A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Hilton Head Island vs. Norfolk for Families, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Hilton Head Island or Norfolk?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Hilton Head Island and Norfolk can help you decide which place is right for you.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a relaxing, peaceful, and beautiful coastal town. Hilton Head Island is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping. See Hilton Head Island travel costs.

Norfolk

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

Hilton Head Island and Norfolk: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hilton Head Island or Norfolk?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hilton Head Island than Norfolk, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hilton Head Island is better known for its food, resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Norfolk is more popular for its museums and attractions and nightlife. Hilton Head Island is more touristy than Norfolk and is popular for its long sandy beaches, many golf courses, popular tennis camps, and accessible bike trails. Also, Hilton Head Island is famous for The Harbour Town Lighthouse. Norfolk is well known for its naval base and military presence.

How is Hilton Head Island different from Norfolk?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hilton Head Island or Norfolk?

Norfolk is very good for its museums and history. However, Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Hilton Head Island or Norfolk? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hilton Head Island 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, Hilton Head Island makes for a great culinary experience. The island has many famous restaurants but reservations during the summer are a must. Restaurants can get very crowded during peak times. For some of the best restaurants head to Shelter Cove or Harbour Town. Popular local dishes include fried seafood and oysters.

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 Hilton Head Island or Norfolk Better for Nightlife?

Norfolk is very good for its evening party scene. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Norfolk. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Hilton Head Island. There are a few sports bars and comedy clubs, but nightlife isn't really a thing in Hilton Head. This is very much a family destination that shuts down with the sunset.

Is Hilton Head Island or Norfolk Better for Resorts?

Hilton Head Island is a great destination for its resorts. However, Norfolk is not a resort destination.

Hilton Head Island is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Most of the accommodation in the area is in the form of weekly condo rentals, which usually include a pool and outdoor space. Tennis and golf are also popular on the island so many resorts have facilities for each.

Norfolk is not a resort destination.

Is Hilton Head Island or Norfolk Better for Beaches?

Hilton Head Island is a great destination for its beaches. However, Norfolk is not a beach destination.

Hilton Head Island is considered a top beach destination. The island has nice beaches that are popular with families. They are great for swimming during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. While some beaches may get a bit crowded during peak holidays, they're usually pretty relaxed and less crowded than many nearby beaches.

Norfolk is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hilton Head Island or Norfolk?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Hilton Head Island and Norfolk.

Hilton Head Island has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The area has upscale shopping with designer names and local venues. Popular shopping areas include Shelter Cove Town Center and Harbor Town.

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 Hilton Head Island or Norfolk More Beautiful?

Hilton Head Island is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Norfolk is not a destination known for its beauty.

Hilton Head Island is a gorgeous place to visit. The island has many beautiful waterways that are best explored by boat or kayak. The beaches are also beautiful and striking.

Norfolk is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hilton Head Island or Norfolk Better for Families?

Hilton Head Island 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, Hilton Head Island is a very family-friendly destination. This area is a popular family-friendly beach destination with a number of summer events for the whole family, peaceful beaches, and family-friendly restaurants throughout. Older kids will enjoy cycling around the island's many bike trails or attending a popular tennis camp.

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 Hilton Head Island or Norfolk Better for Couples?

Hilton Head Island is a popular place for romance. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for its romantic activities.

Hilton Head Island is a nice destination for couples. While the area is most popular with families, it is a fun place to explore as a couple because of the many high end restaurants and the beautiful setting. Couples can rent bikes to explore or play a friendly game of tennis.

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

Norfolk is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Hilton Head Island. You must have a car to get most places on the island, unless you bike. Rush hour during summer months can have intense traffic.

Is Hilton Head Island or Norfolk a more walkable city?

Norfolk is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for its walkability.

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

Hilton Head Island is generally not very walkable. You really need a car to get around, but for those who are motivated, there is a great network of bike trails. It's mostly used for recreational purposes though.

For even more information, also check out Is Hilton Head Island Worth Visiting? and Is Norfolk Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Norfolk or Hilton Head Island?

How long in Hilton Head Island or Norfolk?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Hilton Head Island or Norfolk to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Hilton Head Island than Norfolk because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Hilton Head Island, and 1-2 days is enough time in Norfolk.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Norfolk than Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island or Norfolk?

In Hilton Head Island, you'll find food and shopping. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This coastal town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the blue collar destination of Norfolk. This city 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 Hilton Head Island or Norfolk?

In Hilton Head Island, you'll find shopping and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Norfolk is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the authentic city of Norfolk. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Norfolk has to offer.

Five days in Hilton Head Island or Norfolk?

Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Norfolk. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days 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.

A week in Hilton Head Island or Norfolk?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hilton Head Island. In Hilton Head Island, you'll find shopping and food. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Norfolk is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska.

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

Which is Bigger, Hilton Head Island or Norfolk?

Norfolk has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Hilton Head Island. When comparing the sizes of Hilton Head Island 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.

When is the best time to visit Hilton Head Island or Norfolk?

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 Hilton Head Island or Norfolk in the Summer?

Both Norfolk and Hilton Head Island during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Hilton Head Island for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Norfolk because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hilton Head Island is around the same temperature as Norfolk. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hilton Head Island in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Norfolk averages at about 79°F (26°C).

In Norfolk, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hilton Head Island. In the summer, Hilton Head Island often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Norfolk. Hilton Head Island gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Norfolk receives 279 hours of full sun.

Norfolk gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilton Head Island. Hilton Head Island usually gets more rain in July than Norfolk. Hilton Head Island gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hilton Head Island or Norfolk in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hilton Head Island and Norfolk. The autumn months attract visitors to Hilton Head Island because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene are the main draw to Norfolk this time of year.

In October, Hilton Head Island is generally a little warmer than Norfolk. Daily temperatures in Hilton Head Island average around 68°F (20°C), and Norfolk fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Norfolk this time of the year. In Hilton Head Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hilton Head Island usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Norfolk during autumn. Hilton Head Island gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Norfolk receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Hilton Head Island usually receives less rain than Norfolk. Hilton Head Island gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hilton Head Island or Norfolk in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hilton Head Island as well as Norfolk. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Hilton Head Island this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Norfolk for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Norfolk. Hilton Head Island is much warmer than Norfolk in the winter. The daily temperature in Hilton Head Island averages around 48°F (9°C) in January, and Norfolk fluctuates around 39°F (4°C).

In the winter, Hilton Head Island often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Norfolk. Hilton Head Island gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Norfolk receives 168 hours of full sun.

Hilton Head Island usually gets less rain in January than Norfolk. Hilton Head Island gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hilton Head Island or Norfolk in the Spring?

Both Norfolk and Hilton Head Island are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Hilton Head Island for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Hilton Head Island is a little warmer than Norfolk. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hilton Head Island in April average around 67°F (19°C), and Norfolk averages at about 58°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Norfolk. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hilton Head Island. Hilton Head Island usually receives more sunshine than Norfolk during spring. Hilton Head Island gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Norfolk receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hilton Head Island usually receives around the same amount of rain as Norfolk. Hilton Head Island gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Norfolk and Hilton Head Island