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

Should you visit Nags Head or Williamsburg?

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

Should I visit Nags Head or Williamsburg? 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.

Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a well-preserved, historic, and charming town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Nags Head and Williamsburg: 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
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Nags Head or Williamsburg?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Williamsburg than Nags Head, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Williamsburg is more touristy than Nags Head and is popular for its historic and colonial charm, its award winning amusement parks, and its historical reenactments. Also, Williamsburg is famous for Colonial Williamsburg. Nags Head is well known for

How is Nags Head different from Williamsburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nags Head
Williamsburg

Williamsburg is great for its historical sights. However, Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.

Williamsburg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Colonial Williamsburg is like a living museum with reenactments and historic buildings that date back to the colonial days. In addition to the historic area, there are folk art museums and other historic sights in the area.

Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Nags Head
Williamsburg

Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg. Head to Historic Williamsburg if you want to try some colonial classics. There are historic taverns that maintain their old world charm and serve dishes such as peanut soup and stewed beef. Around town you'll also find casual restaurants with pizza, macaroni and cheese, and burgers.

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 Williamsburg Better for Nightlife?

Nags Head
Williamsburg

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

Williamsburg doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Despite its student population, there isn't much of a nightlife scene in town. There are restaurants where you can enjoy fine wine or cocktails, but nightclubs and bars are limited.

Nags Head is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Nags Head or Williamsburg Better for its Old Town?

Nags Head
Williamsburg

Williamsburg is an amazing town to visit for its historic old town. However, Nags Head does not have a historic old town.

Williamsburg offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Colonial Williamsburg is an impressively maintained area with museums, shops, and taverns. There are live reenactments of historic events as well as blacksmiths, wig shops, and carriage rides. You can wander around without a ticket, but for access to many parts of the historic area you'll need to purchase a pass.

Nags Head does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Nags Head or Williamsburg?

Nags Head
Williamsburg

Williamsburg is great for shopping. However, Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Williamsburg. Charming shops both in the historic area and just outside sell unique items that reflect the city's past. There are souvenirs, food items, cookbooks, and home decor to choose from.

Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Nags Head or Williamsburg Better for Families?

Nags Head
Williamsburg

Williamsburg is an amazing town to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nags Head is not as popular, but is still a nice for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Williamsburg is a very family-friendly destination. Older kids will appreciate the history in the area. For kids of all ages there are a number of amusement parks and water parks such as Great Wolf Lodge, Busch Gardens, and the award winning Water Country USA.

Nags Head is a very kid-friendly . 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.

Is Nags Head or Williamsburg Better for Couples?

Nags Head
Williamsburg

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

Williamsburg is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Historic Williamsburg is filled with inns and charming restaurants that make this a beautiful destination for couples. There are quaint restaurants that serve colonial food and interesting southern shops with unique trinkets. You can also wander around the campus of William and Mary College.

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 Williamsburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nags Head
Williamsburg

Nags Head is a good destination for backpackers. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Williamsburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a number of restaurants and bars that cater to the student population, but there's little else that attracts backpackers.

Is Nags Head or Williamsburg Better for Students?

Nags Head
Williamsburg

Williamsburg is an amazing town to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Nags Head is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Williamsburg. The College of William and Mary has a beautiful campus and students enjoy the charming atmosphere with colonial architecture around town. There are also good restaurants and a great collegiate vibe.

Nags Head is not popular with students.

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

Nags Head
Williamsburg

Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg. There are buses around town, and they offer access to Historic Williamsburg, but for most places you'll need to have your own car.

Nags Head does not have public transit.


Is Nags Head or Williamsburg a more walkable city?

Nags Head
Williamsburg

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

Williamsburg is generally not a very walkable town. Historic Williamsburg and the neighborhoods around the College of William and Mary are all walkable, but if you plan to visit the amusement parks then you'll absolutely need a car.

Nags Head is not a walkable destination.

Should I spend more time in Williamsburg or Nags Head?

How long in Nags Head or Williamsburg?

It's fun to spend time in either Nags Head or Williamsburg. 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 Williamsburg.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Nags Head or Williamsburg? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nags Head 4-7 
    Williamsburg 2-4

One day in Nags Head or Williamsburg?

In Nags Head, many people enjoy the food that this offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Williamsburg. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Williamsburg?

Nags Head is a fun place to experience. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

You'll find museums and food around the historic destination of Williamsburg. 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 Williamsburg?

In Nags Head, many people enjoy the food that this destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the charming town of Williamsburg. 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 Williamsburg?

