A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Augustine vs. Big Sur for Couples, Food, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Saint Augustine or Big Sur?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Augustine or Big Sur, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine is a colonial, historic, and notable city. Saint Augustine offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine and Big Sur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Augustine or Big Sur?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Saint Augustine than Big Sur, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Saint Augustine is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Big Sur is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Saint Augustine is well known for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States. Also, Saint Augustine is famous for the Colonial Quarter. Big Sur is well known for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views.

How is Saint Augustine different from Big Sur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Many visitors head to Saint Augustine specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. It's history is brought to life with many monuments and museums. The Lightner Museum, the Old Jail Museum, the Lincolnville Museum, and Castillo De San Marcos are among the city's most notable sights. Also worth a visit is the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime 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 Saint Augustine or Big Sur? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The food scene is influenced by the long history of the city. You'll find flavors that are influenced by Spanish, African, and Native American cultures. There are several popular dishes around town such as fried shrimp, clam chowder, and shrimp and grits.

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 Saint Augustine or Big Sur Better for Nightlife?

Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine has a few options to choose from. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.

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 Saint Augustine or Big Sur Better for Beaches?

Both Saint Augustine and Big Sur have excellent beaches worth visiting.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Saint Augustine. Head to the beach to relax and swim. There are miles of sandy beach nearby, with some of the most popular being Ponte Vedra Beach, known for its golf courses, Vilano Beach, with its charming atmosphere, and the scenic Anastasia State Park.

The beaches at Big Sur attract visitors from all over. 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.

Is Saint Augustine or Big Sur Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. However, Big Sur does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Saint Augustine offers plenty to see. As the longest running, continuously occupied city in the United States, the Historic Downtown is at the heart of the city. It's filled with quaint restaurants, historic hotels, and charming streets. You can take carriage rides or wander through the historic sites. Many of the buildings date back to the 1700s and offer a glimpse into Florida's past.

Big Sur does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint Augustine or Big Sur Better for Hiking?

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

Saint Augustine is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Augustine or Big Sur?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Saint Augustine. The Historic Downtown has unique art galleries and boutiques. St. George Street is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir and Aviles Street is the oldest street in the United States. It's also filled with artisan boutiques. Plaza de la Constitución is known for its long running public market and it often has live entertainment.

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 Saint Augustine or Big Sur More Beautiful?

Big Sur is very popular for its scenery and beauty. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and 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.

Saint Augustine is a beautiful place to visit, too. Colonial architecture and a charming atmosphere give this historic town a unique beauty.

Is Saint Augustine or Big Sur Better for Families?

Saint Augustine is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Big Sur is not as popular, but is still a nice natural area for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Saint Augustine. Kids will love the Alligator Farm but there's also a surprisingly fascinating archaeological park - The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The Colonial Quarter is fun for all ages as well, as is a visit to Fort Castillo De San Marcos. If you have some time, head outside of town to the Marineland Dolphin Adventure, which is well worth the trip.

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 Saint Augustine or Big Sur Better for Couples?

Big Sur is very popular for romance. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Big Sur has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Saint Augustine is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The Ancient City has a charm that is unique in Florida. There is beautiful architecture and a historical atmosphere that is romantic and genuine. You can enjoy a carriage ride and then sample some local cuisine before heading to the beach.

Is Saint Augustine or Big Sur Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Big Sur is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Saint Augustine is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Big Sur. There are a couple of hostels in the area, but budget travelers often prefer vacation rentals, which are more common.

Saint Augustine is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a hostel in town as well as a couple of affordable inns.

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

Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine. The Old Town Trolley travels through the historic center. There's also a bus service through the region, but you really need a private vehicle to explore everything.

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

Is Saint Augustine or Big Sur a more walkable city?

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

Saint Augustine is a very walkable destination. It's one of the more walkable cities in the area. Downtown, Uptown, and even near the beach have accessible areas with sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly zones.

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 Saint Augustine Worth Visiting? and Is Big Sur Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Big Sur or Saint Augustine?

How long in Saint Augustine or Big Sur?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint Augustine and Big Sur. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Saint Augustine than in Big Sur. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Augustine, and 1-3 days is enough time in Big Sur.

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

Couples should spend more time in Saint Augustine than Big Sur. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Saint Augustine that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine.

One day in Saint Augustine or Big Sur?

In Saint Augustine, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The scenic destination of Big Sur offers food. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Saint Augustine or Big Sur?

In Saint Augustine, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

The natural area of Big Sur offers food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Saint Augustine or Big Sur?

Saint Augustine 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.

Big Sur is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This natural area offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Saint Augustine or Big Sur?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Augustine. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saint Augustine. 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.

Many people enjoy the food when visiting Big Sur. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Both Big Sur and Saint Augustine during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Saint Augustine for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Big Sur because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Augustine. Saint Augustine usually gets more rain in July than Big Sur. Saint Augustine gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Big Sur in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Augustine and Big Sur. The autumn months attract visitors to Saint Augustine because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Big Sur this time of year.

Saint Augustine is a little warmer than Big Sur in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Big Sur fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In October, Saint Augustine usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Saint Augustine gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Saint Augustine is June to November.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Big Sur in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Augustine as well as Big Sur. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint Augustine this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Big Sur for the cuisine.

In the winter, Saint Augustine is around the same temperature as Big Sur. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Augustine in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Big Sur averages at about 51°F (11°C).

Saint Augustine usually gets more rain in January than Big Sur. Saint Augustine gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Big Sur in the Spring?

Both Big Sur and Saint Augustine are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Saint Augustine for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Big Sur in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Saint Augustine is generally much warmer than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 68°F (20°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In April, Saint Augustine usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Saint Augustine gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Augustine.

Typical Weather for Big Sur and Saint Augustine