A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Blue Ridge vs. Beaufort for Food, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Blue Ridge or Beaufort?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Blue Ridge and Beaufort. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge is a historic, quaint, and charming town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking.

Beaufort

Beaufort is a historic, character-filled, and southern town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Blue Ridge and Beaufort: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
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
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Blue Ridge or Beaufort?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Beaufort. Although Blue Ridge and Beaufort are both popular with visitors, Beaufort has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Beaufort is more popular for its museums, beaches, historical sights, and quaint atmosphere, while Blue Ridge is known for its nightlife, hiking, and shopping. Blue Ridge is popular for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere. Beaufort is popular for its Lowcountry cuisine and historic homes. It is also home to Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park.

How is Blue Ridge different from Beaufort?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Beaufort and Blue Ridge. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Blue Ridge or Beaufort?

Blue Ridge
Beaufort

Beaufort is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Blue Ridge offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While you don't immediately think of museums in the area, there are a couple. The Dahlonega Gold Museum gives information on the gold rush and mining industry in town. In nearby Tennessee, Ducktown Basin Museum is a historic mine site that is open for tours.


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

Blue Ridge
Beaufort

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Blue Ridge and Beaufort can be difficult as they are each great in their own way.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Blue Ridge. You'll find plenty of small town restaurants serving local dishes like barbecue, trout, and biscuits with gravy. Southern food is popular, but you'll also find plenty of breweries and wineries in the area. Head downtown for an assortment of options that include southern, vegan, and even international flavors.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Beaufort. 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.

Is Blue Ridge or Beaufort Better for Nightlife?

Blue Ridge
Beaufort

Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge. Head downtown for a mix of breweries, bars, and clubs where you'll find live music and a casual meal.

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 Blue Ridge or Beaufort Better for Beaches?

Blue Ridge
Beaufort

Beaufort is a good destination for its beaches. However, Blue Ridge 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.

Blue Ridge is not a beach destination.


Is Blue Ridge or Beaufort Better for its Old Town?

Blue Ridge
Beaufort

Beaufort is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Blue Ridge 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.

Blue Ridge does not have a historic old town.

Is Blue Ridge or Beaufort Better for Hiking?

Blue Ridge
Beaufort

Blue Ridge is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Beaufort is not a hiking destination.

Blue Ridge is a popular spot for hiking. There are miles of hiking trails in the area that take you to waterfalls and viewpoints. The starting point of the Appalachian Trail is also nearby, and another popular trail is the Benton MacKaye Trail. Options range from beginner to expert with everything in between.

Beaufort is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Blue Ridge or Beaufort?

Blue Ridge
Beaufort

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

Blue Ridge is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find artisan shops, art galleries, and boutique clothing vendors. Many places are concentrated in the charming downtown area, which is fun to explore for a day or two.

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 Blue Ridge or Beaufort Better for Families?

Blue Ridge
Beaufort

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

Blue Ridge is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids who enjoy hiking and playing outdoors will have fun here. There are waterfall hikes, fruit picking farms, and plenty of playgrounds. There's also a scenic railway and lots of places to sample treats.

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 Blue Ridge or Beaufort Better for Couples?

Blue Ridge
Beaufort

Blue Ridge and Beaufort both great destinations for a couple.

Blue Ridge makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. If you're looking for a cozy retreat where you can relax in a cabin, take long walks through nature, and enjoy local food, then this is your place. There are plenty of bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and rustic cabins with fireplaces and simple pleasures. If you want to escape it all then the mountains are the place to be.

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.

Is Blue Ridge or Beaufort Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Blue Ridge
Beaufort

Blue Ridge is notable for backpackers. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Blue Ridge. There are a number of campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hikes that backpackers will enjoy. Nearby you'll also find the start of the famed Appalachian Trail.

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

Blue Ridge
Beaufort

Neither Blue Ridge or Beaufort offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Blue Ridge. There's no real public transportation system in the area.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Beaufort. There is no reliable public transportation system in the area.

Is Blue Ridge or Beaufort a more walkable city?

Blue Ridge
Beaufort

Beaufort is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Blue Ridge is a somewhat walkable place. While the downtown area is relatively walkable, if you want to hike and get out in nature, you'll need to have a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Beaufort or Blue Ridge?

How long in Blue Ridge or Beaufort?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Blue Ridge and Beaufort. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Blue Ridge than in Beaufort. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Blue Ridge, and 1-3 days is enough time in Beaufort.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge.


