A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Beaufort vs. Denali National Park for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Families

Should you visit Beaufort or Denali National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Beaufort or Denali National Park, 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 southern, charming, and historic town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Visitors also love the museums, food, and beaches.

Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a vast, rugged, and spectacular park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for hiking.

Beaufort and Denali National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Denali (Mount McKinley)
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Beaufort or Denali National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Beaufort. Although Beaufort and Denali National Park are popular destinations, Beaufort has more sights and attractions for tourists. Beaufort is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Denali National Park attracts visitors for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Denali National Park is more touristy than Beaufort and is popular for its vast wilderness and iconic Alaskan wildlife. Beaufort is famous for its Lowcountry cuisine and historic homes. It is also well known for Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park.

How is Beaufort different from Denali National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Denali National Park 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 Denali National Park?

Beaufort
Denali National Park

Beaufort is very good for its historical sights. However, Denali National Park is not known for its sights and museums.

Beaufort offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Denali National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Denali's Museum Collection includes more than 25,000 different items that reflect the region's history, culture, and geology.


Is the Food Better in Beaufort or Denali National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Beaufort
Denali National Park

Beaufort is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Denali National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Beaufort has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Denali National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. During the summer months there are restaurants open along Highway 3 as well as the Morino Grill near the Denali Visitor Center.

Is Beaufort or Denali National Park Better for Nightlife?

Beaufort
Denali National Park

Beaufort is adequate for nightlife and partying. However, Denali National Park is not known for its evening party scene.

Beaufort doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. You'll find bars, grills, and taverns in town, but most people don't visit for the nightlife scene.

People don't go to Denali National Park for the nightlife. Visitors come to the park to see the nature, not for the nightlife.

Is Beaufort or Denali National Park Better for Resorts?

Beaufort
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Beaufort is not a resort destination.

Denali National Park has a handful of resorts to choose from. Most visitors stay nearby the Denali Park Entrance. It has the most affordable hotels and lodges, some of which have a lot of personality. Alternatively, you could stay in the more remote area of Kantishna. These lodges are more expensive and all-inclusive, but they are also far away from most conveniences.

Beaufort is not a resort destination.


Is Beaufort or Denali National Park Better for Beaches?

Beaufort
Denali National Park

Beaufort is very good for the beache. However, Denali National Park is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Beaufort to enjoy the beach. 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.

Denali National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Beaufort or Denali National Park Better for its Old Town?

Beaufort
Denali National Park

Beaufort is a great town for its old town. However, Denali National Park does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Beaufort. 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.

Denali National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Beaufort or Denali National Park Better for Hiking?

Beaufort
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a nice place to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Beaufort is not a hiking destination.

Denali National Park has hiking trails worth exploring. If you're looking for a marked trail, there are limited options within the park. Those that do exist are located near the park entrance and are usually just a couple of miles long. Off-trail hiking is what makes for the most memorable experience. Make sure you stop off at the visitor center for information and knowledge before you venture into the wilderness without a trail. For obvious reasons, you should fully understand what this entails before beginning your adventure.

Beaufort is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Beaufort or Denali National Park?

Beaufort
Denali National Park

Beaufort is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Denali National Park is not known for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Beaufort. Head downtown for some souvenir shopping or to check out the art galleries or fashion boutiques.

Denali National Park has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are several park stores and shops in and near the park where you can pick up gifts, books, and souvenirs.

Is Beaufort or Denali National Park Better for Families?

Beaufort
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for its kid-friendly activities.

Denali National Park is a family-friendly place to visit. Most people visit the park as part of a tour, so it's important to book a tour that is designed with families in mind. This will help ensure the kids stay entertained even during long bus rides.

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 Denali National Park Better for Couples?

Beaufort
Denali National Park

Beaufort and Denali National Park are both excellent 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.

Denali National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy outdoor adventures and stunning scenery will find the ultimate romance in this impressive park.


Is Beaufort or Denali National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Beaufort
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is renowned for backpackers. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Denali National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. There are millions of acres in the park as well as campgrounds, hostels, and vast backcountry (which requires a permit).

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 Denali National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Beaufort
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a moderate park 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 Denali National Park. There are free shuttle buses that leave from the entrance area, but many visitors organize a tour to get around.

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

Is Beaufort or Denali National Park a more walkable city?

Beaufort
Denali National Park

Beaufort is a great town for its high level of walkability. However, Denali National Park is not known for its ease of walking around.

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

Denali National Park is not a walkable town. The park is vast and you need some form of transportation to get around, whether it's a private vehicle or a pre-arranged tour.


For even more information, also check out Is Beaufort Worth Visiting? and Is Denali National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Denali National Park or Beaufort?

How long in Beaufort or Denali National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Beaufort or Denali National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Denali National Park due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Beaufort, and 2-4 days is enough time in Denali National Park.

Couples should spend more time in Beaufort than Denali National Park. 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 Beaufort than Denali National Park 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 Beaufort.


