A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America New Bern vs. Atlantic City for Nightlife, Attractions, Food, and Couples

Should you visit New Bern or Atlantic City?

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

Should I visit New Bern or Atlantic City? 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.

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.

Atlantic City

Atlantic City is a party-oriented, colorful, and glitzy city. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and nightlife. See Atlantic City travel costs.

New Bern and Atlantic City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in New Bern or Atlantic City?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Atlantic City. Although New Bern and Atlantic City are both popular with visitors, Atlantic City has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Atlantic City is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches, while New Bern is known for its museums and attractions and small town charm. Atlantic City is more touristy than New Bern and is known for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality It is also home to Steel Pier and the Boardwalk. New Bern is popular for being the birthplace of Pepsi.

How is New Bern different from Atlantic City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in New Bern or Atlantic City?

New Bern is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its historical sights.

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.

While most people don't head to Atlantic City specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. While most people don't spend their time in museums, there is the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, the African American Heritage Museum, and the Noyes Museum Galleries.

Is the Food Better in New Bern or Atlantic City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both New Bern and Atlantic City can be an enjoyable experience.

New Bern offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

Atlantic City has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are budget buffets around town as well as seafood restaurants and even some fine dining. Salt water taffy is a local specialty that you should pick up while you're in the area.

Is New Bern or Atlantic City Better for Nightlife?

Atlantic City is an unbeatable place for nightlife. However, New Bern is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Atlantic City is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. This is a city that is all about its nightlife scene. Many visitors come here just to party, and you'll find clubs with DJs or bands playing from sunset to sunrise. There are glitzy lounges and dive bars with everything in between. As a gambling town, there are casinos and all-night activities that keep the energy going round the clock.

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

Is New Bern or Atlantic City Better for Resorts?

Atlantic City is well known for its resorts. However, New Bern is not a resort destination.

Atlantic City is known as a popular and fun resort destination. The beach and boardwalk are lined with casinos and resorts. There are many recognizable names such as Harrah's, Bally's, Caesars, Hard Rock, and the Tropicana.

New Bern is not a resort destination.

Is New Bern or Atlantic City Better for Beaches?

Atlantic City is a popular place for its beaches. However, New Bern is not a beach destination.

Atlantic City is a good option for a beach vacation. There's a Boardwalk that runs along the beach and is lined with piers and hotels. The Downtown Beach is the most accessible, and where most tourists hang out. If you're willing to travel a little further, there are some nice beaches nearby such as Margate Beach and Brigantine Beach.

New Bern is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in New Bern or Atlantic City?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Atlantic City and New Bern.

New Bern is a great destination for shopping. There are local shops and boutiques that sell clothing, antiques, and gifts.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Atlantic City. You'll find many souvenir shops along the boardwalk. There's also a Tangier Outlet Mall in the area. Some of the hotels such as the Tropicana have their own shopping areas as well.

Is New Bern or Atlantic City Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either New Bern or Atlantic City as a family destination.

New Bern doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. 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.

For families, Atlantic City is not always the best place to visit. Most families avoid this area for more family-friendly beaches, but if you find yourself in the area, you can check out Ripley's Believe It or Not or go on a dolphin cruise. Also popular is Steel Pier, which has rides for all ages.

Is New Bern or Atlantic City Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both New Bern and Atlantic City make for a good place to visit.

New Bern is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Atlantic City makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's not exactly known for its romance, but there are casinos, hotels, and a beaches that are fun to visit. You'll also find several spas and sunset cruises in the area.

Is New Bern or Atlantic City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atlantic City is a popular place for backpackers. However, New Bern is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Atlantic City. There is a hostel in the area. You'll also find a younger crowd and plenty of partying.

New Bern is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not popular with backpackers in part because it's a small town that most people breeze through on their way to the beach.

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

Atlantic City is a popular place for its public transit. However, New Bern is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Atlantic City, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The Jitney are shuttle buses that runs from one end of the city to the other. They pass by most of the hotels and casinos along Pacific Avenue.

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

Is New Bern or Atlantic City a more walkable city?

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

Atlantic City is very walkable. Many of the hotels are walkable and located near the boardwalk.

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 New Bern Worth Visiting? and Is Atlantic City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Atlantic City or New Bern?

How long in New Bern or Atlantic City?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both New Bern and Atlantic City. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Atlantic City than in New Bern. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for New Bern, and 1-3 days is enough time in Atlantic City.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City.

One day in New Bern or Atlantic City?

Even though New Bern is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

The city of Atlantic City offers nightlife and food. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 New Bern or Atlantic City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in New Bern. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Atlantic City 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. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Atlantic City, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in New Bern or Atlantic City?

New Bern is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Atlantic City is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. 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 New Bern or Atlantic City?

New Bern is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Atlantic City is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between New Bern and Atlantic City, we can see that Atlantic City 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 New Bern Expensive? and Is Atlantic City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, New Bern or Atlantic City?

Atlantic City has a larger population, and is about 72% larger than the population of New Bern. When comparing the sizes of New Bern and Atlantic City, 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 New Bern or Atlantic City?

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 New Bern or Atlantic City in the Summer?

Both Atlantic City and New Bern are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to New Bern for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Atlantic City because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

New Bern is a little warmer than Atlantic City in the summer. The daily temperature in New Bern averages around 80°F (27°C) in July, and Atlantic City fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlantic City. It's quite rainy in New Bern. In July, New Bern usually receives more rain than Atlantic City. New Bern gets 6.6 inches (169 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit New Bern or Atlantic City in the Autumn?

Both Atlantic City and New Bern during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to New Bern because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Atlantic City this time of year.

In the autumn, New Bern is a little warmer than Atlantic City. Typically, the autumn temperatures in New Bern in October average around 65°F (18°C), and Atlantic City averages at about 56°F (13°C).

New Bern usually gets more rain in October than Atlantic City. New Bern gets 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New Bern or Atlantic City in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both New Bern and Atlantic City. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to New Bern this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Atlantic City for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Atlantic City. In January, New Bern is generally much warmer than Atlantic City. Daily temperatures in New Bern average around 44°F (7°C), and Atlantic City fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

New Bern gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, New Bern usually receives more rain than Atlantic City. New Bern gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit New Bern or Atlantic City in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to New Bern as well as Atlantic City. Many travelers come to New Bern for the small town charm. Also, many visitors come to Atlantic City in the spring for the beaches.

New Bern is much warmer than Atlantic City in the spring. The daily temperature in New Bern averages around 62°F (16°C) in April, and Atlantic City fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

New Bern usually gets less rain in April than Atlantic City. New Bern gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Atlantic City and New Bern