A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Beaufort vs. Martha's Vineyard for Couples, Food, Beaches, and Attractions

Should you visit Beaufort or Martha's Vineyard?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Beaufort or Martha's Vineyard, 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 offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and beaches.

Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a peaceful, affluent, and coastal island. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

Beaufort and Martha's Vineyard: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Beaufort or Martha's Vineyard?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Martha's Vineyard than Beaufort, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Martha's Vineyard is better known for its resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Beaufort is more popular for its museums & sights, historical sights, and quaint atmosphere. Martha's Vineyard is more touristy than Beaufort and is popular for its natural beauty, charming New England towns, and upscale local shopping. Also, Martha's Vineyard is famous for the Aquinnah Cliffs. Beaufort is well known for its Lowcountry cuisine and historic homes.

How is Beaufort different from Martha's Vineyard?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Beaufort
Martha's Vineyard

Beaufort is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for its sights and museums.

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.

Martha's Vineyard offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of local museums in the area as well as the Martha's Vineyard Museum.


Is the Food Better in Beaufort or Martha's Vineyard? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Beaufort
Martha's Vineyard

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at great restaurants in both Beaufort and Martha's Vineyard.

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.

Martha's Vineyard has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The region prioritizes sustainable agriculture and there are many local eateries that range from upscale to more casual. You'll find the greatest number of options during the peak summer months, but regardless of when you visit, you're sure to eat well.

Is Beaufort or Martha's Vineyard Better for Nightlife?

Beaufort
Martha's Vineyard

Evening events are respectable in both Beaufort and Martha's Vineyard.

Most people don't head to Beaufort specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. You'll find bars, grills, and taverns in town, but most people don't visit for the nightlife scene.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Martha's Vineyard. There's more of a laid back vibe, but the best towns in the evening are Edgartown and Oak Bluffs.

Is Beaufort or Martha's Vineyard Better for Resorts?

Beaufort
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is renowned for its resorts. However, Beaufort is not a resort destination.

Martha's Vineyard offers an unforgettable resort vacation. There are beautiful and luxurious resorts that attract celebrities and socialites. Many have pools and serene outdoor spaces that you can enjoy.

Beaufort is not a resort destination.


Is Beaufort or Martha's Vineyard Better for Beaches?

Beaufort
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is notable for its beaches. Also, Beaufort is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for the beache.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Martha's Vineyard. The beaches are scenic and peaceful. Head to northern side of the island for shallow water, or south for more surf. While there are some public beaches that are open to everyone, there are also beaches that require a parking or town beach permit to visit.

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.

Is Beaufort or Martha's Vineyard Better for its Old Town?

Beaufort
Martha's Vineyard

Beaufort is a great town for its historic old town charm. However, Martha's Vineyard does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Martha's Vineyard does not have a historic old town.

Is Beaufort or Martha's Vineyard Better for Hiking?

Beaufort
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a nice place to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Beaufort is not a hiking destination.

Martha's Vineyard has hiking trails worth exploring. There are miles of trails around the island that pass through fields or along the coastline. The island is mostly flat, so the hikes are relatively easy for all skill levels.

Beaufort is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Beaufort or Martha's Vineyard?

Beaufort
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is notable for shopping. Also, Beaufort is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Martha's Vineyard is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are no malls, so you'll enjoy shopping at local stores that sell a mix of locally made items and name brand. There are many art galleries as well as craft festivals during the summer months.

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

Is Beaufort or Martha's Vineyard Better for Families?

Beaufort
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for its kid-friendly activities.

Martha's Vineyard is a family-friendly place to visit. You can visit local farms or go to a local baseball game. There's also cafes, ice cream shops, and donut shops that kids will enjoy.

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 Martha's Vineyard Better for Couples?

Beaufort
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is renowned for romance. Also, Beaufort is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its romantic activities.

Martha's Vineyard has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's filled with charming bed and breakfasts and plenty of New England charm. Couples will enjoy the quaint restaurants and mix of history, small town charm, and outdoor adventure.

Beaufort makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.


Is Beaufort or Martha's Vineyard Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Beaufort
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a moderate island 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 Martha's Vineyard. Access to the island is limited to boat and air. There's a bus service that connects the towns.

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

Is Beaufort or Martha's Vineyard a more walkable city?

Beaufort
Martha's Vineyard

Beaufort is a great town for its ease of walking around. Also, Martha's Vineyard is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its walkability.

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

Martha's Vineyard is somewhat walkable. Many of the towns have walkable downtown areas, but traveling between towns and into the countryside requires a vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Beaufort Worth Visiting? and Is Martha's Vineyard Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Martha's Vineyard or Beaufort?

How long in Beaufort or Martha's Vineyard?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard.


