A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Nantucket vs. Napa Valley for Food, Couples, Nightlife, and Hiking

Should you visit Nantucket or Napa Valley?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Nantucket and Napa Valley can help you decide which place is right for you.

Nantucket

Nantucket is a upscale, charming, and serene island. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Napa Valley

Napa Valley is a scenic, picturesque, and idyllic area. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Nantucket and Napa Valley: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Nantucket or Napa Valley?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nantucket than Napa Valley, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nantucket is better known for its museums, resorts, beaches, historical sights, and small town charm, while Napa Valley is more popular for its nightlife and impressive beauty. Nantucket is well known for its pristine beaches, upscale atmosphere, and history of whaling. Also, Nantucket is famous for Great Point Lighthouse. Napa Valley is well known for its world class wineries and beautiful countryside.

How is Nantucket different from Napa Valley?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Napa Valley and Nantucket. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nantucket or Napa Valley?

Nantucket
Napa Valley

Nantucket is a island with good options for its historical sights. However, Napa Valley is not known for its sights and museums.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Nantucket. There are several museums around town that educate visitors on the island's whaling history and maritime past.

Napa Valley offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most visitors spend their time visiting vineyards, but there are a couple of local museums and galleries in the area that are worth checking out.


Is the Food Better in Nantucket or Napa Valley? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nantucket
Napa Valley

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at amazing restaurants in both Nantucket and Napa Valley.

Nantucket has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Upscale eateries where you can look out on the water make dining on this island a true experience. There are raw bars, seafood restaurants, and local cafes with elaborate salads and duck carnitas. Dishes usually use the highest quality fresh ingredients and chefs bring their "A game" with every customer.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Napa Valley is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It's most known for its world-class wine, but Napa Valley is also filled with Michelin starred restaurants and charming local eateries. Whether you're looking for a casual meal or something more upscale, there is no shortage of options. Most places take advantage of local ingredients that are very fresh. Menus change regularly and seasonal ingredients are common. And, of course, you'll find a wide selection of local wines.

Is Nantucket or Napa Valley Better for Nightlife?

Nantucket
Napa Valley

Napa Valley is a great area for nightlife. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Napa Valley has something for everybody. In the evening, visitors will enjoy the area's live music scene, theaters, and bars. There are also plenty of wine bars where you can continue to enjoy local wines.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Nantucket. You'll find a number of bars and a lively singles scene in town. There's also live music and a laid back but active atmosphere in the evening.

Is Nantucket or Napa Valley Better for Resorts?

Nantucket
Napa Valley

Nantucket is a great island for its luxury resorts. However, Napa Valley is not a resort destination.

In Nantucket, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Luxury resorts and upscale inns offer guests a relaxed setting with oceanfront views and family-friendly activities.

Napa Valley is not a resort destination.


Is Nantucket or Napa Valley Better for Beaches?

Nantucket
Napa Valley

Nantucket is a great island for the beach. However, Napa Valley is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Nantucket attract visitors from all over. You'll find the calmest water at the northern beaches, and cooler water with rougher surf to the south. Many of the beaches are accessible from town, but parking can be limited. There are both public and private beaches, each with beautiful settings and relaxing vibes.

Napa Valley is not a beach destination.

Is Nantucket or Napa Valley Better for its Old Town?

Nantucket
Napa Valley

Nantucket is a great island for its historic old town charm. However, Napa Valley does not have a historic old town.

Nantucket is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The Historic District is filled with New England charm, cobblestone streets, and upscale boutiques. There are many great restaurants and a lot of historic character.

Napa Valley does not have a historic old town.

Is Nantucket or Napa Valley Better for Hiking?

Nantucket
Napa Valley

You'll find superb hiking in both Nantucket and Napa Valley.

Many visitors go to Nantucket for the hiking trails. The island is easy to explore on foot, and its covered with hiking trails that follow the serene coastline or take you through forests, bogs, and marshland.

Napa Valley is a popular spot for hiking. There are a number of state parks in the area, and there are also trails that pass by vineyards. Some of the best hiking trails are found in Alston Park, Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, or Las Posadas State Forest.


