A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Chapel Hill vs. Hilton Head Island for Families, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Chapel Hill or Hilton Head Island?

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

Should I visit Chapel Hill or Hilton Head Island? 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.

Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill is a student-oriented, collegiate, and southern town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a relaxing, peaceful, and beautiful coastal town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, food, and beaches.

Chapel Hill and Hilton Head Island: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chapel Hill or Hilton Head Island?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Chapel Hill. Although Chapel Hill and Hilton Head Island are popular destinations, Chapel Hill has more sights and attractions for tourists. Chapel Hill is very popular for its museums and nightlife, while Hilton Head Island attracts visitors for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Hilton Head Island is more touristy than Chapel Hill and is popular for its long sandy beaches, many golf courses, popular tennis camps, and accessible bike trails. Chapel Hill is famous for being the home of the oldest public university in the United States. It is also well known for the University of North Carolina.

How is Chapel Hill different from Hilton Head Island?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Chapel Hill or Hilton Head Island?

Chapel Hill is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Chapel Hill specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Many of the museums are affiliated with UNC. A highlight of many trips is a visit to the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center. Hours can vary, so check the schedule ahead of time. Also worth visiting are the Ackland Art Museum and the Carolina Basketball Museum.

Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Chapel Hill or Hilton Head Island? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Chapel Hill and Hilton Head Island offer nice local cuisine and restaurants.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Chapel Hill area. Students often eat on Franklin Street, which has a diverse mix of casual and slightly nicer restaurants. You'll find Indian food, Mediterranean, Italian, and Greek. The city also has excellent barbecue and other southern favorites.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Hilton Head Island. The island has many famous restaurants but reservations during the summer are a must. Restaurants can get very crowded during peak times. For some of the best restaurants head to Shelter Cove or Harbour Town. Popular local dishes include fried seafood and oysters.

Is Chapel Hill or Hilton Head Island Better for Nightlife?

Chapel Hill is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Chapel Hill has a large number of nightlife venues. Most of the nightlife is centered around the student population. Franklin Street has a number of bars where students hang out. There are also parties hosted by fraternities and sororities. Things are quieter during the summer months when students are mostly gone.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Hilton Head Island. There are a few sports bars and comedy clubs, but nightlife isn't really a thing in Hilton Head. This is very much a family destination that shuts down with the sunset.

Is Chapel Hill or Hilton Head Island Better for Resorts?

Hilton Head Island is well known for its resorts. However, Chapel Hill is not a resort destination.

Hilton Head Island is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Most of the accommodation in the area is in the form of weekly condo rentals, which usually include a pool and outdoor space. Tennis and golf are also popular on the island so many resorts have facilities for each.

Chapel Hill is not a resort destination.

Is Chapel Hill or Hilton Head Island Better for Beaches?

Hilton Head Island is well known for the beach. However, Chapel Hill is not a beach destination.

Hilton Head Island is considered a top beach destination. The island has nice beaches that are popular with families. They are great for swimming during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. While some beaches may get a bit crowded during peak holidays, they're usually pretty relaxed and less crowded than many nearby beaches.

Chapel Hill is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chapel Hill or Hilton Head Island?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Hilton Head Island and Chapel Hill.

Many visitors go to Chapel Hill to go shopping. There are a mix of local shops, larger shopping centers, and suburban malls. There are also weekly farmer's markets that are fun to check out.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Hilton Head Island. The area has upscale shopping with designer names and local venues. Popular shopping areas include Shelter Cove Town Center and Harbor Town.

Is Chapel Hill or Hilton Head Island Better for Families?

Hilton Head Island is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Hilton Head Island is a very family-friendly destination. This area is a popular family-friendly beach destination with a number of summer events for the whole family, peaceful beaches, and family-friendly restaurants throughout. Older kids will enjoy cycling around the island's many bike trails or attending a popular tennis camp.

Chapel Hill offers lots of family activities. You can wander around the UNC campus or visit one of the museums affiliated with the school. This includes a planetarium that has regular shows and movies (The Morehead Planetarium and Science Center). There are also science exhibits geared specifically towards kids.

Is Chapel Hill or Hilton Head Island Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Chapel Hill and Hilton Head Island make for a nice place to visit.

Chapel Hill is a good town for couples to visit. There's an eclectic mix of restaurants on Franklin Street. Couples will also enjoy exploring the campus at UNC, visiting the botanical garden, or checking out one of the town's museums.

Hilton Head Island is a nice destination for couples. While the area is most popular with families, it is a fun place to explore as a couple because of the many high end restaurants and the beautiful setting. Couples can rent bikes to explore or play a friendly game of tennis.

