A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ensenada vs. Beaufort for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Ensenada or Beaufort?

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

Should I visit Ensenada 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.

Ensenada

Ensenada is a historic, cultural, and outdoorsy city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Ensenada travel costs.

Beaufort

Beaufort is a character-filled, southern, and charming town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. Beaufort is a beautiful place to visit, too. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food. See Beaufort travel costs.

Ensenada and Beaufort: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ensenada or Beaufort?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Beaufort. Although Ensenada and Beaufort are popular destinations, Beaufort has more sights and attractions for tourists. Beaufort is very popular for its beaches, historical sights, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Ensenada attracts visitors for its nightlife. Ensenada is more touristy than Beaufort and is known for its local cuisine, golf, and outdoor sports. Beaufort is famous for its Lowcountry cuisine and historic homes. It is also well known for Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park.

How is Ensenada different from Beaufort?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ensenada or Beaufort?

Plenty of people visit the nice sights and museums in both Ensenada and Beaufort.

Ensenada offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several good museums in town such as the Museo de Historia and Caracol Museo de Ciencias.

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.

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

Both Ensenada and Beaufort offer very good local cuisine and restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Ensenada. The town is known for its seafood, and fish tacos is one of the most popular dishes. You'll find seafood markets and street cards selling fresh and local items. Sample your way through the city and enjoy all of the local specialties.

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.

Is Ensenada or Beaufort Better for Nightlife?

Ensenada is a nice place to visit for nightlife. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Ensenada. There are a number of bars and nightclubs around town. Head to Avenida López Mateos for many of the best restaurants and bars.

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 Ensenada or Beaufort Better for Beaches?

Beaufort is a popular place for the beach. However, Ensenada is a city with minimal options for the beach.

Beaufort is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

The beach in Ensenada is worth checking out. It's a working port town and the beaches in the area aren't great. You'll find the best options to the south of the city.

Is Ensenada or Beaufort Better for its Old Town?

Beaufort is a great destination for its old town. However, Ensenada 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.

Ensenada does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Ensenada or Beaufort?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Beaufort and Ensenada.

Ensenada offers some nice shopping areas. Avenida López Mateos is the main shopping street in town. You'll find many shops, but be prepared to pay more than you might elsewhere because shopkeepers are used to cruise ship riders who are willing to pay a high price tag.

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.

Is Ensenada or Beaufort More Beautiful?

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

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

Ensenada is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ensenada or Beaufort Better for Families?

Ensenada is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for its kid-friendly activities.

Ensenada is a family-friendly place to visit. You'll find ziplining, horseback riding, and surf lessons in the area. Kids will also enjoy seeing the Water Show or going whale watching.

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 Ensenada or Beaufort Better for Couples?

Beaufort is a great destination for its romantic activities. Also, Ensenada is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Beaufort frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Ensenada is a good city for couples to visit. The city has an authentic atmosphere that will let you experience a more genuine side to Mexico.

Is Ensenada or Beaufort Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ensenada 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 Ensenada. There are a few hostels and a number of cheap hotels around 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 Ensenada or Beaufort Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Ensenada 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 Ensenada. Public transit in the area is limited.

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

Is Ensenada or Beaufort a more walkable city?

Ensenada and Beaufort both are very good when exploring on foot.

Ensenada is a very walkable city. The downtown area is walkable and easy to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Beaufort or Ensenada?

How long in Ensenada or Beaufort?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ensenada and Beaufort. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Ensenada, and 1-3 days is enough time in Beaufort.

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

Couples should spend more time in Beaufort than Ensenada. 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 Ensenada 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 Ensenada.

One day in Ensenada or Beaufort?

The city of Ensenada offers food and shopping. 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 is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Ensenada or Beaufort?

Ensenada is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ensenada, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Beaufort 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Beaufort, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Ensenada or Beaufort?

Ensenada 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.

Beaufort 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 Ensenada or Beaufort?

Ensenada is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Beaufort 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 Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ensenada and Beaufort, we can see that Beaufort is more expensive. And not only is Ensenada much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ensenada would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ensenada 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 Ensenada.

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

Which is Bigger, Ensenada or Beaufort?

Ensenada has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Beaufort. When comparing the sizes of Ensenada 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.