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

Should you visit Nags Head or Big Sur?

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

Should I visit Nags Head or Big Sur? 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 popular because of the food.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a breathtaking, scenic, and remote natural area. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and hiking.

Nags Head and Big Sur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nags Head or Big Sur?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Big Sur than Nags Head, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Big Sur is more touristy than Nags Head and is known for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views. Also, Big Sur is famous for Bixby Bridge. Nags Head is well known for

How is Nags Head different from Big Sur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Big Sur is mediocre for its historical sights. However, Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Big Sur. Nature is what brings visitors to the area, so most people don't prioritize museums or manmade landmarks.

Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Nags Head and Big Sur can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Big Sur. Most of the restaurants offer a breathtaking view. Many use locally-sourced ingredients and they range in style from fine dining to casual eateries.

Is Nags Head or Big Sur Better for Nightlife?

Big Sur is mediocre for nightlife. However, Nags Head is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Big Sur There's a taphouse and lounge, but the area is mostly undeveloped with no real nightlife.

Nags Head is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Nags Head or Big Sur Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is great for its beaches. However, Nags Head is not a beach destination.

Big Sur is considered a top beach destination. The coastline and beaches are dramatic and beautiful, particularly Pfeiffer Beach, which has a dramatic waterfall. The water is filled with rip tides and strong currents, so swimming isn't advisable in most places.

Nags Head is not a beach destination.

Is Nags Head or Big Sur Better for Hiking?

Big Sur is great for hiking. However, Nags Head is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Big Sur for the hiking trails. The dramatic hikes take you along the coastline, to beautiful beaches and through Redwood forests. There are a number of state parks along the route and some of the best hikes include Salmon Creek Trail, Pacific Valley Bluff Trail, and Ragged Point Cliffside Trail.

Nags Head is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nags Head or Big Sur?

Big Sur is mediocre for shopping. However, Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping in Big Sur can be found for those interested. There are some galleries and gift shops, but most visitors aren't in the area to go shopping.

Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Nags Head or Big Sur Better for Families?

Nags Head is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Big Sur is not as popular, but is still a nice natural area for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Nags Head. 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.

Big Sur is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the hiking and beaches, particularly the Carmel Lagoon at Carmel River State Beach. There are a number of state parks where kids can run around and stretch their legs.

Is Nags Head or Big Sur Better for Couples?

Big Sur is an amazing natural area to visit for romance. Also, Nags Head is not as popular, but is still a nice for its romantic activities.

Big Sur makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Stunning viewpoints and breathtaking coastline make this a wonderful destination for couples. There are romantic inns and impressive hikes along the water's edge or through the dramatic Redwoods.

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 Big Sur Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Nags Head and Big Sur are notable places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

Big Sur is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels in the area, but budget travelers often prefer vacation rentals, which are more common.

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

Big Sur 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 Big Sur. There is no real public transportation in the area.

Nags Head does not have public transit.

Is Nags Head or Big Sur a more walkable city?

Big Sur is mediocre for its walkability. However, Nags Head is not a walkable destination.

Big Sur is not a very walkable natural area. While there are hiking trails, Big Sur is a stretch of road that runs along the coast and requires a car to fully access.

Nags Head is not a walkable destination.

Should I spend more time in Big Sur or Nags Head?

How long in Nags Head or Big Sur?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Big Sur 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 Big Sur.

One day in Nags Head or Big Sur?

In Nags Head, you'll find food. This offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find food around the natural area of Big Sur. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Big Sur has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Nags Head or Big Sur?

In Nags Head, you'll find food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find food around the breathtaking destination of Big Sur. 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 natural area has to offer. This natural area offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Nags Head or Big Sur?

Nags Head is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nags Head has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the remote natural area of Big Sur. 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.

A week in Nags Head or Big Sur?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nags Head. In Nags Head, you'll find food. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Big Sur 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.

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.

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

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 Big Sur Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Nags Head or Big Sur?

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 Nags Head or Big Sur in the Summer?

Both Big Sur and Nags Head are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nags Head this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Big Sur for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite rainy in Nags Head. In July, Nags Head usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Nags Head gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nags Head or Big Sur in the Autumn?

Both Big Sur and Nags Head during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Big Sur in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Nags Head usually gets more rain in October than Big Sur. Nags Head gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nags Head or Big Sur in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nags Head and Big Sur. Many visitors come to Nags Head in the winter for the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Big Sur for the cuisine during these months.

Nags Head can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Nags Head is much colder than Big Sur. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nags Head in January average around 41°F (5°C), and Big Sur averages at about 51°F (11°C).

Nags Head gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Nags Head usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Nags Head gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nags Head or Big Sur in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nags Head as well as Big Sur. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Big Sur because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

Nags Head usually gets more rain in April than Big Sur. Nags Head gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Big Sur and Nags Head