A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Ocean City vs. Beaufort for Families, Food, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Ocean City or Beaufort?

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

Should I visit Ocean City 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.

Ocean City

Ocean City is a fun-filled, laid back, and active city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

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.

Ocean City and Beaufort: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ocean City or Beaufort?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Beaufort than Ocean City, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Beaufort is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Ocean City is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Ocean City is more touristy than Beaufort and is known for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. Beaufort is well known for its Lowcountry cuisine and historic homes. Also, Beaufort is famous for Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park.

How is Ocean City different from Beaufort?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ocean City or Beaufort?

Beaufort is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Ocean City is not a good city for its museums and history.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Beaufort. 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.

While most people don't head to Ocean City specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people spend their time on the beach, but for the rainy days you can check out the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum or the Art League of Ocean City.

Is the Food Better in Ocean City or Beaufort? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Beaufort is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Ocean City is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Beaufort is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Ocean City. Themed restaurants are popular in the area. You'll also find all-you-can-eat seafood buffets and casual diners with pancakes and waffles. Pizza, burgers, and other fast food options are also abundant.

Is Ocean City or Beaufort Better for Nightlife?

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

Ocean City has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Happy hours are popular at the bars in the area. You'll also find live music and DJ led parties. Head to the boardwalk, which will overwhelm your senses. There are neon lights, colorful rides, and arcades filled with people and activities.

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 Ocean City or Beaufort Better for Resorts?

Ocean City is notable for its resorts. However, Beaufort is not a resort destination.

Ocean City is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are many oceanfront resorts with pools and rooms with ocean views. The hotels along the beach tend to be the most expensive, but if you find a place across from the Coastal Highway, it's very challenging to walk to the beach.

Beaufort is not a resort destination.

Is Ocean City or Beaufort Better for Beaches?

Ocean City is notable for its beaches. Also, Beaufort is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for the beache.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Ocean City. There are ten miles of sandy beach that are lined with hotels and resorts. A festive boardwalk runs along the coastline and has many rides, arcades, restaurants, and more. The beach offers waves and warm water during the summer months.

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 Ocean City or Beaufort Better for its Old Town?

Beaufort is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Ocean City 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.

Ocean City does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Ocean City or Beaufort?

Beaufort is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Ocean City is not a good city for shopping.

Many visitors go to Beaufort to go shopping. Head downtown for some souvenir shopping or to check out the art galleries or fashion boutiques.

Ocean City is a good destination for shopping. You'll find surf stores and souvenir shops along the three mile boardwalk. There are also many vendors and shopping centers along the Coastal Highway. For something a little more interesting you can head to the Inlet Village.

Is Ocean City or Beaufort Better for Families?

Ocean City is renowned for its family-friendly activities. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for its kid-friendly activities.

Ocean City is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Beyond the family-friendly beach, there's also minigolf, dolphin tours, and themed-restaurants that are perfect for kids. Head to the Jolly Roger amusement park for a thrilling afternoon or spend some time visiting Ripley's Believe It or Not. The boardwalk is lined with activities for both kids and adults. There are also candy shops, ice cream parlors, and pizza joints where you can grab a bite to eat.

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 Ocean City or Beaufort Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ocean City and Beaufort make for a very good place to visit.

Ocean City is a very popular place to visit for couples. Hotels line the beach, many with beautiful views and nice pools. You can take long romantic walks along the coastline or head to one of the many seafood restaurants in town.

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

Ocean City is a moderate city for its public transit. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Ocean City. There are boardwalk trams as well as shuttle buses, but most people have their own vehicle, and its recommended you have a private car to get around.

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

Is Ocean City or Beaufort a more walkable city?

Beaufort is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Ocean City is not a good city for its walkability.

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

Ocean City is generally not a very walkable city. If you stay at an oceanfront hotel or on the ocean block, it's possible to walk to the beach. If you stay further back, you'll have to cross the Coastal Highway, which is eight lanes of busy traffic.

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

Should I spend more time in Beaufort or Ocean City?

How long in Ocean City or Beaufort?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ocean City and Beaufort. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Ocean City than in Beaufort. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Ocean City, and 1-3 days is enough time in Beaufort.

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

Couples should spend more time in Beaufort than Ocean City. 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 Ocean City 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 Ocean City.

One day in Ocean City or Beaufort?

The city of Ocean City offers food and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

Beaufort might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Ocean City or Beaufort?

Ocean City is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Even though Beaufort is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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 Ocean City or Beaufort?

Ocean City is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ocean City, 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 Ocean City or Beaufort?

Ocean City is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ocean City has to offer. This city 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 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 Ocean City and Beaufort, we can see that Ocean City 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 Ocean City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ocean City 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 Ocean City Expensive? and Is Beaufort Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ocean City or Beaufort?

Beaufort has a larger population, and is about 72% larger than the population of Ocean City. When comparing the sizes of Ocean City 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 Ocean City 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 Ocean City or Beaufort in the Summer?

Both Beaufort and Ocean City are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Ocean City for the beaches 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.

In the summer, Ocean City is cooler than Beaufort. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ocean City in July average around 77°F (25°C), and Beaufort averages at about 82°F (28°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Beaufort. It's quite rainy in Ocean City. In July, Ocean City usually receives less rain than Beaufort. Ocean City gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Beaufort receives 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ocean City or Beaufort in the Autumn?

Both Beaufort and Ocean City during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Ocean City in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Beaufort for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Ocean City is generally cooler than Beaufort. Daily temperatures in Ocean City average around 58°F (14°C), and Beaufort fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

Ocean City usually gets more rain in October than Beaufort. Ocean City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Beaufort receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Beaufort in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocean City and Beaufort. Most visitors come to Ocean City for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Beaufort because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Ocean City can be very cold during winter. Ocean City is much colder than Beaufort in the winter. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 35°F (2°C) in January, and Beaufort fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In January, Ocean City usually receives more rain than Beaufort. Ocean City gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Beaufort receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ocean City or Beaufort in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ocean City as well as Beaufort. The spring months attract visitors to Ocean City because of the beaches. Additionally, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Beaufort this time of year.

In the spring, Ocean City is much colder than Beaufort. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ocean City in April average around 54°F (12°C), and Beaufort averages at about 67°F (19°C).

Ocean City usually gets more rain in April than Beaufort. Ocean City gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Beaufort receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Beaufort and Ocean City