A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Norfolk vs. Martha's Vineyard for Couples, Food, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Norfolk or Martha's Vineyard?

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

Should I visit Norfolk or Martha's Vineyard? 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.

Norfolk

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

Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a peaceful, affluent, and coastal island. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and food.

Norfolk and Martha's Vineyard: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Norfolk or Martha's Vineyard?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Martha's Vineyard than Norfolk, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Martha's Vineyard is better known for its food, resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Norfolk is more popular for its museums and nightlife. Martha's Vineyard is more touristy than Norfolk and is popular for its natural beauty, charming New England towns, and upscale local shopping. Also, Martha's Vineyard is famous for the Aquinnah Cliffs. Norfolk is well known for its naval base and military presence.

How is Norfolk different from Martha's Vineyard?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Norfolk or Martha's Vineyard?

Norfolk is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Martha's Vineyard 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 Norfolk. 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.

Martha's Vineyard offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of local museums in the area as well as the Martha's Vineyard Museum.

Is the Food Better in Norfolk or Martha's Vineyard? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Martha's Vineyard 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, Martha's Vineyard makes for a great culinary experience. The region prioritizes sustainable agriculture and there are many local eateries that range from upscale to more casual. You'll find the greatest number of options during the peak summer months, but regardless of when you visit, you're sure to eat well.

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 Norfolk or Martha's Vineyard Better for Nightlife?

Norfolk is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Norfolk has a few options to choose from. 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.

Most people don't head to Martha's Vineyard specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There's more of a laid back vibe, but the best towns in the evening are Edgartown and Oak Bluffs.

Is Norfolk or Martha's Vineyard Better for Resorts?

Martha's Vineyard is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Norfolk is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Martha's Vineyard is a great choice. There are beautiful and luxurious resorts that attract celebrities and socialites. Many have pools and serene outdoor spaces that you can enjoy.

Norfolk is not a resort destination.

Is Norfolk or Martha's Vineyard Better for Beaches?

Martha's Vineyard is a great destination for its beaches. However, Norfolk is not a beach destination.

Martha's Vineyard is considered a top beach destination. The beaches are scenic and peaceful. Head to northern side of the island for shallow water, or south for more surf. While there are some public beaches that are open to everyone, there are also beaches that require a parking or town beach permit to visit.

Norfolk is not a beach destination.

Is Norfolk or Martha's Vineyard Better for Hiking?

Martha's Vineyard is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Norfolk is not a hiking destination.

Martha's Vineyard is a good destination for hiking. There are miles of trails around the island that pass through fields or along the coastline. The island is mostly flat, so the hikes are relatively easy for all skill levels.

Norfolk is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Norfolk or Martha's Vineyard?

Martha's Vineyard is a great destination for shopping. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Martha's Vineyard is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are no malls, so you'll enjoy shopping at local stores that sell a mix of locally made items and name brand. There are many art galleries as well as craft festivals during the summer months.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Norfolk. There's a mix of shopping malls, local boutiques, farmer's markets, and shopping centers around town.

Is Norfolk or Martha's Vineyard Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Norfolk or Martha's Vineyard.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Norfolk. 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.

Martha's Vineyard offers lots of family activities. You can visit local farms or go to a local baseball game. There's also cafes, ice cream shops, and donut shops that kids will enjoy.

Is Norfolk or Martha's Vineyard Better for Couples?

Martha's Vineyard is a must-visit destination for romance. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for its romantic activities.

Martha's Vineyard makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's filled with charming bed and breakfasts and plenty of New England charm. Couples will enjoy the quaint restaurants and mix of history, small town charm, and outdoor adventure.

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 Norfolk or Martha's Vineyard Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Norfolk and Martha's Vineyard.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Martha's Vineyard. Access to the island is limited to boat and air. There's a bus service that connects the towns.

Is Norfolk or Martha's Vineyard a more walkable city?

Norfolk and Martha's Vineyard both are notable when exploring on foot.

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

Martha's Vineyard is a somewhat walkable place. Many of the towns have walkable downtown areas, but traveling between towns and into the countryside requires a vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Norfolk Worth Visiting? and Is Martha's Vineyard Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Martha's Vineyard or Norfolk?

How long in Norfolk or Martha's Vineyard?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Norfolk than Martha's Vineyard 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 Norfolk.

One day in Norfolk or Martha's Vineyard?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Norfolk, there's plenty to do. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

Martha's Vineyard is a small town with plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Norfolk or Martha's Vineyard?

With museums and nightlife around the blue collar city of Norfolk, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Martha's Vineyard might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Martha's Vineyard has to offer.

Five days in Norfolk or Martha's Vineyard?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the authentic destination of Norfolk. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Martha's Vineyard is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Norfolk or Martha's Vineyard?

Norfolk is a popular choice for travelers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Martha's Vineyard. Since Martha's Vineyard is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Norfolk and Martha's Vineyard, we can see that Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Martha's Vineyard 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 Norfolk Expensive? and Is Martha's Vineyard Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Norfolk or Martha's Vineyard?

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 Norfolk or Martha's Vineyard in the Summer?

Both Martha's Vineyard and Norfolk during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Norfolk for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Martha's Vineyard because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Norfolk is generally a little warmer than Martha's Vineyard. Daily temperatures in Norfolk average around 79°F (26°C), and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In Martha's Vineyard, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Norfolk. In the summer, Norfolk often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Martha's Vineyard. Norfolk gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Martha's Vineyard receives 293 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Norfolk. Norfolk usually gets more rain in July than Martha's Vineyard. Norfolk gets 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Norfolk or Martha's Vineyard in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Norfolk and Martha's Vineyard. The autumn months attract visitors to Norfolk because of the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Martha's Vineyard this time of year.

Norfolk is a little warmer than Martha's Vineyard in the autumn. The daily temperature in Norfolk averages around 62°F (16°C) in October, and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Martha's Vineyard this time of the year. In Norfolk, it's very sunny this time of the year. Norfolk usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Martha's Vineyard during autumn. Norfolk gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Martha's Vineyard receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Norfolk usually receives around the same amount of rain as Martha's Vineyard. Norfolk gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Norfolk or Martha's Vineyard in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Norfolk as well as Martha's Vineyard. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Norfolk this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Martha's Vineyard for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Martha's Vineyard. It's quite cold in Norfolk in the winter. In the winter, Norfolk is much warmer than Martha's Vineyard. Typically, the winter temperatures in Norfolk in January average around 39°F (4°C), and Martha's Vineyard averages at about 28°F (-2°C).

In the winter, Norfolk often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Martha's Vineyard. Norfolk gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Martha's Vineyard receives 170 hours of full sun.

Norfolk usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Martha's Vineyard. Norfolk gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Norfolk or Martha's Vineyard in the Spring?

Both Martha's Vineyard and Norfolk are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Martha's Vineyard in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Norfolk is generally much warmer than Martha's Vineyard. Daily temperatures in Norfolk average around 58°F (14°C), and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

It's quite sunny in Martha's Vineyard. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Norfolk. Norfolk usually receives more sunshine than Martha's Vineyard during spring. Norfolk gets 253 hours of sunny skies, while Martha's Vineyard receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Norfolk usually receives less rain than Martha's Vineyard. Norfolk gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Martha's Vineyard and Norfolk