Is the Shopping Better in Nantucket or Napa Valley?

Nantucket
Napa Valley

If you're looking to go shopping, Nantucket and Napa Valley both offer plenty of superb spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Nantucket. The Historic District is filled with boutiques, art galleries, and upscale shops. It's the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering around and shopping.

Napa Valley is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are many interesting local boutiques in the different towns. You'll find shops selling clothing, jewelry, local items, and gifts. Some of the best shopping is found along First Street in downtown Napa.

Is Nantucket or Napa Valley Better for Families?

Nantucket
Napa Valley

Nantucket is a great island for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Napa Valley is not as popular, but is still a nice area for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Nantucket. There's a calm beach that's perfect for kids as well as quaint ice cream shops and plenty of New England charm. The town is also filled with hiking and biking trails.

Napa Valley is a family-friendly place to visit. Vineyards and wine tasting may be what comes to mind for most travelers in Napa Valley, but those visiting with kids will appreciate the hiking trails, markets, and outdoor activities.

Is Nantucket or Napa Valley Better for Couples?

Nantucket
Napa Valley

Both Nantucket and Napa Valley are amazing destinations to visit as a couple.

For those traveling as a couple, Nantucket has plenty to offer. The New England charm, natural beauty, and relaxing coastal atmosphere make this a perfect romantic destination. There are also many romantic places to stay and great local restaurants.

Napa Valley has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's long been considered a favorite honeymoon destination for newly-weds. The scenic vineyards and charming hotels make this the perfect couple's destination, whether you're celebrating an anniversary or simply want some time away together.


Is Nantucket or Napa Valley Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Nantucket
Napa Valley

Nantucket is a island with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Napa Valley is not known for its public transit.

While Nantucket offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are shuttle buses around the island that operate with greater frequency during the summer months.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Napa Valley. Public transit in the area is limited but within the city of Napa there are buses operated by the Vine Transit.

Is Nantucket or Napa Valley a more walkable city?

Nantucket
Napa Valley

Nantucket is a great island for its ease of walking around. However, Napa Valley is not known for its walkability.

Nantucket is a very walkable destination. The town is very walkable and parking can be challenging, so it's best to leave your car in the ferry parking lot.

Napa Valley is not a walkable island. The vineyards are spread out and require a car or bike to access.

For even more information, also check out Is Nantucket Worth Visiting? and Is Napa Valley Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Napa Valley or Nantucket?

How long in Nantucket or Napa Valley?

It's fun to spend time in either Nantucket or Napa Valley. In our opinion, Nantucket has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Nantucket than Napa Valley. In general, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Nantucket, and 1-4 days is enough time in Napa Valley.

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

Couples should spend more time in Nantucket than Napa Valley. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Nantucket that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nantucket than Napa Valley 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 Nantucket.


  • How many days in Nantucket or Napa Valley? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nantucket 2-4 
    Napa Valley 1-4

One day in Nantucket or Napa Valley?

Nantucket is a small town with plenty to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the food. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the area of Napa Valley. 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 Napa Valley has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A weekend in Nantucket or Napa Valley?

Nantucket might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This island offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the picturesque destination of Napa Valley. 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 area has to offer. This area offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Nantucket or Napa Valley?

Because Nantucket is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the picturesque area of Napa Valley. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Nantucket or Napa Valley?

Since Nantucket is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the food. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Napa Valley 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 Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Napa Valley or Nantucket?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Nantucket is $350, while the average daily cost in Napa Valley is $288. 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 Nantucket and Napa Valley in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nantucket $237
    Napa Valley $126
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nantucket $474
    Napa Valley $252
Compare Hotels in Nantucket and Napa Valley

Looking for a hotel in Nantucket or Napa Valley? 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 Nantucket


Hotels in Napa Valley


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: Nantucket Hotel Prices and Napa Valley Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nantucket $47
    Napa Valley $183

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Napa Valley

Also for Napa Valley, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Airport Transfer from Sonoma to SFO (One-way): $286
  • Napa, CA to Sacramento Airport (SMF) - Departure Private Transfer : $110

Is it cheaper to fly into Nantucket or Napa Valley?

