A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Beaufort vs. Acadia National Park for Food, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Beaufort or Acadia National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Beaufort or Acadia National Park, 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.

Beaufort

Beaufort is a historic, character-filled, and southern town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Beaufort offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums. See Beaufort travel costs.

Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a picturesque, beautiful, and scenic national park. Acadia National Park is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for beaches and hiking. See Acadia National Park travel costs.

Beaufort and Acadia National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Beaufort or Acadia National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Beaufort than Acadia National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Beaufort is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Acadia National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Acadia National Park is more touristy than Beaufort and is popular for its scenic drives, beautiful fall foliage, and cross country skiing in the winter. Beaufort is well known for its Lowcountry cuisine and historic homes. Also, Beaufort is famous for Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park.

How is Beaufort different from Acadia National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Beaufort or Acadia National Park?

Beaufort
Acadia National Park

Beaufort is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Acadia National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are educational centers and Ranger Programs at the visitor centers in the park.


Is the Food Better in Beaufort or Acadia National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Beaufort
Acadia National Park

Beaufort is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Beaufort has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Acadia National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There's one restaurant in the park, the Jordan Pond House Restaurant, which serves lunch and dinner between mid-May and October. Many visitors prefer to bring their own food and enjoy meals at one of the six picnic areas.

Is Beaufort or Acadia National Park Better for Nightlife?

Beaufort
Acadia National Park

Beaufort is a decent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife.

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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Acadia National Park. The park is more about sunsets and stargazing than lively nightlife parties.

Is Beaufort or Acadia National Park Better for Beaches?

Beaufort
Acadia National Park

Both Beaufort and Acadia National Park have notable beaches worth visiting.

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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Acadia National Park. There is one oceanside beach in the park, Sand Beach, as well as two lakefront beaches, Echo Lake Beach and Lake Wood. Many visitors enjoy swimming during the warmer months.


Is Beaufort or Acadia National Park Better for its Old Town?

Beaufort
Acadia National Park

Beaufort is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Acadia National Park 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.

Acadia National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Beaufort or Acadia National Park Better for Hiking?

Beaufort
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Beaufort is not a hiking destination.

Acadia National Park is a popular spot for hiking. With 158 miles of hiking trails, this is a favorite activity for visitors to the park. There are diverse habitats that trails pass through including forests, estuaries, and coastal settings.

Beaufort is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Beaufort or Acadia National Park?

Beaufort
Acadia National Park

Beaufort is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

Beaufort has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head downtown for some souvenir shopping or to check out the art galleries or fashion boutiques.

Acadia National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are several park stores near visitor centers and campgrounds.


Is Beaufort or Acadia National Park More Beautiful?

Beaufort
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is notable for its scenery and beauty. Also, Beaufort is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its scenery and beauty.

Acadia National Park is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The dramatic ocean views and beautiful hiking trails make this a popular and scenic national park.

Beaufort is a beautiful place to visit, too. There are many beautiful spots to take in nature or watch the sunset.

Is Beaufort or Acadia National Park Better for Families?

Beaufort
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for its kid-friendly activities.

Acadia National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are campgrounds and games that kids will enjoy. There are also Ranger Programs and hiking trails that are great for kids of all ages.

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 Beaufort or Acadia National Park Better for Couples?

Beaufort
Acadia National Park

Beaufort is a very popular place for couples. Also, Acadia National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Acadia National Park is a nice destination for couples. The natural beauty and scenic trails make this a romantic destination for couples.


Is Beaufort or Acadia National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Beaufort
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Acadia National Park. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that attracts hikers and backpackers who enjoy the beautiful natural setting.

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

Beaufort
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a moderate national park 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 Acadia National Park. The Island Explorer Shuttle Bus operates between late June and early October.

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

Is Beaufort or Acadia National Park a more walkable city?

Beaufort
Acadia National Park

Beaufort is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its walkability.

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

Acadia National Park is generally not very walkable. There are countless hiking trails, but having a car allows more efficient access to everything that the park has to offer.


For even more information, also check out Is Beaufort Worth Visiting? and Is Acadia National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Acadia National Park or Beaufort?

