A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Boca Raton vs. Nags Head for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Boca Raton or Nags Head?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Boca Raton and Nags Head. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Boca Raton

Boca Raton is a relaxed, luxurious, and posh coastal city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Boca Raton travel costs.

Nags Head

It's also popular because of the nightlife and food. See Nags Head travel costs.

Boca Raton and Nags Head: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Boca Raton or Nags Head?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Boca Raton than Nags Head, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Boca Raton is more touristy than Nags Head and is known for its golf courses, outdoor recreational activities, and safe atmosphere. Also, Boca Raton is famous for Red Reef Park. Nags Head is well known for

How is Boca Raton different from Nags Head?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Boca Raton or Nags Head?

Boca Raton
Nags Head

Boca Raton is great for its historical sights. However, Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.

Boca Raton offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. While most visitors focus on the beaches and outdoor activities in the area, there are also a surprising number of museums that you can visit. On a rainy day head to the Boca Raton Museum of Art or the Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum. Sports enthusiasts will like the Sports Immortals Museum and kids will want to check out the Children's Science Explorium.

Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Boca Raton or Nags Head? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Boca Raton
Nags Head

Boca Raton is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Nags Head is not as popular, but is still a nice for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Boca Raton. You'll find a mix of local and international flavors with both casual and upscale dining available. Reservations are recommended, particularly on weekend nights. For the health-conscious, there's also a nice selection of healthy eateries to choose from.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Nags Head. There are a wide variety of seafood restaurants that serve locally caught fish, shrimp, and crabs. Cajon flavors are popular and you'll also find cheese grits at many places.

Is Boca Raton or Nags Head Better for Nightlife?

Boca Raton
Nags Head

The vibe at night is superb in both Boca Raton and Nags Head.

Many people head to Boca Raton for the nightlife scene. You'll find plenty of upscale wine bars, cocktail bars, and live music venues that will keep you entertained late into the evening.

Nags Head has plenty to do after the sun goes down. You'll find the widest variety of nightlife options in the Outer Banks here. There are a number of bars and clubs around town where you can enjoy a drink or dance late into the night. During the peak summer months there's often live music at many places.

Is Boca Raton or Nags Head Better for Resorts?

Boca Raton
Nags Head

Boca Raton is great for its luxury resorts. However, Nags Head is not a resort destination.

Boca Raton is known as a popular and fun resort destination. You'll find many luxury beachside resorts that offer all of the amenities, from access to golf course to family-friendly kids clubs.

Nags Head is not a resort destination.


Is Boca Raton or Nags Head Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Boca Raton
Nags Head

Boca Raton is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Nags Head is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Boca Raton has a few good snorkeling spots. Head to the "Aqua Zoo", which is just to the south of Boca Inlet to see stingrays, groupers, and moray eels. Red Reef Park offers excellent snorkeling as well.

Nags Head is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Boca Raton or Nags Head Better for Beaches?

Boca Raton
Nags Head

Boca Raton is an amazing coastal city to visit for its beaches. However, Nags Head is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Boca Raton. There's a two mile stretch of beautiful sandy beaches that are all monitored by lifeguards. The beaches offer all of the facilities that you might need such as picnic areas, restrooms, and showers. Many beaches are part of park land and some offer nice snorkeling. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Spanish River Park, Bark Park Dog Beach, Red Reef Beach, and South Beach Park.

Nags Head is not a beach destination.

Is Boca Raton or Nags Head Better for Hiking?

Boca Raton
Nags Head

Boca Raton is a popular place for hiking. However, Nags Head is not a hiking destination.

Boca Raton is a good destination for hiking. There's a surprising number of nature parks in the area that have hiking trails, nature walks, and beach paths that are fun to explore.

Nags Head is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Boca Raton or Nags Head?

Boca Raton
Nags Head

Boca Raton is great for shopping. However, Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Boca Raton. It's an upscale area, and you'll find no shortage of luxury shopping around town. Popular areas for shopping include Downtown Boca, Mizner Park, and the Town Center at Boca Raton.

Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Boca Raton or Nags Head Better for Families?

Boca Raton
Nags Head

Both Boca Raton and Nags Head are superb family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Boca Raton. It's an upscale area with a family-friendly atmosphere and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Many of the hotels have kids clubs that will keep the young ones entertained. The area also has nature centers, children's museums, and waterparks that will ensure everyone stays entertained.

