A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Nags Head vs. Death Valley National Park for Backpackers, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Nags Head or Death Valley National Park?

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

Should I visit Nags Head or Death Valley National Park? 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

Other popular activities here include food.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a vast, dramatic, and striking national park. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include hiking.

Nags Head and Death Valley National Park: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Nags Head or Death Valley National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Death Valley National Park than Nags Head, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Death Valley National Park is better known for its museums, nightlife, resorts, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Nags Head is more popular for its food. Death Valley National Park is more touristy than Nags Head and is popular for being the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S. Also, Death Valley National Park is famous for Zabriskie Point. Nags Head is well known for

How is Nags Head different from Death Valley National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Death Valley National Park 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 Death Valley National Park?

Nags Head
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is adequate for its historical sights. However, Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Death Valley National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are ghost towns and visitor centers with informational exhibits, but visitors spend most of their time exploring the outdoor environment.

Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Nags Head or Death Valley National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nags Head
Death Valley National Park

Nags Head is very good for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Nags Head area. 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.

Death Valley National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are restaurants at Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, and Panamint Springs, but most visitors prefer to bring their own food so that they can enjoy picnicking in a beautiful setting.

Is Nags Head or Death Valley National Park Better for Nightlife?

Nags Head
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is mediocre for nightlife. However, Nags Head is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Death Valley National Park Beyond stargazing and relaxing around a campfire, there is no real nightlife in the area.

Nags Head is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Nags Head or Death Valley National Park Better for Resorts?

Nags Head
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Nags Head is not a resort destination.

Death Valley National Park has a few resort options worth checking out. There are historical inns and lodges in and around the park. The privately owned Inn at Death Valley is a popular option in Furnace Creek. If you stay outside the park, you can expect long drives to get most places.

Nags Head is not a resort destination.


Is Nags Head or Death Valley National Park Better for Hiking?

Nags Head
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is great for hiking. However, Nags Head is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Death Valley National Park for the hiking trails. Hikes will take you past desert landscapes, through canyons, and along sand dunes. The views are spectacular and the setting is other-worldly. Hiking is best between the months of November and March, as temperatures can be high other times of the year, particularly during the summer months.

Nags Head is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nags Head or Death Valley National Park?

Nags Head
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is mediocre for shopping. However, Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping in Death Valley National Park can be found for those interested. There are a couple of general stores where you can pick up items that you may need.

Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Nags Head or Death Valley National Park Better for Families?

Nags Head
Death Valley National Park

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Nags Head or Death Valley National Park.

Nags Head is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Death Valley National Park is a very kid-friendly . Kids will love hiking and exploring the vast desert. There are also ghost towns and abandoned mines that will fascinate kids and adults alike. Junior programs, operated by the National Park Service, also offer interesting and educational programming for kids.


Is Nags Head or Death Valley National Park Better for Couples?

Nags Head
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is great for romance. Also, Nags Head is not as popular, but is still a nice for its romantic activities.

Death Valley National Park is a great national park if you're traveling as a couple. The stunning desert landscape will take your breathe away, particularly during sunrise and sunset, when the colors are dramatic and striking. In the evening, the sky fills with stars and couples can enjoy a bit of stargazing.

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 Death Valley National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nags Head
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is an amazing national park to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nags Head is not as popular, but is still a nice for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Death Valley National Park. Backpackers will enjoy hiking and camping in a unique desert environment. There are several campgrounds in the area that range from primitive to developed.

Nags Head is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. This is one of the more affordable places to stay in the Outer Banks, so it appeals to more budget-oriented travelers.

Is Nags Head or Death Valley National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Nags Head
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park 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 Death Valley National Park. There is no public transportation within the park.

Nags Head does not have public transit.


Is Nags Head or Death Valley National Park a more walkable city?

Nags Head
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is mediocre for its walkability. However, Nags Head is not a walkable destination.

Death Valley National Park is not a very walkable national park. This is a huge national park that requires a car to get around.

Nags Head is not a walkable destination.

Should I spend more time in Death Valley National Park or Nags Head?

How long in Nags Head or Death Valley National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Nags Head or Death Valley National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Nags Head due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Nags Head, and 2-4 days is enough time in Death Valley National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Death Valley National Park 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 Death Valley National Park.


  • How many days in Nags Head or Death Valley National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nags Head 4-7 
    Death Valley National Park 2-4

One day in Nags Head or Death Valley National Park?

In Nags Head, many people enjoy the food that this destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find around the national park of Death Valley National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.

A weekend in Nags Head or Death Valley National Park?

In Nags Head, many people enjoy the food that this destination offers. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find around the dramatic destination of Death Valley National Park. 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 national park has to offer. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Nags Head or Death Valley National Park?

In Nags Head, many people enjoy the food that this destination offers. This is a popular place to visit for five days.Five days is often enough time to do most activities. This offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the dramatic national park of Death Valley National Park. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Nags Head or Death Valley National Park?

In Nags Head, many people enjoy the food that this offers. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. If you have one week, this makes for a great vacation. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Death Valley National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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, Death Valley National Park 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 Death Valley National Park is $87. 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 Death Valley National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nags Head $80
    Death Valley National Park $37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nags Head $160
    Death Valley National Park $74
Compare Hotels in Nags Head and Death Valley National Park

Looking for a hotel in Nags Head or Death Valley National Park? 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 Death Valley National Park


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nags Head $40
    Death Valley National Park $41

Is it cheaper to fly into Nags Head or Death Valley National Park?

Prices for flights to both Death Valley National Park 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
    Death Valley National Park $20

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nags Head $14
    Death Valley National Park $36

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 Death Valley National Park

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Death Valley National Park are as follows:

  • Death Valley Self Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15
  • Death Valley on Mojave Desert VIP Small Group Tour from Las Vegas: $219

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nags Head $12
    Death Valley National Park $8.57


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nags Head and Death Valley National Park, we can see that Nags Head is more expensive. And not only is Death Valley National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Death Valley National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Death Valley National Park 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 Death Valley National Park.

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 Death Valley National Park Expensive?.