A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Augustine vs. New Bern for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Saint Augustine or New Bern?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Augustine or New Bern, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine is a historic, notable, and colonial city. Saint Augustine is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and museums. See Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine and New Bern: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Augustine or New Bern?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Saint Augustine. Although Saint Augustine and New Bern are both popular with visitors, Saint Augustine has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Saint Augustine is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while New Bern is known for its small town charm. Saint Augustine is more touristy than New Bern and is known for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States. It is also home to the Colonial Quarter. New Bern is popular for being the birthplace of Pepsi.

How is Saint Augustine different from New Bern?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Augustine or New Bern?

Saint Augustine is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Saint Augustine offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. It's history is brought to life with many monuments and museums. The Lightner Museum, the Old Jail Museum, the Lincolnville Museum, and Castillo De San Marcos are among the city's most notable sights. Also worth a visit is the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum.

New Bern offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Is the Food Better in Saint Augustine or New Bern? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Augustine 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, Saint Augustine makes for a great culinary experience. The food scene is influenced by the long history of the city. You'll find flavors that are influenced by Spanish, African, and Native American cultures. There are several popular dishes around town such as fried shrimp, clam chowder, and shrimp and grits.

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 Saint Augustine or New Bern Better for Nightlife?

Saint Augustine is a popular place for nightlife. However, New Bern is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Saint Augustine has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.

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

Is Saint Augustine or New Bern Better for Beaches?

Saint Augustine is well known for its beaches. However, New Bern is not a beach destination.

Saint Augustine is considered a top beach destination. Head to the beach to relax and swim. There are miles of sandy beach nearby, with some of the most popular being Ponte Vedra Beach, known for its golf courses, Vilano Beach, with its charming atmosphere, and the scenic Anastasia State Park.

New Bern is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Augustine or New Bern Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, New Bern does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Saint Augustine offers plenty to see. As the longest running, continuously occupied city in the United States, the Historic Downtown is at the heart of the city. It's filled with quaint restaurants, historic hotels, and charming streets. You can take carriage rides or wander through the historic sites. Many of the buildings date back to the 1700s and offer a glimpse into Florida's past.

New Bern does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Augustine or New Bern?

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

Saint Augustine is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The Historic Downtown has unique art galleries and boutiques. St. George Street is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir and Aviles Street is the oldest street in the United States. It's also filled with artisan boutiques. Plaza de la Constitución is known for its long running public market and it often has live entertainment.

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

Is Saint Augustine or New Bern More Beautiful?

Saint Augustine is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, New Bern is not a destination known for its beauty.

Saint Augustine is a gorgeous place to visit. Colonial architecture and a charming atmosphere give this historic town a unique beauty.

New Bern is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Saint Augustine or New Bern Better for Families?

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

Saint Augustine is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the Alligator Farm but there's also a surprisingly fascinating archaeological park - The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The Colonial Quarter is fun for all ages as well, as is a visit to Fort Castillo De San Marcos. If you have some time, head outside of town to the Marineland Dolphin Adventure, which is well worth the trip.

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 Saint Augustine or New Bern Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Saint Augustine frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The Ancient City has a charm that is unique in Florida. There is beautiful architecture and a historical atmosphere that is romantic and genuine. You can enjoy a carriage ride and then sample some local cuisine before heading to the beach.

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

Saint Augustine is a 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 Saint Augustine. The Old Town Trolley travels through the historic center. There's also a bus service through the region, but you really need a private vehicle to explore everything.

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

Is Saint Augustine or New Bern a more walkable city?

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

Saint Augustine is very walkable. It's one of the more walkable cities in the area. Downtown, Uptown, and even near the beach have accessible areas with sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly zones.

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 Saint Augustine Worth Visiting? and Is New Bern Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in New Bern or Saint Augustine?

How long in Saint Augustine or New Bern?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Saint Augustine or New Bern to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Saint Augustine than New Bern because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Augustine, and 1-2 days is enough time in New Bern.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine.

One day in Saint Augustine or New Bern?

The city of Saint Augustine offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Saint Augustine or New Bern?

Saint Augustine 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.

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 Saint Augustine or New Bern?

Saint Augustine 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.

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 Saint Augustine or New Bern?

Saint Augustine 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 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 Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Saint Augustine or New Bern?

New Bern has a larger population, and is about 95% larger than the population of Saint Augustine. When comparing the sizes of Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine or New Bern in the Summer?

Both New Bern and Saint Augustine are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Saint Augustine in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to New Bern for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Saint Augustine is around the same temperature as New Bern in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 82°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 Saint Augustine. In July, Saint Augustine usually receives less rain than New Bern. Saint Augustine gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while New Bern receives 6.6 inches (169 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or New Bern in the Autumn?

Both New Bern and Saint Augustine during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Saint Augustine for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to New Bern because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Saint Augustine is a little warmer than New Bern. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Augustine in October average around 70°F (21°C), and New Bern averages at about 65°F (18°C).

Saint Augustine usually gets less rain in October than New Bern. Saint Augustine gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while New Bern receives 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Saint Augustine is June to November.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or New Bern in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Augustine and New Bern. The winter months attract visitors to Saint Augustine because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to New Bern this time of year.

In January, Saint Augustine is generally much warmer than New Bern. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 53°F (12°C), and New Bern fluctuates around 44°F (7°C).

New Bern receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Saint Augustine usually receives less rain than New Bern. Saint Augustine gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while New Bern receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or New Bern in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint Augustine as well as New Bern. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Saint Augustine this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to New Bern for the small town charm.

Saint Augustine is a little warmer than New Bern in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and New Bern fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

Saint Augustine usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as New Bern. Saint Augustine gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while New Bern receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Augustine.

Typical Weather for New Bern and Saint Augustine