Nags Head is a very family-friendly place to visit. It makes a wonderful base for the many family-friendly activities in the area. Jockey's Ridge is a fun place to visit with kids. There are also wonderful beaches and many kids enjoying flying kites.

Is Boca Raton or Nags Head Better for Couples?

Boca Raton
Nags Head

Boca Raton is great for romance. Also, Nags Head is not as popular, but is still a nice for its romantic activities.

Boca Raton is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. There's an upscale vibe with plenty of nature trails and nice beaches. Many of the hotels offer a touch of luxury that honeymooning couples will appreciate. You can also head to the downtown area for music, events, and museums.

Nags Head makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are great seafood restaurants and a number of activities in the area that are fun for couples.


Is Boca Raton or Nags Head Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Boca Raton
Nags Head

Nags Head is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Boca Raton is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Nags Head. This is one of the more affordable places to stay in the Outer Banks, so it appeals to more budget-oriented travelers.

Boca Raton is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's known for its upscale luxury, and you won't find much in the form of hostels or backpacker-friendly accommodation.

Is Boca Raton or Nags Head Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Boca Raton
Nags Head

Boca Raton is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Nags Head is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Boca Raton offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The Downtowner is a fleet of free, oversized golf cars that shuttle visitors around town, passing by many top sites such as Mizner Park, Red Reef Park, and the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. There's also a public bus system, Palm Tran, that offers service around town.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Nags Head. There's no real public transit around town, so you'll need to have your own car.

Is Boca Raton or Nags Head a more walkable city?

Boca Raton
Nags Head

Boca Raton is a popular place for its walkability. However, Nags Head is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

Boca Raton is somewhat walkable. There are some communities within the city that are more walkable than others, particularly East Boca Raton, Royal Palm Place, and Mizner Park. There are also many pedestrian and bike paths around town. Even so, you really must have a car to explore the area in depth.

Nags Head is generally not very walkable. This is one of the least walkable towns in the Outer Banks. You'll need a car to reach most restaurants and other activities in the area.


Should I spend more time in Nags Head or Boca Raton?

How long in Boca Raton or Nags Head?

Both Boca Raton and Nags Head have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Nags Head than in Boca Raton. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Boca Raton, and 4-7 days is enough time in Nags Head.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Boca Raton than Nags Head 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 Boca Raton.


  • How many days in Boca Raton or Nags Head? Ideal Length of Stay
    Boca Raton 3-5 
    Nags Head 4-7

One day in Boca Raton or Nags Head?

You'll find nightlife and food around the coastal city of Boca Raton. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

With food and nightlife around the activity-filled of Nags Head, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Boca Raton or Nags Head?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the posh destination of Boca Raton. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Nags Head, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Boca Raton or Nags Head?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the outdoorsy coastal city of Boca Raton. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer.

Nags Head, a popular , is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this . Your budget might influence how long you stay.


A week in Boca Raton or Nags Head?

Boca Raton is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Nags Head is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Nags Head or Boca Raton?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Boca Raton Prices
    USA Prices
    Nags Head Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Boca Raton $332
    Nags Head $179

The average daily cost (per person) in Boca Raton is $332, while the average daily cost in Nags Head is $179. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Boca Raton and Nags Head in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Boca Raton $171
    Nags Head $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Boca Raton $342
    Nags Head $160
Compare Hotels in Boca Raton and Nags Head

Looking for a hotel in Boca Raton or Nags Head? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Boca Raton


Hotels in Nags Head


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Boca Raton Hotel Prices and Nags Head Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Boca Raton $76
    Nags Head $40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Boca Raton

Also for Boca Raton, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from West Palm Beach to (FLL) Airport: $115
  • Private Delray Beach Transfer and Fort Lauderdale Airport: $84

Is it cheaper to fly into Boca Raton or Nags Head?

Prices for flights to both Nags Head and Boca Raton change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Boca Raton $117
    Nags Head $71

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Boca Raton

For Boca Raton, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Delray Beach Dinner & Drinks Tour: $109

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Boca Raton $28
    Nags Head $14

Tours and Activities in Boca Raton

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Boca Raton.

  • Boca Raton Food and Drink Tour: $104
  • Boca Raton Premium Jet Ski Tour - Optional Snorkeling/Lighthouse: $270
  • Boca Raton to Miami on High Speed Train with City Tour: $150
  • 23ft Boat Tour with Snorkeling/Tubing/Island: $535
  • Private Jet Ski Tour with Optional Snorkeling: $250
  • Delray Beach Food & Drinks Tour: $104

Tours and Activities in Nags Head

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nags Head.