How long in Beaufort or Acadia National Park?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Beaufort and Acadia National Park. In our opinion, Beaufort has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Beaufort than Acadia National Park. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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


  • How many days in Beaufort or Acadia National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Beaufort 1-3 
    Acadia National Park 1-3

One day in Beaufort or Acadia National Park?

Beaufort is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Beaufort has to offer.

The beautiful national park of Acadia National Park offers . Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Beaufort or Acadia National Park?

Beaufort is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Acadia National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this national park 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 Acadia National Park, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Beaufort or Acadia National Park?

Many people visit Beaufort for five days. Beaufort is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Acadia National Park 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 Beaufort or Acadia National Park?

Because Beaufort is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Acadia National Park 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 national park offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Acadia National Park or Beaufort?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Beaufort Prices
    USA Prices
    Acadia National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Beaufort $154
    Acadia National Park $206

The average daily cost (per person) in Beaufort is $154, while the average daily cost in Acadia National Park is $206. 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 Beaufort and Acadia National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Beaufort $100
    Acadia National Park $96
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Beaufort $200
    Acadia National Park $192
Compare Hotels in Beaufort and Acadia National Park

Looking for a hotel in Beaufort or Acadia National Park? 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 Beaufort


Hotels in Acadia National Park


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: Beaufort Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Beaufort -
    Acadia National Park $46

Is it cheaper to fly into Beaufort or Acadia National Park?

Prices for flights to both Acadia National Park and Beaufort 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
    Beaufort $54
    Acadia National Park $78

Typical Food Prices in Acadia National Park

For Acadia National Park, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for 2
    $32

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Beaufort -
    Acadia National Park $33

Tours and Activities in Beaufort

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Beaufort are as follows:

  • Beaufort Tipsy Tour: $59
  • Gullah Heritage Tour: $52
  • Historic City Tour by Bus: $37
  • Local History and Film Sites Tour by golf cart: $38
  • Pat Conroy's Beaufort Tour by Golf Cart: $48

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Beaufort -
    Acadia National Park $11


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



When is the best time to visit Beaufort or Acadia National Park?

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 Beaufort or Acadia National Park in the Summer?

Both Acadia National Park and Beaufort during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Beaufort because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Acadia National Park this time of year.

In July, Beaufort is generally a little warmer than Acadia National Park. Daily temperatures in Beaufort average around 82°F (28°C), and Acadia National Park fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Beaufort. Beaufort usually gets more rain in July than Acadia National Park. Beaufort gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Beaufort 82°F (28°C) 
    Acadia National Park 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit Beaufort or Acadia National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Beaufort and Acadia National Park. The shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Beaufort this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Acadia National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Beaufort is much warmer than Acadia National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Beaufort averages around 68°F (20°C) in October, and Acadia National Park fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In October, Beaufort usually receives less rain than Acadia National Park. Beaufort gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Beaufort 68°F (20°C) 
    Acadia National Park 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Beaufort or Acadia National Park in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Beaufort as well as Acadia National Park. Many travelers come to Beaufort for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Acadia National Park in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Acadia National Park can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Beaufort is much warmer than Acadia National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Beaufort in January average around 48°F (9°C), and Acadia National Park averages at about 18°F (-8°C).

Beaufort usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Acadia National Park. Beaufort gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Beaufort 48°F (9°C) 
    Acadia National Park 18°F (-8°C)

Should I visit Beaufort or Acadia National Park in the Spring?

Both Acadia National Park and Beaufort are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Beaufort in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Acadia National Park for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Beaufort is generally much warmer than Acadia National Park. Daily temperatures in Beaufort average around 67°F (19°C), and Acadia National Park fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

In April, Beaufort usually receives less rain than Acadia National Park. Beaufort gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Beaufort 67°F (19°C) 
    Acadia National Park 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Acadia National Park and Beaufort

Beaufort Acadia National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 48°F (9°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Feb 52°F (11°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 58°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Apr 67°F (19°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
May 73°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 7.9 inches (200 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (164 mm) 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Sep 77°F (25°C) 5.6 inches (141 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Nov 59°F (15°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm) 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Dec 52°F (11°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm)