A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Duck vs. Virginia Beach for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Duck or Virginia Beach?

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

Should I visit Duck or Virginia Beach? 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 traditional, compact, and charming beach town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, food, and beaches.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a relaxing, bustling, and fun-filled coastal city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife and beaches.

Duck and Virginia Beach: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less attractive beach
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Duck or Virginia Beach?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Duck. Although Duck and Virginia Beach are popular destinations, Duck has more sights and attractions for tourists. Duck is very popular for its museums, food, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Virginia Beach attracts visitors for its nightlife. Duck is more touristy than Virginia Beach and is popular for its quaint atmosphere and small town charm. It is also well known for the wide sandy beach. Virginia Beach is famous for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe.

How is Duck different from Virginia Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Duck
Virginia Beach

Duck is mediocre for its historical sights. However, Virginia Beach 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.

Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Duck
Virginia Beach

Duck is a nice place to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Virginia Beach may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Seafood is plentiful around town and there are all-you-can-eat buffets as well as high end, waterfront seafood restaurants. Make sure you try the She Crab Soup, soft shell crabs, and oysters.

Is Duck or Virginia Beach Better for Nightlife?

Duck
Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a popular place for nightlife. However, Duck is not a good beach town for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Virginia Beach. While it's a family-friendly beach, there's still a great nightlife scene with many bars and clubs in the area. Popular places to hang out at night include Omega Bar, Peabody's Nightclub, and Sky Bar.

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 Virginia Beach Better for Resorts?

Duck
Virginia Beach

Duck and Virginia Beach offer a relatively similar set of nice luxury resort options.

Duck has a handful of resorts to choose from. Most of the accommodation around town is in the form of vacation beach rental houses that are perfect for family gatherings or larger groups.

With a selection of resorts, Virginia Beach makes a nice vacation spot. Some of the best resorts in the area include the Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club, the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, and The Founders Inn and Spa.


Is Duck or Virginia Beach Better for Beaches?

Duck
Virginia Beach

Duck is terrific for the beache. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for the beach.

The beaches in Duck are among the best in 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Virginia Beach. The beaches are long and sandy, but they can get crowded during the summer months. The waves are just the right size for playing in the surf and the water temperature is usually warm enough to swim well into the fall months.

Is Duck or Virginia Beach Better for Hiking?

Duck
Virginia Beach

Duck is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Virginia Beach is not a hiking destination.

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

Virginia Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Duck or Virginia Beach?

Duck
Virginia Beach

Duck is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Duck is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Duck or Virginia Beach Better for Families?

Duck
Virginia Beach

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Duck or Virginia Beach.

Duck is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Virginia Beach is very family-friendly. This is a popular family-friendly beach with a nice boardwalk, a fun waterpark, aquarium, and nice beaches. It attracts families in the area for its long beaches and fun atmosphere. Most restaurants have kid's menus and there are ice cream shops and minigolf around.

Is Duck or Virginia Beach Better for Couples?

Duck
Virginia Beach

Duck is great for its romantic activities. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for couples.

Duck is a great beach town if you're traveling as 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.

Virginia Beach is a good beach town for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy a nice escape to the beaches and boardwalk. There are many great seafood restaurants, some with waterfront settings. There's also a variety of activities ranging from many golf to dance clubs.

Is Duck or Virginia Beach Better for Students?

Duck
Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a popular place for students. However, Duck is not popular with students.

Virginia Beach is a good coastal city to visit for students. It's not as popular as more southern beach towns, but you'll still find students heading here for the spring break holidays.

Duck is not popular with students.


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

Duck
Virginia Beach

Duck is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination 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 Virginia Beach. There is very limited public transit in the area so you'll need to have a car to get around.

Is Duck or Virginia Beach a more walkable city?

Duck
Virginia Beach

Duck is terrific for its high level of walkability. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its ease of walking around.

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

Virginia Beach is generally not very walkable. Most people prefer to have a car but do note that parking can be a nightmare, particularly during the summer season.

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

Should I spend more time in Virginia Beach or Duck?

How long in Duck or Virginia Beach?

Both Duck and Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach. However, 5-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Duck than Virginia Beach. 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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach? Ideal Length of Stay
    Duck 5-7 
    Virginia Beach 5-7

One day in Duck or Virginia Beach?

Duck might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Most people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the destination of Virginia 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 Virginia Beach?