  • How many days in Beaufort or Denali National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Beaufort 1-3 
    Denali National Park 2-4

One day in Beaufort or Denali National Park?

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 park of Denali National Park offers . 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 Denali National Park?

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.

Denali National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this park makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Denali National Park, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Beaufort or Denali National Park?

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.

Denali National Park 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 Denali National Park?

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.

Denali National Park is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This park 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.


Which place is cheaper, Denali National Park or Beaufort?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Beaufort is $131, while the average daily cost in Denali National Park is $218. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Beaufort and Denali National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Beaufort $100
    Denali National Park $116
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Beaufort $200
    Denali National Park $232
Compare Hotels in Beaufort and Denali National Park

Looking for a hotel in Beaufort or Denali National Park? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Beaufort


Hotels in Denali National Park


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Beaufort Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Beaufort -
    Denali National Park $76

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Denali National Park

Also for Denali National Park, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Shuttle Transfer: Anchorage ↔ Denali National Park: $150

Is it cheaper to fly into Beaufort or Denali National Park?

Prices for flights to both Denali National Park and Beaufort change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Beaufort $31
    Denali National Park $57

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Beaufort -
    Denali National Park $30

Tours and Activities in Beaufort

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Beaufort are as follows:

  • Beaufort Tipsy Tour: $55
  • Gullah Heritage Tour: $49
  • Historic City Tour by Bus: $29
  • Pat Conroy's Beaufort Tour by Golf Cart: $40

Tours and Activities in Denali National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Denali National Park.

  • 2.5-Hour Denali Wilderness ATV Adventure Tour: $79
  • Midnight Sun ATV Adventure 2.5 Hour Tour: $79
  • Denali ATV Trailblazer 3.5 Hour Tour : $114
  • 3 Hour Naturalist Walking Tour in Denali National Park: $119
  • Denali National Park Walking Tour: $125
  • Wilds of Alaska Classic ATV Adventure: $140
  • Classic ATV Adventure with Back Country Dining: $150
  • Alaskan Back Country Side by Side ATV Adventure with Meal: $150
  • Denali Park Zipline Adventure: $165
  • 5-Hour Mountain Hiking Tour in Denali: $169
  • Half-Day Sled Dog Experience: $175
  • 4 Hour Off-Trail Hiking Tour in Denali: $199

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Beaufort -
    Denali National Park $12


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



When is the best time to visit Beaufort or Denali National Park?

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 Beaufort or Denali National Park in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Beaufort as well as Denali National Park. Most visitors come to Beaufort for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Denali National Park because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Beaufort is much warmer than Denali National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Beaufort in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Denali National Park averages at about 60°F (15°C).

Beaufort receives a lot of rain in the summer. Beaufort usually gets more rain in July than Denali National Park. Beaufort gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Beaufort 82°F (28°C) 
    Denali National Park 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Beaufort or Denali National Park in the Autumn?

Both Denali National Park and Beaufort are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Beaufort because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Denali National Park this time of year.

It's quite cold in Denali National Park in the autumn. In October, Beaufort is generally much warmer than Denali National Park. Daily temperatures in Beaufort average around 68°F (20°C), and Denali National Park fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

In October, Beaufort usually receives less rain than Denali National Park. Beaufort gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Beaufort 68°F (20°C) 
    Denali National Park 32°F (0°C)

Should I visit Beaufort or Denali National Park in the Winter?

Both Denali National Park and Beaufort during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Beaufort this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Denali National Park for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Denali National Park. Beaufort is much warmer than Denali National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Beaufort averages around 48°F (9°C) in January, and Denali National Park fluctuates around 11°F (-12°C).

Beaufort usually gets more rain in January than Denali National Park. Beaufort gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Beaufort 48°F (9°C) 
    Denali National Park 11°F (-12°C)

Should I visit Beaufort or Denali National Park in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Beaufort and Denali National Park. Many travelers come to Beaufort for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Denali National Park in the spring for the natural beauty.

Denali National Park can get quite cold in the spring. In the spring, Beaufort is much warmer than Denali National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Beaufort in April average around 67°F (19°C), and Denali National Park averages at about 34°F (1°C).

In April, Beaufort usually receives more rain than Denali National Park. Beaufort gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Beaufort 67°F (19°C) 
    Denali National Park 34°F (1°C)

Typical Weather for Denali National Park and Beaufort

Beaufort Denali National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 48°F (9°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 11°F (-12°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Feb 52°F (11°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 16°F (-9°C) 1.4 inches (37 mm)
Mar 58°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 23°F (-5°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Apr 67°F (19°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 34°F (1°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
May 73°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 46°F (8°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 7.9 inches (200 mm) 60°F (15°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (164 mm) 56°F (14°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Sep 77°F (25°C) 5.6 inches (141 mm) 47°F (9°C) 4.2 inches (108 mm)
Oct 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 32°F (0°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Nov 59°F (15°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Dec 52°F (11°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 13°F (-11°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)


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