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

Should you visit Naples or Norfolk?

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 Norfolk 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 relaxing, peaceful, and nature-filled beach town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Norfolk

Norfolk is a authentic, blue collar, and maritime city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Naples and Norfolk: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Naples or Norfolk?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Naples than Norfolk, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Naples is more touristy than Norfolk and is popular for its white sand, blue water, water sports, and golf resorts. Also, Naples is famous for Naples Pier and the miles of sandy beach. Norfolk is well known for its naval base and military presence.

How is Naples different from Norfolk?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of notable museums and attractions in both Norfolk and Naples.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Naples. 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.

Norfolk is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are some interesting museums in town like the Chrysler Museum, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, and the Norfolk Police and Fire Museum. You should also check out the Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin.

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

Naples is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Naples makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Norfolk has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find a decent collection of restaurants in the downtown area. Food options include local seafood, brunch, casual eateries, and fine dining.

Is Naples or Norfolk Better for Nightlife?

Both Naples and Norfolk have notable 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.

Norfolk has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Downtown is where you'll find the most busy nightlife venues. The city has great breweries, and the live music scene has taken off. There are also lounges, dance clubs, and wine bars to choose from.

Is Naples or Norfolk Better for Resorts?

Naples is a great destination for its resorts. However, Norfolk is not a resort destination.

Naples is known as a popular and fun resort destination. 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.

Norfolk is not a resort destination.

Is Naples or Norfolk Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Naples is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Norfolk is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Naples has a few good snorkeling spots. 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.

Norfolk is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Naples or Norfolk Better for Beaches?

Naples is a must-visit destination for its beaches. However, Norfolk is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Naples. 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.

Norfolk is not a beach destination.

Is Naples or Norfolk Better for Hiking?

Naples is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Norfolk is not a hiking destination.

Naples is a good destination for hiking. 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.

Norfolk is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Naples or Norfolk?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Naples and Norfolk.

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.

Norfolk is a great destination for shopping. There's a mix of shopping malls, local boutiques, farmer's markets, and shopping centers around town.

Is Naples or Norfolk Better for Families?

Naples is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Naples is 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.

Norfolk offers lots of family activities. The Norfolk Zoo is always a hit with kids. You should also visit the USS Wisconsin which offers tours, as well as the Douglas MacArthur Memorial Museum.

Is Naples or Norfolk Better for Couples?

Naples is a great destination for romance. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Naples frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Most people don't think of Norfolk as a couple's destination. There are some nice hotels and several great parks and outdoor activities.

Is Naples or Norfolk Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Naples is a popular place for backpackers. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Naples. There's a hostel or two in the area as well as cheaper accommodation than other parts of Florida.

Norfolk is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This is an often overlooked area for backpackers.

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

Visitors will find respectable public transit in both Naples and Norfolk.

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 Norfolk. While there are buses, ferries, and even lightrail in the area, you really want to have a car to get around.

Is Naples or Norfolk a more walkable city?

Naples and Norfolk are notable when it comes to 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.

Norfolk is somewhat walkable. Downtown is the most walkable part of the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Norfolk or Naples?

How long in Naples or Norfolk?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Naples or Norfolk to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Naples than Norfolk because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Naples, and 1-2 days is enough time in Norfolk.

Families should spend more time in Naples than Norfolk. 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 Norfolk. 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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk?

In Naples, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This beach town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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

A weekend in Naples or Norfolk?

In Naples, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Naples has to offer.

Norfolk 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 Norfolk?

Naples is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Naples has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Norfolk. 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 Norfolk?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Naples. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Naples. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the blue collar destination of Norfolk. 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 Norfolk, we can see that Naples is more expensive. And not only is Norfolk much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Norfolk would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Norfolk 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 Norfolk.

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

Which is Bigger, Naples or Norfolk?

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