A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cabo San Lucas vs. Nags Head for Couples, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Cabo San Lucas or Nags Head?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cabo San Lucas and Nags Head can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is a idyllic, wild, and adventurous city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Nags Head

It's also known for food.

Cabo San Lucas and Nags Head: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cabo San Lucas or Nags Head?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cabo San Lucas. Although Cabo San Lucas and Nags Head are both popular with visitors, Cabo San Lucas has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cabo San Lucas is more touristy than Nags Head and is popular for its beautiful coastline, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife scene. It is also home to Land's End. Nags Head is popular for

How is Cabo San Lucas different from Nags Head?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cabo San Lucas or Nags Head?

Cabo San Lucas is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.

Cabo San Lucas is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several historical sights in the area such as the Church of Saint Luke and San Jose del Cabo.

Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Cabo San Lucas or Nags Head? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cabo San Lucas is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Nags Head is not as popular, but is still a nice for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Cabo San Lucas. If you step away from the all-you-can-eat buffets in the resorts, and the tourist hot spots, you'll find some excellent local Mexican cuisine and nice fine dining restaurants. Fresh seafood and local produce make the dishes unique.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Nags Head. 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 Cabo San Lucas or Nags Head Better for Nightlife?

Cabo San Lucas is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. However, Nags Head is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Cabo San Lucas has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It has a long reputation of being one of Mexico's best party destinations. There are wild, all-night dance parties, crazy and crowded clubs, and music that lasts well into the morning. The best nightlife can be found in the blocks around Plaza Bonita, near the marina boardwalk.

Nags Head is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Nags Head Better for Resorts?

Cabo San Lucas is great for its luxury resorts. However, Nags Head is not a resort destination.

Cabo San Lucas is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Many of the resorts are along parts of the coastline where it's not safe to swim. If you really want to enjoy swimming at a beachfront property, make sure you do some research in advance. Medano Beach is a nice area to consider.

Nags Head is not a resort destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Nags Head Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cabo San Lucas is great for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Nags Head is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Cabo San Lucas. There are many snorkeling and scuba diving excursions that go out on half day and full day trips. Some of the best snorkeling is found at Cabo Pulmo, which has the only living coral reef in the Sea of Cortez.

Nags Head is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Nags Head Better for Beaches?

Cabo San Lucas is great for its beaches. However, Nags Head is not a beach destination.

Cabo San Lucas is considered a top beach destination. Because of the water conditions, it's not safe to swim at many of the beaches in the area. This is particularly true on the Pacific side of the city. Many people consider Medano Beach to be one of the best in the area, but also nice are Lover's Beach, the ironically named Divorce Beach, and Chileno Beach.

Nags Head is not a beach destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Nags Head Better for its Old Town?

Cabo San Lucas is great for its historic old town. However, Nags Head does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Cabo San Lucas. San Jose del Cabo is an "old town" that's a bit outside of town. It's particularly nice to visit on Thursdays when there's a nice market.

Nags Head does not have a historic old town.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Nags Head Better for Hiking?

Cabo San Lucas is great for hiking. However, Nags Head is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Cabo San Lucas for the hiking trails. It's not hard to get out into nature and you'll find many great hiking trails that go through varied and beautiful landscapes.

Nags Head is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cabo San Lucas or Nags Head?

Cabo San Lucas is great for shopping. However, Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Cabo San Lucas. There are many great shopping areas where you can pick up souvenirs or other interesting items to remember your trip. There are mall, markets, and boutique vendors that sell a variety of products.

Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Nags Head Better for Families?

Both Cabo San Lucas and Nags Head are excellent to visit with kids.

Cabo San Lucas is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the snorkeling, boat rides, and kid-friendly cuisine. There are many places where kids can get up close and personal with animals, such as Wild Canyon’s Kingdom or camel riding. You might even be able to see migrating whales during your visit. Surfing, fishing, and hiking are also popular in the area.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Nags Head is very family-friendly. 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 Cabo San Lucas or Nags Head Better for Couples?

Cabo San Lucas is an amazing city to visit for romance. Also, Nags Head is not as popular, but is still a nice for its romantic activities.

Cabo San Lucas makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It has long been a favorite honeymoon destination and couples who enjoy a beach paradise with wildlife, diving, and outdoor adventures will appreciate Cabo San Lucas. There's also amazing Mexican food and world class resorts.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Nags Head Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Cabo San Lucas is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's a popular tourist destination, and there are a number of hostels and activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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

Cabo San Lucas is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Nags Head does not have public transit.

While Cabo San Lucas offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Buses make up the main form of public transit. They are called Subercabos and run between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.

Nags Head does not have public transit.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Nags Head a more walkable city?

Cabo San Lucas is great for its walkability. However, Nags Head is not a walkable destination.

Cabo San Lucas is very walkable. The town is relatively easy to walk around with many things close together.

Nags Head is not a walkable destination.

Should I spend more time in Nags Head or Cabo San Lucas?

How long in Cabo San Lucas or Nags Head?

Both Cabo San Lucas and Nags Head have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Cabo San Lucas has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Cabo San Lucas than Nags Head. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Cabo San Lucas, and 4-7 days is enough time in Nags Head.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cabo San Lucas 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 Cabo San Lucas.

One day in Cabo San Lucas or Nags Head?

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of Cabo San Lucas. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

In Nags Head, you'll find food. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cabo San Lucas or Nags Head?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the scenic destination of Cabo San Lucas. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Nags Head is a great place to explore. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Cabo San Lucas or Nags Head?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the wild city of Cabo San Lucas. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nags Head. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Cabo San Lucas or Nags Head?

Cabo San Lucas is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cabo San Lucas, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Nags Head, you'll find food. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Cabo San Lucas 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 Cabo San Lucas Expensive? and Is Nags Head Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cabo San Lucas or Nags Head?

Cabo San Lucas has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Nags Head. When comparing the sizes of Cabo San Lucas 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.