Nags Head is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Williamsburg 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, Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg is $112. 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 Williamsburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nags Head $80
    Williamsburg $66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nags Head $160
    Williamsburg $132
Compare Hotels in Nags Head and Williamsburg

Looking for a hotel in Nags Head or Williamsburg? 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 Williamsburg


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 Williamsburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nags Head $40
    Williamsburg $11

Is it cheaper to fly into Nags Head or Williamsburg?

Prices for flights to both Williamsburg 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
    Williamsburg $31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Williamsburg

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Williamsburg.

  • Taste of Williamsburg Food Tour by Junket: $79
  • Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $84

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nags Head $14
    Williamsburg $34

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 Williamsburg

Here are a few actual costs in Williamsburg for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Colonial Williamsburg Ghost Stories and Walking Tour: $25
  • 1 Hour Christmastide Walking Tour in Virginia Past and Present : $25
  • 2-Hour Private Guided The best of Williamsburg Walking Tour: $175
  • Busch Gardens Williamsburg Admission Ticket: $62
  • Colonial Ghosts Tour By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Colonial Ghosts Ultimate Dead of Night Haunted Ghost Tour: $35
  • Colonial History Tour in Williamsburg Virginia: $25
  • Colonial Williamsburg & Yorktown Self-Guided Audio Tour Bundle: $25
  • Colonial Williamsburg Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $15
  • Colonial Christmas Walking Tour: $20
  • Colonial Colonial History Guided Walking Tour: $25
  • Colonial Self-Guided Walking Tour: $15

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Williamsburg

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Williamsburg:

  • Colonial Ghosts Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl : $35
  • The Murder Tour and Pub Crawl: $48


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

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 Williamsburg Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nags Head or Williamsburg?

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

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 Williamsburg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nags Head as well as Williamsburg. Most visitors come to Nags Head for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Williamsburg because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Nags Head is generally around the same temperature as Williamsburg. Daily temperatures in Nags Head average around 78°F (26°C), and Williamsburg fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Williamsburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nags Head this time of the year. In the summer, Nags Head often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Williamsburg. Nags Head gets 274 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Williamsburg receives 279 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Williamsburg. Nags Head receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nags Head usually gets more rain in July than Williamsburg. Nags Head gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nags Head 78°F (26°C) 
    Williamsburg 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Williamsburg in the Autumn?

Both Williamsburg and Nags Head are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Williamsburg this time of year.

Nags Head is around the same temperature as Williamsburg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nags Head averages around 62°F (16°C) in October, and Williamsburg fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

It's quite sunny in Williamsburg. 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 Williamsburg during autumn. Nags Head gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Williamsburg receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nags Head 62°F (16°C) 
    Williamsburg 61°F (16°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Williamsburg in the Winter?

Both Williamsburg and Nags Head during the winter are popular places to visit. The cuisine are the main draw to Nags Head this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Williamsburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Williamsburg. It's quite cold in Nags Head in the winter. In the winter, Nags Head is a little warmer than Williamsburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nags Head in January average around 41°F (5°C), and Williamsburg averages at about 38°F (4°C).

In the winter, Nags Head often gets less sunshine than Williamsburg. Nags Head gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Williamsburg receives 168 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nags Head. Nags Head usually gets more rain in January than Williamsburg. Nags Head gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nags Head 41°F (5°C) 
    Williamsburg 38°F (4°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Williamsburg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nags Head and Williamsburg. Furthermore, many visitors come to Williamsburg in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Nags Head is generally around the same temperature as Williamsburg. Daily temperatures in Nags Head average around 59°F (15°C), and Williamsburg fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Williamsburg this time of the year. In Nags Head, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nags Head usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Williamsburg during spring. Nags Head gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Williamsburg receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nags Head usually receives around the same amount of rain as Williamsburg. Nags Head gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nags Head 59°F (15°C) 
    Williamsburg 57°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Williamsburg and Nags Head

Nags Head Williamsburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 41°F (5°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 38°F (4°C) 3.6 inches (93 mm)
Feb 42°F (6°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Mar 50°F (10°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 49°F (9°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Apr 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 57°F (14°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
May 67°F (19°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 66°F (19°C) 4 inches (102 mm)
Jun 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 74°F (24°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Jul 78°F (26°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 78°F (26°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm)
Aug 78°F (25°C) 5 inches (127 mm) 78°F (25°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.6 inches (118 mm)
Oct 62°F (16°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 61°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Dec 45°F (7°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)