A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Duck vs. Monterey for Beaches, Families, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Duck or Monterey?

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

Should I visit Duck or Monterey? 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.

Monterey

Monterey is a laid back, relaxing, and nature-oriented city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Duck and Monterey: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Duck or Monterey?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Monterey than Duck, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Monterey is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, and scuba diving & snorkeling, while Duck is more popular for its resorts, beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Duck is well known for its quaint atmosphere and small town charm. Monterey is well known for its rugged coastline, diverse marine life, and excellent seafood. Also, Monterey is famous for the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

How is Duck different from Monterey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Monterey 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 Monterey?

Monterey is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Duck is not a good beach town for its museums and history.

Monterey offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a not-to-be-missed destination in town. You can also visit the Monterey State Historic Park or the Monterey Museum of Art.

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.

Is the Food Better in Duck or Monterey? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Monterey is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Duck is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Monterey makes for a great culinary experience. Seafood and local produce are what make the food special. There are many great restaurants to you can choose from that will let you enjoy the classic seafood dishes like clam chowder or oysters, as well as fresh artichokes and local wine.

Duck has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

Is Duck or Monterey Better for Nightlife?

Monterey is a well-known place for nightlife. However, Duck is not a good beach town for nightlife and partying.

Monterey offers plenty to do in the evening. There's a buzzing atmosphere at night with bars, breweries, and casual eateries all coming to life. Some of the best venues are found at the Old Fisherman's Wharf and along Alvarado Street.

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.

Is Duck or Monterey Better for Resorts?

Duck is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Monterey is not a resort destination.

Duck has a few great resort options. Most of the accommodation around town is in the form of vacation beach rental houses that are perfect for family gatherings or larger groups.

Monterey is not a resort destination.

Is Duck or Monterey Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monterey is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Duck is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Monterey has a few good snorkeling spots. Scuba diving offers an unforgettable experience. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary gives you the unique experience of seeing sea lions, otters, kelp forests, crabs, and more.

Duck is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Duck or Monterey Better for Beaches?

Duck is an amazing beach town to visit for the beach. Also, Monterey is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Duck offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. 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.

Monterey is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches highlight the laid by California vibe with sunbathers and beachgoers soaking up the atmosphere. There are both inlets and sandy beaches where you can see sea lions or explore the tidal pools.

Is Duck or Monterey Better for Hiking?

Duck is a good destination for its hiking trails. However, Monterey is not a hiking destination.

Duck offers some nice hiking trails. The Duck Trail runs for six miles and passes through town. It's popular with walkers, cyclists, and inline skaters.

Monterey is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Duck or Monterey?

Both Duck and Monterey are superb shopping destinations.

Duck is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Monterey is well-known for its shopping. You'll find both local vendors and tourist shops around town. Cannery Row is a popular destination, as is Old Fisherman's Wharf and the Old Farmer's Market.

Is Duck or Monterey Better for Families?

Monterey 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, Monterey is a very family-friendly destination. Monterey Bay Aquarium is a highlight for kids and adults alike. There's also the Monterey Zoo as well as lighthearted activities like a mirror maze. MY Museum is an interactive museum that's perfect for younger kids. There are also whale watching trips and nearby beaches.

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 Monterey Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Duck and Monterey make for a superb place to visit.

Duck is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Monterey makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many romantic inns in town as well as quaint restaurants and fun activities. There are also spas, wine bars, and plenty of shopping for couples to enjoy as well.

Is Duck or Monterey Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Monterey is a popular place for backpackers. However, Duck is not a good beach town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Monterey. There's a hostel in town as well as fun activities that will appeal to backpackers.

Duck is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's an upscale town with many beach houses available for rent, and very little in the form of budget accommodation.

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

Both Duck and Monterey offer respectable public transit options.

Public transit is generally 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 mostly limited in Monterey. There is a bus system through the area.

Is Duck or Monterey a more walkable city?

Duck is an amazing beach town to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Monterey is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Monterey is very walkable. If you stay near the town center, it's very walkable and easy to get around on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Duck Worth Visiting? and Is Monterey Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Monterey or Duck?

How long in Duck or Monterey?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Duck and Monterey. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Duck than in Monterey. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Duck, and 1-3 days is enough time in Monterey.

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

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

One day in Duck or Monterey?

Duck is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Monterey. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Duck or Monterey?

Duck is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Monterey is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Duck or Monterey?

Duck is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Duck, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the nature-oriented destination of Monterey. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Duck or Monterey?

Duck is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Duck has to offer. This beach town offers something for everyone.

The laid back city of Monterey offers shopping and museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

When comparing the travel costs between Duck and Monterey, we can see that Duck 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 Duck Expensive? and Is Monterey Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Duck or Monterey?

Monterey has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Duck. When comparing the sizes of Duck and Monterey, 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 Monterey?

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 Monterey in the Summer?

Both Monterey and Duck during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Duck for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Monterey because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Duck is generally a little warmer than Monterey. Daily temperatures in Duck average around 78°F (26°C), and Monterey fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Duck. Duck usually gets more rain in July than Monterey. Duck gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Duck or Monterey in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Duck and Monterey. The autumn months attract visitors to Duck because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Monterey this time of year.

Duck is around the same temperature as Monterey in the autumn. The daily temperature in Duck averages around 62°F (16°C) in October, and Monterey fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In October, Duck usually receives more rain than Monterey. Duck gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Duck or Monterey in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Duck as well as Monterey. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Duck this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Monterey for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Duck in the winter. In the winter, Duck is much colder than Monterey. Typically, the winter temperatures in Duck in January average around 41°F (5°C), and Monterey averages at about 51°F (11°C).

Duck receives a lot of rain in the winter. Duck usually gets more rain in January than Monterey. Duck gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Duck or Monterey in the Spring?

Both Monterey and Duck are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Duck for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Monterey in the spring for the beaches.

In April, Duck is generally a little warmer than Monterey. Daily temperatures in Duck average around 59°F (15°C), and Monterey fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In April, Duck usually receives more rain than Monterey. Duck gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Monterey and Duck