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

Should you visit Beaufort or Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree 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 historic, character-filled, and southern town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a fascinating, adventurous, and unique national park. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking.

Beaufort and Joshua Tree National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Beaufort or Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Beaufort than Joshua Tree National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Beaufort is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Joshua Tree National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Joshua Tree National Park is more touristy than Beaufort and is popular for its unique vegetation and large boulders. Beaufort is well known for its Lowcountry cuisine and historic homes. Also, Beaufort is famous for Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park.

How is Beaufort different from Joshua Tree National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Beaufort
Joshua Tree National Park

Beaufort is a town with good options for its museums and history. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Beaufort. 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.

Joshua Tree National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of museums in the area that display local art or cultural and historical items.


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

Beaufort
Joshua Tree National Park

Beaufort is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Beaufort has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

While Joshua Tree National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There aren't any restaurants inside the park, so you'll want to pack your own food and eat at one of the picnic areas.

Is Beaufort or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Nightlife?

Beaufort
Joshua Tree National Park

Beaufort is a decent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife.

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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Joshua Tree National Park. Stargazing and gathering around campfires are the most popular activities during the evening.

Is Beaufort or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Beaches?

Beaufort
Joshua Tree National Park

Beaufort is a town with good options for the beach. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Beaufort. 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a beach destination.


Is Beaufort or Joshua Tree National Park Better for its Old Town?

Beaufort
Joshua Tree National Park

Beaufort is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Joshua Tree National Park does not have a historic old town.

Beaufort is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Joshua Tree National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Beaufort or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Hiking?

Beaufort
Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Beaufort is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Joshua Tree National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. There are a wide range of hikes that include easy, moderate, and strenuous options. Some of the best hikes include Discovery Trail, Boy Scout Trail, and Black Rock Canyon Panorama Loop.

Beaufort is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Beaufort or Joshua Tree National Park?

Beaufort
Joshua Tree National Park

Beaufort is a town with good options for its shopping areas. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

Beaufort has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head downtown for some souvenir shopping or to check out the art galleries or fashion boutiques.

Joshua Tree National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There is a park store where you can pick up gifts or other items.


Is Beaufort or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Families?

Beaufort
Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for its kid-friendly activities.

Joshua Tree National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. With its giant boulders that kids can scramble on and its Dr. Seuss-like Joshua Trees, this really is nature's best playground. There are also kid-friendly hikes and Junior Ranger Programs that will both educate and entertain the kids.

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 Joshua Tree National Park Better for Couples?

Beaufort
Joshua Tree National Park

Beaufort and Joshua Tree National Park are both high quality 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.

Joshua Tree National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy the outdoors, adventure sports like rock climbing, and hiking through spectacular landscapes will find this to be the ultimate romantic destination.

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

Beaufort
Joshua Tree National Park

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

Joshua Tree National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that are popular with backpackers and nature enthusiasts.

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

Beaufort
Joshua Tree National Park

Neither Beaufort or Joshua Tree National Park offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Beaufort. There is no reliable public transportation system in the area.

Public transit is quite limited in Joshua Tree National Park. There's no reliable public transportation in the park.

Is Beaufort or Joshua Tree National Park a more walkable city?

Beaufort
Joshua Tree National Park

Beaufort is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its walkability.

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

Joshua Tree National Park is not a walkable town. You need a car to truly explore the park.

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

Should I spend more time in Joshua Tree National Park or Beaufort?

How long in Beaufort or Joshua Tree National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Beaufort or Joshua Tree National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park.

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

Couples should spend more time in Beaufort than Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Beaufort 1-3 
    Joshua Tree National Park 2-4

One day in Beaufort or Joshua Tree National Park?

Even though Beaufort is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

The beautiful national park of Joshua Tree National Park offers . 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Beaufort is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Joshua Tree National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this national park 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 Joshua Tree National Park, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Beaufort or Joshua Tree National Park?

Beaufort is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. It offers something for everyone.

Joshua Tree National Park is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Beaufort is a popular choice for travelers. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Joshua Tree National Park is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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 national 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, Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park is $152. 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 Joshua Tree National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Beaufort $100
    Joshua Tree National Park $87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Beaufort $200
    Joshua Tree National Park $174
Compare Hotels in Beaufort and Joshua Tree National Park

Looking for a hotel in Beaufort or Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree 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 -
    Joshua Tree National Park $47

Is it cheaper to fly into Beaufort or Joshua Tree National Park?

Prices for flights to both Joshua Tree 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
    Joshua Tree National Park $35

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Beaufort -
    Joshua Tree National Park $27

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Beaufort -
    Joshua Tree National Park $4.93


When comparing the travel costs between Beaufort and Joshua Tree National Park, we can see that Joshua Tree National Park is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Beaufort Expensive? and Is Joshua Tree National Park Expensive?.


Related Articles for Joshua Tree National Park