A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Fort Lauderdale vs. New Bern for Couples, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Fort Lauderdale or New Bern?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Fort Lauderdale and New Bern. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is a scenic, bustling, and spirited coastal city. Fort Lauderdale is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Fort Lauderdale travel costs.

New Bern

New Bern is a laid back, quaint, and charming town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums. See New Bern travel costs.

Fort Lauderdale and New Bern: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fort Lauderdale or New Bern?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Fort Lauderdale. Although Fort Lauderdale and New Bern are both popular with visitors, Fort Lauderdale has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Fort Lauderdale is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while New Bern is known for its museums and attractions and small town charm. Fort Lauderdale is more touristy than New Bern and is known for its canals, beaches, walkable waterfront, and luxury resorts. It is also home to The Local Beaches. New Bern is popular for being the birthplace of Pepsi.

How is Fort Lauderdale different from New Bern?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Fort Lauderdale or New Bern?

New Bern is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

New Bern is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Many visitors check out the Tryon Palace while they're in town. Other museums include the New Bern Fireman's Museum, the Carolina Creations Fine Art & Contemporary Craft Gallery, and the New Bern Academy Museum.

Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Fort Lauderdale or New Bern? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Fort Lauderdale is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Fort Lauderdale makes for a great culinary experience. Seafood is the obvious option with popular dishes being fish tacos, sea bass, and scallop risotto. There are many waterfront restaurants or you could head to Las Olas Boulevard, which has many bistros, cafes, and restaurants.

New Bern has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a number of local eateries, bistros, and cafes in town. You can sample southern favorites or something international. Popular dishes include fresh caught fish, crab cakes, and even tacos.

Is Fort Lauderdale or New Bern Better for Nightlife?

Fort Lauderdale is well known for nightlife. However, New Bern is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Fort Lauderdale is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Trendy and upscale partying is the name of the game in this Florida city. Most people head to the beach, Las Olas Blvd, River Front and The New Hard Rock Seminole Hotel Complex for the best bars and clubs. You'll find the most activity around the weekends, but there really is something going on any night of the week.

New Bern doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a couple of pubs and breweries around town.

Is Fort Lauderdale or New Bern Better for Resorts?

Fort Lauderdale is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, New Bern is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Fort Lauderdale is a great choice. Luxury beachfront resorts are plentiful in the area. Several of the most impressive include the Ritz-Carlton, W Fort Lauderdale, and the Dalmar. Most resorts have a beachfront pool, hot tubs, and depending on the resort, a kid's club.

New Bern is not a resort destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or New Bern Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Fort Lauderdale is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, New Bern is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Fort Lauderdale has a few good snorkeling spots. Although the snorkeling doesn't compare to what you'll find further south around the Florida Keys, there are some great places to pull your mask and fins out in the area. Popular snorkeling spots nearby include the Vista Park Reef, Pompano Beach, and Hollywood North Beach Park.

New Bern is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or New Bern Better for Beaches?

Fort Lauderdale is an unbeatable place for its beaches. However, New Bern is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches, a fun boardwalk, and impressive views, the beaches here are among the best in the area. They are surprisingly walkable and, while there can be crowds, there's still a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere.

New Bern is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Fort Lauderdale or New Bern?

Shopping is a popular activity in both New Bern and Fort Lauderdale.

Fort Lauderdale is a great destination for shopping. For interesting local boutiques head to Las Olas Boulevard and for name brand stores you'll want to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting New Bern. There are local shops and boutiques that sell clothing, antiques, and gifts.

Is Fort Lauderdale or New Bern More Beautiful?

Fort Lauderdale is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, New Bern is not a destination known for its beauty.

Fort Lauderdale is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Seven miles of scenic coastline with a boardwalk to explore make this a beautiful Florida beach destination.

New Bern is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Fort Lauderdale or New Bern Better for Families?

Fort Lauderdale is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, New Bern is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Fort Lauderdale is a very family-friendly place to visit. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches and a number of kid-oriented activities, the kids will love it here. Fun activities include Bluefoot Pirate Adventures, Butterfly World, and Funderdome. On sunny days there are many outdoor recreation areas and when the weather isn't cooperating, there are hands-on museums.

