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

Should you visit Nags Head or The Hamptons?

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

Should I visit Nags Head or The Hamptons? 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

It's also known for nightlife and food. See Nags Head travel costs.

The Hamptons

The Hamptons is a wealthy, opulent, and lavish beach destination. The Hamptons is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See The Hamptons travel costs.

Nags Head and The Hamptons: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nags Head or The Hamptons?

Tourists will generally find more to do in The Hamptons. Although Nags Head and The Hamptons are both popular with visitors, The Hamptons has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. The Hamptons is more popular for its resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Nags Head is known for its nightlife. The Hamptons is more touristy than Nags Head and is popular for its long sandy beaches, charming seaside communities, opulent villas, and vacationing celebrities. It is also home to The Montauk Lighthouse. Nags Head is popular for

How is Nags Head different from The Hamptons?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Nags Head and The Hamptons can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in The Hamptons. There are a number of fine dining restaurants in the area and seafood is a favorite. Some restaurants are known to be frequented by vacationing celebrities, so if you're hoping to spot someone famous, do some research and you may have some luck.

Is Nags Head or The Hamptons Better for Nightlife?

Nags Head is a great destination for nightlife. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Nags Head know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities The Hamptons has a few options to choose from. There are plenty of nightclubs and bars throughout the area. Head to East Hampton for some of the best options.

Is Nags Head or The Hamptons Better for Resorts?

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

The Hamptons is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Known as a hangout for the rich and famous, there is no shortage of luxury hotels and resorts in the area.

Nags Head is not a resort destination.

Is Nags Head or The Hamptons Better for Beaches?

The Hamptons is a popular place for its beaches. However, Nags Head is not a beach destination.

The Hamptons is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches in the area feature long stretches of soft sand and plenty of space to spread out. Many beaches do come with a hefty price tag though as they require you to pay for parking or a permit.

Nags Head is not a beach destination.

Is Nags Head or The Hamptons Better for Hiking?

The Hamptons is a popular place for hiking. However, Nags Head is not a hiking destination.

The Hamptons is a good destination for hiking. There are a number of picturesque walks through the dunes and wetlands around the area. There is plenty of peaceful nature to explore if you're looking for a break from city life.

Nags Head is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nags Head or The Hamptons?

The Hamptons is an amazing beach destination to visit for shopping. However, Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in The Hamptons. Known as a playground for the rich and famous, you can be assured there are plenty of shopping opportunities where you can flash your cash around town.

Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Nags Head or The Hamptons More Beautiful?

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

The Hamptons is a gorgeous place to visit. For a beautiful, upscale setting, this is a great destination near NYC.

Nags Head is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Nags Head or The Hamptons Better for Families?

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

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.

The Hamptons offers lots of family activities. The area has a family-friendly setting with many outdoor activities and a children's museum. There are music events, children's parks, small zoos, and, of course, the beach. Also make sure you pick up some ice cream and enjoy that quintessential beach experience.

Is Nags Head or The Hamptons Better for Couples?

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

The Hamptons is a great beach destination if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy beaches, dining out, and escaping the chaos of city life will enjoy a retreat here. The area has many beautiful parks and outdoor spaces, but there are also amazing restaurants that make for a great date night.

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 The Hamptons Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nags Head is a with good options for backpackers. However, The Hamptons is a beach destination 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.

The Hamptons is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's more popular with the rich and famous than it is with the budget crowd, so you may struggle to find an affordable place to stay, much less a hostel.

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

Neither Nags Head or The Hamptons offer decent public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in The Hamptons. While there are trains between towns, there aren't many options when it comes to public transit.

Is Nags Head or The Hamptons a more walkable city?

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

The Hamptons is somewhat walkable. While some of the towns offer a nice place for a stroll, most of the Hamptons is not very walkable and it's best 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 The Hamptons or Nags Head?

How long in Nags Head or The Hamptons?

Both Nags Head and The Hamptons have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, The Hamptons has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in The Hamptons than Nags Head. In general, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Nags Head, and 3-7 days is enough time in The Hamptons.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nags Head than The Hamptons 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 The Hamptons?

In Nags Head, many people enjoy the food and nightlife that this laid-back offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the beach destination of The Hamptons. 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 The Hamptons?

Nags Head is a fun place to experience. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the opulent destination of The Hamptons. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This beach destination offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Nags Head or The Hamptons?

In Nags Head, many people enjoy the food and nightlife that this laid-back destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find nightlife and food around the opulent beach destination of The Hamptons. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this beach destination makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the shopping. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this beach destination has to offer.

A week in Nags Head or The Hamptons?

Nags Head is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The Hamptons is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in The Hamptons, one week is sufficent for most. 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 The Hamptons, we can see that The Hamptons 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 The Hamptons would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in The Hamptons 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 The Hamptons Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nags Head or The Hamptons?

The Hamptons has a larger population, and is about 29% larger than the population of Nags Head. When comparing the sizes of Nags Head and The Hamptons, 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 The Hamptons?

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 Nags Head or The Hamptons in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nags Head as well as The Hamptons. Many visitors come to Nags Head in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to The Hamptons for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Nags Head is around the same temperature as The Hamptons in the summer. The daily temperature in Nags Head averages around 78°F (26°C) in July, and The Hamptons fluctuates around 76°F (25°C).

It's quite rainy in The Hamptons. Nags Head receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nags Head usually gets more rain in July than The Hamptons. Nags Head gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nags Head or The Hamptons in the Autumn?

Both The Hamptons and Nags Head are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to The Hamptons because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Nags Head is a little warmer than The Hamptons. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nags Head in October average around 62°F (16°C), and The Hamptons averages at about 58°F (14°C).

In October, Nags Head usually receives around the same amount of rain as The Hamptons. Nags Head gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nags Head or The Hamptons in the Winter?

Both The Hamptons and Nags Head during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Nags Head because of the cuisine. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to The Hamptons this time of year.

It's quite cold in The Hamptons in the winter. The weather in Nags Head can be very cold. In January, Nags Head is generally much warmer than The Hamptons. Daily temperatures in Nags Head average around 41°F (5°C), and The Hamptons fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nags Head. Nags Head usually gets more rain in January than The Hamptons. Nags Head gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nags Head or The Hamptons in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nags Head and The Hamptons. Furthermore, many travelers come to The Hamptons for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Nags Head is a little warmer than The Hamptons in the spring. The daily temperature in Nags Head averages around 59°F (15°C) in April, and The Hamptons fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In April, Nags Head usually receives less rain than The Hamptons. Nags Head gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for The Hamptons and Nags Head