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

Should you visit Beaufort or Norfolk?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Beaufort or Norfolk, 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 character-filled, southern, and charming town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. It's a gorgeous place to visit. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. It's also known for shopping, museums, and food.

Norfolk

Norfolk is a blue collar, maritime, and authentic city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Beaufort and Norfolk: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Beaufort or Norfolk?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Beaufort. Although Beaufort and Norfolk are both popular with visitors, Beaufort has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Beaufort is more popular for its food, beaches, historical sights, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Norfolk is known for its nightlife. Beaufort is more touristy than Norfolk and is known for its Lowcountry cuisine and historic homes. It is also home to Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. Norfolk is popular for its naval base and military presence.

How is Beaufort different from Norfolk?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Beaufort and Norfolk have good landmarks and museums for visitors.

Beaufort is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Norfolk offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting museums in town like the Chrysler Museum, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, and the Norfolk Police and Fire Museum. You should also check out the Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin.

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

Beaufort is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Norfolk has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find a decent collection of restaurants in the downtown area. Food options include local seafood, brunch, casual eateries, and fine dining.

Is Beaufort or Norfolk Better for Nightlife?

Norfolk is a nice place to visit for nightlife. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Norfolk. Downtown is where you'll find the most busy nightlife venues. The city has great breweries, and the live music scene has taken off. There are also lounges, dance clubs, and wine bars to choose from.

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 Norfolk Better for Beaches?

Beaufort is a popular place for its beaches. However, Norfolk is not a beach destination.

Beaufort is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Norfolk is not a beach destination.

Is Beaufort or Norfolk Better for its Old Town?

Beaufort is a great destination for its historic old town. However, Norfolk does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Norfolk does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Beaufort or Norfolk?

Both Beaufort and Norfolk are good 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 Norfolk. There's a mix of shopping malls, local boutiques, farmer's markets, and shopping centers around town.

Is Beaufort or Norfolk Better for Families?

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

Norfolk is a family-friendly place to visit. The Norfolk Zoo is always a hit with kids. You should also visit the USS Wisconsin which offers tours, as well as the Douglas MacArthur Memorial Museum.

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 Norfolk Better for Couples?

Beaufort is a great destination for romance. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Beaufort frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Most people don't think of Norfolk as a couple's destination. There are some nice hotels and several great parks and outdoor activities.

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

Norfolk 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 Norfolk. While there are buses, ferries, and even lightrail in the area, you really want to have a car to get around.

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

Is Beaufort or Norfolk a more walkable city?

Beaufort is a great destination for its walkability. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

Norfolk is a somewhat walkable place. Downtown is the most walkable part of the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Norfolk or Beaufort?

How long in Beaufort or Norfolk?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Beaufort or Norfolk to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Beaufort than Norfolk because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Beaufort, and 1-2 days is enough time in Norfolk.

Couples should spend more time in Beaufort than Norfolk. 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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk.

One day in Beaufort or Norfolk?

Beaufort is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

The city of Norfolk 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 Norfolk?

Beaufort might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Beaufort has to offer.

Norfolk 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 Norfolk, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Beaufort or Norfolk?

Beaufort is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Norfolk 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 Norfolk?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Beaufort. Since Beaufort is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Norfolk 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 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Beaufort or Norfolk?

Norfolk has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Beaufort. When comparing the sizes of Beaufort and Norfolk, 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 Norfolk?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Beaufort or Norfolk in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Beaufort and Norfolk. Many visitors come to Beaufort in the summer for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Norfolk for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Beaufort is around the same temperature as Norfolk in the summer. The daily temperature in Beaufort averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Norfolk fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Norfolk this time of the year. In Beaufort, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beaufort usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Norfolk during summer. Beaufort gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Norfolk receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

Norfolk receives a lot of rain in the summer. Beaufort gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Beaufort usually receives more rain than Norfolk. Beaufort gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Beaufort or Norfolk in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Beaufort as well as Norfolk. Most visitors come to Beaufort for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Norfolk because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Beaufort is a little warmer than Norfolk. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Beaufort in October average around 68°F (20°C), and Norfolk averages at about 62°F (16°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Norfolk. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beaufort this time of the year. In the autumn, Beaufort often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Norfolk. Beaufort gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Norfolk receives 211 hours of full sun.

Beaufort usually gets less rain in October than Norfolk. Beaufort gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beaufort or Norfolk in the Winter?

Both Norfolk and Beaufort are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Beaufort because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Norfolk this time of year.

It's quite cold in Norfolk in the winter. In January, Beaufort is generally much warmer than Norfolk. Daily temperatures in Beaufort average around 48°F (9°C), and Norfolk fluctuates around 39°F (4°C).

Beaufort usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Norfolk during winter. Beaufort gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Norfolk receives 168 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Beaufort usually receives less rain than Norfolk. Beaufort gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Beaufort or Norfolk in the Spring?

Both Norfolk and Beaufort during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Beaufort this time of year.

Beaufort is a little warmer than Norfolk in the spring. The daily temperature in Beaufort averages around 67°F (19°C) in April, and Norfolk fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

In Norfolk, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Beaufort. In the spring, Beaufort often gets more sunshine than Norfolk. Beaufort gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Norfolk receives 253 hours of full sun.

Beaufort usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Norfolk. Beaufort gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Norfolk and Beaufort