Prices for flights to both Napa Valley and Nantucket 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
    Nantucket $81
    Napa Valley $62

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nantucket $34
    Napa Valley $28

Tours and Activities in Napa Valley

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Napa Valley.

  • #1 Sonoma Walking Food, Wine & History Tour (Small Groups): $179
  • 3-Hour Guided Wine Country Tour in Sonoma on Electric Trike: $175
  • Behind-the-Scenes Food and Wine E-Bike Tour: $179
  • Full-Day Napa Valley E-Bike Tour: $225
  • Half Day Tour: $139
  • Half-Day Napa Valley E-Bike Tour: $184
  • Napa Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Napa Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Napa Valley River History Kayak Tour: Single Kayaks: $79
  • Napa Valley Wineries Tour Including Picnic Lunch: $125
  • Napa Valley Winery Open Air Tour: $125
  • Napa and Sonoma Wine and Food Experience (Napa pickup): $109

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nantucket $35
    Napa Valley $66

Sample the Local Flavors in Napa Valley

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

  • 6 Hour Wine Tour in Napa & Sonoma with Pick-Up from Napa: $109
  • Napa Cable Car Wine Tasting Tour: $129
  • Intro to Wine Tasting with Napa Sommelière : $195
  • Healdsburg Cycling Wine Tour : $199
  • Yountville Food and Wine Tour in Napa: $275
  • Napa's Downtown Food & Wine Tour : $275
  • Private, Customized Sonoma Valley Wine Tour: $300


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nantucket and Napa Valley, we can see that Nantucket is more expensive. And not only is Napa Valley much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Napa Valley would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Napa Valley 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 Nantucket would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nantucket than you might in Napa Valley.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nantucket Expensive? and Is Napa Valley Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nantucket or Napa Valley?

Napa Valley has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Nantucket. When comparing the sizes of Nantucket and Napa Valley, 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 Nantucket or Napa Valley?

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 Nantucket or Napa Valley in the Summer?

Both Napa Valley and Nantucket are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Nantucket for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Napa Valley in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Nantucket is generally cooler than Napa Valley. Daily temperatures in Nantucket average around 68°F (20°C), and Napa Valley fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In July, Nantucket usually receives more rain than Napa Valley. Nantucket gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Napa Valley receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nantucket 68°F (20°C) 
    Napa Valley 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Nantucket or Napa Valley in the Autumn?

Both Napa Valley and Nantucket during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Nantucket in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Napa Valley for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Nantucket is cooler than Napa Valley in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nantucket averages around 53°F (12°C) in October, and Napa Valley fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nantucket. Nantucket usually gets more rain in October than Napa Valley. Nantucket gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Napa Valley receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nantucket 53°F (12°C) 
    Napa Valley 62°F (17°C)

Should I visit Nantucket or Napa Valley in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nantucket and Napa Valley. Most visitors come to Nantucket for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Napa Valley because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Nantucket can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Nantucket is much colder than Napa Valley. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nantucket in January average around 31°F (-0°C), and Napa Valley averages at about 46°F (8°C).

Nantucket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Nantucket usually receives more rain than Napa Valley. Nantucket gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Napa Valley receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nantucket 31°F (-0°C) 
    Napa Valley 46°F (8°C)

Should I visit Nantucket or Napa Valley in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nantucket as well as Napa Valley. The spring months attract visitors to Nantucket because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Napa Valley this time of year.

In April, Nantucket is generally much colder than Napa Valley. Daily temperatures in Nantucket average around 45°F (7°C), and Napa Valley fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Nantucket receives a lot of rain in the spring. Nantucket usually gets more rain in April than Napa Valley. Nantucket gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Napa Valley receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nantucket 45°F (7°C) 
    Napa Valley 56°F (13°C)

Typical Weather for Napa Valley and Nantucket

Nantucket Napa Valley
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-0°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Feb 32°F (-0°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (102 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Apr 45°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
May 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Jun 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 69°F (21°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 68°F (20°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 73°F (23°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Aug 68°F (20°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm)
Sep 62°F (17°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 70°F (21°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) 62°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Nov 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 36°F (2°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 46°F (8°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)