A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Winston-Salem vs. Big Sur for Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Winston-Salem or Big Sur?

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

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Big Sur? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is a friendly, under-rated, and welcoming city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Winston-Salem 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.

Winston-Salem and Big Sur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Winston-Salem or Big Sur?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Big Sur. Although Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping. Big Sur is more touristy than Winston-Salem and is popular for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views. It is also well known for Bixby Bridge. Winston-Salem is famous for it's southern character and quaint college campuses.

How is Winston-Salem different from Big Sur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Winston-Salem or Big Sur?

Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem. Old Salem has a nice concentration of museums and gardens. Outside of the old town you'll find several art museums like the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts and the Reynolda House Museum of American Art.

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 Winston-Salem or Big Sur? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at nice restaurants in both Winston-Salem and Big Sur.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Winston-Salem area. North Carolina barbecue is popular around town. The city is also the birthplace of Krispy Kreme donuts and during the holiday season you should sample the local Moravian Cookies.

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 Winston-Salem or Big Sur Better for Nightlife?

Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem has a few options to choose from. Local breweries are popping up around town. You'll also find active nightlife venues near the colleges and universities.

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 Winston-Salem or Big Sur Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is notable for the beach. However, Winston-Salem is not a beach destination.

Big Sur is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Winston-Salem is not a beach destination.

Is Winston-Salem or Big Sur Better for its Old Town?

Winston-Salem is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Big Sur does not have a historic old town.

Winston-Salem has an old town worth visiting. Nearby Old Salem is filled with historic museums, gardens, and restaurants. A ticket is required for most of the venues, but the atmosphere and architecture are charming.

Big Sur does not have a historic old town.

Is Winston-Salem or Big Sur Better for Hiking?

Big Sur is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Winston-Salem 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.

Winston-Salem is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Winston-Salem or Big Sur?

Winston-Salem is very good for its shopping areas. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for shopping.

Winston-Salem has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find a mix of larger shopping malls, retail outlets, and shopping centers 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 Winston-Salem or Big Sur More Beautiful?

Big Sur is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Winston-Salem 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.

Winston-Salem is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Winston-Salem or Big Sur Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Winston-Salem or Big Sur.

Winston-Salem is a family-friendly place to visit. There are interactive museums like the Kaleideum science museums. There are also outdoor parks and playgrounds, kid-friendly restaurants, and a children's theater.

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 Winston-Salem or Big Sur Better for Couples?

Big Sur is renowned for couples. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for romance.

Big Sur makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Winston-Salem is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are restaurants and movie theaters that make for a nice date night. There are also parks and walks that will get you outdoors.

Is Winston-Salem or Big Sur Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Big Sur is a popular place for backpackers. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Big Sur. There are a couple of hostels in the area, but budget travelers often prefer vacation rentals, which are more common.

Winston-Salem is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's not on the itinerary for most backpackers.

Is Winston-Salem or Big Sur Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit Winston-Salem. Wake Forest University as well as colleges such as Salem College give parts of the city a collegiate vibe.

Big Sur is not popular with students.

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

Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem. There are bus routes, but they are limited in their frequency and convenience, making a car essential for most visitors.

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

Is Winston-Salem or Big Sur a more walkable city?

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

Winston-Salem is generally not a very walkable city. The downtown area is the most pedestrian-friendly part of town, but most of the city requires a 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 Winston-Salem Worth Visiting? and Is Big Sur Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Big Sur or Winston-Salem?

How long in Winston-Salem or Big Sur?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem.

One day in Winston-Salem or Big Sur?

In Winston-Salem, 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.

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the remote destination of Big Sur. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Winston-Salem or Big Sur?

In Winston-Salem, 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 Winston-Salem has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Big Sur. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Winston-Salem or Big Sur?

Winston-Salem 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.

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the breathtaking destination of Big Sur. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This natural area offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

A week in Winston-Salem or Big Sur?

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

You'll find food around the beautiful natural area of Big Sur. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.

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

When is the best time to visit Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem or Big Sur in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Winston-Salem as well as Big Sur. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Winston-Salem this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Big Sur for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Winston-Salem is much warmer than Big Sur in the summer. The daily temperature in Winston-Salem averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Big Sur fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Winston-Salem receives a lot of rain in the summer. Winston-Salem usually gets more rain in July than Big Sur. Winston-Salem gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Big Sur in the Autumn?

Both Big Sur and Winston-Salem are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Winston-Salem for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Big Sur in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In October, Winston-Salem usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Winston-Salem gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Big Sur in the Winter?

Both Big Sur and Winston-Salem during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Winston-Salem in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Big Sur for the cuisine during these months.

Winston-Salem can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Winston-Salem is generally much colder than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Winston-Salem average around 40°F (4°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Winston-Salem usually gets more rain in January than Big Sur. Winston-Salem gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Big Sur in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Winston-Salem and Big Sur. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Big Sur because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Winston-Salem is a little warmer than Big Sur in the spring. The daily temperature in Winston-Salem averages around 61°F (16°C) in April, and Big Sur fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In April, Winston-Salem usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Winston-Salem gets 3.1 inches (80 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 Winston-Salem