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

Should you visit Norfolk or Vail?

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

Should I visit Norfolk or Vail? 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 maritime, authentic, and blue collar city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Vail

Vail is a charming, picturesque, and scenic ski town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and live music.

Norfolk and Vail: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Norfolk or Vail?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Vail. Although Norfolk and Vail are popular destinations, Vail has more sights and attractions for tourists. Vail is very popular for its skiing, nightlife, music, resorts, hiking, shopping, christmas markets, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Norfolk attracts visitors for its museums. Vail is more touristy than Norfolk and is popular for its world-class skiing, charming mountain town atmosphere, and adventurous outdoor activities. It is also well known for The Vail Ski Resort. Norfolk is famous for its naval base and military presence.

How is Norfolk different from Vail?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Norfolk or Vail Better for Skiing?

Vail is a must-visit destination for winter skiing. However, Norfolk is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Vail should be on your list. This ski town has produced its share of Olympians. Vail is the third largest ski resort in the US and it has 31 lifts and 195 runs. There are five different bowls that offer beautiful views.

Norfolk is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Norfolk or Vail?

Norfolk is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Vail does not have museums and landmarks.

Norfolk offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Vail does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Norfolk and Vail offer a number of nice restaurants to choose from.

Norfolk offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find a decent collection of restaurants in the downtown area. Food options include local seafood, brunch, casual eateries, and fine dining.

Vail has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The town has a diverse sampling of restaurants that include different ethnic options as well as taverns with comfort food. It's easy to find mountain-friendly restaurants where you can refuel during your ski vacation.

Is Norfolk or Vail Better for Nightlife?

Vail is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Vail know how to have a good time. Happy Hours start early, and then the partying can go late into the night. There are bars, lounges, breweries and live music that keep the atmosphere light and offer entertainment after your long day on the slopes. Do keep in mind that many places close or dramatically reduce their hours during the off-peak fall and spring months.

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.

Is Norfolk or Vail Better for Music?

Vail is a popular place for live music. However, Norfolk is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Vail is active and vibrant. You can often find live music at Shakedown Bar, Bridge Street Bar, and the Red Lion.

Norfolk is not a live music destination.

Is Norfolk or Vail Better for Resorts?

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

Vail is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Designed as a resort town, Vail offers great accommodation. Nice resorts include Four Seasons Resort and Residences, the Ritz Carlton Club, and the Grand Hyatt.

Norfolk is not a resort destination.

Is Norfolk or Vail Better for Hiking?

Vail 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 Vail. During the warmer months, this resort town is surrounded by world-class hiking trails. You can enjoy the wildflowers, search for wildlife, or take in the sweeping mountain views. Popular hikes near Vail include Booth Falls, Davos Trail, and Shrine Ridge.

Norfolk is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Norfolk or Vail?

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

Vail is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The cobblestone streets are lined with boutiques and ski shops that sell everything from evening dresses to outdoor gear. It's easy to pop into the many shops around downtown Vail and find anything you might need.

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 Vail Better for Christmas?

Vail is a must-visit destination for its Christmas activities. However, Norfolk does not offer Christmas activities.

Vail is a world class destination for shoppers. The town is a winter wonderland during the holidays. Check out the iconic Christmas tree lighting and wander through the fairytale streets.

Norfolk does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Norfolk or Vail Better for Christmas Markets?

Vail is a great destination for its Christmas markets. However, Norfolk does not offer Christmas markets.

Many people head to Vail to see its Christmas markets. The town's Christmas Market is picturesque, and the perfect place to pick up some unique gifts.

Norfolk does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Norfolk or Vail Better for Families?

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

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Vail is a very family-friendly destination. With its world class skiing, rock climbing, ice skating, and ice cream, kids love this ski resort. The resort town has two terrain parks - Golden Peak and Avanti. Avanti is perfect for kids. It has small jumps, wide rails, and kid-friendly amenities. Golden Peak is designed for more advanced athletes. Vail also has nice beginner slopes that are great for kids.

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 Vail Better for Couples?

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

Vail makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples who enjoy skiing and outdoor adventure will appreciate everything that this ski town has to offer. There are nice restaurants, beautiful gardens, and plenty of romantic activities to choose from.

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 Vail Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Vail. This ski town isn't completely closed off to budget travelers as there are a couple of hostels around town.

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

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

Vail 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 Vail, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a free bus service through the area.

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 Vail a more walkable city?

Vail is a must-visit destination for its walkability. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Vail on foot is easy. The main downtown is pedestrian-only and perfect for popping in shops and restaurants.

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 Vail Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vail or Norfolk?

How long in Norfolk or Vail?

Both Norfolk and Vail have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Vail than in Norfolk. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Norfolk, and 3-7 days is enough time in Vail.

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

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

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

One day in Norfolk or Vail?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Norfolk. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Vail 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 skiing. This ski town 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 Vail?

Norfolk is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Vail 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. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the skiing. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Norfolk or Vail?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the blue collar destination of Norfolk. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Vail 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 Vail has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Norfolk or Vail?

The authentic city of Norfolk offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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's hard to know how much time to spend in Vail. Vail is a small town where visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music. One reason most visitors come is for the skiing. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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 Vail, we can see that Vail 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 Vail would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Vail 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 Vail Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Norfolk or Vail?

Norfolk has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Vail. When comparing the sizes of Norfolk and Vail, 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.