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

Should you visit Nags Head or Aspen?

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

Should I visit Nags Head or Aspen? 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.

Nags Head

Other popular activities here include nightlife and food. See Nags Head travel costs.

Aspen

Aspen is a vibrant, artsy, and outdoorsy ski town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Aspen is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping. See Aspen travel costs.

Nags Head and Aspen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nags Head or Aspen?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Aspen than Nags Head, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Aspen is more touristy than Nags Head and is popular for its world-class skiing, many food, film, and music festivals, and its stunning mountain hikes. Also, Aspen is famous for The Maroon Bells. Nags Head is well known for

How is Nags Head different from Aspen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Nags Head or Aspen Better for Skiing?

Aspen is an amazing ski town to visit for skiing. However, Nags Head is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Aspen should be on your list. Near the town, there are 4 separate ski resorts. In town you'll find Aspen Mountain, which is known for it's black-diamond runs. Aspen Highlands, a couple miles away, has a mix of slopes and is less crowded. Buttermilk attracts many freestyle skiers and Aspen Snowmass is considered one of the best family-friendly ski areas.

Nags Head is not a skiing destination.

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

Aspen is an amazing ski town to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Nags Head is not as popular, but is still a nice for its local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, Aspen is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The town hosts many food festivals and there is a growing selection of diverse restaurants. In town you'll find cafes and restaurants that cater to both the local crowd and the travelers who flock to the area during peak seasons.

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 Nags Head or Aspen Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is excellent in both Nags Head and Aspen.

Many people head to Nags Head for the nightlife scene. 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.

Aspen has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The people in Aspen know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene includes craft beer, live music, and dancing. There's a local vibe, particularly during the off-season times when the tourist crowds are less.

Is Nags Head or Aspen Better for Music?

Aspen is great for live music. However, Nags Head is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Aspen draws a good crowd. Popular music venues in town include Silver City Mountain Saloon and Belly Up Aspen.

Nags Head is not a live music destination.

Is Nags Head or Aspen Better for Resorts?

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

Aspen is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Popular resorts in the area include The Little Nell, Hotel Jerome, and St. Regis Aspen.

Nags Head is not a resort destination.

Is Nags Head or Aspen Better for Hiking?

Aspen is great for hiking. However, Nags Head is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Aspen for the hiking trails. During the summer and fall seasons, hiking is a great way to explore Aspen's nearby beauty. Popular trails include the Ute Trail, the Lost Man Trail, and the famous Maroon Bells Scenic Trail.

Nags Head is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nags Head or Aspen?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Aspen. There are many great local shops and art galleries where you can pick interesting items or fine art.

Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Nags Head or Aspen More Beautiful?

Aspen is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Nags Head is not a destination known for its beauty.

Aspen is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Surrounded by the mountains and set amongst a beautiful natural setting, this town will take your breath away.

Nags Head is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Nags Head or Aspen Better for Families?

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

Nags Head is known to be 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.

Aspen offers lots of family activities. Families that enjoy skiing together, hiking, rock climbing, and having adventures will enjoy a visit to this town. Aspen Mountain is not a great option for beginning skiers, but further away, Aspen Snowmass offers good beginner slopes.

Is Nags Head or Aspen Better for Couples?

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

Aspen is a great ski town if you're traveling as a couple. Aspen is both a popular ski destination as well as an established town. There are many great restaurants and activities that couples can enjoy and the setting is cute and very scenic, making it a beautiful and romantic destination.

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 Nags Head or Aspen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nags Head is a with good options for backpackers. However, Aspen is a ski town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Aspen is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Because it is both a town and a ski resort, there are a couple of more affordable accommodation options. Even so, this is an expensive destination that isn't always ideal for budget travelers.

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

Aspen 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 Aspen offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are several shuttle buses around the 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 Nags Head or Aspen a more walkable city?

Aspen is great for its walkability. However, Nags Head is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

Aspen is very walkable. The town is compact enough that it can be explored on foot. If you're planning to head into the mountains to hike, you'll likely need a car.

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 Aspen or Nags Head?

How long in Nags Head or Aspen?

In either Nags Head or Aspen, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Nags Head than Aspen because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Nags Head, and 3-5 days is enough time in Aspen.

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

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

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

One day in Nags Head or Aspen?

In Nags Head, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this activity-filled destination offers. This offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Even though Aspen is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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.

A weekend in Nags Head or Aspen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nags Head. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Aspen is a small town where visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This ski town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Nags Head or Aspen?

Nags Head is a fun place to experience. In Nags Head, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Aspen is a small town with plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this ski town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this ski town has to offer.

A week in Nags Head or Aspen?

In Nags Head, many people enjoy the food and nightlife that this laid-back destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Aspen 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

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

Which is Bigger, Nags Head or Aspen?

Aspen has a larger population, and is about 80% larger than the population of Nags Head. When comparing the sizes of Nags Head and Aspen, 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.