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

Should you visit Nags Head or Beaufort?

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

Should I visit Nags Head or Beaufort? 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.

Nags Head

It's also known for food.

Beaufort

Beaufort is a southern, charming, and historic town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and beaches.

Nags Head and Beaufort: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Nags Head or Beaufort?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Beaufort. Although Nags Head and Beaufort are both popular with visitors, Beaufort has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Beaufort is more touristy than Nags Head and is popular for its Lowcountry cuisine and historic homes. It is also home to Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. Nags Head is popular for

How is Nags Head different from Beaufort?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nags Head
Beaufort

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

Beaufort is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The town's museums highlight the region's past. There are four popular museums that you can visit - the Beaufort History Museum, Parris Island Museum, Verdier House Museum, and York W. Bailey Museum.

Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Nags Head
Beaufort

Beaufort is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Nags Head is not as popular, but is still a nice for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Beaufort. Soak up the charming atmosphere by dining at one of the local restaurants. Many serve Lowcountry cuisine which includes She-crab soup, fried green tomatoes, shrimp burgers, and barbecue.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Nags Head. 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.

Is Nags Head or Beaufort Better for Nightlife?

Nags Head
Beaufort

Beaufort is adequate for nightlife. However, Nags Head is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Beaufort doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. You'll find bars, grills, and taverns in town, but most people don't visit for the nightlife scene.

Nags Head is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Nags Head or Beaufort Better for Beaches?

Nags Head
Beaufort

Beaufort is a popular place for its beaches. However, Nags Head is not a beach destination.

Beaufort is a good option for a beach vacation. The town has a nice waterfront, but you have to head about half an hour out of town for a real beach. One of the best options is Hunting Island State Park.

Nags Head is not a beach destination.


Is Nags Head or Beaufort Better for its Old Town?

Nags Head
Beaufort

Beaufort is great for its historic old town. However, Nags Head does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Beaufort. Historic homes, some that were built before the Civil War, offer a glimpse into the past. Beaufort is the second oldest town in South Carolina and it holds on to much of its charm and character.

Nags Head does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Nags Head or Beaufort?

Nags Head
Beaufort

Beaufort is a popular place for shopping. However, Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Beaufort. Head downtown for some souvenir shopping or to check out the art galleries or fashion boutiques.

Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Nags Head or Beaufort Better for Families?

Nags Head
Beaufort

Nags Head is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Beaufort is not always a place people visit with their families. There are parks and outdoor activities in the area, but one of the best options is to head out of town to the beach.


Is Nags Head or Beaufort Better for Couples?

Nags Head
Beaufort

Beaufort is great for romance. Also, Nags Head is not as popular, but is still a nice for its romantic activities.

Beaufort is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. There are many charming and romantic spots around town as well as historic inns where you can stay. Couples will enjoy the waterfront area or exploring one of the nature parks that are nearby. There are also quaint local restaurants that make for a nice date night.

Nags Head makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are great seafood restaurants and a number of activities in the area that are fun for couples.

Is Nags Head or Beaufort Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nags Head
Beaufort

Nags Head is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Beaufort is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. There aren't any real places for backpackers to stay in the area.

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

Nags Head
Beaufort

Beaufort 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 Beaufort. There is no reliable public transportation system in the area.

Nags Head does not have public transit.


Is Nags Head or Beaufort a more walkable city?

Nags Head
Beaufort

Beaufort is great for its walkability. However, Nags Head is not a walkable destination.

Beaufort is very walkable. The quaint downtown is walkable and offers easy access to art galleries, restaurants, and shops.

Nags Head is not a walkable destination.

Should I spend more time in Beaufort or Nags Head?

How long in Nags Head or Beaufort?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nags Head and Beaufort. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Nags Head than in Beaufort. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Nags Head, and 1-3 days is enough time in Beaufort.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Nags Head or Beaufort? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nags Head 4-7 
    Beaufort 1-3

One day in Nags Head or Beaufort?

The of Nags Head offers food. 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.

Even though Beaufort is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Beaufort has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Nags Head or Beaufort?

Nags Head is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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.

Beaufort is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Nags Head or Beaufort?

Nags Head is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nags Head, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Beaufort is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Nags Head or Beaufort?

Nags Head is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nags Head has to offer. This offers something for everyone.

Beaufort is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.


Which place is cheaper, Beaufort or Nags Head?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Nags Head is $149, while the average daily cost in Beaufort is $131. 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 Nags Head and Beaufort in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nags Head $80
    Beaufort $100
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nags Head $160
    Beaufort $200
Compare Hotels in Nags Head and Beaufort

Looking for a hotel in Nags Head or Beaufort? 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 Nags Head


Hotels in Beaufort


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: Nags Head Hotel Prices and Beaufort Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nags Head $40
    Beaufort -

Is it cheaper to fly into Nags Head or Beaufort?

Prices for flights to both Beaufort and Nags Head 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
    Nags Head $41
    Beaufort $31

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nags Head $14
    Beaufort -

Tours and Activities in Nags Head

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

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

Tours and Activities in Beaufort

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Beaufort are as follows:

  • Beaufort Tipsy Tour: $55
  • Gullah Heritage Tour: $49
  • Historic City Tour by Bus: $29
  • Pat Conroy's Beaufort Tour by Golf Cart: $40

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nags Head $12
    Beaufort -


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


Which is Bigger, Nags Head or Beaufort?

Beaufort has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Nags Head. When comparing the sizes of Nags Head and Beaufort, 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 Nags Head or Beaufort?

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 Nags Head or Beaufort in the Summer?

Both Beaufort and Nags Head during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nags Head for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Beaufort in the summer for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Nags Head is around the same temperature as Beaufort in the summer. The daily temperature in Nags Head averages around 78°F (26°C) in July, and Beaufort fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

In Beaufort, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nags Head. In the summer, Nags Head often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Beaufort. Nags Head gets 274 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beaufort receives 267 hours of full sun.

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


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

Should I visit Nags Head or Beaufort in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nags Head and Beaufort. Also, most visitors come to Beaufort for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Nags Head is cooler than Beaufort. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nags Head in October average around 62°F (16°C), and Beaufort averages at about 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beaufort this time of the year. In Nags Head, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nags Head usually receives less sunshine than Beaufort during autumn. Nags Head gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Beaufort receives 223 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nags Head 62°F (16°C) 
    Beaufort 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Beaufort in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nags Head as well as Beaufort. Most visitors come to Nags Head for the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Beaufort because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Nags Head can be very cold during winter. In January, Nags Head is generally much colder than Beaufort. Daily temperatures in Nags Head average around 41°F (5°C), and Beaufort fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In the winter, Nags Head often gets less sunshine than Beaufort. Nags Head gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beaufort receives 176 hours of full sun.

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


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nags Head 41°F (5°C) 
    Beaufort 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Beaufort in the Spring?

Both Beaufort and Nags Head are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Beaufort this time of year.

Nags Head is cooler than Beaufort in the spring. The daily temperature in Nags Head averages around 59°F (15°C) in April, and Beaufort fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

It's quite sunny in Beaufort. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nags Head. Nags Head usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Beaufort during spring. Nags Head gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Beaufort receives 275 hours of full sun in the spring.

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nags Head 59°F (15°C) 
    Beaufort 67°F (19°C)

Typical Weather for Beaufort and Nags Head

Nags Head Beaufort
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)