Duck is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Virginia Beach is a fun place to experience. 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 Virginia Beach?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Duck. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the bustling destination of Virginia Beach. This coastal city offers something for everyone. 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 Virginia Beach?

Duck is a small town with plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the relaxing coastal city of Virginia 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.


Which place is cheaper, Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach is $126. 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 Virginia Beach in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Duck $107
    Virginia Beach $71
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Duck $214
    Virginia Beach $142
Compare Hotels in Duck and Virginia Beach

Looking for a hotel in Duck or Virginia Beach? 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 Virginia Beach


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: Virginia Beach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Duck $66
    Virginia Beach $39

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Virginia Beach

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Virginia Beach:


  • Beach Parking
    $10

Is it cheaper to fly into Duck or Virginia Beach?

Prices for flights to both Virginia Beach 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
    Virginia Beach $30

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Duck $13
    Virginia Beach $21

Tours and Activities in Virginia Beach

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Virginia Beach.

  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Virginia Beach by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Neptune Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour: $26
  • Neptune Ghosts: Ghosts of the Coast By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Sunset Stand-Up Paddleboarding Tour: $45
  • Morning Stand-Up Paddleboarding Tour: $45
  • Ziplining and Climbing at The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium: $59
  • Dolphin Stand-Up Paddleboard Tour: $60
  • Wetland Zip Tour: $65
  • Sunset Dolphin Kayak Tours: $68
  • Small Group Dolphin Kayak Eco-Tour: $68
  • Dolphin Kayak Tour in Virginia Beach: $75
  • Kayak Dolphin Experience in Virginia Beach: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Duck $45
    Virginia Beach $11


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

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


Which is Bigger, Duck or Virginia Beach?

Virginia Beach has a larger population, and is about 760 times larger than the population of Duck. When comparing the sizes of Duck and Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach?

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 Virginia Beach in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Duck as well as Virginia Beach. Many travelers come to Duck for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Virginia Beach in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Duck is around the same temperature as Virginia Beach. Typically, the summer temperatures in Duck in July average around 78°F (26°C), and Virginia Beach averages at about 79°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Virginia Beach. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Duck this time of the year. In the summer, Duck often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Virginia Beach. Duck gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Virginia Beach receives 279 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Virginia Beach. Duck receives a lot of rain in the summer. Duck usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Virginia Beach. Duck gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Duck 78°F (26°C) 
    Virginia Beach 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Duck or Virginia Beach in the Autumn?

Both Virginia Beach and Duck are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Duck in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Virginia Beach for the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Duck is generally around the same temperature as Virginia Beach. Daily temperatures in Duck average around 62°F (16°C), and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

It's quite sunny in Virginia Beach. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Duck. Duck usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Virginia Beach during autumn. Duck gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Duck usually receives around the same amount of rain as Virginia Beach. Duck gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Duck 62°F (16°C) 
    Virginia Beach 62°F (16°C)

Should I visit Duck or Virginia Beach in the Winter?

Both Virginia Beach and Duck during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Duck for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Virginia Beach because of the cuisine.

The weather in Virginia Beach can be very cold. Duck can be very cold during winter. Duck is a little warmer than Virginia Beach in the winter. The daily temperature in Duck averages around 41°F (5°C) in January, and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 39°F (4°C).

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Duck. Duck usually gets more rain in January than Virginia Beach. Duck gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Duck 41°F (5°C) 
    Virginia Beach 39°F (4°C)

Should I visit Duck or Virginia Beach in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Duck and Virginia Beach. The spring months attract visitors to Duck because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Virginia Beach this time of year.

In the spring, Duck is around the same temperature as Virginia Beach. Typically, the spring temperatures in Duck in April average around 59°F (15°C), and Virginia Beach averages at about 58°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach during spring. Duck gets 253 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Duck usually receives more rain than Virginia Beach. Duck gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Duck 59°F (15°C) 
    Virginia Beach 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Virginia Beach and Duck

Duck Virginia Beach
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 41°F (5°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Feb 42°F (6°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Mar 50°F (10°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 49°F (10°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Apr 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
May 67°F (19°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 78°F (26°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 79°F (26°C) 5.7 inches (145 mm)
Aug 78°F (25°C) 5 inches (127 mm) 78°F (25°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Oct 62°F (16°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 62°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Dec 45°F (7°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)