A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America New Bern vs. Cape Cod for Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit New Bern or Cape Cod?

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

Should I visit New Bern or Cape Cod? 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 charming, laid back, and quaint town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping. See New Bern travel costs.

Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a maritime, beautiful, and peaceful beach destination. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. Cape Cod is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and food. See Cape Cod travel costs.

New Bern and Cape Cod: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in New Bern or Cape Cod?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cape Cod than New Bern, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cape Cod is better known for its food, resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while New Bern is more popular for its museums and attractions and nightlife. Cape Cod is more touristy than New Bern and is popular for its long scenic coastline, charming compact towns, and magnificent migrating whales. Also, Cape Cod is famous for The Cape Cod National Seashore. New Bern is well known for being the birthplace of Pepsi.

How is New Bern different from Cape Cod?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod?

New Bern is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around New Bern. 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.

Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in New Bern or Cape Cod? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cape Cod 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, Cape Cod makes for a great culinary experience. The region is famous for its fresh seafood and popular dishes include the fried clams and broiled lobster. There are also many diners and brunch cafes where you can enjoy pancakes or eggs benedict.

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 Cape Cod Better for Nightlife?

New Bern is adequate for its evening party scene. However, Cape Cod is not a good destination for nightlife.

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

People don't go to Cape Cod for the nightlife. This area isn't really known for its nightlife, but the downtown of Hyannis has some activity at night.

Is New Bern or Cape Cod Better for Resorts?

Cape Cod is a popular place for its resorts. However, New Bern is not a resort destination.

Cape Cod has a handful of resorts to choose from. Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, White Elephant Resorts, and Chatham Bars Inn are favorite resorts in the Cape Cod area.

New Bern is not a resort destination.

Is New Bern or Cape Cod Better for Beaches?

Cape Cod is well known for its beaches. However, New Bern is not a beach destination.

Cape Cod is considered a top beach destination. Beaches in the area include long stretches of soft sand as well as tidal pools where kids can play. Several of the best beaches around Cape Cod include Mayflower Beach, Marconi Beach, and Race Point Beach.

New Bern is not a beach destination.

Is New Bern or Cape Cod Better for Hiking?

Cape Cod is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, New Bern is not a hiking destination.

Cape Cod is a good destination for hiking. Hikes range from casual strolls to longer trails. Popular options include Bass Hole Boardwalk in Yarmouth and the 22 mile Cape Cod Rail Trail.

New Bern is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in New Bern or Cape Cod?

Cape Cod is well known for shopping. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Cape Cod is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Many of the area's towns have charming Main Streets where you can enjoy shopping and dining.

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

Is New Bern or Cape Cod More Beautiful?

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

Cape Cod is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Beautiful beaches, quaint towns, and picturesque scenery make this area truly unique.

New Bern is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is New Bern or Cape Cod Better for Families?

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

Cape Cod is a very family-friendly place to visit. The coastal towns have a number of kid-friendly activities. In the Upper Cape, Falmouth is one of the best towns for families. On Mid Cape, Dennis and Yarmouth are both kid-friendly. Dennis has a resorty vibe and Yarmouth has kid-friendly museums. On the Lower Cape, both Harwich and Orleans are family-friendly options.

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 Cape Cod Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Cape Cod frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With its charming character and relaxing beach setting, honeymooners and couples will appreciate all that the area has to offer. There are peaceful settings and charming villages to explore. There are also award-winning restaurants and beautiful views.

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 Cape Cod Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cape Cod is a beach destination 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 Cape Cod. While there are buses and shuttles to help you get around, a car really is necessary to explore the area.

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

Is New Bern or Cape Cod a more walkable city?

New Bern and Cape Cod both are notable when exploring on foot.

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

Cape Cod is a somewhat walkable place. Many of the small towns in the area have compact and walkable areas, but the region is spread out so it's helpful to have a car to get from place to place.

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

Should I spend more time in Cape Cod or New Bern?

How long in New Bern or Cape Cod?

Both New Bern and Cape Cod have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cape Cod than in New Bern. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for New Bern, and 5-7 days is enough time in Cape Cod.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New Bern than Cape Cod 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 New Bern.

One day in New Bern or Cape Cod?

New Bern is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The beautiful beach destination of Cape Cod offers shopping and food. 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.

A weekend in New Bern or Cape Cod?

New Bern 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in New Bern, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Cape Cod is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting 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 Cape Cod?

New Bern 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.

Cape Cod is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cape Cod, 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 Cape Cod?

New Bern 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 town offers something for everyone.

Cape Cod is a great place to explore. 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 Cape Cod has to offer. This beach destination 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between New Bern and Cape Cod, we can see that Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit New Bern or Cape Cod?

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 New Bern or Cape Cod in the Summer?

Both Cape Cod and New Bern during the summer are popular places to visit. 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 Cape Cod because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, New Bern is generally a little warmer than Cape Cod. Daily temperatures in New Bern average around 80°F (27°C), and Cape Cod fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in New Bern. New Bern usually gets more rain in July than Cape Cod. New Bern gets 6.6 inches (169 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New Bern or Cape Cod in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both New Bern and Cape Cod. The autumn months attract visitors to New Bern because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cape Cod this time of year.

New Bern is much warmer than Cape Cod in the autumn. The daily temperature in New Bern averages around 65°F (18°C) in October, and Cape Cod fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

Cape Cod receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, New Bern usually receives less rain than Cape Cod. New Bern gets 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit New Bern or Cape Cod in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to New Bern as well as Cape Cod. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to New Bern this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cape Cod for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Cape Cod. In the winter, New Bern is much warmer than Cape Cod. Typically, the winter temperatures in New Bern in January average around 44°F (7°C), and Cape Cod averages at about 31°F (-0°C).

It's quite rainy in Cape Cod. New Bern receives a lot of rain in the winter. New Bern usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Cape Cod. New Bern gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New Bern or Cape Cod in the Spring?

Both Cape Cod and New Bern are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to New Bern for the small town charm. Also, many visitors come to Cape Cod in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, New Bern is generally much warmer than Cape Cod. Daily temperatures in New Bern average around 62°F (16°C), and Cape Cod fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cape Cod. In April, New Bern usually receives less rain than Cape Cod. New Bern gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cape Cod and New Bern