A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Beaufort vs. Columbia River Gorge for Food, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Beaufort or Columbia River Gorge?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Beaufort or Columbia River Gorge, 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.

Beaufort

Beaufort is a charming, historic, and character-filled town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. It's a gorgeous place to visit. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Columbia River Gorge

Columbia River Gorge is a scenic, natural, and beautiful region. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking.

Beaufort and Columbia River Gorge: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Beaufort or Columbia River Gorge?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Beaufort. Although Beaufort and Columbia River Gorge are both popular with visitors, Beaufort has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Beaufort is more popular for its museums, beaches, historical sights, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Columbia River Gorge is known for its nightlife, hiking, and impressive beauty. Columbia River Gorge is more touristy than Beaufort and is known for its hiking, biking, and high number of waterfalls. Beaufort is popular for its Lowcountry cuisine and historic homes. It is also home to Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park.

How is Beaufort different from Columbia River Gorge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Columbia River Gorge and Beaufort. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Beaufort or Columbia River Gorge?

Beaufort is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for its museums and history.

Beaufort is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The town's museums highlight the region's past. There are four popular museums that you can visit - the Beaufort History Museum, Parris Island Museum, Verdier House Museum, and York W. Bailey Museum.

While most people don't head to Columbia River Gorge specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most visitors spend their time exploring the region's natural beauty.

Is the Food Better in Beaufort or Columbia River Gorge? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at superb restaurants in both Beaufort and Columbia River Gorge.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Beaufort makes for a great culinary experience. Soak up the charming atmosphere by dining at one of the local restaurants. Many serve Lowcountry cuisine which includes She-crab soup, fried green tomatoes, shrimp burgers, and barbecue.

Columbia River Gorge has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find many great restaurants in the area that serve local dishes that make use of the region's agricultural scene.

Is Beaufort or Columbia River Gorge Better for Nightlife?

Columbia River Gorge is a nice place to visit for nightlife. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Columbia River Gorge. Local breweries, wineries, and bars offer a relaxing setting with a local vibe.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Beaufort. You'll find bars, grills, and taverns in town, but most people don't visit for the nightlife scene.

Is Beaufort or Columbia River Gorge Better for Beaches?

Beaufort is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a beach destination.

Beaufort has a beach worth visiting. The town has a nice waterfront, but you have to head about half an hour out of town for a real beach. One of the best options is Hunting Island State Park.

Columbia River Gorge is not a beach destination.

Is Beaufort or Columbia River Gorge Better for its Old Town?

Beaufort is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Columbia River Gorge does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Beaufort to see the historical old town. Historic homes, some that were built before the Civil War, offer a glimpse into the past. Beaufort is the second oldest town in South Carolina and it holds on to much of its charm and character.

Columbia River Gorge does not have a historic old town.

Is Beaufort or Columbia River Gorge Better for Hiking?

Columbia River Gorge is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Beaufort is not a hiking destination.

Columbia River Gorge is a popular spot for hiking. There are world-class hikes that take you to iconic waterfalls, breathtaking viewpoints, and along scenic waterways.

Beaufort is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Beaufort or Columbia River Gorge?

Both Beaufort and Columbia River Gorge are good shopping destinations.

Beaufort is a great destination for shopping. Head downtown for some souvenir shopping or to check out the art galleries or fashion boutiques.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Columbia River Gorge. Art galleries feature local artwork and artisan crafts. There are photography shops and other venues that sell items highlighting the region's beauty.

Is Beaufort or Columbia River Gorge Better for Families?

Columbia River Gorge is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for its kid-friendly activities.

Columbia River Gorge is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love exploring the waterfalls and mountains as much as the adults do. There are kid-friendly hikes as well as bakeries and restaurants with many kid options.

Beaufort is not always a place people visit with their families. There are parks and outdoor activities in the area, but one of the best options is to head out of town to the beach.

Is Beaufort or Columbia River Gorge Better for Couples?

Beaufort and Columbia River Gorge are both superb to visit as a couple.

Beaufort is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many charming and romantic spots around town as well as historic inns where you can stay. Couples will enjoy the waterfront area or exploring one of the nature parks that are nearby. There are also quaint local restaurants that make for a nice date night.

Columbia River Gorge makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will love the romantic hikes and waterfalls. There are also beautiful scenic viewpoints and wonderful restaurants.