For families, New Bern is not always the best place to visit. Stand up paddle boarding and other outdoor activities are a fun way to experience the area with kids. You could also visit the New Bern Fireman's Museum, the Tryon Palace, or one of the parks around town.

Is Fort Lauderdale or New Bern Better for Couples?

Fort Lauderdale is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Fort Lauderdale makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Fine dining, beautiful beaches, and great shopping make for a great romantic getaway. Couples and honeymooners love relaxing at the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. A sunset walk on the beach and a stay at a romantic resort will make for an unforgettable trip.

New Bern makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The town's charm and quaint parks make this a nice weekend getaway. There are outdoor activities and the Tryon Palace which is nice to visit. There are also local restaurants around town.

Is Fort Lauderdale or New Bern Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Fort Lauderdale is a coastal city with a few options for its public transit. However, New Bern is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Fort Lauderdale. Transportation options include a water taxi and the Sun Trolley Hop-on Bus.

Public transit is quite limited in New Bern. There's no real public transit in the area.

Is Fort Lauderdale or New Bern a more walkable city?

Fort Lauderdale is well known for its walkability. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Fort Lauderdale is very walkable. It is one of the most walkable Florida communities with a boardwalk and several pedestrian areas that are fun to wander around.

New Bern is a somewhat walkable place. The downtown area is walkable and nice to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Fort Lauderdale Worth Visiting? and Is New Bern Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in New Bern or Fort Lauderdale?

How long in Fort Lauderdale or New Bern?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Fort Lauderdale or New Bern to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Fort Lauderdale than New Bern because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Fort Lauderdale, and 1-2 days is enough time in New Bern.

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

Couples should spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than New Bern. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Fort Lauderdale that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than New Bern 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 Fort Lauderdale.

One day in Fort Lauderdale or New Bern?

The beautiful coastal city of Fort Lauderdale offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

New Bern is a small town with plenty to do. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Fort Lauderdale or New Bern?

Fort Lauderdale is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

New Bern might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Fort Lauderdale or New Bern?

Fort Lauderdale is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Fort Lauderdale, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

New Bern is a great place to explore. This town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Fort Lauderdale or New Bern?

Fort Lauderdale is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Fort Lauderdale has to offer. This coastal city offers something for everyone.

Since New Bern is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Fort Lauderdale or New Bern?

Fort Lauderdale has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of New Bern. When comparing the sizes of Fort Lauderdale and New Bern, 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 Fort Lauderdale or New Bern?

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 Fort Lauderdale or New Bern in the Summer?

Both New Bern and Fort Lauderdale are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Fort Lauderdale this time of year. Also, many travelers come to New Bern for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Fort Lauderdale is around the same temperature as New Bern in the summer. The daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 83°F (28°C) in July, and New Bern fluctuates around 80°F (27°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in New Bern. It's quite rainy in Fort Lauderdale. In July, Fort Lauderdale usually receives less rain than New Bern. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while New Bern receives 6.6 inches (169 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or New Bern in the Autumn?

Both New Bern and Fort Lauderdale during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Fort Lauderdale for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to New Bern in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Fort Lauderdale is a little warmer than New Bern. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Fort Lauderdale in October average around 78°F (26°C), and New Bern averages at about 65°F (18°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale usually gets more rain in October than New Bern. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while New Bern receives 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or New Bern in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Fort Lauderdale and New Bern. Many visitors come to Fort Lauderdale in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to New Bern for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Fort Lauderdale is generally much warmer than New Bern. Daily temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 67°F (20°C), and New Bern fluctuates around 44°F (7°C).

New Bern receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Fort Lauderdale usually receives less rain than New Bern. Fort Lauderdale gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while New Bern receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or New Bern in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Fort Lauderdale as well as New Bern. Most visitors come to Fort Lauderdale for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to New Bern because of the small town charm.

Fort Lauderdale is a little warmer than New Bern in the spring. The daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 75°F (24°C) in April, and New Bern fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

Fort Lauderdale usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as New Bern. Fort Lauderdale gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while New Bern receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for New Bern and Fort Lauderdale