A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America West Palm Beach vs. Beaufort for Beaches, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit West Palm Beach or Beaufort?

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

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Beaufort? 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.

West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is a fun-filled, diverse, and vibrant beach area. It's also known for nightlife, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See West Palm Beach travel costs.

Beaufort

Beaufort is a southern, charming, and historic town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Beaufort is a gorgeous place to visit. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and beaches. See Beaufort travel costs.

West Palm Beach and Beaufort: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in West Palm Beach or Beaufort?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Beaufort. Although West Palm Beach and Beaufort are both popular with visitors, Beaufort has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Beaufort is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while West Palm Beach is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. West Palm Beach is more touristy than Beaufort and is popular for its nice resorts, a lively boardwalk, great seafood, and fun watersports. Beaufort is popular for its Lowcountry cuisine and historic homes. It is also home to Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park.

How is West Palm Beach different from Beaufort?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Beaufort and West Palm Beach. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in West Palm Beach or Beaufort?

Beaufort is a popular place for its historical sights. However, West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Beaufort is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The town's museums highlight the region's past. There are four popular museums that you can visit - the Beaufort History Museum, Parris Island Museum, Verdier House Museum, and York W. Bailey Museum.

West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in West Palm Beach or Beaufort? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Beaufort is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. However, West Palm Beach is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Beaufort. Soak up the charming atmosphere by dining at one of the local restaurants. Many serve Lowcountry cuisine which includes She-crab soup, fried green tomatoes, shrimp burgers, and barbecue.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in West Palm Beach. Oceanfront restaurants usually have a great view and offer local and fresh seafood. There are also many local restaurants concentrated around Clematis Street and CityPlace districts.

Is West Palm Beach or Beaufort Better for Nightlife?

West Palm Beach is notable for nightlife. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for nightlife and partying.

West Palm Beach has plenty to do after the sun goes down. With rooftop bars and clubs, oceanfront venues, and plenty of nightlife options downtown, this city rivals most places when it comes to nightlife. The nightlife scene is particularly active during spring break, when university students head to town.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Beaufort. You'll find bars, grills, and taverns in town, but most people don't visit for the nightlife scene.

Is West Palm Beach or Beaufort Better for Resorts?

West Palm Beach is renowned for its resorts. However, Beaufort is not a resort destination.

West Palm Beach offers an unforgettable resort vacation. All of the major names are present including the Hilton, Marriott, and Four Seasons.

Beaufort is not a resort destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Beaufort Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

West Palm Beach is notable for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Beaufort is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to West Palm Beach to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. Check out Phil Foster Park in Rivera Beach. It's a man-made reef that is surprisingly clear.

Beaufort is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Beaufort Better for Beaches?

West Palm Beach is renowned for its beaches. Also, Beaufort is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for the beach.

The beaches in West Palm Beach are among the best in the world. From bustling beaches with a boardwalk to quieter, more relaxing beaches surrounded by parkland, there are are number of options in the area.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Beaufort. The town has a nice waterfront, but you have to head about half an hour out of town for a real beach. One of the best options is Hunting Island State Park.

Is West Palm Beach or Beaufort Better for its Old Town?

Beaufort is a great town for its historic old town. However, West Palm Beach does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Beaufort. Historic homes, some that were built before the Civil War, offer a glimpse into the past. Beaufort is the second oldest town in South Carolina and it holds on to much of its charm and character.

West Palm Beach does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in West Palm Beach or Beaufort?

Beaufort is a popular place for shopping. However, West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Beaufort. Head downtown for some souvenir shopping or to check out the art galleries or fashion boutiques.

West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Beaufort More Beautiful?

Beaufort is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, West Palm Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Beaufort is a gorgeous place to visit. There are many beautiful spots to take in nature or watch the sunset.

West Palm Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is West Palm Beach or Beaufort Better for Families?

West Palm Beach is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for its kid-friendly activities.

West Palm Beach is a very family-friendly place to visit. Animal lovers will appreciate the zoos and aquariums in the area. Check out McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary, Manatee Lagoon, the Palm Beach Zoo, and the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium.

Beaufort is not always a place people visit with their families. There are parks and outdoor activities in the area, but one of the best options is to head out of town to the beach.

Is West Palm Beach or Beaufort Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both West Palm Beach and Beaufort make for a very good place to visit.

