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

Should you visit Nags Head or San Diego?

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

Should I visit Nags Head or San Diego? 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

Visitors also love the nightlife and food. See Nags Head travel costs.

San Diego

San Diego is a relaxed, outdoorsy, and idyllic coastal city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. San Diego is a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See San Diego travel costs.

Nags Head and San Diego: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nags Head or San Diego?

Travelers will usually find more to do in San Diego. Although Nags Head and San Diego are popular destinations, San Diego has more sights and attractions for tourists. San Diego is more touristy than Nags Head and is known for its relaxed coastal atmosphere, its many kid-friendly sights, and its beautiful beaches with critter-filled tidal pools. It is also well known for The San Diego Zoo. Nags Head is famous for

How is Nags Head different from San Diego?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between San Diego 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 San Diego?

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

San Diego offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. While the city is famous for it's beaches, zoos, and aquariums, don't overlook the museums and other landmarks. Popular options include the Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, the Old Town State Historic Park, and Point Loma and Cabrillo Monument.

Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.

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

San Diego 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 San Diego. The city has great seafood and a diversity of cuisines. There are many casual dining options that serve informal foods like burgers or salads, but there are also award-winning fine dining restaurants with elegant atmospheres. Popular local dishes include fish tacos and California burritos.

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 San Diego Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is superb in both Nags Head and San Diego.

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.

San Diego has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The heart of the city's nightlife scene is in the Gaslamp District, which is filled with bars, clubs, and music venues. There's a young student population that keeps the nightlife scene casual and fun.

Is Nags Head or San Diego Better for Music?

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

The music scene in San Diego draws a good crowd. Popular venues include the House of Blues, The Belly Up, and The Shout House.

Nags Head is not a live music destination.

Is Nags Head or San Diego Better for Resorts?

San Diego is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Nags Head is not a resort destination.

San Diego has a handful of resorts to choose from. Most people prefer to stay in hotels or VRBOs, but several popular resorts include Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Paradise Point, and the famous Hotel del Coronado.

Nags Head is not a resort destination.

Is Nags Head or San Diego Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

San Diego has a few good snorkeling spots. Popular snorkeling and diving spots include La Jolla Cove, Mission Bay, and Turtle Town. The water's a bit chili, but it's still worth going for a dive or popping on a mask and snorkeling around for a bit.

Nags Head is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nags Head or San Diego Better for Beaches?

San Diego 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 San Diego. The city has great beaches with tidal pools and interesting sea life at low tide. Adults and kids alike will enjoy hitting the beach when the tides are out and looking for local critters in the tidal pools. Popular beaches in the area include La Jolla Cove Beach, Coronado Beach, and Pacific Beach.

Nags Head is not a beach destination.

Is Nags Head or San Diego Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to San Diego for the hiking trails. The city is filled with parks and has tons of natural beauty. There is plenty of urban hiking in town, or you can visit more natural areas just out of town. Head to Torrey Pines State Park or Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail for some nice hikes.

Nags Head is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nags Head or San Diego?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in San Diego. Head to Fashion Valley or Westfield UTC for some fun shopping. There are suburban shopping malls in the area as well as souvenir shops in the more touristy areas.

Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Nags Head or San Diego More Beautiful?

San Diego is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Nags Head is not a destination known for its beauty.

San Diego is a gorgeous place to visit. Many people enjoy city's beautiful coastline and surrounding natural beauty.

Nags Head is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Nags Head or San Diego Better for Families?

San Diego is an amazing coastal city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nags Head is not as popular, but is still a nice for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, San Diego is a very family-friendly destination. The city is filled with kid-friendly activities that everyone can enjoy. There's the world-class zoo, several amusement parks, the beaches, aquariums, and more. The year-round warm weather makes it easy to spend plenty of time outdoors in parks, playgrounds, and beaches where kids can stretch their legs and run around.

Nags Head is a very kid-friendly . 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 Nags Head or San Diego Better for Couples?

