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

Should you visit New Bern or Beaufort?

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

Should I visit New Bern or Beaufort? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

New Bern

New Bern is a laid back, quaint, and charming town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

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.

New Bern and Beaufort: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in New Bern or Beaufort?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Beaufort. Although New Bern and Beaufort are both popular with visitors, Beaufort has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. New Bern is popular for being the birthplace of Pepsi. Beaufort is popular for its Lowcountry cuisine and historic homes. It is also home to Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park.

How is New Bern different from Beaufort?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in New Bern or Beaufort?

Both New Bern and Beaufort have good landmarks and museums for visitors.

New Bern is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Many visitors check out the Tryon Palace while they're in town. Other museums include the New Bern Fireman's Museum, the Carolina Creations Fine Art & Contemporary Craft Gallery, and the New Bern Academy Museum.

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 New Bern or Beaufort? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Beaufort is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, New Bern 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.

New Bern has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a number of local eateries, bistros, and cafes in town. You can sample southern favorites or something international. Popular dishes include fresh caught fish, crab cakes, and even tacos.

Is New Bern or Beaufort Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in New Bern and Beaufort.

New Bern is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There are a couple of pubs and breweries around town.

Beaufort doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. You'll find bars, grills, and taverns in town, but most people don't visit for the nightlife scene.

Is New Bern or Beaufort Better for Beaches?

Beaufort is a popular place for its beaches. However, New Bern 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.

New Bern is not a beach destination.

Is New Bern or Beaufort Better for its Old Town?

Beaufort is well known for its historic old town. However, New Bern 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.

New Bern does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in New Bern or Beaufort?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Beaufort and New Bern.

New Bern is a great destination for shopping. There are local shops and boutiques that sell clothing, antiques, and gifts.

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 New Bern or Beaufort Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either New Bern or Beaufort as a family destination.

New Bern doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Stand up paddle boarding and other outdoor activities are a fun way to experience the area with kids. You could also visit the New Bern Fireman's Museum, the Tryon Palace, or one of the parks around town.

For families, Beaufort is not always the best place to visit. 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 New Bern or Beaufort Better for Couples?

Beaufort is well known for romance. Also, New Bern 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.

New Bern makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The town's charm and quaint parks make this a nice weekend getaway. There are outdoor activities and the Tryon Palace which is nice to visit. There are also local restaurants around town.

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

Neither New Bern or Beaufort offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in New Bern. There's no real public transit in the area.

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

Is New Bern or Beaufort a more walkable city?

Beaufort is well known for its walkability. Also, New Bern 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.

New Bern is a somewhat walkable place. The downtown area is walkable and nice to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Beaufort or New Bern?

How long in New Bern or Beaufort?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Beaufort than New Bern. 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.

One day in New Bern or Beaufort?

New Bern is a small town where visitors enjoy the 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.

The town of Beaufort offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 New Bern or Beaufort?

New Bern 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in New Bern, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

Five days in New Bern or Beaufort?

New Bern 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.

Beaufort 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 New Bern or Beaufort?

New Bern 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 town offers something for everyone.

Beaufort is a great place to explore. 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. This town offers something for everyone.

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 comparing the travel costs between New Bern and Beaufort, we can see that New Bern 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 New Bern Expensive? and Is Beaufort Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, New Bern or Beaufort?

New Bern has a larger population, and is about 93% larger than the population of Beaufort. When comparing the sizes of New Bern 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 New Bern 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 New Bern or Beaufort in the Summer?

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

New Bern is around the same temperature as Beaufort in the summer. The daily temperature in New Bern averages around 80°F (27°C) in July, and Beaufort fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

Beaufort receives a lot of rain in the summer. New Bern gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, New Bern usually receives less rain than Beaufort. New Bern gets 6.6 inches (169 mm) of rain, while Beaufort receives 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit New Bern or Beaufort in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to New Bern as well as Beaufort. Many visitors come to New Bern in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, most visitors come to Beaufort for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, New Bern is around the same temperature as Beaufort. Typically, the autumn temperatures in New Bern in October average around 65°F (18°C), and Beaufort averages at about 68°F (20°C).

New Bern usually gets more rain in October than Beaufort. New Bern gets 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Beaufort receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New Bern or Beaufort in the Winter?

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

In January, New Bern is generally cooler than Beaufort. Daily temperatures in New Bern average around 44°F (7°C), and Beaufort fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

It's quite rainy in New Bern. In January, New Bern usually receives more rain than Beaufort. New Bern gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Beaufort receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit New Bern or Beaufort in the Spring?

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

New Bern is cooler than Beaufort in the spring. The daily temperature in New Bern averages around 62°F (16°C) in April, and Beaufort fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

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

Typical Weather for Beaufort and New Bern