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

Should you visit Nags Head or Virginia Beach?

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

Should I visit Nags Head or Virginia Beach? 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

Visitors also love the food.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a relaxing, bustling, and fun-filled coastal city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include nightlife and beaches.

Nags Head and Virginia Beach: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Nags Head or Virginia Beach?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Virginia Beach. Although Nags Head and Virginia Beach are popular destinations, Virginia Beach has more sights and attractions for tourists. Virginia Beach is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Nags Head attracts visitors for its food. Virginia Beach is more touristy than Nags Head and is known for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe. It is also well known for its Beachfront Boardwalk. Nags Head is famous for

How is Nags Head different from Virginia Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nags Head
Virginia Beach

Nags Head is a nice place to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Nags Head has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

Virginia Beach may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Seafood is plentiful around town and there are all-you-can-eat buffets as well as high end, waterfront seafood restaurants. Make sure you try the She Crab Soup, soft shell crabs, and oysters.


Is Nags Head or Virginia Beach Better for Nightlife?

Nags Head
Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a popular place for nightlife. However, Nags Head is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Virginia Beach has a few options to choose from. While it's a family-friendly beach, there's still a great nightlife scene with many bars and clubs in the area. Popular places to hang out at night include Omega Bar, Peabody's Nightclub, and Sky Bar.

Nags Head is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Nags Head or Virginia Beach Better for Resorts?

Nags Head
Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Nags Head is not a resort destination.

Virginia Beach has a handful of resorts to choose from. Some of the best resorts in the area include the Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club, the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, and The Founders Inn and Spa.

Nags Head is not a resort destination.

Is Nags Head or Virginia Beach Better for Beaches?

Nags Head
Virginia Beach

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

Virginia Beach is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches are long and sandy, but they can get crowded during the summer months. The waves are just the right size for playing in the surf and the water temperature is usually warm enough to swim well into the fall months.

Nags Head is not a beach destination.


Is Nags Head or Virginia Beach Better for Families?

Nags Head
Virginia Beach

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Nags Head or Virginia Beach.

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.

Virginia Beach is a very kid-friendly . This is a popular family-friendly beach with a nice boardwalk, a fun waterpark, aquarium, and nice beaches. It attracts families in the area for its long beaches and fun atmosphere. Most restaurants have kid's menus and there are ice cream shops and minigolf around.

Is Nags Head or Virginia Beach Better for Couples?

Nags Head
Virginia Beach

With fun activities for couples, both Nags Head and Virginia Beach make for a nice place to visit.

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.

Virginia Beach makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy a nice escape to the beaches and boardwalk. There are many great seafood restaurants, some with waterfront settings. There's also a variety of activities ranging from many golf to dance clubs.

Is Nags Head or Virginia Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nags Head
Virginia Beach

Nags Head is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Virginia Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Virginia Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.


Is Nags Head or Virginia Beach Better for Students?

Nags Head
Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Nags Head is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Virginia Beach. It's not as popular as more southern beach towns, but you'll still find students heading here for the spring break holidays.

Nags Head is not popular with students.

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

Nags Head
Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach. There is very limited public transit in the area so you'll need to have a car to get around.

Nags Head does not have public transit.

Is Nags Head or Virginia Beach a more walkable city?

Nags Head
Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is adequate for its walkability. However, Nags Head is not a walkable destination.

Virginia Beach is generally not a very walkable coastal city. Most people prefer to have a car but do note that parking can be a nightmare, particularly during the summer season.

Nags Head is not a walkable destination.


Should I spend more time in Virginia Beach or Nags Head?

How long in Nags Head or Virginia Beach?

Both Nags Head and Virginia Beach have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Virginia Beach has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Virginia Beach than Nags Head. In general, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Nags Head, and 5-7 days is enough time in Virginia Beach.

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

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


  • How many days in Nags Head or Virginia Beach? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nags Head 4-7 
    Virginia Beach 5-7

One day in Nags Head or Virginia Beach?

In Nags Head, you'll find food. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find nightlife around the coastal city of Virginia Beach. 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 Virginia Beach?

Nags Head is a great place to explore. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find nightlife around the fun-filled destination of Virginia Beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Nags Head or Virginia Beach?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nags Head. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

You'll find nightlife around the bustling coastal city of Virginia Beach. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer.


A week in Nags Head or Virginia Beach?

