A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Daytona Beach vs. Nags Head for Families, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Daytona Beach or Nags Head?

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

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Nags Head? 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.

Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is a lively, fun, and party-hard beach city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and beaches.

Nags Head

Other popular activities here include food.

Daytona Beach and Nags Head: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Daytona Beach or Nags Head?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Daytona Beach than Nags Head, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Daytona Beach is better known for its nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Nags Head is more popular for its food. Daytona Beach is more touristy than Nags Head and is popular for its spring break culture, wild parties, and the Daytona 500 NASCAR race. Also, Daytona Beach is famous for The Daytona International Speedway. Nags Head is well known for

How is Daytona Beach different from Nags Head?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Daytona Beach
Nags Head

Nags Head is a popular place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its restaurants.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Nags Head area. 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.

Daytona Beach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. This beach is more about the parties and drinks than it is about the food.


Is Daytona Beach or Nags Head Better for Nightlife?

Daytona Beach
Nags Head

Daytona Beach is an amazing beach city to visit for nightlife. However, Nags Head is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Daytona Beach has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Spring break is when the parties are at their peak. For the most active nightlife head to A1A from Ormond-by-the-Sea to Ponce Inlet, Main and Beach Streets, and Seabreeze Boulevard, ONE DAYTONA and International Speedway Boulevard in Daytona Beach, and Granada Boulevard in Ormond Beach.

Nags Head is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Daytona Beach or Nags Head Better for Music?

Daytona Beach
Nags Head

Daytona Beach is a popular place for live music. However, Nags Head is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Daytona Beach is active and vibrant. You can see live music at the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Bandshell and The Roof.

Nags Head is not a live music destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Nags Head Better for Resorts?

Daytona Beach
Nags Head

Daytona Beach is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Nags Head is not a resort destination.

Daytona Beach has a few resort options worth checking out. Many resorts in the area focus more on affordability than luxury. The oceanfront hotels usually have nice beachfront pools and rooms with balconies and oceanfront views. You'll pay a bit more for the waterfront rooms.

Nags Head is not a resort destination.


Is Daytona Beach or Nags Head Better for Beaches?

Daytona Beach
Nags Head

Daytona Beach is a popular place for its beaches. However, Nags Head is not a beach destination.

Daytona Beach is a good option for a beach vacation. The city's beaches are lively and festive, so if you're looking for a beach with music, drinking, and partying, then this is your place. In the surrounding areas you'll find some quieter, more family-friendly beaches. It's also best to avoid the Spring Break crowds if you're hoping for a quieter and more family-friendly vacation.

Nags Head is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Daytona Beach or Nags Head?

Daytona Beach
Nags Head

Daytona Beach is adequate for shopping. However, Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Daytona Beach is a good destination for shopping. Souvenir shops and t-shirt shops are the main shopping you'll find in this area. The boardwalk is lined with gimmicky shops where you can pick up magnets or beach paraphernalia.

Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Nags Head Better for Families?

Daytona Beach
Nags Head

Nags Head is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its kid-friendly activities.

Nags Head is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Daytona Beach is not always a place people visit with their families. Although it's best avoided during spring break, Daytona with kids can be fun when the crowds aren't too bad. There are water parks, surfing lessons, and of course the beach. The restaurants are usually family-friendly as well with many offering kid's menus and early opening hours.


Is Daytona Beach or Nags Head Better for Couples?

Daytona Beach
Nags Head

With fun activities for couples, both Daytona Beach and Nags Head make for a notable place to visit.

Daytona Beach is a good beach city for couples to visit. While romance isn't exactly what comes to mind when you first think of Daytona, couples who like to party and be out and about will enjoy a visit to Daytona Beach. There's plenty to do and some very great seafood restaurants in the area, so it's not hard to turn it into a couple's destination.

Nags Head is a nice destination for couples. There are great seafood restaurants and a number of activities in the area that are fun for couples.

Is Daytona Beach or Nags Head Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Daytona Beach
Nags Head

Nags Head is a popular place for backpackers. However, Daytona Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Daytona Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Nags Head Better for Students?

Daytona Beach
Nags Head

Daytona Beach is an amazing beach city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Nags Head is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Daytona Beach. It's one of the original Spring Break destinations, and the trend continues. If you're a student looking to cut loose, you'll find plenty of likeminded vacationers in the area, with many bars and hotels catering specifically to the younger crowd.

Nags Head is not popular with students.


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

Daytona Beach
Nags Head

Daytona Beach is mediocre for times when you don't have a car. However, Nags Head does not have public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Daytona Beach. There's limited transportation options around town so you really must have a private vehicle. If you've been out drinking, you can call a taxi or an Uber.

Nags Head does not have public transit.

Is Daytona Beach or Nags Head a more walkable city?

Daytona Beach
Nags Head

Daytona Beach is mediocre for its walkability. However, Nags Head is not a walkable destination.

Daytona Beach is not a very walkable beach city. This area requires a car if you want to access restaurants, nightlife, or anything away from your hotel.

Nags Head is not a walkable destination.

Should I spend more time in Nags Head or Daytona Beach?

How long in Daytona Beach or Nags Head?

Both Daytona Beach 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 Daytona Beach. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Daytona Beach, and 4-7 days is enough time in Nags Head.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Daytona Beach 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 Daytona Beach.


  • How many days in Daytona Beach or Nags Head? Ideal Length of Stay
    Daytona Beach 7 
    Nags Head 4-7

One day in Daytona Beach or Nags Head?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the beach city of Daytona Beach. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Nags Head. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.


A weekend in Daytona Beach or Nags Head?

