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

Should you visit Beaufort or Santa Cruz?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Beaufort or Santa Cruz, 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 is a gorgeous place to visit. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping. See Beaufort travel costs.

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is a coastal, scenic, and laid back town. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Santa Cruz travel costs.

Beaufort and Santa Cruz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Beaufort or Santa Cruz?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Santa Cruz. Although Beaufort and Santa Cruz are both popular with visitors, Santa Cruz has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Santa Cruz is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, and hiking, while Beaufort is known for its food, historical sights, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Santa Cruz is more touristy than Beaufort and is known for its dramatic coastline, fun-filled boardwalk, and beautiful beaches. It is also home to Santa Cruz Wharf. Beaufort is popular for its Lowcountry cuisine and historic homes.

How is Beaufort different from Santa Cruz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Beaufort and Santa Cruz have good 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.

Santa Cruz offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Local museums in town include the Surfing Museum, Seymour Marine Discovery Center, and Santa Cruz Mission.

Is the Food Better in Beaufort or Santa Cruz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Beaufort is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Santa Cruz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Santa Cruz has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Sampling local seafood is a top priority for many visitors. Most restaurants have a casual vibe and serve up high quality dishes in a relaxed setting. You'll find cafes, Mexican food, and Italian eateries among other options.

Is Beaufort or Santa Cruz Better for Nightlife?

Santa Cruz is notable for nightlife. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for nightlife and partying.

Santa Cruz has plenty to do after the sun goes down. You'll find a range of nighttime options around town that include live entertainment, bars, clubs, and even a casino.

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 Beaufort or Santa Cruz Better for Beaches?

Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz. The beaches are beautiful and fun. Head to Main Beach for the most activity. This is where you'll find the town's boardwalk, which has a historic carousel and several classic amusement rides. For a more peaceful and scenic spot, check out Natural Bridges State Beach or Seacliff State Beach.

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 Santa Cruz Better for its Old Town?

Beaufort is notable for its historic old town. However, Santa Cruz 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.

Santa Cruz does not have a historic old town.

Is Beaufort or Santa Cruz Better for Hiking?

Santa Cruz is a nice place to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Beaufort is not a hiking destination.

Santa Cruz has hiking trails worth exploring. There are several great parks in the area and trails that follow along the rugged coastline or go through the impressive redwood forests.

Beaufort is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Beaufort or Santa Cruz?

Both Beaufort and Santa Cruz are good shopping destinations.

Beaufort is a great destination for shopping. Head downtown for some souvenir shopping or to check out the art galleries or fashion boutiques.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Santa Cruz. Downtown Santa Cruz is where you'll find some of the best shopping.

Is Beaufort or Santa Cruz More Beautiful?

Beaufort is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Santa Cruz is not a destination known for its beauty.

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

Santa Cruz is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Beaufort or Santa Cruz Better for Families?

Santa Cruz is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for its kid-friendly activities.

Santa Cruz is a very family-friendly place to visit. It's filled with beaches, parks, playgrounds, and museums that kids and adults will enjoy. Highlights for many families include visiting the boardwalk, playing around at Seacliff State Beach, entertaining the kids at Seymour Center at Long Marine Lab, and taking in the beauty at Natural Bridges State Beach.

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 Santa Cruz Better for Couples?

Beaufort and Santa Cruz are both very good 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.

Santa Cruz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Dining in downtown Santa Cruz, hiking through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, and relaxing on the beach at Natural Bridges State Beach all make for a romantic getaway.

Is Beaufort or Santa Cruz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz. There's a laid back vibe that is fun to experience and there's even a hostel in town.

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 Santa Cruz Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz. There are buses that travel around town.

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

Is Beaufort or Santa Cruz a more walkable city?

Santa Cruz is renowned for its walkability. Also, Beaufort is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Santa Cruz on foot. It's considered to be one of the most walkable cities in California.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Beaufort Worth Visiting? and Is Santa Cruz Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Cruz or Beaufort?

How long in Beaufort or Santa Cruz?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Beaufort or Santa Cruz to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Beaufort than Santa Cruz because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Beaufort, and 1-2 days is enough time in Santa Cruz.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz.

One day in Beaufort or Santa Cruz?

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.

The town of Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz?

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.

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

Five days in Beaufort or Santa Cruz?

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.

Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz?

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.

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

Which is Bigger, Beaufort or Santa Cruz?

Santa Cruz has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Beaufort. When comparing the sizes of Beaufort and Santa Cruz, 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 Santa Cruz?

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 Santa Cruz in the Summer?

Both Santa Cruz and Beaufort are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Beaufort in the summer for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Santa Cruz for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Beaufort is a little warmer than Santa Cruz in the summer. The daily temperature in Beaufort averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

It's quite rainy in Beaufort. In July, Beaufort usually receives more rain than Santa Cruz. Beaufort gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.1 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Beaufort or Santa Cruz in the Autumn?

Both Santa Cruz and Beaufort during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Beaufort for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Santa Cruz because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Beaufort is a little warmer than Santa Cruz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Beaufort in October average around 68°F (20°C), and Santa Cruz averages at about 63°F (17°C).

Beaufort usually gets more rain in October than Santa Cruz. Beaufort gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beaufort or Santa Cruz in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Beaufort and Santa Cruz. The winter months attract visitors to Beaufort because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Santa Cruz this time of year.

In January, Beaufort is generally cooler than Santa Cruz. Daily temperatures in Beaufort average around 48°F (9°C), and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

In January, Beaufort usually receives around the same amount of rain as Santa Cruz. Beaufort gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Beaufort or Santa Cruz in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Beaufort as well as Santa Cruz. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Beaufort this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santa Cruz for the beaches.

Beaufort is a little warmer than Santa Cruz in the spring. The daily temperature in Beaufort averages around 67°F (19°C) in April, and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

Beaufort usually gets more rain in April than Santa Cruz. Beaufort gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 1 inches (26 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Santa Cruz and Beaufort