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

Should you visit Nags Head or Yosemite National Park?

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

Should I visit Nags Head or Yosemite 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.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is a stunning, breathtaking, and popular national park. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include hiking.

Nags Head and Yosemite National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • 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 El Capitan


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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Yosemite National Park than Nags Head, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Yosemite National Park is better known for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Nags Head is more popular for its food. Yosemite National Park is more touristy than Nags Head and is popular for its stunning hikes, giant Sequoias, breathtaking vistas, and the granite cliffs of Half Dome. Also, Yosemite National Park is famous for El Capitan. Nags Head is well known for

How is Nags Head different from Yosemite National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Yosemite 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 Yosemite National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nags Head
Yosemite National Park

Nags Head is a popular place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Yosemite 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.

Yosemite National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are a few varied restaurants in the park that offer casual food or packaged meals that you can take away. The food is generally expensive and not always the best, so you'll likely enjoy packing your own picnic food to enjoy within the park.


Is Nags Head or Yosemite National Park Better for Resorts?

Nags Head
Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is great for its luxury resorts. However, Nags Head is not a resort destination.

Yosemite National Park is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are several grand hotels and lodges within the park. Reservations are a must, especially if you're traveling during peak seasons.

Nags Head is not a resort destination.

Is Nags Head or Yosemite National Park Better for Hiking?

Nags Head
Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is an amazing national park to visit for hiking. However, Nags Head is not a hiking destination.

People visit Yosemite National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. This park has many famous hikes that take you by Half Dome, near Yosemite Falls, and through breathtaking landscapes. Popular hikes in the area include Mist Trail to Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall and Mirror Lake Trail.

Nags Head is not a hiking destination.

Is Nags Head or Yosemite National Park Better for Families?

Nags Head
Yosemite National Park

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Nags Head or Yosemite 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.

Yosemite National Park is a very kid-friendly . This park has many hikes, climbs, and activities that kids of all ages can enjoy. When the weather's warm the kids will enjoy getting wet in Merced River. They'll also be impressed by the giant sequoias and the beautiful waterfalls. In the evening the staff host ranger programs that are fun and educational for everyone. The park also has kid-friendly camping and lodges.


Is Nags Head or Yosemite National Park Better for Couples?

Nags Head
Yosemite National Park

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

Yosemite National Park is a great national park if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy nature, rock climbing, hiking, and being outside will enjoy a visit to this park. There is an endless supply of romantic views and fun-filled activities that are perfect for avid hikers or those looking for a more relaxing travel experience.

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 Yosemite National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nags Head
Yosemite National Park

Yosemite 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 Yosemite National Park. Campgrounds and back country trails make this area a backpacker's paradise.

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

Nags Head
Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Nags Head does not have public transit.

While Yosemite National Park offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a free bus service that travels around Yosemite Valley.

Nags Head does not have public transit.


Is Nags Head or Yosemite National Park a more walkable city?

Nags Head
Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is adequate for its walkability. However, Nags Head is not a walkable destination.

Yosemite National Park is generally not a very walkable national park. The park is large and a car is necessary to reach many places within the park.

Nags Head is not a walkable destination.

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

How long in Nags Head or Yosemite National Park?

Both Nags Head and Yosemite National Park have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Yosemite National Park has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Yosemite National Park than Nags Head. In general, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Nags Head, and 3-7 days is enough time in Yosemite National Park.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Nags Head or Yosemite National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nags Head 4-7 
    Yosemite National Park 3-7

One day in Nags Head or Yosemite National Park?

The of Nags Head offers food. 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 Yosemite National Park. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Yosemite National Park?

The destination of Nags Head offers food. This offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find around the stunning destination of Yosemite National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Nags Head or Yosemite National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nags Head. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

You'll find around the world-famous national park of Yosemite National Park. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this national park makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this national park has to offer.

A week in Nags Head or Yosemite National Park?

Nags Head is a fun place to experience. The destination of Nags Head offers food. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this .

Yosemite National Park is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Yosemite National Park, one week is sufficent for most. 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, Yosemite 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 Yosemite National Park is $129. 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 Yosemite National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nags Head $80
    Yosemite National Park $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nags Head $160
    Yosemite National Park $128
Compare Hotels in Nags Head and Yosemite National Park

Looking for a hotel in Nags Head or Yosemite 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 Yosemite 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 Yosemite National Park Hotel Prices.

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

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

Prices for flights to both Yosemite 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
    Yosemite National Park $40

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nags Head $14
    Yosemite National Park $19

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 Yosemite National Park

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

  • Big Trees Hike & Riverside Cookout Adventure: $180
  • Family Fun Private Half Day Fly Fishing Adventure: $215
  • Full-Day Small Group Yosemite & Glacier Point Tour Including Hotel Pickup: $169
  • Private Guided Hiking Tour in Yosemite: $293
  • Semi Private Yosemite Tour with Ahwahnee Lunch and Hotel Pickup: $250
  • Waterfalls of Yosemite: Customizable Private Tour: $495
  • Yosemite Full Day Small Group High Country / Mariposa Tour: $299
  • Yosemite Highlights Small Group Tour: $200
  • Yosemite National Park Audio Driving Tour: $11
  • Yosemite Panorama Trail Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Yosemite Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Yosemite Valley & Glacier Point Adaptive Tour: $180

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


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