You'll find live music and nightlife around the energetic destination of Daytona Beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This beach city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nags Head. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Five days in Daytona Beach or Nags Head?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the party-hard beach city of Daytona Beach. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Nags Head. This offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A week in Daytona Beach or Nags Head?

Daytona Beach is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the of Nags Head. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Nags Head or Daytona Beach?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Daytona Beach is $211, while the average daily cost in Nags Head is $149. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Daytona Beach and Nags Head in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Daytona Beach $84
    Nags Head $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Daytona Beach $168
    Nags Head $160
Compare Hotels in Daytona Beach and Nags Head

Looking for a hotel in Daytona Beach or Nags Head? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Daytona Beach


Hotels in Nags Head


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Daytona Beach Hotel Prices and Nags Head Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Daytona Beach $53
    Nags Head $40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Daytona Beach

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Daytona Beach:

  • Private Transfer from New Smyrna Beach to Port Canaveral: $239
  • Private Transfer from Daytona to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $200
  • Private Transfer from New Smyrna Beach to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $185

Is it cheaper to fly into Daytona Beach or Nags Head?

Prices for flights to both Nags Head and Daytona Beach change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Daytona Beach $80
    Nags Head $41

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Daytona Beach

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Daytona Beach.

  • Polynesian Fire and Dinner Show Ticket in Daytona Beach: $53

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Daytona Beach $28
    Nags Head $14

Tours and Activities in Daytona Beach

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Daytona Beach are as follows:

  • St. Johns River Nature Cruise at Blue Spring State Park : $28
  • 2 Hour Coastal Discovery Cruise: $75
  • 2-Hour Glass Bottom Guided Eco Tour in Flagler County-Small-group: $85
  • Guided Kayaking or Standup Paddling Tour: $65
  • Dolphin and Manatee Kayak Tour of Daytona Beach: $65
  • Dolphin and Manatee Stand Up Paddleboard Tour in Daytona Beach: $65
  • Electric Bike Tour of New Smyrna Beach: $115
  • Guided Wildlife Eco Kayak Tour in New Smyrna Beach: $45
  • Half Day Coastal Fun Cruise in Florida: $200
  • New Smyrna Dolphin and Manatee Kayak and SUP Adventure Tour: $65
  • Orlando Manatee and Natural Spring Adventure Tour at Blue Springs: $65
  • Ormond Beach Manatee and Nature Tour Kayaking or Paddle Boarding: $65

Tours and Activities in Nags Head

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nags Head.

  • Cape Hatteras National Seashore: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $12
  • Wright Brothers Carolina Dunes: Self-Guided Driving Tour: $13
  • Outer Banks Audio Driving Tour: $13
  • Cape Hatteras National Seashore Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15
  • Wright Brothers Carolina Dunes Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Outer Banks Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $25
  • OBX Ghost Tours: $25
  • Manteo Historic Walking Tour: $28
  • Kitty Hawk Maritime Forest Kayak Tour: $49
  • 2-hour Outer Banks Wild Horse Tour by 4WD Truck: $57
  • Cape Hatteras Kayak Adventure in Rodanthe: $59
  • Alligator River Kayak Adventure: $59

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Daytona Beach $43
    Nags Head $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Daytona Beach

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Daytona Beach:

  • Dive Bar Bus Crawl: $38
  • Dive Bar Bus Crawl from Daytona Beach: $40


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

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


Which is Bigger, Daytona Beach or Nags Head?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Daytona Beach as well as Nags Head. The summer months attract visitors to Daytona Beach because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nags Head this time of year.

In the summer, Daytona Beach is around the same temperature as Nags Head. Typically, the summer temperatures in Daytona Beach in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Nags Head averages at about 78°F (26°C).

It's quite rainy in Nags Head. Daytona Beach receives a lot of rain in the summer. Daytona Beach usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Nags Head. Daytona Beach gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Nags Head receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Daytona Beach 81°F (27°C) 
    Nags Head 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Nags Head in the Autumn?

Both Nags Head and Daytona Beach are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Daytona Beach this time of year.

In October, Daytona Beach is generally a little warmer than Nags Head. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 74°F (23°C), and Nags Head fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

It's quite rainy in Daytona Beach. In October, Daytona Beach usually receives more rain than Nags Head. Daytona Beach gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Nags Head receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Daytona Beach 74°F (23°C) 
    Nags Head 62°F (16°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Nags Head in the Winter?

Both Nags Head and Daytona Beach during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Daytona Beach for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Nags Head in the winter for the cuisine.

Nags Head can get quite cold in the winter. Daytona Beach is much warmer than Nags Head in the winter. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 58°F (14°C) in January, and Nags Head fluctuates around 41°F (5°C).

Nags Head gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Daytona Beach usually gets less rain in January than Nags Head. Daytona Beach gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Nags Head receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Daytona Beach 58°F (14°C) 
    Nags Head 41°F (5°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Nags Head in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Daytona Beach and Nags Head. Many visitors come to Daytona Beach in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Daytona Beach is a little warmer than Nags Head. Typically, the spring temperatures in Daytona Beach in April average around 69°F (21°C), and Nags Head averages at about 59°F (15°C).

In April, Daytona Beach usually receives less rain than Nags Head. Daytona Beach gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Nags Head receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Daytona Beach 69°F (21°C) 
    Nags Head 59°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Nags Head and Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach Nags Head
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 58°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 41°F (5°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Feb 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Mar 65°F (18°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Apr 69°F (21°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
May 75°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 67°F (19°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 6 inches (152 mm) 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 78°F (26°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 6.2 inches (157 mm) 78°F (25°C) 5 inches (127 mm)
Sep 80°F (26°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm)
Oct 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 62°F (16°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Nov 66°F (19°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Dec 60°F (16°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)