A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Beaufort vs. Galveston for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Beaufort or Galveston?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Beaufort or Galveston, 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.

Galveston

Galveston is a historic, charming, and coastal town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food.

Beaufort and Galveston: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance


Is there more to do in Beaufort or Galveston?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Galveston. Although Beaufort and Galveston are popular destinations, Galveston has more sights and attractions for tourists. Galveston is very popular for its museums and nightlife, while Beaufort attracts visitors for its food, historical sights, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Galveston is more touristy than Beaufort and is popular for its long history that is centered around the shipping industry and hurricanes. It is also well known for Pleasure Pier. Beaufort is famous for its Lowcountry cuisine and historic homes.

How is Beaufort different from Galveston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Galveston 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 Galveston?

Beaufort
Galveston

Galveston is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Beaufort is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Galveston can be an interesting and educational experience. With its long history and Victorian homes, there are a number of museums around town. A favorite mansion is the 1892 Bishop's Palace. There's also the Galveston Railroad Museum and the Galveston Arts Center.

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.


Is the Food Better in Beaufort or Galveston? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Beaufort
Galveston

Beaufort is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Galveston is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Galveston area. There's a great mix of seafood and Texas favorites. Seafood-lovers will enjoy the oysters, crab cakes, and po boys while land-lovers will like the brisket, Tex Mex, and Texas chili.

Is Beaufort or Galveston Better for Nightlife?

Beaufort
Galveston

Galveston is notable for nightlife. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for nightlife and partying.

Galveston has plenty to do after the sun goes down. There's a bit of a party town vibe in the evenings. Head to Pleasure Pier for rides and entertainment. The town also has taverns, lounges, and bars that you can check out.

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 Galveston Better for Beaches?

Beaufort
Galveston

Both Beaufort and Galveston have nice beaches worth visiting.

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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Galveston. There are miles of beaches that spread out from town. Some of the best include Babe's Beach, Stewart Beach, and Crystal Beach. Because of the proximity to the Mississippi River, the water can be a bit murky, but the beaches are still fun.


Is Beaufort or Galveston Better for its Old Town?

Beaufort
Galveston

Beaufort is great for its old town. Also, Galveston is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its historic old town charm.

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.

Galveston offers a nice historic old town area. The East End Historic District is filled with historic mansions with beautiful porches. It's possible to take a tour or you could explore independently.

Is the Shopping Better in Beaufort or Galveston?

Beaufort
Galveston

Both Beaufort and Galveston are nice 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 Galveston. There are plenty of places to pick up souvenirs like shell jewelry or t-shirts. There are also more eclectic shops as well as shopping centers and malls.

Is Beaufort or Galveston Better for Families?

Beaufort
Galveston

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

Galveston is a very family-friendly place to visit. Head to Pier 21 where you'll find museums, harbor tours, and other kid-friendly activities. The city also offers a number of pirate-themed activities that kids enjoy as well as spooky ghost tours. For a bit of a thrill you can check out the rides at Galveston Pleasure Pier. And, of course, there are the beaches.

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 Galveston Better for Couples?

Beaufort
Galveston

Beaufort and Galveston 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.

Galveston makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The Historic District is the perfect place to enjoy a nice meal and soak up the charm. The area's beaches and parks also offer a bit of romance and there are plenty of outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, or swimming.

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

Beaufort
Galveston

Galveston is a moderate town 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 Galveston. While there are buses and trolley buses, a car is the best way to get around with the greatest flexibility and convenience.

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

Is Beaufort or Galveston a more walkable city?

Beaufort
Galveston

Beaufort is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Galveston is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Galveston is a somewhat walkable town. There are some walkable areas such as the Historic District.


For even more information, also check out Is Beaufort Worth Visiting? and Is Galveston Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Galveston or Beaufort?

How long in Beaufort or Galveston?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Beaufort and Galveston. In our opinion, Galveston has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Galveston than Beaufort. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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


  • How many days in Beaufort or Galveston? Ideal Length of Stay
    Beaufort 1-3 
    Galveston 1-3

One day in Beaufort or Galveston?

Even though Beaufort is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Beaufort has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The town of Galveston offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Beaufort or Galveston?

Beaufort is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.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.

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

Five days in Beaufort or Galveston?

Beaufort is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Galveston 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 Galveston?

