A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Beaufort vs. Monterey for Families, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Beaufort or Monterey?

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

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

Monterey

Monterey is a laid back, relaxing, and nature-oriented city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Beaufort and Monterey: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Beaufort or Monterey?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Monterey than Beaufort, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Monterey is better known for its museums & sights, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and shopping, while Beaufort is more popular for its historical sights, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Monterey is more touristy than Beaufort and is popular for its rugged coastline, diverse marine life, and excellent seafood. Also, Monterey is famous for the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Beaufort is well known for its Lowcountry cuisine and historic homes.

How is Beaufort different from Monterey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Monterey 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 Monterey can be an interesting and educational experience. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a not-to-be-missed destination in town. You can also visit the Monterey State Historic Park or the Monterey Museum of Art.

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 Monterey? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at great restaurants in both Beaufort and Monterey.

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.

Monterey has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Seafood and local produce are what make the food special. There are many great restaurants to you can choose from that will let you enjoy the classic seafood dishes like clam chowder or oysters, as well as fresh artichokes and local wine.

Is Beaufort or Monterey Better for Nightlife?

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

Monterey has plenty to do after the sun goes down. There's a buzzing atmosphere at night with bars, breweries, and casual eateries all coming to life. Some of the best venues are found at the Old Fisherman's Wharf and along Alvarado Street.

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 Monterey Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monterey is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Beaufort is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Monterey has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Scuba diving offers an unforgettable experience. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary gives you the unique experience of seeing sea lions, otters, kelp forests, crabs, and more.

Beaufort is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Beaufort or Monterey Better for Beaches?

Both Beaufort and Monterey have notable 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 Monterey. The beaches highlight the laid by California vibe with sunbathers and beachgoers soaking up the atmosphere. There are both inlets and sandy beaches where you can see sea lions or explore the tidal pools.

Is Beaufort or Monterey Better for its Old Town?

Beaufort is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Monterey 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.

Monterey does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Beaufort or Monterey?

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

Monterey is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find both local vendors and tourist shops around town. Cannery Row is a popular destination, as is Old Fisherman's Wharf and the Old Farmer's Market.

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 Monterey Better for Families?

Monterey is renowned for its family-friendly activities. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for its kid-friendly activities.

Monterey is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Monterey Bay Aquarium is a highlight for kids and adults alike. There's also the Monterey Zoo as well as lighthearted activities like a mirror maze. MY Museum is an interactive museum that's perfect for younger kids. There are also whale watching trips and nearby 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 Monterey Better for Couples?

Beaufort and Monterey are both great 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.

Monterey makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many romantic inns in town as well as quaint restaurants and fun activities. There are also spas, wine bars, and plenty of shopping for couples to enjoy as well.

Is Beaufort or Monterey Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Monterey is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Monterey. There's a hostel in town as well as fun activities that will appeal to backpackers.

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 Monterey Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Monterey is a moderate city 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 Monterey. There is a bus system through the area.

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

Is Beaufort or Monterey a more walkable city?

Beaufort and Monterey both are great when exploring on foot.

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

Monterey is a very walkable town. If you stay near the town center, it's very walkable and easy to get around on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Monterey or Beaufort?

How long in Beaufort or Monterey?

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

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

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

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

One day in Beaufort or Monterey?

Beaufort is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The city of Monterey offers museums and nightlife. 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 Monterey?

Beaufort 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Beaufort, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

Five days in Beaufort or Monterey?

Beaufort 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.

Monterey 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 Monterey?

Beaufort is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

Monterey 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 city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Beaufort or Monterey?

Monterey has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Beaufort. When comparing the sizes of Beaufort and Monterey, 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 Monterey?

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 Monterey in the Summer?

Both Monterey and Beaufort during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Beaufort for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Monterey in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Beaufort is generally much warmer than Monterey. Daily temperatures in Beaufort average around 82°F (28°C), and Monterey fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Beaufort. Beaufort usually gets more rain in July than Monterey. Beaufort gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beaufort or Monterey in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Beaufort and Monterey. Many visitors come to Beaufort in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Monterey for the shopping scene during these months.

Beaufort is a little warmer than Monterey in the autumn. The daily temperature in Beaufort averages around 68°F (20°C) in October, and Monterey fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In October, Beaufort usually receives more rain than Monterey. Beaufort gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Beaufort or Monterey in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Beaufort as well as Monterey. Most visitors come to Beaufort for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Monterey because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Beaufort is cooler than Monterey. Typically, the winter temperatures in Beaufort in January average around 48°F (9°C), and Monterey averages at about 51°F (11°C).

Beaufort usually gets more rain in January than Monterey. Beaufort gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beaufort or Monterey in the Spring?

Both Monterey and Beaufort are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Beaufort because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Monterey this time of year.

In April, Beaufort is generally a little warmer than Monterey. Daily temperatures in Beaufort average around 67°F (19°C), and Monterey fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In April, Beaufort usually receives more rain than Monterey. Beaufort gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Monterey and Beaufort