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

Should you visit Norfolk or Nantucket?

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

Should I visit Norfolk or Nantucket? 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 blue collar, maritime, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Nantucket

Nantucket is a peaceful, upscale, and charming 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 nightlife, food, and beaches.

Norfolk and Nantucket: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Norfolk or Nantucket?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nantucket. Although Norfolk and Nantucket are both popular with visitors, Nantucket has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nantucket is more touristy than Norfolk and is popular for its pristine beaches, upscale atmosphere, and history of whaling. It is also home to Great Point Lighthouse. Norfolk is popular for its naval base and military presence.

How is Norfolk different from Nantucket?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Norfolk and Nantucket have good landmarks and museums for visitors.

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.

Nantucket offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several museums around town that educate visitors on the island's whaling history and maritime past.

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

Nantucket is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Nantucket is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

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 Nantucket Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Norfolk or Nantucket has a better nightlife scene.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Nantucket has a few options to choose from. 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 Norfolk or Nantucket Better for Resorts?

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

Nantucket is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Luxury resorts and upscale inns offer guests a relaxed setting with oceanfront views and family-friendly activities.

Norfolk is not a resort destination.

Is Norfolk or Nantucket Better for Beaches?

Nantucket is a great destination for its beaches. However, Norfolk is not a beach destination.

Nantucket is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Norfolk is not a beach destination.

Is Norfolk or Nantucket Better for its Old Town?

Nantucket is a great destination for its historic old town. However, Norfolk does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Nantucket. 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.

Norfolk does not have a historic old town.

Is Norfolk or Nantucket Better for Hiking?

Nantucket is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Norfolk is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Nantucket. 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.

Norfolk is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Norfolk or Nantucket?

Nantucket is a great destination for shopping. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Nantucket is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

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 Nantucket Better for Families?

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

Nantucket is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

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 Norfolk or Nantucket Better for Couples?

Nantucket is a must-visit destination for romance. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for its romantic activities.

Nantucket makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

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

Nantucket is a popular place for its public transit. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Nantucket, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are shuttle buses around the island that operate with greater frequency during the summer months.

Public transit is mostly 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 Norfolk or Nantucket a more walkable city?

Nantucket is a great destination for its walkability. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

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

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

Should I spend more time in Nantucket or Norfolk?

How long in Norfolk or Nantucket?

It's fun to spend time in either Norfolk or Nantucket. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Nantucket due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Norfolk, and 2-4 days is enough time in Nantucket.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nantucket 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 Nantucket.

One day in Norfolk or Nantucket?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Norfolk. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Norfolk has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Nantucket is a small town with plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Norfolk or Nantucket?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the blue collar destination of Norfolk. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Nantucket 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. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nantucket has to offer.

Five days in Norfolk or Nantucket?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the blue collar city of Norfolk. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Nantucket 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 Nantucket?

Norfolk is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nantucket. Since Nantucket is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 Nantucket, we can see that Nantucket 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 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 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 Nantucket Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Norfolk or Nantucket?

Norfolk has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Nantucket. When comparing the sizes of Norfolk and Nantucket, 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 Norfolk or Nantucket?

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 Nantucket in the Summer?

Both Nantucket and Norfolk during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Norfolk this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nantucket for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Norfolk is a little warmer than Nantucket in the summer. The daily temperature in Norfolk averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Nantucket fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Norfolk. Norfolk usually gets more rain in July than Nantucket. Norfolk gets 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Norfolk or Nantucket in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Norfolk and Nantucket. Many travelers come to Norfolk for the shopping scene. Also, 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.

In the autumn, Norfolk is a little warmer than Nantucket. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Norfolk in October average around 62°F (16°C), and Nantucket averages at about 53°F (12°C).

Nantucket receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Norfolk usually receives less rain than Nantucket. Norfolk gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Norfolk or Nantucket in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Norfolk as well as Nantucket. Many visitors come to Norfolk in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Nantucket for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Nantucket can be very cold during winter. Norfolk can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Norfolk is generally much warmer than Nantucket. Daily temperatures in Norfolk average around 39°F (4°C), and Nantucket fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

It's quite rainy in Nantucket. Norfolk usually gets less rain in January than Nantucket. Norfolk gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Norfolk or Nantucket in the Spring?

Both Nantucket and Norfolk are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Nantucket because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Norfolk is much warmer than Nantucket in the spring. The daily temperature in Norfolk averages around 58°F (14°C) in April, and Nantucket fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nantucket. In April, Norfolk usually receives less rain than Nantucket. Norfolk gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nantucket and Norfolk