A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Puerto Vallarta vs. Nags Head for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Puerto Vallarta or Nags Head?

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 Puerto Vallarta and Nags Head can help you decide which place is right for you.

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a laid-back, cultural, and coastal town. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Puerto Vallarta travel costs.

Nags Head

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

Puerto Vallarta and Nags Head: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Puerto Vallarta or Nags Head?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Puerto Vallarta than Nags Head, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Puerto Vallarta is more touristy than Nags Head and is popular for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. Also, Puerto Vallarta is famous for the Malecon. Nags Head is well known for

How is Puerto Vallarta different from Nags Head?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Puerto Vallarta is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a number of historical sights around town like Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish.

Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Puerto Vallarta 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 Puerto Vallarta. The charming character combined with the authentic local cuisine makes for a wonderful culinary experience. There's everything from taco stands to romantic restaurants that you can try.

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 Puerto Vallarta or Nags Head Better for Nightlife?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Nags Head are great when it comes to partying.

Puerto Vallarta offers plenty to do in the evening. You'll find a mix of active clubs, cozy bars, and cosmopolitan cafes. Head to the Romantic Zone or Los Muertos Beach for some of the best places.

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.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Nags Head Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta is an amazing town to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Nags Head is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Puerto Vallarta is a great choice. There are many different places to stay from all-inclusive resorts to high end hotels or beachfront properties.

Nags Head is not a resort destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Nags Head Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Puerto Vallarta is great for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Nags Head is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Puerto Vallarta. Divers in the area may get to experience once in a lifetime opportunities like diving with manta rays, dolphins, whale sharks, hammerheads, or schools of jacks.

Nags Head is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Nags Head Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta is great for its beaches. However, Nags Head is not a beach destination.

Puerto Vallarta is considered a top beach destination. There are many beaches spread out around town that have soft sand and blue water. Most have all of the amenities you could need. Popular beaches include Playa de los Muertos, Playa Mismaloya, and Playa Conchas Chinas.

Nags Head is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Puerto Vallarta or Nags Head?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Puerto Vallarta. There's a mix of shopping malls, open-air markets, boutiques, and international brands.

Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Nags Head Better for Families?

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Puerto Vallarta or Nags Head.

Puerto Vallarta is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the water parks and thrilling activities, such as Aquaventuras Water Park or Los Veranos Canopy Tour. There's rock climbing and ropes courses at Las Animas Aventura Park. You'll also find horseback riding and even pirate boat tours in the area.

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.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Nags Head Better for Couples?

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

Puerto Vallarta is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Couples looking for a romantic getaway will enjoy sunset boat trips, horseback riding, and adventure sports. There are also many restaurants where you can enjoy a romantic dinner or a refreshing drink.

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 Puerto Vallarta or Nags Head Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Puerto Vallarta is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nags Head is not as popular, but is still a nice for backpackers.

Puerto Vallarta is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are hostels around, as well as many adventure sports or thrilling activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Nags Head is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. This is one of the more affordable places to stay in the Outer Banks, so it appeals to more budget-oriented travelers.

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

Puerto Vallarta 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 Puerto Vallarta offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are blue, green or orange buses that travel around 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 Puerto Vallarta or Nags Head a more walkable city?

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

Puerto Vallarta is very walkable. There are several walkable neighborhoods in town such as 5 de Diciembre, el Centro, and Zona Romantica.

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 Nags Head or Puerto Vallarta?

How long in Puerto Vallarta or Nags Head?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Nags Head have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Nags Head than in Puerto Vallarta. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Puerto Vallarta, and 4-7 days is enough time in Nags Head.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Puerto Vallarta 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 Puerto Vallarta.

One day in Puerto Vallarta or Nags Head?

You'll find nightlife and food around the town of Puerto Vallarta. 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.

The activity-filled destination of Nags Head offers nightlife and food. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Puerto Vallarta or Nags Head?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the laid-back destination of Puerto Vallarta. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

The of Nags Head offers food and nightlife. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Puerto Vallarta or Nags Head?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the colorful town of Puerto Vallarta. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

Nags Head is a great place to explore. This offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Puerto Vallarta or Nags Head?

Puerto Vallarta 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.

The laid-back of Nags Head offers food and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, The Best Luxury Tours to Mexico, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Puerto Vallarta and Nags Head, we can see that Nags Head is more expensive. And not only is Puerto Vallarta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Puerto Vallarta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Puerto Vallarta 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 Nags Head would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nags Head than you might in Puerto Vallarta.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Puerto Vallarta Expensive? and Is Nags Head Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Puerto Vallarta or Nags Head?

Puerto Vallarta has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Nags Head. When comparing the sizes of Puerto Vallarta and Nags Head, 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.