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

Should you visit New Bern or Monterey?

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

Should I visit New Bern or Monterey? 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 charming, laid back, and quaint town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Monterey

Monterey is a laid back, relaxing, and nature-oriented city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

New Bern and Monterey: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in New Bern or Monterey?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Monterey than New Bern, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Monterey is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while New Bern is more popular for its small town charm. Monterey is more touristy than New Bern and is popular for its rugged coastline, diverse marine life, and excellent seafood. Also, Monterey is famous for the Monterey Bay Aquarium. New Bern is well known for being the birthplace of Pepsi.

How is New Bern different from Monterey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Monterey is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Monterey offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a not-to-be-missed destination in town. You can also visit the Monterey State Historic Park or the Monterey Museum of Art.

New Bern offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Is the Food Better in New Bern or Monterey? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Monterey 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, Monterey makes for a great culinary experience. Seafood and local produce are what make the food special. There are many great restaurants to you can choose from that will let you enjoy the classic seafood dishes like clam chowder or oysters, as well as fresh artichokes and local wine.

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 Monterey Better for Nightlife?

Monterey is well known for nightlife. However, New Bern is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Monterey is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There's a buzzing atmosphere at night with bars, breweries, and casual eateries all coming to life. Some of the best venues are found at the Old Fisherman's Wharf and along Alvarado Street.

New Bern doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a couple of pubs and breweries around town.

Is New Bern or Monterey Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monterey is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, New Bern is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Monterey has a few good snorkeling spots. Scuba diving offers an unforgettable experience. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary gives you the unique experience of seeing sea lions, otters, kelp forests, crabs, and more.

New Bern is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is New Bern or Monterey Better for Beaches?

Monterey is a popular place for its beaches. However, New Bern is not a beach destination.

Monterey is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches highlight the laid by California vibe with sunbathers and beachgoers soaking up the atmosphere. There are both inlets and sandy beaches where you can see sea lions or explore the tidal pools.

New Bern is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in New Bern or Monterey?

Monterey is well known for shopping. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Monterey is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find both local vendors and tourist shops around town. Cannery Row is a popular destination, as is Old Fisherman's Wharf and the Old Farmer's Market.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting New Bern. There are local shops and boutiques that sell clothing, antiques, and gifts.

Is New Bern or Monterey Better for Families?

Monterey is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. However, New Bern is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Monterey is a very family-friendly destination. Monterey Bay Aquarium is a highlight for kids and adults alike. There's also the Monterey Zoo as well as lighthearted activities like a mirror maze. MY Museum is an interactive museum that's perfect for younger kids. There are also whale watching trips and nearby beaches.

For families, New Bern is not always the best place to visit. 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.

Is New Bern or Monterey Better for Couples?

Monterey is well known for romance. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Monterey frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many romantic inns in town as well as quaint restaurants and fun activities. There are also spas, wine bars, and plenty of shopping for couples to enjoy as well.

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 Monterey Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Monterey is a popular place for backpackers. However, New Bern is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Monterey. There's a hostel in town as well as fun activities that will appeal to backpackers.

New Bern is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not popular with backpackers in part because it's a small town that most people breeze through on their way to the beach.

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

Monterey is a city with a few options for its public transit. However, New Bern is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Monterey. There is a bus system through the area.

Public transit is quite limited in New Bern. There's no real public transit in the area.

Is New Bern or Monterey a more walkable city?

Monterey is well known for its walkability. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Monterey is very walkable. If you stay near the town center, it's very walkable and easy to get around on foot.

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 Monterey Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Monterey or New Bern?

How long in New Bern or Monterey?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both New Bern and Monterey. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Monterey 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 Monterey.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Monterey than New Bern 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 Monterey.

One day in New Bern or Monterey?

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 city of Monterey offers museums and nightlife. 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 Monterey?

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.

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

Five days in New Bern or Monterey?

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.

Monterey 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 Monterey?

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.

Monterey 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 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 New Bern and Monterey, we can see that Monterey is more expensive. And not only is New Bern much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to New Bern would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in New Bern 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 Monterey would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Monterey than you might in New Bern.

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 Monterey Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, New Bern or Monterey?

Monterey has a larger population, and is about 28% larger than the population of New Bern. When comparing the sizes of New Bern and Monterey, 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 Monterey?

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 New Bern or Monterey in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to New Bern as well as Monterey. Most visitors come to New Bern for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Monterey because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, New Bern is generally much warmer than Monterey. Daily temperatures in New Bern average around 80°F (27°C), and Monterey fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

New Bern receives a lot of rain in the summer. New Bern usually gets more rain in July than Monterey. New Bern gets 6.6 inches (169 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New Bern or Monterey in the Autumn?

Both Monterey and New Bern are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to New Bern because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Monterey this time of year.

New Bern is around the same temperature as Monterey in the autumn. The daily temperature in New Bern averages around 65°F (18°C) in October, and Monterey fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In October, New Bern usually receives more rain than Monterey. New Bern gets 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit New Bern or Monterey in the Winter?

Both Monterey and New Bern during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to New Bern this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Monterey for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, New Bern is much colder than Monterey. Typically, the winter temperatures in New Bern in January average around 44°F (7°C), and Monterey averages at about 51°F (11°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in New Bern. New Bern usually gets more rain in January than Monterey. New Bern gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New Bern or Monterey in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both New Bern and Monterey. Many travelers come to New Bern for the small town charm. Also, many visitors come to Monterey in the spring for the beaches.

In April, New Bern is generally a little warmer than Monterey. Daily temperatures in New Bern average around 62°F (16°C), and Monterey fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In April, New Bern usually receives more rain than Monterey. New Bern gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Monterey and New Bern