A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Fort Lauderdale vs. Duck for Resorts, Beaches, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Fort Lauderdale or Duck?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Fort Lauderdale and Duck. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is a scenic, bustling, and spirited coastal city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Duck

Duck is a laid-back, traditional, and compact beach town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and food.

Fort Lauderdale and Duck: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fort Lauderdale or Duck?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Fort Lauderdale. Although Fort Lauderdale and Duck are both popular with visitors, Fort Lauderdale has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Fort Lauderdale is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, and scuba diving & snorkeling, while Duck is known for its museums, hiking, shopping, and small town charm. Fort Lauderdale is more touristy than Duck and is known for its canals, beaches, walkable waterfront, and luxury resorts. It is also home to The Local Beaches. Duck is popular for its quaint atmosphere and small town charm.

How is Fort Lauderdale different from Duck?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Duck and Fort Lauderdale. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Fort Lauderdale or Duck?

Duck is not so good for its museums and landmarks. However, Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

Duck offers a few options for museum-goers. 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.

Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Fort Lauderdale and Duck offer a number of good restaurants to choose from.

Fort Lauderdale offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Seafood is the obvious option with popular dishes being fish tacos, sea bass, and scallop risotto. There are many waterfront restaurants or you could head to Las Olas Boulevard, which has many bistros, cafes, 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.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Duck Better for Nightlife?

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

Fort Lauderdale offers plenty to do in the evening. Trendy and upscale partying is the name of the game in this Florida city. Most people head to the beach, Las Olas Blvd, River Front and The New Hard Rock Seminole Hotel Complex for the best bars and clubs. You'll find the most activity around the weekends, but there really is something going on any night of the week.

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 Fort Lauderdale or Duck Better for Resorts?

Fort Lauderdale is renowned for its resorts. Also, Duck is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its luxury resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Fort Lauderdale is a great choice. Luxury beachfront resorts are plentiful in the area. Several of the most impressive include the Ritz-Carlton, W Fort Lauderdale, and the Dalmar. Most resorts have a beachfront pool, hot tubs, and depending on the resort, a kid's club.

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 Fort Lauderdale or Duck Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Fort Lauderdale has a few good snorkeling spots. Although the snorkeling doesn't compare to what you'll find further south around the Florida Keys, there are some great places to pull your mask and fins out in the area. Popular snorkeling spots nearby include the Vista Park Reef, Pompano Beach, and Hollywood North Beach Park.

Duck is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Duck Better for Beaches?

Fort Lauderdale and Duck both offer amazing beaches.

Fort Lauderdale offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches, a fun boardwalk, and impressive views, the beaches here are among the best in the area. They are surprisingly walkable and, while there can be crowds, there's still a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Duck. 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.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Duck Better for Hiking?

Duck is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Fort Lauderdale 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.

Fort Lauderdale is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Fort Lauderdale or Duck?

Duck is a great destination for shopping. Also, Fort Lauderdale is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Fort Lauderdale. For interesting local boutiques head to Las Olas Boulevard and for name brand stores you'll want to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Duck Better for Families?

Both Fort Lauderdale and Duck are superb family-friendly destinations.

Fort Lauderdale is a very family-friendly place to visit. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches and a number of kid-oriented activities, the kids will love it here. Fun activities include Bluefoot Pirate Adventures, Butterfly World, and Funderdome. On sunny days there are many outdoor recreation areas and when the weather isn't cooperating, there are hands-on museums.

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 Fort Lauderdale or Duck Better for Couples?

Fort Lauderdale is renowned for romance. Also, Duck is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its romantic activities.

Fort Lauderdale makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Fine dining, beautiful beaches, and great shopping make for a great romantic getaway. Couples and honeymooners love relaxing at the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. A sunset walk on the beach and a stay at a romantic resort will make for an unforgettable trip.

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.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Fort Lauderdale and Duck.

Public transit is generally limited in Fort Lauderdale. Transportation options include a water taxi and the Sun Trolley Hop-on Bus.

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.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Duck a more walkable city?

Duck is a must-visit destination for its walkability. Also, Fort Lauderdale is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

Fort Lauderdale is a very walkable coastal city. It is one of the most walkable Florida communities with a boardwalk and several pedestrian areas that are fun to wander around.

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

Should I spend more time in Duck or Fort Lauderdale?

How long in Fort Lauderdale or Duck?

Both Fort Lauderdale and Duck have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Duck has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Duck than Fort Lauderdale. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Fort Lauderdale, and 5-7 days is enough time in Duck.

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

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

One day in Fort Lauderdale or Duck?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Fort Lauderdale. 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.

Duck is a small town with plenty to do. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Fort Lauderdale or Duck?

Fort Lauderdale is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the beaches. 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.

Duck might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Fort Lauderdale or Duck?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the scenic destination of Fort Lauderdale. This coastal city 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.

Duck is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. This beach town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Fort Lauderdale or Duck?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the scenic coastal city of Fort Lauderdale. 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.

Duck is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

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.

When comparing the travel costs between Fort Lauderdale and Duck, 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 Fort Lauderdale Expensive? and Is Duck Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Fort Lauderdale or Duck?

Fort Lauderdale has a larger population, and is about 300 times larger than the population of Duck. When comparing the sizes of Fort Lauderdale and Duck, 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 Fort Lauderdale or Duck?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Duck in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Fort Lauderdale and Duck. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Fort Lauderdale this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Duck for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Fort Lauderdale is around the same temperature as Duck in the summer. The daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 83°F (28°C) in July, and Duck fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Duck this time of the year. In Fort Lauderdale, it's very sunny this time of the year. Fort Lauderdale usually receives more sunshine than Duck during summer. Fort Lauderdale gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Duck receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

Duck receives a lot of rain in the summer. Fort Lauderdale gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Fort Lauderdale usually receives more rain than Duck. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Duck receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Duck in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Fort Lauderdale as well as Duck. Many travelers come to Fort Lauderdale for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, 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.

In the autumn, Fort Lauderdale is much warmer than Duck. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Fort Lauderdale in October average around 78°F (26°C), and Duck averages at about 62°F (16°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Duck. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fort Lauderdale this time of the year. In the autumn, Fort Lauderdale often gets more sunshine than Duck. Fort Lauderdale gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Duck receives 211 hours of full sun.

Fort Lauderdale receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Fort Lauderdale usually gets more rain in October than Duck. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Duck receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Duck in the Winter?

Both Duck and Fort Lauderdale are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Fort Lauderdale in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Duck for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Duck can be very cold during winter. In January, Fort Lauderdale is generally much warmer than Duck. Daily temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 67°F (20°C), and Duck fluctuates around 41°F (5°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale usually receives more sunshine than Duck during winter. Fort Lauderdale gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Duck receives 168 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Duck. In January, Fort Lauderdale usually receives less rain than Duck. Fort Lauderdale gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Duck receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Duck in the Spring?

Both Duck and Fort Lauderdale during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Fort Lauderdale for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Duck because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Fort Lauderdale is much warmer than Duck in the spring. The daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 75°F (24°C) in April, and Duck fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

In Duck, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Fort Lauderdale. In the spring, Fort Lauderdale often gets more sunshine than Duck. Fort Lauderdale gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Duck receives 253 hours of full sun.

Fort Lauderdale usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Duck. Fort Lauderdale gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Duck receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Duck and Fort Lauderdale