A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Beaufort vs. Santa Barbara for Beaches, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Beaufort or Santa Barbara?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Beaufort or Santa Barbara, 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 charming, historic, and character-filled town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a wealthy, opulent, and pristine coastal town. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. You'll find world class beauty here as well. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Beaufort and Santa Barbara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Beaufort or Santa Barbara?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Santa Barbara than Beaufort, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Santa Barbara is better known for its museums, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Beaufort is more popular for its historical sights, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Santa Barbara is more touristy than Beaufort and is known for its historic missions, pristine beaches, world-class surfing, and scenic hikes that are full of coastal views. Also, Santa Barbara is famous for The Old Mission Santa Barbara. Beaufort is well known for its Lowcountry cuisine and historic homes.

How is Beaufort different from Santa Barbara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is famous for its missions, with Mission Santa Barbara being the most iconic. Also visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and Sea Center.

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 Santa Barbara? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at very good restaurants in both Beaufort and Santa Barbara.

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.

Santa Barbara has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city is best known for its fine dining, particularly if you enjoy seafood. The scallops, oysters, clam chowder, and sea urchin (when available) are all world class. Head for a waterfront setting for the best views and some of the freshest seafood.

Is Beaufort or Santa Barbara Better for Nightlife?

Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara. For the best nightlife in the city, head downtown to State Street. This is where you'll find the most active bars and biggest crowds. There's a large student population in town, so you'll find much of the nightlife scene is focused on the younger population.

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 Santa Barbara Better for Resorts?

Santa Barbara is notable for its resorts. However, Beaufort is not a resort destination.

Santa Barbara is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Many people enjoy the luxurious vacation rentals around Santa Barbara, but there are also a number of high end resorts including the Rosewood Miramar Beach Resort, The Ritz-Carlton, and Hotel Californian.

Beaufort is not a resort destination.

Is Beaufort or Santa Barbara Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santa Barbara is a moderate coastal town for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Beaufort is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Snorkeling is an option in Santa Barbara. Snorkeling areas not far from town include Refugio State Beach and Tajiguas. You'll see a few fish, beautiful rocks, and anemones that are unique and impressive.

Beaufort is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Beaufort or Santa Barbara Better for Beaches?

Santa Barbara is renowned for its beaches. Also, Beaufort is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for the beache.

The beaches in Santa Barbara are among the best in the world. The city is famous for its pristine, sandy beaches. Whether you want to enjoy world class surfing or enjoy a gentle ocean setting, Santa Barbara has many options.

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 Santa Barbara Better for its Old Town?

Beaufort is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. Also, Santa Barbara is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its 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.

Santa Barbara is a good destination for visiting its old town. The city's downtown "Old Town" is a high end, pedestrian-friendly area with plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Is Beaufort or Santa Barbara Better for Hiking?

Santa Barbara is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Beaufort is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Santa Barbara draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Just outside of town are countless hiking opportunities that offer spectacular ocean views. Popular hikes include Inspiration Point, San Ysidro Trail, and Cold Spring East Fork.

Beaufort is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Beaufort or Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara is renowned for shopping. Also, Beaufort is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Santa Barbara is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is famous as a high end shopping destination. Head to State Street for a palm tree lined street with local boutiques.

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 Santa Barbara Better for Families?

Santa Barbara is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for its kid-friendly activities.

Santa Barbara is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has some nice family-friendly activities including a zoo, some cool museums, and even whale watching. There are also many beautiful beaches where everyone can run around and play, as well as parks and other outdoor settings. For animal-lovers, there are wildlife centers and sea life opportunities.

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 Santa Barbara Better for Couples?

Santa Barbara is renowned for romance. Also, Beaufort is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its romantic activities.

Santa Barbara has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The town is a stunningly beautiful destination with beautiful beaches, excellent shopping, and nice resorts that make for a great honeymoon or romantic trip.

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 Santa Barbara Better for Students?

Santa Barbara is notable for students. However, Beaufort is not popular with students.

Santa Barbara is a great coastal town to visit as a student. With a major university right in town, there's plenty of student life that international students or locals can enjoy.

Beaufort is not popular with students.

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

Santa Barbara is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

Santa Barbara has a few public transit options. Transit options include buses, trolleys and water taxis.

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

Is Beaufort or Santa Barbara a more walkable city?

Beaufort and Santa Barbara both are very good when exploring on foot.

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

Santa Barbara is a very walkable town. The downtown area is very pedestrian-friendly and best explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Santa Barbara or Beaufort?

How long in Beaufort or Santa Barbara?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara.

One day in Beaufort or Santa Barbara?

Even though Beaufort is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

The beautiful coastal town of Santa Barbara offers food and shopping. 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 Santa Barbara?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Beaufort. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

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

Five days in Beaufort or Santa Barbara?

Beaufort is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara?

Beaufort is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Santa Barbara is a great place to explore. 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 coastal town 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 Santa Barbara, we can see that Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Beaufort or Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Beaufort. When comparing the sizes of Beaufort and Santa Barbara, 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 Santa Barbara?

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 Santa Barbara in the Summer?

Both Santa Barbara and Beaufort are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. 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 Santa Barbara for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Beaufort is generally much warmer than Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in Beaufort average around 82°F (28°C), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 65°F (19°C).

It's quite rainy in Beaufort. In July, Beaufort usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Beaufort gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Beaufort or Santa Barbara in the Autumn?

Both Santa Barbara and Beaufort during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Beaufort for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Santa Barbara because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Beaufort usually gets more rain in October than Santa Barbara. Beaufort gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beaufort or Santa Barbara in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Beaufort and Santa Barbara. The winter months attract visitors to Beaufort because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Santa Barbara this time of year.

In the winter, Beaufort is cooler than Santa Barbara. Typically, the winter temperatures in Beaufort in January average around 48°F (9°C), and Santa Barbara averages at about 52°F (11°C).

In January, Beaufort usually receives less rain than Santa Barbara. Beaufort gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Beaufort or Santa Barbara in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Beaufort as well as Santa Barbara. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Beaufort this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Santa Barbara for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Beaufort is generally a little warmer than Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in Beaufort average around 67°F (19°C), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

Beaufort usually gets more rain in April than Santa Barbara. Beaufort gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Santa Barbara and Beaufort