West Palm Beach is a great beach area if you're traveling as a couple. Couples will enjoy kayaking, dining out, or simply relaxing on the beach. It's fun to spend a day exploring the botanical gardens and an evening wandering around Clematis Street.

Beaufort is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many charming and romantic spots around town as well as historic inns where you can stay. Couples will enjoy the waterfront area or exploring one of the nature parks that are nearby. There are also quaint local restaurants that make for a nice date night.

Is West Palm Beach or Beaufort Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

West Palm Beach is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

West Palm Beach has a few public transit options. There's a downtown trolley, a commuter trail line (connecting West Palm Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale), and a bus system with about 30 lines.

Public transit is quite limited in Beaufort. There is no reliable public transportation system in the area.

Is West Palm Beach or Beaufort a more walkable city?

Beaufort is a great town for its walkability. Also, West Palm Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice beach area for its high level of walkability.

Beaufort is very walkable. The quaint downtown is walkable and offers easy access to art galleries, restaurants, and shops.

West Palm Beach is a somewhat walkable place. West Palm Beach has a surprisingly walkable area and it's possible to explore the downtown area on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is West Palm Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Beaufort Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Beaufort or West Palm Beach?

How long in West Palm Beach or Beaufort?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both West Palm Beach and Beaufort. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in West Palm Beach than in Beaufort. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for West Palm Beach, and 1-3 days is enough time in Beaufort.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Beaufort than West Palm Beach 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 Beaufort.

One day in West Palm Beach or Beaufort?

The beach area of West Palm Beach offers scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. 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.

Beaufort is a small town with plenty to do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in West Palm Beach or Beaufort?

West Palm Beach 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.

Beaufort might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Most visitors spend time around the old town while 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 West Palm Beach or Beaufort?

West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Beaufort is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in West Palm Beach or Beaufort?

West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach has to offer. This beach area offers something for everyone.

Since Beaufort is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is West Palm Beach Expensive? and Is Beaufort Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, West Palm Beach or Beaufort?

West Palm Beach has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Beaufort. When comparing the sizes of West Palm Beach and Beaufort, 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 West Palm Beach or Beaufort?

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 West Palm Beach or Beaufort in the Summer?

Both Beaufort and West Palm Beach during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to West Palm Beach for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Beaufort in the summer for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

West Palm Beach is around the same temperature as Beaufort in the summer. The daily temperature in West Palm Beach averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Beaufort fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

In Beaufort, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in West Palm Beach. In the summer, West Palm Beach often gets more sunshine than Beaufort. West Palm Beach gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beaufort receives 267 hours of full sun.

Beaufort gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in West Palm Beach. West Palm Beach usually gets less rain in July than Beaufort. West Palm Beach gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Beaufort receives 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Beaufort in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both West Palm Beach and Beaufort. Furthermore, most visitors come to Beaufort for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, West Palm Beach is a little warmer than Beaufort. Typically, the autumn temperatures in West Palm Beach in October average around 78°F (25°C), and Beaufort averages at about 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beaufort this time of the year. In West Palm Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. West Palm Beach usually receives more sunshine than Beaufort during autumn. West Palm Beach gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Beaufort receives 223 hours of full sun in the autumn.

West Palm Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, West Palm Beach usually receives more rain than Beaufort. West Palm Beach gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Beaufort receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in West Palm Beach is the hurricane season.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Beaufort in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to West Palm Beach as well as Beaufort. Most visitors come to West Palm Beach for the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Beaufort because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, West Palm Beach is generally much warmer than Beaufort. Daily temperatures in West Palm Beach average around 65°F (19°C), and Beaufort fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in West Palm Beach this time of the year. In the winter, West Palm Beach often gets more sunshine than Beaufort. West Palm Beach gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beaufort receives 176 hours of full sun.

West Palm Beach usually gets less rain in January than Beaufort. West Palm Beach gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Beaufort receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Beaufort in the Spring?

Both Beaufort and West Palm Beach are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to West Palm Beach because of the beaches. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Beaufort this time of year.

West Palm Beach is a little warmer than Beaufort in the spring. The daily temperature in West Palm Beach averages around 74°F (23°C) in April, and Beaufort fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

It's quite sunny in Beaufort. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in West Palm Beach. West Palm Beach usually receives more sunshine than Beaufort during spring. West Palm Beach gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Beaufort receives 275 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, West Palm Beach usually receives more rain than Beaufort. West Palm Beach gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Beaufort receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in West Palm Beach is June to November.

Typical Weather for Beaufort and West Palm Beach