A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Beaufort vs. San Antonio for Families, Attractions, Food, and Old Town

Should you visit Beaufort or San Antonio?

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

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

San Antonio

San Antonio is a fun, historic, and cultural city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and live music.

Beaufort and San Antonio: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Beaufort or San Antonio?

Both San Antonio and Beaufort have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Beaufort is more popular for its food, beaches, historical sights, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while San Antonio is known for its museums, nightlife, and music. Beaufort is popular for its Lowcountry cuisine and historic homes. San Antonio is popular for being the home to the Alamo, the popular RiverWalk area, and several world-class amusement parks.

How is Beaufort different from San Antonio?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Beaufort
San Antonio

San Antonio 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 San Antonio can be an interesting and educational experience. It is known for its role in American history, and the city is famous as the location of the Alamo. It's also where you'll find the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park & Mission Trail, the San Antonio Museum of Art, Witte Museum, and the Guinness World Records Museum, among others.

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 San Antonio? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Beaufort
San Antonio

Beaufort is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, San Antonio 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.

San Antonio has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find a mix of amazing and authentic Mexican food, simpler Tex Mex, and a number of Hill Country specialties. The city is filled with comfort food and the restaurants reflect the diverse character of the population. Popular local dishes include tacos, sweet potato fries, and chicken fried steak.

Is Beaufort or San Antonio Better for Nightlife?

Beaufort
San Antonio

San Antonio 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 San Antonio. The city's nightlife scene is diverse, with dance halls, breweries, and clubs. It has seen a recent boom in dance clubs, so there are plenty of places to party hard, or to have a more relaxing night out. The RiverWalk is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene, particularly for tourists. Many conferences stay at hotels near the RiverWalk, so it's not uncommon to see professionals out and about after a day of networking.

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 San Antonio Better for Music?

Beaufort
San Antonio

San Antonio is a nice place to visit for live music. However, Beaufort is not a live music destination.

The music scene helps keep San Antonio active and fun. It's worth checking out The Aztec Theater, Sam's Burger Joint, and 502 Bar.

Beaufort is not a live music destination.


Is Beaufort or San Antonio Better for Beaches?

Beaufort
San Antonio

Beaufort is a good destination for its beaches. However, San Antonio is not a beach destination.

Beaufort offers a nice beach destination. 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.

San Antonio is not a beach destination.

Is Beaufort or San Antonio Better for its Old Town?

Beaufort
San Antonio

Beaufort is a great destination for its historic old town. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in San Antonio. The city is famous for its River Walk, which may feel slightly cheesy, but is still a unique and mesmerizing place to wander.

Is the Shopping Better in Beaufort or San Antonio?

Beaufort
San Antonio

Both Beaufort and San Antonio 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 San Antonio. From souvenir shops to local boutiques and chain stores, there are several shopping options around town. Check out the historic Market Square or the shops at Rivercenter for some of the city's most interesting shopping.


Is Beaufort or San Antonio Better for Christmas?

Beaufort
San Antonio

San Antonio is a nice place to visit for its Christmas activities. However, Beaufort does not offer Christmas activities.

San Antonio is a fun destination over Christmas. It's fun to see the lights along the River Walk at Christmas.

Beaufort does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Beaufort or San Antonio Better for Families?

Beaufort
San Antonio

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

San Antonio is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The RiverWalk is a fun family-friendly area. There's also Six Flags, SeaWorld and the San Antonio Zoo as well as a number of museums and other amusement parks in the area. It's easy to spend days having a great family vacation in this area and you can combine history, culture, and entertainment all in one setting.

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 San Antonio Better for Couples?

Beaufort
San Antonio

Beaufort is a great destination for romance. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

San Antonio makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy taking a boat ride and exploring the many sites around town. The RiverWalk has many restaurants and a great atmosphere for a date night. There's also the botanical gardens and many outdoor spaces to explore.


Is Beaufort or San Antonio Better for Students?

Beaufort
San Antonio

San Antonio is a nice place to visit for students. However, Beaufort is not popular with students.

San Antonio is a good city to visit for students. There are a couple of colleges in the area. This is also a major conference destination so it's possible to network and meet other professionals.

Beaufort is not popular with students.

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

Beaufort
San Antonio

San Antonio 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 San Antonio. Buses connect most of the city's tourist attractions, but you'll find life much easier if you have your own car.

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

Is Beaufort or San Antonio a more walkable city?

Beaufort
San Antonio

Beaufort is a great destination for its walkability. However, San Antonio is a city with minimal options 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.

San Antonio is generally not a very walkable town. If you stick to the downtown area you will be fine getting around on foot. Outside of that area, you'll need a car.


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

Should I spend more time in San Antonio or Beaufort?

How long in Beaufort or San Antonio?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Beaufort and San Antonio. In our opinion, San Antonio has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in San Antonio than Beaufort. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Beaufort, and 2-3 days is enough time in San Antonio.

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

Couples should spend more time in Beaufort than San Antonio. 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 San Antonio 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 San Antonio.


  • How many days in Beaufort or San Antonio? Ideal Length of Stay
    Beaufort 1-3 
    San Antonio 2-3

One day in Beaufort or San Antonio?

Beaufort is a small town with plenty to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The city of San Antonio offers museums and nightlife. 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 San Antonio?

Beaufort might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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

Five days in Beaufort or San Antonio?

Because Beaufort is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

San Antonio 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 San Antonio?

Since Beaufort is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

San Antonio 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.