  • How many days in Beaufort or Martha's Vineyard? Ideal Length of Stay
    Beaufort 1-3 
    Martha's Vineyard 1-3

One day in Beaufort or Martha's Vineyard?

Even though Beaufort is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

The beautiful island of Martha's Vineyard offers shopping and food. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Martha's Vineyard?

Beaufort is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and museums. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Visiting the old town is also a must. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Martha's Vineyard is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Martha's Vineyard, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Beaufort or Martha's Vineyard?

Beaufort is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard?

Beaufort is a popular choice for travelers. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Martha's Vineyard is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.


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


Which place is cheaper, Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard is $241. 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 Martha's Vineyard in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Beaufort $100
    Martha's Vineyard $132
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Beaufort $200
    Martha's Vineyard $264
Compare Hotels in Beaufort and Martha's Vineyard

Looking for a hotel in Beaufort or Martha's Vineyard? 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 Marthas Vineyard


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 Martha's Vineyard Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Beaufort -
    Martha's Vineyard $83

Is it cheaper to fly into Beaufort or Martha's Vineyard?

Prices for flights to both Martha's Vineyard 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
    Martha's Vineyard $60

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Beaufort -
    Martha's Vineyard $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
  • Local History and Film Sites Tour by golf cart: $32
  • Pat Conroy's Beaufort Tour by Golf Cart: $40

Tours and Activities in Martha's Vineyard

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Martha's Vineyard.

  • Martha’s Vineyard Self-Guided (APP/GPS) Audio Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard Audio Tour: $13
  • Martha's Vinyard Driving & Walking GPS-Guided Audio Tour: $13
  • 3-Hour Martha's Vineyard Island Tour from Oak Bluffs: $65
  • Best of Martha's Vineyard 3 hour Full-Island Tour: $65
  • Down Island Tour with One Hour in Edgartown: $65
  • All Island Bus Tour: $65
  • 4 hours Hop-on Hop-off Jawsome Jaws Tour: $120

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Beaufort -
    Martha's Vineyard $22


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



When is the best time to visit Beaufort or Martha's Vineyard?

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 Martha's Vineyard in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Beaufort as well as Martha's Vineyard. Many travelers come to Beaufort for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Martha's Vineyard in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Beaufort is generally a little warmer than Martha's Vineyard. Daily temperatures in Beaufort average around 82°F (28°C), and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Martha's Vineyard. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beaufort this time of the year. In the summer, Beaufort often gets less sunshine than Martha's Vineyard. Beaufort gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Martha's Vineyard receives 293 hours of full sun.

Beaufort receives a lot of rain in the summer. Beaufort usually gets more rain in July than Martha's Vineyard. Beaufort gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Beaufort 82°F (28°C) 
    Martha's Vineyard 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Beaufort or Martha's Vineyard in the Autumn?

Both Martha's Vineyard and Beaufort are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Beaufort in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Martha's Vineyard for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Beaufort is much warmer than Martha's Vineyard in the autumn. The daily temperature in Beaufort averages around 68°F (20°C) in October, and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Martha's Vineyard. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beaufort. Beaufort usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Martha's Vineyard during autumn. Beaufort gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Martha's Vineyard receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Beaufort usually receives less rain than Martha's Vineyard. Beaufort gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Beaufort 68°F (20°C) 
    Martha's Vineyard 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Beaufort or Martha's Vineyard in the Winter?

Both Martha's Vineyard and Beaufort during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Beaufort for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Martha's Vineyard because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Martha's Vineyard can be very cold. In the winter, Beaufort is much warmer than Martha's Vineyard. Typically, the winter temperatures in Beaufort in January average around 48°F (9°C), and Martha's Vineyard averages at about 28°F (-2°C).

In the winter, Beaufort often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Martha's Vineyard. Beaufort gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Martha's Vineyard receives 170 hours of full sun.

Beaufort usually gets less rain in January than Martha's Vineyard. Beaufort gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Beaufort 48°F (9°C) 
    Martha's Vineyard 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Beaufort or Martha's Vineyard in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Beaufort and Martha's Vineyard. The spring months attract visitors to Beaufort because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Martha's Vineyard this time of year.

In April, Beaufort is generally much warmer than Martha's Vineyard. Daily temperatures in Beaufort average around 67°F (19°C), and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Martha's Vineyard this time of the year. In Beaufort, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beaufort usually receives more sunshine than Martha's Vineyard during spring. Beaufort gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Martha's Vineyard receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Beaufort usually receives less rain than Martha's Vineyard. Beaufort gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Beaufort 67°F (19°C) 
    Martha's Vineyard 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Martha's Vineyard and Beaufort

Beaufort Martha's Vineyard
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 48°F (9°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 52°F (11°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 58°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 67°F (19°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 73°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 7.9 inches (200 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (164 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 77°F (25°C) 5.6 inches (141 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 59°F (15°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 52°F (11°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)