A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Naples vs. Durham for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Naples or Durham?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Naples and Durham can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Naples

Naples is a nature-filled, relaxing, and peaceful beach town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Durham

Durham is a diverse, student-filled, and sports oriented city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Naples and Durham: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Naples or Durham?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Naples. Although Naples and Durham are popular destinations, Naples has more sights and attractions for tourists. Naples is very popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Durham attracts visitors for its museums. Naples is more touristy than Durham and is popular for its white sand, blue water, water sports, and golf resorts. It is also well known for Naples Pier and the miles of sandy beach. Durham is famous for its college town vibe as well as being the home of the famous Blue Devil basketball team.

How is Naples different from Durham?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Naples or Durham?

Durham is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Naples is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Durham. Duke University is one of the most popular destinations in town. There are several museums on campus as well as the famous Duke Chapel. Elsewhere in Durham there's the Durham Museum of Life and Science.

Naples is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. While most visitors spend most of their time at the beach, on a rainy day you can check out the town's art museums, history museums, or local spots such as the Palm Cottage.

Is the Food Better in Naples or Durham? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Naples is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Naples is an experience not to be missed. Seafood is a favorite around town, but you'll also find plenty of Italian food. Everything from casual to fine dining is available with many local favorites to choose from.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Durham. Barbecue is a favorite around town. You'll also find plenty of restaurants that cater to the student population, particularly along Nineth Street near Duke's campus.

Is Naples or Durham Better for Nightlife?

Both Naples and Durham have nice vibes after the sun sets.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Naples. There are live music venues, cocktail bars, and dance clubs around town.

Durham has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The younger population tends to hang out near campus and along Nineth Street. If you're looking for something less student oriented, head to downtown Durham.

Is Naples or Durham Better for Resorts?

Naples is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Durham is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Naples. There are luxury resorts, family-friendly hotels, and a range of prices to choose from. Most have pools and many have oceanfront views with golf facilities available. Many of the major brands such as Marriott are found here.

Durham is not a resort destination.

Is Naples or Durham Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Naples is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Durham is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Naples. Snorkeling and scuba diving are both available in the area, in part because of the impressive artificial reefs that have been constructed. Snorkeling is available at Tigertail Beach, Clam Pass, and Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park.

Durham is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Naples or Durham Better for Beaches?

Naples is an amazing beach town to visit for the beach. However, Durham is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Naples is a very popular vacation destination. White sand beaches and calm Gulf waters make this an ideal beach destination. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is a favorite beach spot in the area, but you should also check out Naples Municipal Beach which is where you'll find the Naples Pier. If you want a more natural setting, head to Barefoot Beach Preserve County Park.

Durham is not a beach destination.

Is Naples or Durham Better for Hiking?

Naples is very good for the nearby hiking options. However, Durham is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Naples. The area is filled with state parks and nature reserves where you can explore and enjoy a scenic hike. There are also greenways and coastal paths nearby.

Durham is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Naples or Durham?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Naples and Durham.

Naples has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find shopping centers, outlet malls, and plenty of retail space around town. Some of the favorite shopping spots are the Mercato, Coastland Center, and Waterside Shops. For souvenirs and beach items head to Tin City Waterfront Shops.

Durham is a great destination for shopping. The Streets of Southpoint is the best mall in the area. Other shopping areas include Brightleaf Square and Nineth Street.

Is Naples or Durham Better for Families?

Naples is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Naples is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. You'll find relaxing beaches, nice parks, plenty of playgrounds, and even the Golisano Childrens Museum for rainy days. There are also nature centers with great walks as well as gardens and wildlife viewpoints.

Durham is a family-friendly beach town. A highlight for kids is a visit to the Durham Museum of Life and Science. It has both an indoor and an outdoor section and brings science to life for families. There's also an impressive playground and climbing area. Other activities in town include the Notasium and Eno River State Park. If you plan ahead you could also organize a trip to the Duke Lemur Center.

Is Naples or Durham Better for Couples?

Naples is a well-known place for couples. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Naples is a very popular place to visit for couples. Beautiful beaches and relaxing spas make this a favorite couples destination. Golf, high end restaurants and plenty of romantic activities will ensure you have the anniversary trip or honeymoon to remember.

Durham is a nice destination for couples. Have a picnic at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens or spend the day hiking at Eno River State Park. In the evening there's a wonderful selection of restaurants around town. Then you can check out a show at the Durham Performing Arts Center or see a Durham Bulls game.

Is Naples or Durham Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Naples is very good for backpackers. However, Durham is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Naples is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's a hostel or two in the area as well as cheaper accommodation than other parts of Florida.

Durham is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The student population means there are a number of parties and bars around town, but most backpackers overlook this city.

Is Naples or Durham Better for Students?

Durham is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Naples is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Durham. Duke University has a stunning campus with a world class garden. There's also nearby Nineth Street, which has shops, restaurants, and bars that are geared toward the student population.

Naples is not popular with students.

Is Naples or Durham Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both Naples and Durham.

Public transit is mostly limited in Naples. There's a trolley system as well as a public bus system.

Public transit is generally limited in Durham. There are buses around town, but you really need a car to explore the area.

Is Naples or Durham a more walkable city?

Naples is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Durham is not a good city for its walkability.

Naples is a somewhat walkable beach town. The downtown area is relatively walkable, but to fully explore the region you'll need your own car.

Durham is generally not a very walkable beach town. Downtown Durham and a few areas near Duke University are the most walkable areas.

For even more information, also check out Is Naples Worth Visiting? and Is Durham Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Durham or Naples?

How long in Naples or Durham?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Naples and Durham. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Naples than in Durham. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Naples, and 1-3 days is enough time in Durham.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Naples than Durham 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 Naples.

One day in Naples or Durham?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Naples. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Durham. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Naples or Durham?

Naples is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Durham is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Naples or Durham?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Naples. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Durham. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Naples or Durham?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the nature-filled destination of Naples. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the sports oriented destination of Durham. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Naples or Durham?

Durham has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Naples. When comparing the sizes of Naples and Durham, 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.