A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Duck vs. Hilton Head Island for Beaches, Families, Resorts, and Couples

Should you visit Duck or Hilton Head Island?

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

Should I visit Duck 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.

Duck

Duck is a charming, laid-back, and traditional beach town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a relaxing, peaceful, and beautiful coastal town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Duck and Hilton Head Island: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Duck or Hilton Head Island?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Duck than Hilton Head Island, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Duck is better known for its museums, nightlife, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Hilton Head Island is more popular for its resorts. Duck is well known for its quaint atmosphere and small town charm. Also, Duck is famous for the wide sandy beach. Hilton Head Island is well known for its long sandy beaches, many golf courses, popular tennis camps, and accessible bike trails.

How is Duck 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 Duck. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Duck
Hilton Head Island

Duck is not a good area for its museums and history. However, Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Duck. Hanging out at the beach and enjoy water sports or outdoor activities are the main draw of this town. You won't find much in the form of museums or indoor activities.

Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Duck
Hilton Head Island

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at notable restaurants in both Duck and Hilton Head Island.

Duck offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. For such a small town, there's a decent selection of restaurants that range from local seafood eateries to pizza delivery. Homemade ice cream is a favorite in the area, but you also can't skip out on the flagship Duck Donuts store.

Hilton Head Island has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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 Duck or Hilton Head Island Better for Nightlife?

Duck
Hilton Head Island

Duck is a decent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Duck. It's known as a family-friendly destination that isn't often associated with a strong nightlife, but there is often live music and other festivals during the summer months.

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 Duck or Hilton Head Island Better for Resorts?

Duck
Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a well-known place for its resorts. Also, Duck is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its luxury resorts.

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.

With a selection of resorts, Duck makes a nice vacation spot. Most of the accommodation around town is in the form of vacation beach rental houses that are perfect for family gatherings or larger groups.


Is Duck or Hilton Head Island Better for Beaches?

Duck
Hilton Head Island

Duck is terrific for the beach. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

With world-famous beaches, Duck is a very popular vacation destination. Long sandy beaches with great surf and a wonderful boardwalk make this a great beach destination. Kids play in the tidal pools and families relax under their beach umbrellas in a classic beach setting.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Hilton Head Island. 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.

Is Duck or Hilton Head Island Better for Hiking?

Duck
Hilton Head Island

Duck is very good for its hiking trails. However, Hilton Head Island is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Duck. The Duck Trail runs for six miles and passes through town. It's popular with walkers, cyclists, and inline skaters.

Hilton Head Island is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Duck or Hilton Head Island?

Duck
Hilton Head Island

Duck is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Duck. Head to the Waterfront Shops for some of the town's best shopping. You can wander along the boardwalk and check out the independent vendors and local restaurants.

Hilton Head Island is a great destination for shopping. The area has upscale shopping with designer names and local venues. Popular shopping areas include Shelter Cove Town Center and Harbor Town.


Is Duck or Hilton Head Island Better for Families?

Duck
Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Duck is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Duck is very family-friendly. Kid-friendly beaches, local ice cream joints, and the famed Duck Donuts all make this an ideal kid's beach destination. There's a waterpark nearby and plenty of water sports that the whole family can enjoy. The boardwalk is also a very family-friendly environment.

Is Duck or Hilton Head Island Better for Couples?

Duck
Hilton Head Island

Duck is a very popular place for couples. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Duck makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a charming beach town with great local restaurants and a beautiful and peaceful setting. For couples who want to enjoy a relaxing beach town without the energy of a larger destination, then this is the perfect place. Much of the accommodation is in the form of rental houses, which can be a bit much for a couple, but the setting is perfect for a weekend escape.

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

Duck
Hilton Head Island

Duck is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Duck. It's best to have a car if you want to exploring the Outer Banks and its many activities.

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 Duck or Hilton Head Island a more walkable city?

Duck
Hilton Head Island

Duck is terrific for its ease of walking around. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Duck. It's a wonderfully walkable and pedestrian-friendly town with a great boardwalk and many walking and cycling paths.

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 Duck Worth Visiting? and Is Hilton Head Island Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilton Head Island or Duck?

How long in Duck or Hilton Head Island?

Both Duck and Hilton Head Island have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Duck has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Duck than Hilton Head Island. However, 5-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Duck 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 Duck.


  • How many days in Duck or Hilton Head Island? Ideal Length of Stay
    Duck 5-7 
    Hilton Head Island 5-7

One day in Duck or Hilton Head Island?

Duck might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This beach town offers something for everyone. Most people visit for the beaches. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and food when visiting the destination of Hilton Head Island. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Duck or Hilton Head Island?

Duck is a popular place to visit. Even though Duck is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Most people visit for the beaches. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Hilton Head Island is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


Five days in Duck or Hilton Head Island?

Duck is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Most people come for the beaches. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the beaches. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Duck has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and food when visiting the beautiful destination of Hilton Head Island. This coastal town offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Duck or Hilton Head Island?