Beaufort is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Galveston 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 town 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, Galveston 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 Galveston is $183. 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 Galveston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Beaufort $100
    Galveston $81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Beaufort $200
    Galveston $162
Compare Hotels in Beaufort and Galveston

Looking for a hotel in Beaufort or Galveston? 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 Galveston


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 and Galveston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Beaufort -
    Galveston $35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Galveston

Also for Galveston, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Departure Transfer from Galveston Port to HOU Airport: $168
  • Private Departure Transfer from Galveston to HOU Airport: $168
  • Galveston Port to William Hobby Airport Departure Transfer: $168
  • Galveston to Houston George Bush Airport (IAH) Private Transfer: $194
  • Privat Transfer from Galveston Port to Houston Airport (IAH): $194
  • Galveston Port to George Bush Airport Private Departure Transfer: $194

Is it cheaper to fly into Beaufort or Galveston?

Prices for flights to both Galveston 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
    Galveston $52

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Galveston

For Galveston, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Taste of the Strand Food Tour on Galveston Island: $105

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Beaufort -
    Galveston $15

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 Galveston

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Galveston.

  • Self-Guided Ghost Tour on the Galveston Strand: $6.75
  • Luggage Storage in Cruise Terminal: $8.73
  • Unique Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt Experience in League City: $10
  • Pirates! Legends of the Gulf Coast Museum Ticket: $12
  • Al's Authentic Paranormal Excursion Tour: $16
  • Galveston Island Ghost Tour: $16
  • Tour Galveston's 1895 Moody Mansion: $18
  • Galveston Red Light District Tour: $20
  • Tour of haunted locations with ghost hunting gear.: $20
  • Galveston Haunted Tour with Ghost Hunting Equipment: $20
  • Galveston's Flower Winery Tour at the Florvino Winery: $20
  • Great! Galveston Ghost Tour: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Beaufort -
    Galveston $37

Sample the Local Flavors in Galveston

Also in Galveston, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Galveston Island Brewing Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting : $10
  • Happy Hour Pub Crawl: $25
  • Galveston's Best Pub Crawl: $25
  • Galveston Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
  • Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30


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


Which is Bigger, Beaufort or Galveston?

Galveston has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Beaufort. When comparing the sizes of Beaufort and Galveston, 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 Galveston?

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 Galveston in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Beaufort is around the same temperature as Galveston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Beaufort in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Galveston averages at about 84°F (29°C).

Beaufort receives a lot of rain in the summer. Beaufort usually gets more rain in July than Galveston. Beaufort gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Beaufort 82°F (28°C) 
    Galveston 84°F (29°C)

Should I visit Beaufort or Galveston in the Autumn?

Both Galveston 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 shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Galveston this time of year.

In October, Beaufort is generally around the same temperature as Galveston. Daily temperatures in Beaufort average around 68°F (20°C), and Galveston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

In October, Beaufort usually receives more rain than Galveston. Beaufort gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Beaufort 68°F (20°C) 
    Galveston 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Beaufort or Galveston in the Winter?

Both Galveston 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. Also, many travelers come to Galveston for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Beaufort is cooler than Galveston in the winter. The daily temperature in Beaufort averages around 48°F (9°C) in January, and Galveston fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

Beaufort usually gets more rain in January than Galveston. Beaufort gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Beaufort 48°F (9°C) 
    Galveston 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Beaufort or Galveston in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Beaufort is around the same temperature as Galveston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Beaufort in April average around 67°F (19°C), and Galveston averages at about 70°F (21°C).

In April, Beaufort usually receives more rain than Galveston. Beaufort gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Beaufort 67°F (19°C) 
    Galveston 70°F (21°C)

Typical Weather for Galveston and Beaufort

Beaufort Galveston
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 48°F (9°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 52°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Feb 52°F (11°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 55°F (13°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Mar 58°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Apr 67°F (19°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 70°F (21°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
May 73°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 76°F (25°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm) 81°F (27°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 7.9 inches (200 mm) 84°F (29°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (164 mm) 83°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Sep 77°F (25°C) 5.6 inches (141 mm) 80°F (27°C) 5.6 inches (141 mm)
Oct 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 71°F (22°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm)
Nov 59°F (15°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm) 63°F (17°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Dec 52°F (11°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)