Is Chapel Hill or Hilton Head Island Better for Students?

Chapel Hill is terrific for its student-friendly activities. However, Hilton Head Island is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Chapel Hill. It's a quintessential college town. UNC has a nice campus and Franklin Street is the main spot for restaurants and shopping. Most of the students live near or on campus, but once you head further out things get more suburban.

Hilton Head Island is not popular with students.

Is Chapel Hill or Hilton Head Island Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chapel Hill is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Chapel Hill has some public transit options. There are bus routes that operate between Chapel Hill and Carrboro.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Hilton Head Island. You must have a car to get most places on the island, unless you bike. Rush hour during summer months can have intense traffic.

Is Chapel Hill or Hilton Head Island a more walkable city?

Chapel Hill is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Chapel Hill is a somewhat walkable town. The area around UNC is the most walkable part of town. Elsewhere things are very suburban and you'll need a car.

Hilton Head Island is generally not very walkable. You really need a car to get around, but for those who are motivated, there is a great network of bike trails. It's mostly used for recreational purposes though.

For even more information, also check out Is Chapel Hill Worth Visiting? and Is Hilton Head Island Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilton Head Island or Chapel Hill?

How long in Chapel Hill or Hilton Head Island?

Both Chapel Hill and Hilton Head Island have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Hilton Head Island than in Chapel Hill. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Chapel Hill, and 5-7 days is enough time in Hilton Head Island.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chapel Hill than Hilton Head Island 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 Chapel Hill.

One day in Chapel Hill or Hilton Head Island?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the southern destination of Chapel Hill. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the relaxing coastal town of Hilton Head Island. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Chapel Hill or Hilton Head Island?

Chapel Hill is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the student-oriented town of Chapel Hill. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Chapel Hill has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and food when visiting the relaxing destination of Hilton Head Island. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This coastal town offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Chapel Hill or Hilton Head Island?

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Chapel Hill. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the peaceful coastal town of Hilton Head Island. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Chapel Hill or Hilton Head Island?

Chapel Hill is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and food when visiting the destination of Hilton Head Island. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this coastal town.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chapel Hill Expensive? and Is Hilton Head Island Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Chapel Hill or Hilton Head Island?

Chapel Hill has a larger population, and is about 38% larger than the population of Hilton Head Island. When comparing the sizes of Chapel Hill and Hilton Head Island, 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 Chapel Hill or Hilton Head Island?

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 Chapel Hill or Hilton Head Island in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Chapel Hill as well as Hilton Head Island. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Chapel Hill this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Hilton Head Island for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Chapel Hill is around the same temperature as Hilton Head Island in the summer. The daily temperature in Chapel Hill averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hilton Head Island. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chapel Hill this time of the year. In the summer, Chapel Hill often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hilton Head Island. Chapel Hill gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilton Head Island receives 267 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hilton Head Island. Chapel Hill receives a lot of rain in the summer. Chapel Hill usually gets less rain in July than Hilton Head Island. Chapel Hill gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chapel Hill or Hilton Head Island in the Autumn?

Both Hilton Head Island and Chapel Hill are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Chapel Hill for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Hilton Head Island in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Chapel Hill is cooler than Hilton Head Island. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chapel Hill in October average around 61°F (16°C), and Hilton Head Island averages at about 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Hilton Head Island. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chapel Hill. Chapel Hill usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hilton Head Island during autumn. Chapel Hill gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Hilton Head Island receives 223 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Chapel Hill usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hilton Head Island. Chapel Hill gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Chapel Hill or Hilton Head Island in the Winter?

Both Hilton Head Island and Chapel Hill during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Chapel Hill in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Hilton Head Island for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Chapel Hill can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Chapel Hill is generally much colder than Hilton Head Island. Daily temperatures in Chapel Hill average around 40°F (5°C), and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In the winter, Chapel Hill often gets less sunshine than Hilton Head Island. Chapel Hill gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilton Head Island receives 176 hours of full sun.

Chapel Hill usually gets more rain in January than Hilton Head Island. Chapel Hill gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chapel Hill or Hilton Head Island in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Chapel Hill and Hilton Head Island. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Hilton Head Island because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Chapel Hill is cooler than Hilton Head Island in the spring. The daily temperature in Chapel Hill averages around 60°F (16°C) in April, and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hilton Head Island this time of the year. In Chapel Hill, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chapel Hill usually receives less sunshine than Hilton Head Island during spring. Chapel Hill gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Hilton Head Island receives 275 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Chapel Hill usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hilton Head Island. Chapel Hill gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hilton Head Island and Chapel Hill