  • 2-hour Outer Banks Wild Horse Tour by 4WD Truck: $65
  • Alligator River Kayak Adventure: $59
  • Cape Hatteras Kayak Adventure in Rodanthe: $59
  • Cape Hatteras National Seashore Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15
  • Kitty Hawk Maritime Forest Kayak Tour: $49
  • Nags Head Kayak Tour: $55
  • OBX Ghost Tours- The Original Ghost Tour of the Outer Banks: $25
  • OBX Ghost Tours: Lighthouse Wraiths & Dune Shadows: $26
  • Outer Banks Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $25
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Outer Banks: $17
  • Stand Up Paddleboard Adventure on the Outer Banks : $65
  • Wright Brothers Carolina Dunes Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Boca Raton $40
    Nags Head $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Nags Head

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nags Head:

  • Wine Tasting And Boat Ride: $109


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

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


Which is Bigger, Boca Raton or Nags Head?

Boca Raton has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Nags Head. When comparing the sizes of Boca Raton and Nags Head, 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 Boca Raton or Nags Head?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Nags Head in the Summer?

Both Nags Head and Boca Raton are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Boca Raton this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nags Head for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Boca Raton is around the same temperature as Nags Head. Typically, the summer temperatures in Boca Raton in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Nags Head averages at about 78°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Nags Head. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Boca Raton. Boca Raton usually receives more sunshine than Nags Head during summer. Boca Raton gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Nags Head receives 274 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nags Head. It's quite rainy in Boca Raton. In July, Boca Raton usually receives more rain than Nags Head. Boca Raton gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Nags Head receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Boca Raton 82°F (28°C) 
    Nags Head 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Boca Raton or Nags Head in the Autumn?

Both Nags Head and Boca Raton during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Boca Raton for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Boca Raton is generally much warmer than Nags Head. Daily temperatures in Boca Raton average around 78°F (25°C), and Nags Head fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

In Nags Head, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Boca Raton. In the autumn, Boca Raton often gets more sunshine than Nags Head. Boca Raton gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nags Head receives 205 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Boca Raton. Boca Raton usually gets more rain in October than Nags Head. Boca Raton gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Nags Head receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Boca Raton is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Boca Raton 78°F (25°C) 
    Nags Head 62°F (16°C)

Should I visit Boca Raton or Nags Head in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Boca Raton and Nags Head. Many visitors come to Boca Raton in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Nags Head for the cuisine during these months.

Nags Head can be very cold during winter. Boca Raton is much warmer than Nags Head in the winter. The daily temperature in Boca Raton averages around 65°F (19°C) in January, and Nags Head fluctuates around 41°F (5°C).

In Boca Raton, it's very sunny this time of the year. Boca Raton usually receives more sunshine than Nags Head during winter. Boca Raton gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Nags Head receives 147 hours of full sun in the winter.

Nags Head receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Boca Raton usually receives less rain than Nags Head. Boca Raton gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Nags Head receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Boca Raton 65°F (19°C) 
    Nags Head 41°F (5°C)

Should I visit Boca Raton or Nags Head in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Boca Raton as well as Nags Head. Most visitors come to Boca Raton for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Boca Raton is much warmer than Nags Head. Typically, the spring temperatures in Boca Raton in April average around 74°F (23°C), and Nags Head averages at about 59°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nags Head. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Boca Raton this time of the year. In the spring, Boca Raton often gets more sunshine than Nags Head. Boca Raton gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nags Head receives 262 hours of full sun.

Boca Raton usually gets more rain in April than Nags Head. Boca Raton gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Nags Head receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Boca Raton is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Boca Raton 74°F (23°C) 
    Nags Head 59°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Nags Head and Boca Raton

Boca Raton Nags Head
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 65°F (19°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 41°F (5°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Feb 66°F (19°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Mar 70°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Apr 74°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
May 78°F (25°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm) 67°F (19°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 8.1 inches (207 mm) 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (166 mm) 78°F (26°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (176 mm) 78°F (25°C) 5 inches (127 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 9.8 inches (250 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm)
Oct 78°F (25°C) 8.7 inches (222 mm) 62°F (16°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Nov 72°F (22°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Dec 67°F (20°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)