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

Should you visit Nags Head or Columbus?

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

Should I visit Nags Head or Columbus? 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 reasons to visit include nightlife and food. See Nags Head travel costs.

Columbus

Columbus is a down-to-earth, authentic, and friendly city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Columbus travel costs.

Nags Head and Columbus: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nags Head or Columbus?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Columbus. Although Nags Head and Columbus are both popular with visitors, Columbus has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Columbus is more popular for its museums and attractions and shopping, while Nags Head is known for its food and nightlife. Columbus is more touristy than Nags Head and is known for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene. It is also home to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Nags Head is popular for

How is Nags Head different from Columbus?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Columbus is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.

Columbus is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Popular museums around town include the Center of Science and Technology, the Franklin Park Conservatory, the Columbus Museum of Art, and the Ohio History Center.

Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Nags Head is a popular place for its restaurants. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Columbus. Hearty and heavy comfort food is the mainstay in this town. There's pizza, casseroles, sausage, and milkshakes around town.

Is Nags Head or Columbus Better for Nightlife?

Nags Head is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Nags Head has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Columbus has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The live music scene is growing. There are also a growing number of breweries around town.

Is the Shopping Better in Nags Head or Columbus?

Columbus is a popular place for shopping. However, Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Columbus. In addition to the standard shopping malls and retail outlets, there are some interesting shops in the Short North Arts District, German Village, and Easton Town Center.

Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Nags Head or Columbus Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Nags Head or Columbus.

Nags Head is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Columbus is a very kid-friendly . The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a highlight for many families. Right by it is the Zoombezi Bay Waterpark. For hands-on science-based activities check out the Center of Science and Industry. Kids will also love the Legoland Discovery Center or the Anthony-Thomas Candy Factory. There are also many outdoor parks, greenways, and playgrounds to visit.

Is Nags Head or Columbus Better for Couples?

Nags Head is a popular place for romance. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Nags Head is a nice destination for couples. There are great seafood restaurants and a number of activities in the area that are fun for couples.

Most people don't think of Columbus as a couple's destination. You'll find restaurants and music venues that make for a nice date night. There are also wine tours and other entertainment options.

Is Nags Head or Columbus Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nags Head is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

Columbus is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there is a hostel in town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Columbus is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Nags Head is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Columbus. While there's a bus system, you'll really want to have a vehicle to get around town efficiently.

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 Columbus a more walkable city?

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

Columbus is somewhat walkable. The older neighborhoods are the most walkable, but if you want to get around town, you'll need to have 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 Columbus or Nags Head?

How long in Nags Head or Columbus?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Nags Head or Columbus to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Nags Head than Columbus because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Nags Head, and 1-2 days is enough time in Columbus.

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

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

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

One day in Nags Head or Columbus?

The of Nags Head offers food and nightlife. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

A weekend in Nags Head or Columbus?

Nags Head is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the welcoming destination of Columbus. 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.

Five days in Nags Head or Columbus?

Nags Head is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nags Head, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the welcoming city of Columbus. 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.

A week in Nags Head or Columbus?

Nags Head is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nags Head has to offer. This offers something for everyone.

Columbus 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.

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 comparing the travel costs between Nags Head and Columbus, we can see that Columbus is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Columbus Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nags Head or Columbus?

Columbus has a larger population, and is about 230 times larger than the population of Nags Head. When comparing the sizes of Nags Head and Columbus, 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 Nags Head or Columbus?

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 Nags Head or Columbus in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nags Head and Columbus. The summer months attract visitors to Nags Head because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Columbus this time of year.

Nags Head is around the same temperature as Columbus in the summer. The daily temperature in Nags Head averages around 78°F (26°C) in July, and Columbus fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Columbus this time of the year. In Nags Head, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nags Head usually receives more sunshine than Columbus during summer. Nags Head gets 274 hours of sunny skies, while Columbus receives 254 hours of full sun in the summer.

Columbus receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nags Head gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Nags Head usually receives more rain than Columbus. Nags Head gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nags Head or Columbus in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nags Head as well as Columbus. Additionally, many travelers come to Columbus for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Nags Head is a little warmer than Columbus. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nags Head in October average around 62°F (16°C), and Columbus averages at about 57°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nags Head this time of the year. In the autumn, Nags Head often gets more sunshine than Columbus. Nags Head gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbus receives 179 hours of full sun.

Nags Head usually gets more rain in October than Columbus. Nags Head gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nags Head or Columbus in the Winter?

Both Columbus and Nags Head are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Nags Head for the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Columbus in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Columbus can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Nags Head. In January, Nags Head is generally much warmer than Columbus. Daily temperatures in Nags Head average around 41°F (5°C), and Columbus fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

Nags Head usually receives more sunshine than Columbus during winter. Nags Head gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Columbus receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Nags Head. In January, Nags Head usually receives more rain than Columbus. Nags Head gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nags Head or Columbus in the Spring?

Both Columbus and Nags Head during the spring are popular places to visit.

Nags Head is a little warmer than Columbus in the spring. The daily temperature in Nags Head averages around 59°F (15°C) in April, and Columbus fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Nags Head. In the spring, Nags Head often gets more sunshine than Columbus. Nags Head gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbus receives 200 hours of full sun.

Nags Head usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Columbus. Nags Head gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Columbus and Nags Head