A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Augustine vs. Carmel-by-the-Sea for Attractions, Food, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Saint Augustine or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Augustine or Carmel-by-the-Sea, 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. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches. See Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine and Carmel-by-the-Sea: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Saint Augustine than Carmel-by-the-Sea, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Saint Augustine is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and historical sights, while Carmel-by-the-Sea is more popular for its small town charm 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. Carmel-by-the-Sea is well known for its storybook architecture, its opulent setting, and its popularity with golf enthusiasts.

How is Saint Augustine 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 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Saint Augustine is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Saint Augustine. 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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 Saint Augustine or Carmel-by-the-Sea? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Saint Augustine and Carmel-by-the-Sea offer high quality local cuisine and restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Saint Augustine makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Is Saint Augustine or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Nightlife?

Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.

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 Saint Augustine or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Beaches?

Both Saint Augustine and Carmel-by-the-Sea have high quality 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea attract visitors from all over. 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.

Is Saint Augustine or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Saint Augustine is one of the most recognized in the world. 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Augustine or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Saint Augustine.

Saint Augustine is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Is Saint Augustine or Carmel-by-the-Sea More Beautiful?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and 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.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Families?

Saint Augustine is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for its kid-friendly activities.

Saint Augustine is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

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 Saint Augustine or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Couples?

Saint Augustine and Carmel-by-the-Sea are both high quality to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Saint Augustine frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Is Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine and Carmel-by-the-Sea.

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

Saint Augustine and Carmel-by-the-Sea both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Saint Augustine is very walkable. 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.

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

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

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

How long in Saint Augustine or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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

Families should spend more time in Saint Augustine than Carmel-by-the-Sea. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Saint Augustine, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town with plenty to do. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

With museums and nightlife around the notable city of Saint Augustine, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Carmel-by-the-Sea might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic destination of Saint Augustine. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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. It's also a great beach destination, too. This town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Saint Augustine or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Saint Augustine is a popular choice for travelers. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

Since Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea, we can see that Saint Augustine 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 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Augustine or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Saint Augustine has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Carmel-by-the-Sea. When comparing the sizes of Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Augustine and Carmel-by-the-Sea. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint Augustine this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saint Augustine is generally much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 82°F (28°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Saint Augustine gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Saint Augustine usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Saint Augustine gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Augustine as well as Carmel-by-the-Sea. Many travelers come to Saint Augustine for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Saint Augustine usually gets more rain in October than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Saint Augustine gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Augustine.

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

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Saint Augustine are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Saint Augustine in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

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

In January, Saint Augustine usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Saint Augustine gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Saint Augustine during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Saint Augustine for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Carmel-by-the-Sea because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Saint Augustine is generally much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 68°F (20°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Saint Augustine usually gets more rain in April than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Saint Augustine gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Saint Augustine is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Carmel-by-the-Sea and Saint Augustine