A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Columbia vs. Newport for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Columbia or Newport?

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

Should I visit Columbia or Newport? 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.

Columbia

Columbia is a welcoming, suburban, and friendly city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Columbia travel costs.

Newport

Newport is a coastal, seaside, and historical town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Newport is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums. See Newport travel costs.

Columbia and Newport: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Columbia or Newport?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Newport. Although Columbia and Newport are both popular with visitors, Newport has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Newport is more touristy than Columbia and is popular for its sailing regattas, its mansions along Bellevue Avenue, and its maritime history. It is also home to Thames Street. Columbia is popular for its southern hospitality and friendly people.

How is Columbia different from Newport?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Columbia or Newport?

Newport is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Newport offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The historic mansions and local museums educate visitors on the town's maritime past and colonial roots. Some of the more popular places to visit include The Breakers, The Elms Mansion, The Marble House, and Chateau-sur-mer Mansion.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Columbia. As the state capital, there are some decent museums around town like the Columbia Museum of Art, the South Carolina Military Museum, the South Carolina State Museum, and the U.S. Army Basic Combat Training Museum.

Is the Food Better in Columbia or Newport? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Newport is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Columbia is not a good city for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Newport. Find a waterfront restaurant and enjoy fresh seafood and a charming atmosphere. Many restaurants are influenced by the town's Portuguese and Irish roots. You'll find classic pubs as well as brunch cafes and traditional taverns.

Columbia may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Barbecue and other southern favorites are among the more local dishes, but the city is also filled with fast food joints and other major chain restaurants.

Is Columbia or Newport Better for Nightlife?

Both Columbia and Newport are good when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Columbia. You'll find live music venues as well as low key bars and more trendy cocktail lounges.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Newport. There's a lively atmosphere in the evening with many pubs, taverns, and bars that keep the energy high.

Is Columbia or Newport Better for Beaches?

Newport is a well-known place for the beach. However, Columbia is not a beach destination.

Newport is considered a top beach destination. Tucked in along the rocky coastline are many beautiful sandy beaches. You'll find popular and active beaches where you can lounge in a chair and people watch, as well as more secluded spots where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. The largest beach is Easton's Beach (also known as First Beach). Surfers and boaters enjoy Sachuest Beach (or Second Beach), and a less popular, but very rewarding beach is also King Park Beach.

Columbia is not a beach destination.

Is Columbia or Newport Better for its Old Town?

Newport is a well-known place for its old town. However, Columbia does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Newport. The Historic District is filled with colonial buildings and impressive mansions. There are cobblestone streets and a charming loop through the town's Old Quarter.

Columbia does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbia or Newport?

Newport is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

Newport is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Walk along the charming cobblestone streets and pop in the many local boutiques and shops.

Columbia has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find independent and locally owned shops along Devine Street and in the Five Points area. Also interesting are the Vista, which is a warehouse district, and Trenholm Plaza.

Is Columbia or Newport More Beautiful?

Newport is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Columbia is not a destination known for its beauty.

Newport is a beautiful place to visit, too. The coastal setting and charming architecture give it a lot of character.

Columbia is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Columbia or Newport Better for Families?

Newport is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Newport is a very kid-friendly town. For an educational and interactive experience, head to Save The Bay Exploration Center & Aquarium. The Norman Bird Sanctuary also has a lot of land and places to explore. Kids will enjoy a visit to the beach or running around Breton Point State Park as well. On a rainy day, Ryans Family Amusements is the perfect way to pass some time.

Columbia is a family-friendly city. Around town you'll find parks, playgrounds, and kid-friendly restaurants. There's a zoo in the area as well as a nice state park - Sesquicentennial State Park. There's also EdVenture Children's Museum, which is filled with hands-on exhibits.

Is Columbia or Newport Better for Couples?

Newport is renowned for its romantic activities. However, Columbia is not a good city for couples.

Newport makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's a coastal town with a lot of charm that makes for a perfect romantic escape. Enjoy dining and shopping along Thames Street or take a walk along the coast. There are many local restaurants and evening activities for couples as well.

Columbia is not always the best place to visit for a couple. You'll find parks to explore and some nice restaurants that make for a good date night.

Is Columbia or Newport Better for Students?

Columbia is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Newport is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Columbia. The University of South Carolina, and other nearby colleges all bring in a decent student population.

Newport is not popular with students.

Is Columbia or Newport Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Newport is a popular place for its public transit. However, Columbia is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Newport has a few public transit options. There are buses operated by RIPTA. You can visit most of the attractions in the downtown area by catching a ride on one of the classic green and gold hybrid trolley buses.

Public transit is mostly limited in Columbia. The COMET is the bus system through town, but you really must have your own car to enjoy the city.

Is Columbia or Newport a more walkable city?

Newport is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Columbia is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

Newport is a very walkable town. The town's downtown are compact and fun to explore on foot. There is a nice concentration of shops, restaurants, hotels and sights.

Columbia is not a very walkable city. It's filled with suburban-style development and is generally very car dependent.

For even more information, also check out Is Columbia Worth Visiting? and Is Newport Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Newport or Columbia?

How long in Columbia or Newport?

In either Columbia or Newport, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Newport than Columbia because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Columbia, and 2-5 days is enough time in Newport.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Newport than Columbia 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 Newport.

One day in Columbia or Newport?

In Columbia, you'll find museums and nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

The town of Newport offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

A weekend in Columbia or Newport?

In Columbia, you'll find nightlife and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Columbia has to offer.

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

Five days in Columbia or Newport?

Columbia is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Newport is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Newport, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Columbia or Newport?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Columbia. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Columbia. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Newport is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Columbia Expensive? and Is Newport Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Columbia or Newport?

Columbia has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Newport. When comparing the sizes of Columbia and Newport, 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 Columbia or Newport?

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 Columbia or Newport in the Summer?

Both Newport and Columbia during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Columbia this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Newport for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Columbia is a little warmer than Newport. Typically, the summer temperatures in Columbia in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Newport averages at about 73°F (23°C).

In Newport, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Columbia. In the summer, Columbia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Newport. Columbia gets 293 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newport receives 293 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Columbia. Columbia usually gets more rain in July than Newport. Columbia gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbia or Newport in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbia and Newport. Many travelers come to Columbia for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Newport in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Columbia is generally much warmer than Newport. Daily temperatures in Columbia average around 64°F (18°C), and Newport fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Newport this time of the year. In Columbia, it's very sunny this time of the year. Columbia usually receives more sunshine than Newport during autumn. Columbia gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Newport receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Columbia usually receives less rain than Newport. Columbia gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Columbia or Newport in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Columbia as well as Newport. Many visitors come to Columbia in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Newport for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Newport can be very cold during winter. Columbia is much warmer than Newport in the winter. The daily temperature in Columbia averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and Newport fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

In the winter, Columbia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Newport. Columbia gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newport receives 170 hours of full sun.

Columbia usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Newport. Columbia gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbia or Newport in the Spring?

Both Newport and Columbia are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Newport because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Columbia is much warmer than Newport. Typically, the spring temperatures in Columbia in April average around 64°F (18°C), and Newport averages at about 48°F (9°C).

It's quite sunny in Newport. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Columbia. Columbia usually receives more sunshine than Newport during spring. Columbia gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Newport receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Columbia usually receives less rain than Newport. Columbia gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Newport and Columbia