Duck is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this beach town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. It offers something for everyone. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the peaceful coastal town of Hilton Head Island. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Hilton Head Island or Duck?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Duck is $188, while the average daily cost in Hilton Head Island is $243. 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 Duck and Hilton Head Island in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Duck $107
    Hilton Head Island $129
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Duck $214
    Hilton Head Island $258
Compare Hotels in Duck and Hilton Head Island

Looking for a hotel in Duck or Hilton Head Island? 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 Duck


Hotels in Hilton Head Island


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: Hilton Head Island Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Duck $66
    Hilton Head Island $34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hilton Head Island

Also for Hilton Head Island, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Hilton Head Island, SC to Savannah Hilton Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $90

Is it cheaper to fly into Duck or Hilton Head Island?

Prices for flights to both Hilton Head Island and Duck 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
    Duck $45
    Hilton Head Island $60

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hilton Head Island

For Hilton Head Island, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Dolphin Watching 3-Course Dinner Cruise: $70
  • Sunset Hibachi Dinner Cruise : $102
  • Hilton Head Sunset Dinner Cruise: $106
  • Sunset Dinner Cruise: $106

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Duck $13
    Hilton Head Island $23

Tours and Activities in Hilton Head Island

For Hilton Head Island, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Kazoo Factory Tour & Museum : $15
  • Beaufort Ghost Walking Tours : $22
  • Guided Reconstruction City Walking Tour in Beaufort: $29
  • Historic Tour of Tybee Island: $30
  • Historic Walking Tour of Tybee Island: $30
  • Walking Tour in Beaufort: $30
  • Tybee Island Ghost Tour: $30
  • 90-Minute Dolphin & Nature Tour: $32
  • History and Movie Tour of Beaufort by Golf Cart: $32
  • Beaufort’s #1 Horse & Carriage History Tour: $35
  • Beaufort City Minibus Tour: $35
  • #1 Historical Horse Drawn Carriage Tour: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Duck $45
    Hilton Head Island $26

Sample the Local Flavors in Hilton Head Island

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Hilton Head Island:

  • Hilton Head's ONLY Distillery Experience: $55


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Duck and Hilton Head Island, we can see that Hilton Head Island is more expensive. And not only is Duck much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Duck would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Duck 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 Duck.

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


Which is Bigger, Duck or Hilton Head Island?

Hilton Head Island has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Duck. When comparing the sizes of Duck 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 Duck 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 Duck or Hilton Head Island in the Summer?

Both Hilton Head Island and Duck during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Duck this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hilton Head Island for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Hilton Head Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Duck. In the summer, Duck often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hilton Head Island. Duck gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilton Head Island receives 267 hours of full sun.

Hilton Head Island gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Duck. Duck usually gets less rain in July than Hilton Head Island. Duck gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Duck 78°F (26°C) 
    Hilton Head Island 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Duck or Hilton Head Island in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Duck and Hilton Head Island. Many travelers come to Duck for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Hilton Head Island in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Duck is cooler than Hilton Head Island in the autumn. The daily temperature in Duck averages around 62°F (16°C) in October, and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hilton Head Island this time of the year. In Duck, it's very sunny this time of the year. Duck usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hilton Head Island during autumn. Duck gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Hilton Head Island receives 223 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Duck usually receives more rain than Hilton Head Island. Duck gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Duck 62°F (16°C) 
    Hilton Head Island 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Duck or Hilton Head Island in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Duck as well as Hilton Head Island. Many visitors come to Duck in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Hilton Head Island for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Duck can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Duck is much colder than Hilton Head Island. Typically, the winter temperatures in Duck in January average around 41°F (5°C), and Hilton Head Island averages at about 48°F (9°C).

In the winter, Duck often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hilton Head Island. Duck gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilton Head Island receives 176 hours of full sun.

Duck receives a lot of rain in the winter. Duck usually gets more rain in January than Hilton Head Island. Duck gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Duck 41°F (5°C) 
    Hilton Head Island 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Duck or Hilton Head Island in the Spring?

Both Hilton Head Island and Duck are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Duck for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Hilton Head Island because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Duck is generally cooler than Hilton Head Island. Daily temperatures in Duck average around 59°F (15°C), and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

It's quite sunny in Hilton Head Island. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Duck. Duck usually receives less sunshine than Hilton Head Island during spring. Duck gets 253 hours of sunny skies, while Hilton Head Island receives 275 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Duck usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hilton Head Island. Duck gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Duck 59°F (15°C) 
    Hilton Head Island 67°F (19°C)

Typical Weather for Hilton Head Island and Duck

Duck Hilton Head Island
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 41°F (5°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 48°F (9°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Feb 42°F (6°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 52°F (11°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 50°F (10°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 58°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
Apr 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 67°F (19°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
May 67°F (19°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 73°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Jun 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 80°F (26°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm)
Jul 78°F (26°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 82°F (28°C) 7.9 inches (200 mm)
Aug 78°F (25°C) 5 inches (127 mm) 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (164 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 77°F (25°C) 5.6 inches (141 mm)
Oct 62°F (16°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 59°F (15°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Dec 45°F (7°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)