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

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

Richmond

Richmond is a friendly, historical, and growing city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Richmond travel costs.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a remote, breathtaking, and scenic natural area. You'll find world class beauty in Big Sur as well. Other popular activities here include hiking, food, and beaches. See Big Sur travel costs.

Richmond and Big Sur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Richmond or Big Sur?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Big Sur. Although Richmond 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 Richmond attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and shopping. Big Sur is more touristy than Richmond and is popular for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views. It is also well known for Bixby Bridge. Richmond is famous for its cultural and historical sights.

How is Richmond different from Big Sur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Richmond is great for its historical sights. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Richmond specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city has a long history which you can learn about at one of the many museums. There's the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, and the Black History Museum. There are also landmarks and historical homes.

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

Foodies will find both Richmond and Big Sur both to be nice destinations.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Richmond area. The food scene has been growing around town, and there are food halls and local restaurants that serve diverse and interesting dishes. You'll find Indian, Asian, and European restaurants in addition to local classics.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Big Sur. 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 Richmond or Big Sur Better for Nightlife?

Richmond 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 Richmond has a few options to choose from. You'll find diverse bars and clubs around town. Pubs are usually laid back with a relaxed atmosphere. You'll also find live music that includes bluegrass, country, and jazz.

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 Richmond or Big Sur Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is notable for the beach. However, Richmond is not a beach destination.

Big Sur is a very popular place to visit for its 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.

Richmond is not a beach destination.

Is Richmond or Big Sur Better for Hiking?

Big Sur is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Richmond is not a hiking destination.

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.

Richmond is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Richmond or Big Sur?

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

Richmond has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers around town, but there are also eclectic shopping streets and boutique outlets.

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 Richmond or Big Sur More Beautiful?

Big Sur is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Richmond is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Big Sur as well. 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.

Richmond is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Richmond or Big Sur Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Richmond or Big Sur.

Richmond is a family-friendly place to visit. The Children's Museum of Richmond offers hands-on exhibits that will keep young ones entertained. Another fun option is the Science Museum of Virginia. The city also has parks and outdoor places to explore as well as playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants.

Big Sur is a family-friendly city. 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 Richmond or Big Sur Better for Couples?

Big Sur is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Richmond is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Big Sur has plenty to offer. 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.

Richmond is a nice destination for couples. Kayaking or tubing on the James River is a great activity for couples. There are also museums and many restaurants that are perfect for a date night.

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

Big Sur is very good for backpackers. However, Richmond is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Richmond is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a popular backpacker destination, and most people breeze through town.

Is Richmond or Big Sur Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit Richmond. There are a couple of colleges and universities in town such as Virginia Commonwealth University.

Big Sur is not popular with students.

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

Richmond 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 Richmond. There are buses around town, but the availability and reliability is limited.

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

Is Richmond or Big Sur a more walkable city?

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

Richmond is a somewhat walkable city. There are some walkable neighborhoods such as the Fan and Museum District, but most people prefer to get around by 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 Richmond Worth Visiting? and Is Big Sur Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Big Sur or Richmond?

How long in Richmond or Big Sur?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Big Sur than Richmond. 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.

One day in Richmond or Big Sur?

In Richmond, 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.

The beautiful natural area of Big Sur offers food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Richmond or Big Sur?

In Richmond, 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 Richmond has to offer.

Big Sur is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this natural area makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Big Sur, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Richmond or Big Sur?

Richmond 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Richmond or Big Sur?

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

Big Sur is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This natural area offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.

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

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

The summer brings many poeple to Richmond as well as Big Sur. The summer months attract visitors to Richmond because of the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Big Sur this time of year.

Richmond is much warmer than Big Sur in the summer. The daily temperature in Richmond averages around 78°F (26°C) in July, and Big Sur fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Richmond receives a lot of rain in the summer. Richmond usually gets more rain in July than Big Sur. Richmond gets 5 inches (128 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Richmond or Big Sur in the Autumn?

Both Big Sur and Richmond are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene are the main draw to Richmond this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Big Sur for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Richmond is around the same temperature as Big Sur. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Richmond in October average around 59°F (15°C), and Big Sur averages at about 62°F (17°C).

In October, Richmond usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Richmond gets 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Richmond or Big Sur in the Winter?

Both Big Sur and Richmond during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Richmond for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Big Sur in the winter for the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Richmond. In January, Richmond is generally much colder than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Richmond average around 36°F (2°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Richmond usually gets more rain in January than Big Sur. Richmond gets 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Richmond or Big Sur in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Richmond and Big Sur. Also, most visitors come to Big Sur for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Richmond is around the same temperature as Big Sur in the spring. The daily temperature in Richmond averages around 58°F (14°C) in April, and Big Sur fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In April, Richmond usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Richmond gets 3 inches (75 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 Richmond