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

Should you visit Gainesville or Beaufort?

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

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

Gainesville

Gainesville is a active, vibrant, and high energy city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Beaufort

Beaufort is a charming, historic, and character-filled town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. It's a gorgeous place to visit. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Gainesville and Beaufort: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gainesville or Beaufort?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Beaufort. Although Gainesville and Beaufort 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 Gainesville is known for its museums and nightlife. Beaufort is more touristy than Gainesville and is known for its Lowcountry cuisine and historic homes. It is also home to Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. Gainesville is popular for being the home of the University of Florida

How is Gainesville different from Beaufort?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Gainesville or Beaufort?

Gainesville 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 Gainesville can be an interesting and educational experience. There's a surprising number of museums around town such as the Florida Museum of Natural History, the Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art, and the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention. Also fascinating is the Historic Haile Homestead, the Butterfly Rainforest, and the city's planetarium.

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 Gainesville or Beaufort? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Beaufort is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Gainesville has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Casual eateries are popular around town, particularly with the student population. There are grills, diners, and bistros that serve local dishes at affordable prices.

Is Gainesville or Beaufort Better for Nightlife?

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

Gainesville has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The nightlife centers around the student population. The two main party areas are Midtown and Downtown. Midtown is between Northwest 17th Street and Northwest 18th Street and it's convenient for students who live on campus. The area has a great stretch of bars and clubs. The Downtown area has many of the city's top clubs, and it's popular with upperclassmen and students who live off campus.

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 Gainesville or Beaufort Better for Beaches?

Beaufort is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Gainesville is not a beach destination.

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.

Gainesville is not a beach destination.

Is Gainesville or Beaufort Better for its Old Town?

Beaufort is notable for its historic old town. However, Gainesville does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Beaufort to see the historical old town. 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.

Gainesville does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Gainesville or Beaufort?

Both Gainesville and Beaufort are good shopping destinations.

Gainesville is a great destination for shopping. You'll find all of the standard shopping options around town such as malls, shopping centers, and retail outlets. Two popular areas are the Neighborhoods at Butler and Celebration Pointe.

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 Gainesville or Beaufort Better for Families?

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

Gainesville is a family-friendly place to visit. You'll find outdoor activities, nature parks, and a couple of museums that will appeal to all ages. Highlights for families include A. Quinn Jones Museum and Cultural Center, the Adventure Outpost, and Alfred A. Ring Park.

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 Gainesville or Beaufort Better for Couples?

Beaufort is notable for romance. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Gainesville makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can enjoy wine tasting and fine dining or enjoying the city's many outdoor activities. Go on a picnic or explore one of the museums in Downtown Gainesville.

Is Gainesville or Beaufort Better for Students?

Gainesville is notable for students. However, Beaufort is not popular with students.

Gainesville is a great city to visit as a student. As the location of the University of Florida, you'll find many students around town. This keeps the energy high with plenty of evening activities and affordable entertainment options.

Beaufort is not popular with students.

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

Gainesville 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.

Gainesville has a few public transit options. There's a decent bus system that's free to students and employees of the university.

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

Is Gainesville or Beaufort a more walkable city?

Beaufort is notable for its walkability. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Gainesville is a somewhat walkable place. Biking is actually a popular way to get around town and some areas are pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Beaufort or Gainesville?

How long in Gainesville or Beaufort?

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

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

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

One day in Gainesville or Beaufort?

The city of Gainesville 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.

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.

A weekend in Gainesville or Beaufort?

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

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.

Five days in Gainesville or Beaufort?

Gainesville 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.

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.

A week in Gainesville or Beaufort?

Gainesville 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.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Gainesville or Beaufort?

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

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 Gainesville or Beaufort in the Summer?

Both Beaufort and Gainesville are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Gainesville because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Beaufort this time of year.

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Beaufort. It's quite rainy in Gainesville. In July, Gainesville usually receives less rain than Beaufort. Gainesville gets 6.8 inches (174 mm) of rain, while Beaufort receives 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Gainesville or Beaufort in the Autumn?

Both Beaufort and Gainesville during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Gainesville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Beaufort for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Gainesville is around the same temperature as Beaufort. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Gainesville in October average around 71°F (22°C), and Beaufort averages at about 68°F (20°C).

Gainesville usually gets less rain in October than Beaufort. Gainesville gets 2 inches (51 mm) of rain, while Beaufort receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Gainesville is June to November.

Should I visit Gainesville or Beaufort in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Gainesville and Beaufort. Many travelers come to Gainesville for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Beaufort in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Gainesville is generally a little warmer than Beaufort. Daily temperatures in Gainesville average around 54°F (12°C), and Beaufort fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In January, Gainesville usually receives around the same amount of rain as Beaufort. Gainesville gets 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Beaufort receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Gainesville or Beaufort in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Gainesville as well as Beaufort. Also, most visitors come to Beaufort for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

Gainesville is around the same temperature as Beaufort in the spring. The daily temperature in Gainesville averages around 69°F (20°C) in April, and Beaufort fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

Gainesville usually gets less rain in April than Beaufort. Gainesville gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Beaufort receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Gainesville.

Typical Weather for Beaufort and Gainesville