In Nags Head, you'll find food. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Virginia Beach is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Virginia Beach, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


Which place is cheaper, Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach is $126. 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 Virginia Beach in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nags Head $80
    Virginia Beach $71
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nags Head $160
    Virginia Beach $142
Compare Hotels in Nags Head and Virginia Beach

Looking for a hotel in Nags Head or Virginia Beach? 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 Virginia Beach


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 Virginia Beach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nags Head $40
    Virginia Beach $39

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Virginia Beach

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Virginia Beach:


  • Beach Parking
    $10

Is it cheaper to fly into Nags Head or Virginia Beach?

Prices for flights to both Virginia Beach 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
    Virginia Beach $30

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nags Head $14
    Virginia Beach $21

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: $13
  • Cape Hatteras National Seashore: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $15
  • 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: $13

Tours and Activities in Virginia Beach

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Virginia Beach.

  • Dolphin Kayak Tour in Virginia Beach: $75
  • Kayak Dolphin Experience in Virginia Beach: $75
  • Neptune Ghosts: Ghosts of the Coast By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Small Group Dolphin Kayak Eco-Tour: $68
  • Sunset Dolphin Kayak Tours: $68
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Virginia Beach by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Dolphin Stand-Up Paddleboard Tour: $60
  • Kayak Dolphin Tours: $78
  • Morning Stand-Up Paddleboarding Tour: $45
  • Neptune Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour: $26
  • Sunset Stand-Up Paddleboarding Tour: $45
  • Virginia Historic Adventure!: $200

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nags Head $12
    Virginia Beach $11


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

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 Virginia Beach Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nags Head or Virginia Beach?

Virginia Beach has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Nags Head. When comparing the sizes of Nags Head and Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach?

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 Virginia Beach in the Summer?

Both Virginia Beach and Nags Head are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Nags Head for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Virginia Beach in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Nags Head is around the same temperature as Virginia Beach. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nags Head in July average around 78°F (26°C), and Virginia Beach averages at about 79°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Virginia Beach. 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 Virginia Beach during summer. Nags Head gets 274 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Virginia Beach. It's quite rainy in Nags Head. In July, Nags Head usually receives around the same amount of rain as Virginia Beach. Nags Head gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nags Head 78°F (26°C) 
    Virginia Beach 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Virginia Beach in the Autumn?

Both Virginia Beach and Nags Head during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Virginia Beach for the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Nags Head is generally around the same temperature as Virginia Beach. Daily temperatures in Nags Head average around 62°F (16°C), and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

In Virginia Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nags Head. In the autumn, Nags Head often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Virginia Beach. Nags Head gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Virginia Beach receives 211 hours of full sun.

Nags Head usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Virginia Beach. Nags Head gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nags Head 62°F (16°C) 
    Virginia Beach 62°F (16°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Virginia Beach in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nags Head and Virginia Beach. Most visitors come to Nags Head for the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Virginia Beach because of the cuisine.

The weather in Virginia Beach can be very cold. Nags Head can be very cold during winter. Nags Head is a little warmer than Virginia Beach in the winter. The daily temperature in Nags Head averages around 41°F (5°C) in January, and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 39°F (4°C).

Nags Head usually receives less sunshine than Virginia Beach during winter. Nags Head gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 168 hours of full sun in the winter.

Nags Head gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Nags Head usually receives more rain than Virginia Beach. Nags Head gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nags Head 41°F (5°C) 
    Virginia Beach 39°F (4°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Virginia Beach in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nags Head as well as Virginia Beach. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Virginia Beach this time of year.

In the spring, Nags Head is around the same temperature as Virginia Beach. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nags Head in April average around 59°F (15°C), and Virginia Beach averages at about 58°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Virginia Beach. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nags Head this time of the year. In the spring, Nags Head often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Virginia Beach. Nags Head gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Virginia Beach receives 253 hours of full sun.

Nags Head usually gets more rain in April than Virginia Beach. Nags Head gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nags Head 59°F (15°C) 
    Virginia Beach 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Virginia Beach and Nags Head

Nags Head Virginia Beach
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 41°F (5°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Feb 42°F (6°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Mar 50°F (10°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 49°F (10°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Apr 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
May 67°F (19°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 78°F (26°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 79°F (26°C) 5.7 inches (145 mm)
Aug 78°F (25°C) 5 inches (127 mm) 78°F (25°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Oct 62°F (16°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 62°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Dec 45°F (7°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)