, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this natural area.

Five days in Providence or Big Sur?

Providence 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, a popular natural area, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Providence or Big Sur?

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

Big Sur is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

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

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

Both Big Sur and Providence are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Providence for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Big Sur in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Providence is a little warmer than Big Sur in the summer. The daily temperature in Providence averages around 73°F (23°C) in July, and Big Sur fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In July, Providence usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Providence 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 Providence or Big Sur in the Autumn?

Both Big Sur and Providence during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Providence in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Big Sur for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Providence is cooler than Big Sur. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Providence in October average around 53°F (12°C), and Big Sur averages at about 62°F (17°C).

Providence usually gets more rain in October than Big Sur. Providence 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 Providence or Big Sur in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Providence and Big Sur. Most visitors come to Providence for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Big Sur because of the cuisine.

Providence can be very cold during winter. In January, Providence is generally much colder than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Providence average around 28°F (-2°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In January, Providence usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Providence 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 Providence or Big Sur in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Providence as well as Big Sur. Additionally, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Big Sur this time of year.

Providence is cooler than Big Sur in the spring. The daily temperature in Providence averages around 48°F (9°C) in April, and Big Sur fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Providence usually gets more rain in April than Big Sur. Providence 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 Providence