A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Beaufort vs. Carmel-by-the-Sea for Food, Beaches, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Beaufort or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Beaufort or Carmel-by-the-Sea, 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 charming, historic, and character-filled town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. Beaufort 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. See Beaufort travel costs.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a charming, picturesque, and quaint town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. Carmel-by-the-Sea is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping. See Carmel-by-the-Sea travel costs.

Beaufort and Carmel-by-the-Sea: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Beaufort or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Beaufort than Carmel-by-the-Sea, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Beaufort is better known for its historical sights and quaint atmosphere, while Carmel-by-the-Sea is more popular for its beaches, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Carmel-by-the-Sea is more touristy than Beaufort and is known for its storybook architecture, its opulent setting, and its popularity with golf enthusiasts. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Both Beaufort and Carmel-by-the-Sea have notable landmarks and museums for visitors.

Beaufort is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The Carmel Mission is a beautiful and fascinating Spanish mission that dates back to 1770. It's also well worth visiting the nearby Pebble Beach Golf Course. There are also a few fairytale style cottages in the area with some of the most notable being the Hansel cottage, the Gretel cottage, and the Tuck Box cottage.

Is the Food Better in Beaufort or Carmel-by-the-Sea? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at high quality restaurants in both Beaufort and Carmel-by-the-Sea.

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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea has a huge number of terrific restaurants. For such a small town there is a huge number of bistros and local cafes. Seafood is popular, but you'll also find international restaurants and more casual eateries.

Is Beaufort or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are respectable in both Beaufort and Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Most people don't head to Beaufort specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. You'll find bars, grills, and taverns in town, but most people don't visit for the nightlife scene.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's not a late night town, but there are a couple of bars and some decent Happy Hours around town.

Is Beaufort or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Beaches?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is notable for its beaches. Also, Beaufort is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for the beach.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's easy to walk to the beach from the village center. Just head down Ocean Avenue and you'll be at a beautiful beach with great scenery, surfing, and fun activities.

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 Beaufort or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for its Old Town?

Beaufort is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea does not have a historic old town.

Beaufort is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Beaufort or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is notable for shopping. Also, Beaufort is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It's easy to walk around the heart of town and pop in the many shops and galleries. The highest concentration of shops is found around the Carmel Plaza which has upscale brands as well as local items.

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 Beaufort or Carmel-by-the-Sea More Beautiful?

Carmel-by-the-Sea 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's a beautiful town with nice beaches and a European atmosphere.

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

Is Beaufort or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Beaufort or Carmel-by-the-Sea as a family destination.

Beaufort is not the most family-friendly destination. There are parks and outdoor activities in the area, but one of the best options is to head out of town to the beach.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not always a place people visit with their families. Carmel is a good place to let the kids stretch their legs. There are also some good kid-friendly walks in the area.

Is Beaufort or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Couples?

Beaufort and Carmel-by-the-Sea are both high quality to visit as a couple.

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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a charming town with a beautiful coastline and plenty of cute hotels that makes for a great romantic getaway. There's wonderful shopping and many great restaurants where you can enjoy a local meal.

Is Beaufort or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a moderate town 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea. There are a couple of buses, but you can't really depend on them to get around.

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

Is Beaufort or Carmel-by-the-Sea a more walkable city?

Beaufort and Carmel-by-the-Sea both are high quality when exploring on foot.

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

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very walkable town. The village center is very walkable so it's easy to park you car and shop or walk to the beach.

For even more information, also check out Is Beaufort Worth Visiting? and Is Carmel-by-the-Sea Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Beaufort?

How long in Beaufort or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Beaufort and Carmel-by-the-Sea. In our opinion, Carmel-by-the-Sea has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Carmel-by-the-Sea than Beaufort. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Couples should spend more time in Carmel-by-the-Sea than Beaufort. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Carmel-by-the-Sea that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea.

One day in Beaufort or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

The beautiful town of Carmel-by-the-Sea offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Beaufort is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and museums. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Visiting the old town is also a must. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Carmel-by-the-Sea 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Carmel-by-the-Sea, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Beaufort or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Beaufort is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Beaufort is a popular choice for travelers. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 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.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beaufort and Carmel-by-the-Sea, we can see that Beaufort is more expensive. And not only is Carmel-by-the-Sea much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Carmel-by-the-Sea would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Beaufort would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Beaufort than you might in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Beaufort Expensive? and Is Carmel-by-the-Sea Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Beaufort or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Beaufort has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Carmel-by-the-Sea. When comparing the sizes of Beaufort and Carmel-by-the-Sea, 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 Beaufort or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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 Beaufort or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Summer?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Beaufort are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Beaufort this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Beaufort is generally much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daily temperatures in Beaufort average around 82°F (28°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It's quite rainy in Beaufort. In July, Beaufort usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Beaufort gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Beaufort or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Autumn?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Beaufort during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Beaufort for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Beaufort is a little warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea in the autumn. The daily temperature in Beaufort averages around 68°F (20°C) in October, and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Beaufort usually gets more rain in October than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Beaufort gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beaufort or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Beaufort and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Many visitors come to Beaufort in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Beaufort is cooler than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Typically, the winter temperatures in Beaufort in January average around 48°F (9°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea averages at about 51°F (11°C).

In January, Beaufort usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Beaufort gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Beaufort or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Beaufort as well as Carmel-by-the-Sea. Most visitors come to Beaufort for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Carmel-by-the-Sea because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Beaufort is generally a little warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daily temperatures in Beaufort average around 67°F (19°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Beaufort usually gets more rain in April than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Beaufort gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Carmel-by-the-Sea and Beaufort