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

Should you visit Nags Head or Grand Canyon National Park?

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

Should I visit Nags Head or Grand Canyon 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 reasons to visit include food.

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is a world-renowned, gorgeous, and striking national park. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include hiking.

Nags Head and Grand Canyon National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the sunset views


Is there more to do in Nags Head or Grand Canyon National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Grand Canyon National Park. Although Nags Head and Grand Canyon National Park are both popular with visitors, Grand Canyon National Park has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Grand Canyon National Park is more popular for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Nags Head is known for its food. Grand Canyon National Park is more touristy than Nags Head and is known for its iconic beauty, layers of color, breathtaking sunsets, and world-renowned geological history. It is also home to the sunset views. Nags Head is popular for

How is Nags Head different from Grand Canyon National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nags Head
Grand Canyon National Park

Nags Head is a good destination for its restaurants. However, Grand Canyon National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Grand Canyon National Park. There are several markets, restaurants, and cafes in the park but, in general, the options are expensive and not the best. If possible, bring your own food and plan for a picnic with a view.


Is Nags Head or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Resorts?

Nags Head
Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Nags Head is not a resort destination.

Grand Canyon National Park has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are several options within and near the park that range from luxury to affordable. Reservations should be made well in advance for most hotels within the park. Bright Angel Lodge, El Tovar Hotel, Grand Canyon Lodge (North Rim) and Phantom Ranch are all unique places to stay.

Nags Head is not a resort destination.

Is Nags Head or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Hiking?

Nags Head
Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is great for hiking. However, Nags Head is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Grand Canyon National Park for the hiking trails. Hiking options at the Grand Canyon include an easy walk along the rim or a hike into the canyon. If you're planning to enjoy a view from the rim and then stroll along the rim walk, a day or two is plenty. Hiking into the canyon is a thrilling experience, but it does require more preparation and planning. You should also check out the weather before you depart as temperatures within the canyon can become dangerously hot.

Nags Head is not a hiking destination.

Is Nags Head or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Families?

Nags Head
Grand Canyon National Park

Nags Head is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Grand Canyon National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Grand Canyon National Park. This park is a spectacular landmark with a number of nature programs that kids can enjoy. There's also a simple rim walk along the edge of the canyon that is perfect for little legs.


Is Nags Head or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Couples?

Nags Head
Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is an amazing national park to visit for romance. Also, Nags Head is not as popular, but is still a nice for its romantic activities.

Grand Canyon National Park makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples who enjoy beauty, nature, and adventure will appreciate a visit to this park. There are amazing hikes and breathtaking views that make this a truly romantic destination. There are also several hotels and lodges that make for a truly romantic getaway (book well in advance!).

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 Grand Canyon National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nags Head
Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon 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 Grand Canyon National Park. Backpackers and budget travelers can take in one of America's most notable landmarks while camping at the large and affordable national park campground.

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 Grand Canyon National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Nags Head
Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Nags Head does not have public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Grand Canyon National Park. There are free shuttle buses that run along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Nags Head does not have public transit.


Is Nags Head or Grand Canyon National Park a more walkable city?

Nags Head
Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is a popular place for its walkability. However, Nags Head is not a walkable destination.

Grand Canyon National Park is somewhat walkable. There's a nice rim walk that is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll, but to reach many parts of the park you'll want to have a car or plan to take some form of transit.

Nags Head is not a walkable destination.

Should I spend more time in Grand Canyon National Park or Nags Head?

How long in Nags Head or Grand Canyon National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Nags Head or Grand Canyon 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 1-4 days is enough time in Grand Canyon National Park.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Grand Canyon 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 Grand Canyon National Park.


  • How many days in Nags Head or Grand Canyon National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nags Head 4-7 
    Grand Canyon National Park 1-4

One day in Nags Head or Grand Canyon 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 Grand Canyon National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Grand Canyon National Park has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Nags Head or Grand Canyon 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 striking destination of Grand Canyon 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 Grand Canyon 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 gorgeous national park of Grand Canyon 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 Grand Canyon 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.

Grand Canyon 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, Grand Canyon 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 Grand Canyon National Park is $168. 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 Grand Canyon National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nags Head $80
    Grand Canyon National Park $89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nags Head $160
    Grand Canyon National Park $178
Compare Hotels in Nags Head and Grand Canyon National Park

Looking for a hotel in Nags Head or Grand Canyon 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 Grand Canyon 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 and Grand Canyon National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nags Head $40
    Grand Canyon National Park $43

Is it cheaper to fly into Nags Head or Grand Canyon National Park?

Prices for flights to both Grand Canyon 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
    Grand Canyon National Park $49

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nags Head $14
    Grand Canyon National Park $35

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

Tours and Activities in Grand Canyon National Park

For Grand Canyon National Park, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 3 Hour Off-Road Sunset Safari to Grand Canyon with Entrance Gate Detour : $123
  • 3-Day Adventure in Mulu National Park: $298
  • 4 Hour Grand Canyon Biblical Creation Morning Rim Tour: $149
  • 4-Hour Biblical Creation + Sunset Tour • Grand Canyon National Park South Rim: $149
  • Desert View Grand Canyon Tour - Pink Jeep: $143
  • Full Day Chauffeur for Grand Canyon Tour from inside Grand Canyon: $249
  • Full Day Chauffeur for South Rim Grand Canyon Tour from Tusayan: $249
  • Full-Day Tour to Grand Canyon Coach and River Float: $245
  • Grand Canyon Full Day Small Group Tour: $299
  • Grand Canyon Landmarks Tour by Airplane with Optional Hummer Tour: $179
  • Grand Canyon Signature Hummer Tour with Optional Sunset Views: $121
  • Grand Canyon South & East Rim Self-Driving, Walking & Shuttling Tour: $17

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nags Head $12
    Grand Canyon National Park $11


When comparing the travel costs between Nags Head and Grand Canyon National Park, we can see that Grand Canyon National Park 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 Grand Canyon National Park Expensive?.