Which place is cheaper, San Antonio 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 San Antonio is $132. 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 San Antonio in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Beaufort $100
    San Antonio $69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Beaufort $200
    San Antonio $138
Compare Hotels in Beaufort and San Antonio

Looking for a hotel in Beaufort or San Antonio? 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 San Antonio


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 San Antonio Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Beaufort -
    San Antonio $20

Typical Local Transportation Prices in San Antonio

Some typical examples of transportation costs in San Antonio are as follows:


  • Rental Car for a Day
    $60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Antonio

Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Antonio:

  • Private One-way San Antonio Airport Transfer To/From San Antonio: $67
  • Private Round Trip Transfer - San Antonio International Airport (SAT): $93
  • Private Transfer: San Antonio Airport to San Antonio by Sedan, SUV or Minibus : $97
  • Galveston: One-Way Transfer GLS Airport to City: $237

Is it cheaper to fly into Beaufort or San Antonio?

Prices for flights to both San Antonio 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
    San Antonio $40

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Antonio

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in San Antonio.

  • The Haunted Dinner Tour: $75

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Beaufort -
    San Antonio $36

Tours and Activities in Beaufort

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Beaufort are as follows:

  • Historic City Tour by Bus: $29
  • Pat Conroy's Beaufort Tour by Golf Cart: $40
  • Gullah Heritage Tour: $49
  • Beaufort Tipsy Tour: $55

Typical Entertainment Prices in San Antonio

Here are a few typical costs in San Antonio for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Spa Treatments
    $200

Tours and Activities in San Antonio

Here are a few actual costs in San Antonio for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Self-Guided Ghost Walking Tour: $6.75
  • The Alamo In-App Audio Tour (WITHOUT A TICKET): $10
  • Briscoe Western Art Museum Entry Ticket: $14
  • The Alamo Exhibit Entry Ticket: $14
  • Witte Museum Admission Ticket: $16
  • Tower of the Americas Entry Ticket: $20
  • San Antonio Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • San Antonio Museum of Art Entry Ticket: $22
  • Hopscotch Immersive Art Experience: $24
  • Hopscotch Immersive Art Experience Ticket: $24
  • San Antonio Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Historical Ghost Tour: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Beaufort -
    San Antonio -

Sample the Local Flavors in San Antonio

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Antonio:

  • Epic San Antonio Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
  • Death Warmed Over: San Antonio Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Guided Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Texas’ Oldest Haunted Pub Crawl Shared Walking Tour: $30
  • Taste of Fredericksburg Small-Group Wine Tour from San Antonio: $155


When comparing the travel costs between Beaufort and San Antonio, we can see that San Antonio 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 San Antonio Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Beaufort or San Antonio?

San Antonio has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Beaufort. When comparing the sizes of Beaufort and San Antonio, 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 San Antonio?

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 San Antonio in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Beaufort and San Antonio. Many travelers come to Beaufort for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to San Antonio in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

Beaufort is around the same temperature as San Antonio in the summer. The daily temperature in Beaufort averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and San Antonio fluctuates around 87°F (31°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Antonio this time of the year. In Beaufort, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beaufort usually receives less sunshine than San Antonio during summer. Beaufort gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while San Antonio receives 307 hours of full sun in the summer.

Beaufort gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Beaufort usually receives more rain than San Antonio. Beaufort gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while San Antonio receives 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Beaufort 82°F (28°C) 
    San Antonio 87°F (31°C)

Should I visit Beaufort or San Antonio in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Beaufort as well as San Antonio. 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 San Antonio for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Beaufort is cooler than San Antonio. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Beaufort in October average around 68°F (20°C), and San Antonio averages at about 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Antonio. 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 San Antonio. Beaufort gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Antonio receives 213 hours of full sun.

Beaufort usually gets less rain in October than San Antonio. Beaufort gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while San Antonio receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Beaufort 68°F (20°C) 
    San Antonio 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Beaufort or San Antonio in the Winter?

Both San Antonio and Beaufort are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Beaufort for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to San Antonio because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Beaufort is generally cooler than San Antonio. Daily temperatures in Beaufort average around 48°F (9°C), and San Antonio fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

Beaufort usually receives more sunshine than San Antonio during winter. Beaufort gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while San Antonio receives 155 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Beaufort usually receives more rain than San Antonio. Beaufort gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while San Antonio receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Beaufort 48°F (9°C) 
    San Antonio 54°F (12°C)

Should I visit Beaufort or San Antonio in the Spring?

Both San Antonio and Beaufort during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Beaufort because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to San Antonio this time of year.

Beaufort is cooler than San Antonio in the spring. The daily temperature in Beaufort averages around 67°F (19°C) in April, and San Antonio fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

In San Antonio, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Beaufort. In the spring, Beaufort often gets more sunshine than San Antonio. Beaufort gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Antonio receives 216 hours of full sun.

Beaufort usually gets more rain in April than San Antonio. Beaufort gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while San Antonio receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Beaufort 67°F (19°C) 
    San Antonio 74°F (23°C)

Typical Weather for San Antonio and Beaufort

Beaufort San Antonio
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 48°F (9°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 54°F (12°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Feb 52°F (11°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 57°F (14°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Mar 58°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 65°F (18°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Apr 67°F (19°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 74°F (23°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
May 73°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 79°F (26°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm) 84°F (29°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 7.9 inches (200 mm) 87°F (31°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (164 mm) 87°F (31°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Sep 77°F (25°C) 5.6 inches (141 mm) 82°F (28°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Oct 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 59°F (15°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm) 64°F (18°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Dec 52°F (11°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm)