A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Jekyll Island vs. Nags Head for Families, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Jekyll Island or Nags Head?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Jekyll Island and Nags Head can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island is a natural, relaxing, and secluded island. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and museums.

Nags Head

It's also popular because of the food.

Jekyll Island and Nags Head: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Jekyll Island or Nags Head?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Jekyll Island than Nags Head, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Jekyll Island is better known for its museums, nightlife, resorts, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Nags Head is more popular for its food. Jekyll Island is more touristy than Nags Head and is known for its quiet beaches and its Historic District. Also, Jekyll Island is famous for Driftwood Beach. Nags Head is well known for

How is Jekyll Island different from Nags Head?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Jekyll Island or Nags Head?

Jekyll Island
Nags Head

Jekyll Island is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.

Jekyll Island is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Mosaic is the history museum on the island. The museum also offers historic tours of the area's sites. The Historic District is a popular place to visit with its well-maintained historic cottages and other structures.

Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Jekyll Island or Nags Head? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Jekyll Island
Nags Head

Nags Head is a with good options for its restaurants. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Nags Head is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Jekyll Island offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Many restaurants are casual with low country dishes or fried seafood. You'll find some brunch places as well as cafes and quick dining eateries around town.

Is Jekyll Island or Nags Head Better for Nightlife?

Jekyll Island
Nags Head

Jekyll Island is mediocre for nightlife. However, Nags Head is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Jekyll Island There are sunset cruises, but otherwise the nightlife scene is quiet.

Nags Head is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Jekyll Island or Nags Head Better for Resorts?

Jekyll Island
Nags Head

Jekyll Island is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Nags Head is not a resort destination.

Jekyll Island has a few resort options worth checking out. You'll mostly find mid-range hotels on the island.

Nags Head is not a resort destination.


Is Jekyll Island or Nags Head Better for Beaches?

Jekyll Island
Nags Head

Jekyll Island is great for its beaches. However, Nags Head is not a beach destination.

Jekyll Island is considered a top beach destination. Unspoiled beaches are the biggest draw. Some areas are rocky, but the beaches are peaceful and perfect for walks if you want to get away from the crowds. Much of the island is a state park, so it's undeveloped and pristine.

Nags Head is not a beach destination.

Is Jekyll Island or Nags Head Better for Hiking?

Jekyll Island
Nags Head

Jekyll Island is great for hiking. However, Nags Head is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Jekyll Island for the hiking trails. The state park has some trails that are nice. There are also beach walks, bike trails, and routes that take you through historic sites.

Nags Head is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Jekyll Island or Nags Head?

Jekyll Island
Nags Head

Jekyll Island is adequate for shopping. However, Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Jekyll Island is a good destination for shopping. You'll find a few gift shops and boutiques, but in general, shopping options are limited.

Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Jekyll Island or Nags Head Better for Families?

Jekyll Island
Nags Head

Both Jekyll Island and Nags Head are excellent to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Jekyll Island. Kids will love climbing and playing at Driftwood Beach, which is like a natural playground. Animal lovers will enjoy dolphin cruises or a visit to a turtle hospital. There's also the standard beach activities like minigolf, bike rental, and tram tours.

Nags Head is 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.

Is Jekyll Island or Nags Head Better for Couples?

Jekyll Island
Nags Head

Both Jekyll Island and Nags Head are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

Jekyll Island is a good island for couples to visit. There are several basic hotels as well as a few campgrounds. Couples will enjoy the beaches, but the island is small with limited activities and restaurant options. If you love natural scenery then this is a great destination, but there are fewer amenities than there are in many beach areas.

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 Jekyll Island or Nags Head Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jekyll Island
Nags Head

Nags Head is a with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for backpackers.

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

Jekyll Island is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a few campgrounds in the area as well as some nice beaches.


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

Jekyll Island
Nags Head

Jekyll Island 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 Jekyll Island. There are bus and trolley tours, but public transportation is mostly non-existent.

Nags Head does not have public transit.

Is Jekyll Island or Nags Head a more walkable city?

Jekyll Island
Nags Head

Jekyll Island is mediocre for its walkability. However, Nags Head is not a walkable destination.

Jekyll Island is not a very walkable island. Resources are spread out, so you really need a car to get around.

Nags Head is not a walkable destination.

Should I spend more time in Nags Head or Jekyll Island?

How long in Jekyll Island or Nags Head?

Both Jekyll Island 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 Jekyll Island. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Jekyll Island, and 4-7 days is enough time in Nags Head.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Jekyll Island 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 Jekyll Island.


  • How many days in Jekyll Island or Nags Head? Ideal Length of Stay
    Jekyll Island 2-4 
    Nags Head 4-7

One day in Jekyll Island or Nags Head?

You'll find museums around the island of Jekyll Island. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Jekyll Island or Nags Head?

You'll find museums around the relaxing destination of Jekyll Island. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. This island 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 Jekyll Island or Nags Head?

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the relaxing island of Jekyll Island. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Jekyll Island or Nags Head?

Jekyll Island is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Nags Head or Jekyll Island?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Jekyll Island is $156, 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 Jekyll Island and Nags Head in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jekyll Island $88
    Nags Head $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jekyll Island $176
    Nags Head $160
Compare Hotels in Jekyll Island and Nags Head

Looking for a hotel in Jekyll Island 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 Jekyll Island


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: Jekyll Island Hotel Prices and Nags Head Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jekyll Island $41
    Nags Head $40

Is it cheaper to fly into Jekyll Island or Nags Head?

Prices for flights to both Nags Head and Jekyll Island 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
    Jekyll Island $45
    Nags Head $41

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jekyll Island $10
    Nags Head $14

Tours and Activities in Nags Head

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

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jekyll Island $6.43
    Nags Head $12


When comparing the travel costs between Jekyll Island and Nags Head, we can see that Jekyll Island 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 Jekyll Island Expensive? and Is Nags Head Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Jekyll Island or Nags Head?

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 Jekyll Island or Nags Head in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Jekyll Island and Nags Head. Many travelers come to Jekyll Island for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Nags Head in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Jekyll Island is around the same temperature as Nags Head. Typically, the summer temperatures in Jekyll Island in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Nags Head averages at about 78°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nags Head this time of the year. In Jekyll Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jekyll Island usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nags Head during summer. Jekyll Island gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Nags Head receives 274 hours of full sun in the summer.

Nags Head receives a lot of rain in the summer. Jekyll Island gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Jekyll Island usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nags Head. Jekyll Island gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Nags Head receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Nags Head in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Jekyll Island as well as Nags Head. Many visitors come to Jekyll Island in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Jekyll Island is generally a little warmer than Nags Head. Daily temperatures in Jekyll Island average around 70°F (21°C), and Nags Head fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nags Head. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jekyll Island this time of the year. In the autumn, Jekyll Island often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nags Head. Jekyll Island gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nags Head receives 205 hours of full sun.

Jekyll Island usually gets less rain in October than Nags Head. Jekyll Island gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Nags Head receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Jekyll Island 70°F (21°C) 
    Nags Head 62°F (16°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Nags Head in the Winter?

Both Nags Head and Jekyll Island are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Jekyll Island for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Nags Head because of the cuisine.

The weather in Nags Head can be very cold. Jekyll Island is much warmer than Nags Head in the winter. The daily temperature in Jekyll Island averages around 53°F (12°C) in January, and Nags Head fluctuates around 41°F (5°C).

Jekyll Island usually receives more sunshine than Nags Head during winter. Jekyll Island gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Nags Head receives 147 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nags Head. In January, Jekyll Island usually receives less rain than Nags Head. Jekyll Island gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Nags Head receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jekyll Island 53°F (12°C) 
    Nags Head 41°F (5°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Nags Head in the Spring?

Both Nags Head and Jekyll Island during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Jekyll Island because of the beaches.

In the spring, Jekyll Island is a little warmer than Nags Head. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jekyll Island in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Nags Head averages at about 59°F (15°C).

In Nags Head, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Jekyll Island. In the spring, Jekyll Island often gets more sunshine than Nags Head. Jekyll Island gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nags Head receives 262 hours of full sun.

Jekyll Island usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Nags Head. Jekyll Island gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Nags Head receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Jekyll Island 68°F (20°C) 
    Nags Head 59°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Nags Head and Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island Nags Head
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 41°F (5°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 67°F (19°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 78°F (26°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 78°F (25°C) 5 inches (127 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 62°F (16°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)