  • How many days in Blue Ridge or Beaufort? Ideal Length of Stay
    Blue Ridge 2-5 
    Beaufort 1-3

One day in Blue Ridge or Beaufort?

Blue Ridge is a small town where visitors enjoy the nightlife and food. 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.

With museums and food around the historic town of Beaufort, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Beaufort, one day is sufficent for most.


A weekend in Blue Ridge or Beaufort?

Blue Ridge 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 spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Blue Ridge, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With food and shopping around the small town destination of Beaufort, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Blue Ridge or Beaufort?

Blue Ridge is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Blue Ridge, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Beaufort, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Blue Ridge or Beaufort?

Blue Ridge 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 town offers something for everyone.

Beaufort is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.


Which place is cheaper, Beaufort or Blue Ridge?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Blue Ridge is $124, while the average daily cost in Beaufort is $131. 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 Blue Ridge and Beaufort in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Blue Ridge $67
    Beaufort $100
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Blue Ridge $134
    Beaufort $200
Compare Hotels in Blue Ridge and Beaufort

Looking for a hotel in Blue Ridge or Beaufort? 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 Blue Ridge


Hotels in Beaufort


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: Blue Ridge Hotel Prices and Beaufort Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Blue Ridge $34
    Beaufort -

Is it cheaper to fly into Blue Ridge or Beaufort?

Prices for flights to both Beaufort and Blue Ridge 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
    Blue Ridge $35
    Beaufort $31

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Blue Ridge $18
    Beaufort -

Tours and Activities in Blue Ridge

For Blue Ridge, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2 Hour Culture Tour in Helen: $25
  • 2-Hour Helen Haunts and History Walk Tour: $29

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
  • Pat Conroy's Beaufort Tour by Golf Cart: $40

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Blue Ridge $20
    Beaufort -


When comparing the travel costs between Blue Ridge and Beaufort, we can see that Beaufort 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 Blue Ridge Expensive? and Is Beaufort Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Blue Ridge or Beaufort?

Beaufort has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of Blue Ridge and Beaufort, 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 Blue Ridge or Beaufort?

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 Blue Ridge or Beaufort in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Blue Ridge as well as Beaufort. Many visitors come to Blue Ridge in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Beaufort for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Blue Ridge is around the same temperature as Beaufort in the summer. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Beaufort fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beaufort. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Blue Ridge this time of the year. In the summer, Blue Ridge often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Beaufort. Blue Ridge gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beaufort receives 267 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Beaufort. Blue Ridge receives a lot of rain in the summer. Blue Ridge usually gets less rain in July than Beaufort. Blue Ridge gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Beaufort receives 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Blue Ridge 81°F (27°C) 
    Beaufort 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Beaufort in the Autumn?

Both Beaufort and Blue Ridge are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Blue Ridge for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Beaufort because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Blue Ridge is cooler than Beaufort. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Blue Ridge in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Beaufort averages at about 68°F (20°C).

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

In October, Blue Ridge usually receives around the same amount of rain as Beaufort. Blue Ridge gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Beaufort receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Blue Ridge 63°F (17°C) 
    Beaufort 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Beaufort in the Winter?

Both Beaufort and Blue Ridge during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Blue Ridge because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Beaufort this time of year.

The weather in Blue Ridge can be very cold. In January, Blue Ridge is generally much colder than Beaufort. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 40°F (5°C), and Beaufort fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In the winter, Blue Ridge often gets less sunshine than Beaufort. Blue Ridge gets 145 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beaufort receives 176 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in January than Beaufort. Blue Ridge gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Beaufort receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Blue Ridge 40°F (5°C) 
    Beaufort 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Beaufort in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Blue Ridge and Beaufort. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Blue Ridge this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Beaufort for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Blue Ridge is cooler than Beaufort in the spring. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Beaufort fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beaufort this time of the year. In Blue Ridge, it's very sunny this time of the year. Blue Ridge usually receives less sunshine than Beaufort during spring. Blue Ridge gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Beaufort receives 275 hours of full sun in the spring.

Blue Ridge gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Beaufort. Blue Ridge gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Beaufort receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Blue Ridge 62°F (17°C) 
    Beaufort 67°F (19°C)

Typical Weather for Beaufort and Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge Beaufort
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 48°F (9°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Feb 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm) 52°F (11°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 53°F (12°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 58°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
Apr 62°F (17°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 67°F (19°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
May 70°F (21°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 73°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 80°F (26°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm) 82°F (28°C) 7.9 inches (200 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (164 mm)
Sep 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 77°F (25°C) 5.6 inches (141 mm)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 59°F (15°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)