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

Should you visit New Bern or Beaver Creek?

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

Should I visit New Bern or Beaver Creek? 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. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See New Bern travel costs.

Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a charming, active, and adventurous town. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and skiing. See Beaver Creek travel costs.

New Bern and Beaver Creek: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in New Bern or Beaver Creek?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Beaver Creek. Although New Bern and Beaver Creek are both popular with visitors, Beaver Creek has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Beaver Creek is more popular for its skiing, theatre productions, food, resorts, and hiking, while New Bern is known for its museums and attractions and small town charm. Beaver Creek is more touristy than New Bern and is popular for its skiing and charming atmosphere It is also home to Beaver Creek Golf Club. New Bern is popular for being the birthplace of Pepsi.

How is New Bern different from Beaver Creek?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is New Bern or Beaver Creek Better for Skiing?

New Bern
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is an unbeatable place for winter skiing. However, New Bern is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Beaver Creek should be on your list. Beaver Creek Ski Resort is a top ski destination with 26 lifts and 149 different trails. It climbs to an elevation of 11,440 feet and the village is filled with ski-in/ski-out accommodation. There's also an excellent ski school.

New Bern is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in New Bern or Beaver Creek?

New Bern
Beaver Creek

New Bern is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Beaver Creek 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.

Beaver Creek does not have museums and landmarks.

Is New Bern or Beaver Creek Better for Theater?

New Bern
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is not so good for theatre. However, New Bern is not a theatre destination.

Beaver Creek has a few theater choices. There are a couple of art galleries around town.

New Bern is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in New Bern or Beaver Creek? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New Bern
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek 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, Beaver Creek makes for a great culinary experience. There are many great dining options where you can enjoy a meal after working up an appetite on the slopes. The cuisine has many mountain classics as well as fine dining and more casual 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 New Bern or Beaver Creek Better for Nightlife?

New Bern
Beaver Creek

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in New Bern and Beaver Creek.

New Bern is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There are a couple of pubs and breweries around town.

Beaver Creek doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. You won't find a wild nightlife scene, but most of the activities center around the Vilar Performing Arts Center.

Is New Bern or Beaver Creek Better for Resorts?

New Bern
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a popular place for its resorts. However, New Bern is not a resort destination.

Beaver Creek has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are many resorts in the area including the Westin and the Hyatt.

New Bern is not a resort destination.

Is New Bern or Beaver Creek Better for Hiking?

New Bern
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is well known for its hiking experiences. However, New Bern is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Beaver Creek. The surrounding countryside is filled with trails that take you through flowered meadows, along scenic ridgelines, and to the top of dramatic peaks. During the warmer months, hiking is a wonderful way to enjoy the area.

New Bern is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in New Bern or Beaver Creek?

New Bern
Beaver Creek

Shopping is a popular activity in both Beaver Creek 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 Beaver Creek. The village has pedestrian streets that are lined with fashion boutiques, jewelry stores, sporting equipment stores, and art galleries.

Is New Bern or Beaver Creek Better for Families?

New Bern
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. However, New Bern is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Beaver Creek is a very family-friendly destination. This is one of the most kid-friendly ski resorts in the country. There's a ski and snowboard school where kids can enjoy private or group lessons as well as other fun activities for kids. There are also many family-friendly restaurants in the area.

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 New Bern or Beaver Creek Better for Couples?

New Bern
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is well known for romance. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Beaver Creek frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are romantic resorts nearby as well as great adventure sports, skiing, snowboarding, and a beautiful setting.

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

New Bern
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek 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 Beaver Creek, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There free transportation that's offered by Village Transportation.

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

Is New Bern or Beaver Creek a more walkable city?

New Bern
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Beaver Creek on foot is easy. It's a quaint little village that is very walkable.

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 Beaver Creek Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Beaver Creek or New Bern?

How long in New Bern or Beaver Creek?

Both New Bern and Beaver Creek have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Beaver Creek than in New Bern. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for New Bern, and 3-7 days is enough time in Beaver Creek.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Beaver Creek 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 Beaver Creek.


  • How many days in New Bern or Beaver Creek? Ideal Length of Stay
    New Bern 1-2 
    Beaver Creek 3-7

One day in New Bern or Beaver Creek?

New Bern is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and museums. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

The town of Beaver Creek offers skiing and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 New Bern or Beaver Creek?

New Bern is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Beaver Creek is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

Five days in New Bern or Beaver Creek?

New Bern is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

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

A week in New Bern or Beaver Creek?

New Bern is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Beaver Creek is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that skiing is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Beaver Creek has to offer. This town 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.


Which place is cheaper, Beaver Creek or New Bern?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • New Bern Prices
    USA Prices
    Beaver Creek Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    New Bern $169
    Beaver Creek $378

The average daily cost (per person) in New Bern is $169, while the average daily cost in Beaver Creek is $378. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for New Bern and Beaver Creek in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    New Bern $76
    Beaver Creek $203
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    New Bern $152
    Beaver Creek $406
Compare Hotels in New Bern and Beaver Creek

Looking for a hotel in New Bern or Beaver Creek? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in New Bern


Hotels in Beaver Creek


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: New Bern Hotel Prices and Beaver Creek Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    New Bern $34
    Beaver Creek $30

Is it cheaper to fly into New Bern or Beaver Creek?

Prices for flights to both Beaver Creek and New Bern change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    New Bern $70
    Beaver Creek $146

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    New Bern $26
    Beaver Creek $53

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    New Bern $30
    Beaver Creek $35


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between New Bern and Beaver Creek, we can see that Beaver Creek 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 Beaver Creek would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Beaver Creek 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 New Bern Expensive? and Is Beaver Creek Expensive?.