A Travel Price Comparison for North Carolina Asheville vs. Nags Head for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Asheville or Nags Head?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Asheville and Nags Head. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Asheville

Asheville is a open-minded, eclectic, and outdoorsy mountain town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping.

Nags Head

And you can't forget about the nightlife and food.

Asheville and Nags Head: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Asheville or Nags Head?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Asheville. Although Asheville and Nags Head are popular destinations, Asheville has more sights and attractions for tourists. Asheville is more touristy than Nags Head and is popular for its fall foliage, artsy downtown, local North Carolina barbecue, and being home to the Biltmore Estate. It is also well known for The Biltmore Estate. Nags Head is famous for

How is Asheville different from Nags Head?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Nags Head and Asheville. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is the Food Better in Asheville or Nags Head? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Asheville and Nags Head can be an enjoyable experience.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Asheville. Downtown Asheville is filled with local restaurants that serve everything from brunch to late night snacks. There are many vegan and vegetarian options as well as a number of international restaurants. Popular local dishes include North Carolina barbeque and country ham biscuits.

Nags Head is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are a wide variety of seafood restaurants that serve locally caught fish, shrimp, and crabs. Cajon flavors are popular and you'll also find cheese grits at many places.

Is Asheville or Nags Head Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Asheville and Nags Head.

Asheville is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has a fun and eclectic nightlife scene that centers around the city's breweries and live music venues.

Many people head to Nags Head for the nightlife scene. You'll find the widest variety of nightlife options in the Outer Banks here. There are a number of bars and clubs around town where you can enjoy a drink or dance late into the night. During the peak summer months there's often live music at many places.

Is Asheville or Nags Head Better for Music?

Asheville is great for live music. However, Nags Head is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Asheville draws a good crowd. The city has grown into a world famous music destination that holds true to its mountain roots and independent artists.

Nags Head is not a live music destination.

Is Asheville or Nags Head Better for Resorts?

Asheville is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Nags Head is not a resort destination.

Asheville has a handful of resorts to choose from. The most famous resorts in the area are the Biltmore Estate and the Grove Park Inn. Both offer luxury restaurants and beautiful grounds that are particularly nice during the holidays.

Nags Head is not a resort destination.

Is Asheville or Nags Head Better for its Old Town?

Asheville is adequate for its historic old town. However, Nags Head does not have a historic old town.

Asheville is a good place to visit the old town. Downtown Asheville maintains much of its historic vibe, but it's smaller than some of the more notable old cities around the country.

Nags Head does not have a historic old town.

Is Asheville or Nags Head Better for Hiking?

Asheville is great for hiking. However, Nags Head is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Asheville for the hiking trails. Just outside of town are many great hikes to waterfalls or through the mountains. The hikes range in skill level and length but many pass through local forests or along the beautiful skyline.

Nags Head is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Asheville or Nags Head?

Asheville is great for shopping. However, Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Asheville. The city has many local shops that sell local crafts and independent art. The downtown area is filled with art vendors and you'll find the greatest concentration of shopping along the pedestrian-friendly Lexington Avenue.

Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Asheville or Nags Head Better for Christmas?

Asheville is great for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Nags Head does not offer Christmas activities.

Asheville is a very popular destination during Christmas. Head to the Biltmore Estate to see it fully decorated for the Christmas season. It's also worth going to see the winning Gingerbread Houses on display at the Grove Park Inn.

Nags Head does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Asheville or Nags Head Better for Christmas Markets?

Asheville is adequate for visiting Christmas markets. However, Nags Head does not offer Christmas markets.

Asheville is a good spot to see some Christmas markets. There are a handful of local Christmas shops around town where you can buy personalized gifts.

Nags Head does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Asheville or Nags Head Better for Families?

Both Asheville and Nags Head are superb family-friendly destinations.

Asheville is a very kid-friendly mountain town. With its beautiful hiking, interesting nature centers, and outdoor adventure activities, this mountain town makes a great kid-friendly destination. There are outdoor adventure parks where kids can zipline or climb. There are also hands on farms and orchards for fruit-picking.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Nags Head. It makes a wonderful base for the many family-friendly activities in the area. Jockey's Ridge is a fun place to visit with kids. There are also wonderful beaches and many kids enjoying flying kites.

Is Asheville or Nags Head Better for Couples?

Asheville is great for romance. Also, Nags Head is not as popular, but is still a nice for its romantic activities.