San Diego is an amazing coastal city to visit for romance. Also, Nags Head is not as popular, but is still a nice for its romantic activities.

San Diego makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. For adventurous couples, there are many outdoor activities that you can enjoy together. The beaches offer a great playground for adults who enjoy the water and warm weather. There are also restaurants and a great nightlife in San Diego.

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 San Diego Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Nags Head and San Diego are nice places to visit.

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.

San Diego is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers will enjoy the young vibe of the city. There are a few great hostels near the beach or in town.

Is Nags Head or San Diego Better for Students?

San Diego is an amazing coastal city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Nags Head is not popular with students.

Many students frequent San Diego. With its young population and many universities, international students will feel right at home in San Diego. There are also many great outdoor activities for the adventurous.

Nags Head is not popular with students.

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

San Diego 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 San Diego. The city has a trolley (light rail system) as well as a bus system. Most people depend on cars to get around, and you'll likely enjoy your trip a bit more if you have your own vehicle.

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 San Diego a more walkable city?

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

San Diego is somewhat walkable. The downtown area is walkable, but if you want to travel further, you'll need to find a different form of transportation.

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 San Diego or Nags Head?

How long in Nags Head or San Diego?

In either Nags Head or San Diego, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Nags Head than San Diego 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 San Diego.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Diego 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 San Diego.

One day in Nags Head or San Diego?

You'll find nightlife and food around the of Nags Head. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the coastal city of San Diego. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 San Diego?

You'll find food and nightlife around the fun-filled destination of Nags Head. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the fun-filled destination of San Diego. 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 coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Nags Head or San Diego?

You'll find nightlife and food around the fun-filled of Nags Head. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this has to offer.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the energetic coastal city of San Diego. 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 great beach destination, too. 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.

A week in Nags Head or San Diego?

Nags Head is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nags Head, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

San Diego is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 San Diego, we can see that San Diego 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 San Diego would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Diego 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 San Diego Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nags Head or San Diego?

San Diego has a larger population, and is about 380 times larger than the population of Nags Head. When comparing the sizes of Nags Head and San Diego, 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 San Diego?

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 San Diego in the Summer?

Both San Diego and Nags Head are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Nags Head for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to San Diego because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Nags Head is a little warmer than San Diego. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nags Head in July average around 78°F (26°C), and San Diego averages at about 71°F (22°C).

It's quite sunny in San Diego. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nags Head. Nags Head usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during summer. Nags Head gets 274 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 306 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Nags Head. In July, Nags Head usually receives more rain than San Diego. Nags Head gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nags Head or San Diego in the Autumn?

Both San Diego and Nags Head during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to San Diego this time of year.

In October, Nags Head is generally cooler than San Diego. Daily temperatures in Nags Head average around 62°F (16°C), and San Diego fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

In San Diego, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nags Head. In the autumn, Nags Head often gets less sunshine than San Diego. Nags Head gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 244 hours of full sun.

Nags Head usually gets more rain in October than San Diego. Nags Head gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nags Head or San Diego in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nags Head and San Diego. The cuisine are the main draw to Nags Head this time of year. Also, many travelers come to San Diego for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Nags Head in the winter. Nags Head is much colder than San Diego in the winter. The daily temperature in Nags Head averages around 41°F (5°C) in January, and San Diego fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Diego this time of the year. Nags Head usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during winter. Nags Head gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 239 hours of full sun in the winter.

Nags Head gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Nags Head usually receives more rain than San Diego. Nags Head gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nags Head or San Diego in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nags Head as well as San Diego. Also, many visitors come to San Diego in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Nags Head is cooler than San Diego. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nags Head in April average around 59°F (15°C), and San Diego averages at about 62°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Diego. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nags Head this time of the year. In the spring, Nags Head often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Diego. Nags Head gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 277 hours of full sun.

Nags Head usually gets more rain in April than San Diego. Nags Head gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for San Diego and Nags Head