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

Should you visit Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a well-preserved, historic, and charming town. Williamsburg offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping. See Williamsburg travel costs.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a remote, breathtaking, and scenic natural area. The famous beauty of Big Sur is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include hiking, food, and beaches. See Big Sur travel costs.

Williamsburg and Big Sur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Williamsburg or Big Sur?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Williamsburg. Although Williamsburg and Big Sur are popular destinations, Williamsburg has more sights and attractions for tourists. Williamsburg is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Big Sur attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Williamsburg is famous for its historic and colonial charm, its award winning amusement parks, and its historical reenactments. It is also well known for Colonial Williamsburg. Big Sur is famous for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views.

How is Williamsburg different from Big Sur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Many visitors head to Williamsburg specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Colonial Williamsburg is like a living museum with reenactments and historic buildings that date back to the colonial days. In addition to the historic area, there are folk art museums and other historic sights in the area.

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

Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Head to Historic Williamsburg if you want to try some colonial classics. There are historic taverns that maintain their old world charm and serve dishes such as peanut soup and stewed beef. Around town you'll also find casual restaurants with pizza, macaroni and cheese, and burgers.

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 Williamsburg or Big Sur Better for Nightlife?

Williamsburg is adequate for its evening party scene. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for nightlife.

Williamsburg doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Despite its student population, there isn't much of a nightlife scene in town. There are restaurants where you can enjoy fine wine or cocktails, but nightclubs and bars are limited.

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 Williamsburg or Big Sur Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is a great destination for the beach. However, Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg is not a beach destination.

Is Williamsburg or Big Sur Better for its Old Town?

Williamsburg 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, Williamsburg offers plenty to see. Colonial Williamsburg is an impressively maintained area with museums, shops, and taverns. There are live reenactments of historic events as well as blacksmiths, wig shops, and carriage rides. You can wander around without a ticket, but for access to many parts of the historic area you'll need to purchase a pass.

Big Sur does not have a historic old town.

Is Williamsburg or Big Sur Better for Hiking?

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

Williamsburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Williamsburg or Big Sur?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Williamsburg. Charming shops both in the historic area and just outside sell unique items that reflect the city's past. There are souvenirs, food items, cookbooks, and home decor to choose from.

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 Williamsburg or Big Sur More Beautiful?

Big Sur is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg is a gorgeous place to visit. The area's colonial architecture gives it a historic and traditional beauty that appeals to visitors and residents alike.

Is Williamsburg or Big Sur Better for Families?

Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg is one of the most popular family destinations. Older kids will appreciate the history in the area. For kids of all ages there are a number of amusement parks and water parks such as Great Wolf Lodge, Busch Gardens, and the award winning Water Country USA.

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 Williamsburg or Big Sur Better for Couples?

Big Sur is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Williamsburg is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Williamsburg is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Historic Williamsburg is filled with inns and charming restaurants that make this a beautiful destination for couples. There are quaint restaurants that serve colonial food and interesting southern shops with unique trinkets. You can also wander around the campus of William and Mary College.

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

Big Sur is a good destination for backpackers. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Williamsburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a number of restaurants and bars that cater to the student population, but there's little else that attracts backpackers.

Is Williamsburg or Big Sur Better for Students?

Williamsburg is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Big Sur is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Williamsburg. The College of William and Mary has a beautiful campus and students enjoy the charming atmosphere with colonial architecture around town. There are also good restaurants and a great collegiate vibe.

Big Sur is not popular with students.

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

Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg. There are buses around town, and they offer access to Historic Williamsburg, but for most places you'll need to have your own car.

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

Is Williamsburg or Big Sur a more walkable city?

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

Williamsburg is generally not a very walkable town. Historic Williamsburg and the neighborhoods around the College of William and Mary are all walkable, but if you plan to visit the amusement parks then you'll absolutely need a car.

Big Sur is not a walkable town. 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 Williamsburg Worth Visiting? and Is Big Sur Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Big Sur or Williamsburg?

How long in Williamsburg or Big Sur?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Williamsburg and Big Sur. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Williamsburg than in Big Sur. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Williamsburg, and 1-3 days is enough time in Big Sur.

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

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

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

One day in Williamsburg or Big Sur?

In Williamsburg, you'll find museums and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Big Sur, many people enjoy the food that this remote natural area offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this natural area.

A weekend in Williamsburg or Big Sur?

In Williamsburg, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Williamsburg has to offer.

Big Sur is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Williamsburg or Big Sur?

Williamsburg is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

You'll find food around the remote destination of Big Sur. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Williamsburg or Big Sur?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Williamsburg. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Williamsburg. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Big Sur is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Both Big Sur and Williamsburg during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Williamsburg for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Big Sur in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Williamsburg. Williamsburg usually gets more rain in July than Big Sur. Williamsburg gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Williamsburg or Big Sur in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Williamsburg and Big Sur. Many visitors come to Williamsburg in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Big Sur for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Williamsburg is around the same temperature as Big Sur. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Williamsburg in October average around 61°F (16°C), and Big Sur averages at about 62°F (17°C).

In October, Williamsburg usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Williamsburg gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Williamsburg or Big Sur in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Williamsburg as well as Big Sur. Most visitors come to Williamsburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Big Sur because of the cuisine.

Williamsburg can be very cold during winter. In January, Williamsburg is generally much colder than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Williamsburg average around 38°F (4°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Williamsburg usually gets more rain in January than Big Sur. Williamsburg gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Williamsburg or Big Sur in the Spring?

Both Big Sur and Williamsburg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Williamsburg because of the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Big Sur this time of year.

Williamsburg is around the same temperature as Big Sur in the spring. The daily temperature in Williamsburg averages around 57°F (14°C) in April, and Big Sur fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In April, Williamsburg usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Williamsburg gets 3 inches (76 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 Williamsburg