Asheville is a great mountain town if you're traveling as a couple. Couples enjoy exploring the beautiful Biltmore Estates or visiting the spa at the Grove Park Inn. The quaint town makes a great honeymoon destination or a nice romantic getaway. There are luxury hotels or intimate bed and breakfasts that offer different options for couples on a romantic trip.

Nags Head makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are great seafood restaurants and a number of activities in the area that are fun for couples.

Is Asheville or Nags Head Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Asheville is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nags Head is not as popular, but is still a nice for backpackers.

Asheville is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The town has an eclectic vibe that backpackers appreciate. There are a few good hostels around town as well as nearby campgrounds that are perfect for budget travelers or hikers.

Nags Head is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. This is one of the more affordable places to stay in the Outer Banks, so it appeals to more budget-oriented travelers.

Is Asheville or Nags Head Better for Students?

Asheville is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Nags Head is not popular with students.

Asheville is a very popular mountain town for students and younger travelers. With its progressive personality and charming downtown, students enjoy spending time in this great town.

Nags Head is not popular with students.

Is Asheville or Nags Head Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Asheville is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Nags Head is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Asheville. There are buses around town, but almost everyone gets around town with their own vehicle.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Nags Head. There's no real public transit around town, so you'll need to have your own car.

Is Asheville or Nags Head a more walkable city?

Asheville is a popular place for its walkability. However, Nags Head is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

Asheville is somewhat walkable. If you stay downtown and don't plan to explore the outlying areas, then it's possible to walk around town. Otherwise, you'll need a car.

Nags Head is generally not very walkable. This is one of the least walkable towns in the Outer Banks. You'll need a car to reach most restaurants and other activities in the area.

Should I spend more time in Nags Head or Asheville?

How long in Asheville or Nags Head?

Both Asheville and Nags Head have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Nags Head than in Asheville. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Asheville, and 4-7 days is enough time in Nags Head.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Asheville than Nags Head 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 Asheville.

One day in Asheville or Nags Head?

You'll find food and shopping around the mountain town of Asheville. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find nightlife and food around the of Nags Head. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Asheville or Nags Head?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the open-minded destination of Asheville. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this mountain town has to offer. This mountain town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find food and nightlife around the destination of Nags Head. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Asheville or Nags Head?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the progressive mountain town of Asheville. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find nightlife and food around the of Nags Head. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this has to offer.

A week in Asheville or Nags Head?

Asheville is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Nags Head is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nags Head, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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 Asheville and Nags Head, we can see that Nags Head 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 Asheville Expensive? and Is Nags Head Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Asheville or Nags Head?

Asheville has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Nags Head. When comparing the sizes of Asheville and Nags Head, 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 Asheville or Nags Head?

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 Asheville or Nags Head in the Summer?

Both Nags Head and Asheville during the summer are popular places to visit. The hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Asheville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nags Head for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Asheville is generally around the same temperature as Nags Head. Daily temperatures in Asheville average around 82°F (28°C), and Nags Head fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

In Nags Head, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Asheville. In the summer, Asheville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nags Head. Asheville gets 268 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nags Head receives 274 hours of full sun.

Nags Head gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Asheville. Asheville usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Nags Head. Asheville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Nags Head receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Asheville or Nags Head in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Asheville and Nags Head. Many travelers come to Asheville for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Asheville is around the same temperature as Nags Head in the autumn. The daily temperature in Asheville averages around 64°F (18°C) in October, and Nags Head fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nags Head this time of the year. In Asheville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Asheville usually receives more sunshine than Nags Head during autumn. Asheville gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Nags Head receives 205 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Asheville usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nags Head. Asheville gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Nags Head receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Asheville or Nags Head in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Asheville as well as Nags Head. Many visitors come to Asheville in the winter for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Nags Head for the cuisine during these months.

Nags Head can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Asheville is a little warmer than Nags Head. Typically, the winter temperatures in Asheville in January average around 44°F (7°C), and Nags Head averages at about 41°F (5°C).

In the winter, Asheville often gets more sunshine than Nags Head. Asheville gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nags Head receives 147 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nags Head. Asheville receives a lot of rain in the winter. Asheville usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Nags Head. Asheville gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Nags Head receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Asheville or Nags Head in the Spring?

Both Nags Head and Asheville are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Asheville for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Asheville is generally a little warmer than Nags Head. Daily temperatures in Asheville average around 64°F (18°C), and Nags Head fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Nags Head. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Asheville. Asheville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nags Head during spring. Asheville gets 266 hours of sunny skies, while Nags Head receives 262 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Asheville. In April, Asheville usually receives more rain than Nags Head. Asheville gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Nags Head receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nags Head and Asheville