Is Beaufort or Columbia River Gorge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Columbia River Gorge is notable for backpackers. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Columbia River Gorge. You'll find hostels and campgrounds in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.

Beaufort is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. There aren't any real places for backpackers to stay in the area.

Is Beaufort or Columbia River Gorge Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Columbia River Gorge is a moderate region for its public transit. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Columbia River Gorge. There are some buses, but don't rely on them to efficiently explore.

Public transit is quite limited in Beaufort. There is no reliable public transportation system in the area.

Is Beaufort or Columbia River Gorge a more walkable city?

Beaufort is a well-known place for its walkability. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for its high level of walkability.

Beaufort is very walkable. The quaint downtown is walkable and offers easy access to art galleries, restaurants, and shops.

Columbia River Gorge is not a very walkable town. You really need a car to explore the area, but some visitors rely on a bike.

For even more information, also check out Is Beaufort Worth Visiting? and Is Columbia River Gorge Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Columbia River Gorge or Beaufort?

How long in Beaufort or Columbia River Gorge?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Beaufort and Columbia River Gorge. In our opinion, Columbia River Gorge has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Columbia River Gorge than Beaufort. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Beaufort, and 2-3 days is enough time in Columbia River Gorge.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Columbia River Gorge than Beaufort 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 Columbia River Gorge.

One day in Beaufort or Columbia River Gorge?

Beaufort is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Beaufort has to offer.

The beautiful region of Columbia River Gorge offers nightlife and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Beaufort or Columbia River Gorge?

Beaufort is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Columbia River Gorge is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this region makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Columbia River Gorge, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Beaufort or Columbia River Gorge?

Many people visit Beaufort for five days. Beaufort is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Columbia River Gorge 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 Beaufort or Columbia River Gorge?

Because Beaufort is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Columbia River Gorge 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 region offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beaufort and Columbia River Gorge, we can see that Columbia River Gorge is more expensive. And not only is Beaufort much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Beaufort would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beaufort 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 Columbia River Gorge would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Columbia River Gorge than you might in Beaufort.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Beaufort Expensive? and Is Columbia River Gorge Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Beaufort or Columbia River Gorge?

Beaufort has a larger population, and is about 6% larger than the population of Columbia River Gorge. When comparing the sizes of Beaufort and Columbia River Gorge, 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 Beaufort or Columbia River Gorge?

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 Beaufort or Columbia River Gorge in the Summer?

Both Columbia River Gorge and Beaufort are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Beaufort because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Columbia River Gorge this time of year.

Beaufort is a little warmer than Columbia River Gorge in the summer. The daily temperature in Beaufort averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Columbia River Gorge. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beaufort. Beaufort usually receives less sunshine than Columbia River Gorge during summer. Beaufort gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia River Gorge receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Beaufort. In July, Beaufort usually receives more rain than Columbia River Gorge. Beaufort gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Beaufort or Columbia River Gorge in the Autumn?

Both Columbia River Gorge and Beaufort during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Beaufort this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Columbia River Gorge for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Beaufort is much warmer than Columbia River Gorge. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Beaufort in October average around 68°F (20°C), and Columbia River Gorge averages at about 55°F (13°C).

It's quite sunny in Beaufort. In the autumn, Beaufort often gets more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge. Beaufort gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia River Gorge receives 155 hours of full sun.

Beaufort usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Columbia River Gorge. Beaufort gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beaufort or Columbia River Gorge in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Beaufort and Columbia River Gorge. Many travelers come to Beaufort for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Columbia River Gorge in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Columbia River Gorge can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Beaufort is generally much warmer than Columbia River Gorge. Daily temperatures in Beaufort average around 48°F (9°C), and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

Beaufort usually receives more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge during winter. Beaufort gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia River Gorge receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

Columbia River Gorge receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Beaufort usually receives less rain than Columbia River Gorge. Beaufort gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Beaufort or Columbia River Gorge in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Beaufort as well as Columbia River Gorge. Many visitors come to Beaufort in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Columbia River Gorge for the natural beauty during these months.

Beaufort is much warmer than Columbia River Gorge in the spring. The daily temperature in Beaufort averages around 67°F (19°C) in April, and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Columbia River Gorge. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beaufort this time of the year. In the spring, Beaufort often gets more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge. Beaufort gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia River Gorge receives 231 hours of full sun.

Beaufort usually gets more rain in April than Columbia River Gorge. Beaufort gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Columbia River Gorge and Beaufort