A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Tampa vs. Nantucket for Food, Couples, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Tampa or Nantucket?

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

Should I visit Tampa or Nantucket? 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.

Tampa

Tampa is a low-key, laid-back, and easy-going city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food and beaches. See Tampa travel costs.

Nantucket

Nantucket is a serene, peaceful, and upscale island. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. With stunning beauty, Nantucket attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Nantucket travel costs.

Tampa and Nantucket: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tampa or Nantucket?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nantucket than Tampa, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nantucket is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Tampa is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling and big city activities. Nantucket is more touristy than Tampa and is known for its pristine beaches, upscale atmosphere, and history of whaling. Also, Nantucket is famous for Great Point Lighthouse. Tampa is well known for its amusement parks, wildlife parks, and popularity as a cruise ship port.

How is Tampa different from Nantucket?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tampa or Nantucket?

Nantucket is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Nantucket. There are several museums around town that educate visitors on the island's whaling history and maritime past.

Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Tampa or Nantucket? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nantucket is an amazing island to visit for its restaurants. Also, Tampa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Nantucket is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Upscale eateries where you can look out on the water make dining on this island a true experience. There are raw bars, seafood restaurants, and local cafes with elaborate salads and duck carnitas. Dishes usually use the highest quality fresh ingredients and chefs bring their "A game" with every customer.

Tampa offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a surprising number of great local restaurants around town as well as a good food truck scene. Some favorite dishes include fresh caught seafood, Grouper sandwiches, and Cuban sandwiches.

Is Tampa or Nantucket Better for Nightlife?

Nantucket is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Tampa is lacking in options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Nantucket. You'll find a number of bars and a lively singles scene in town. There's also live music and a laid back but active atmosphere in the evening.

Tampa is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The city has some good nightclubs, sports bars, and other spots where locals enjoy spending the evening.

Is Tampa or Nantucket Better for Resorts?

Nantucket is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Tampa is not a resort destination.

Nantucket is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Luxury resorts and upscale inns offer guests a relaxed setting with oceanfront views and family-friendly activities.

Tampa is not a resort destination.

Is Tampa or Nantucket Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tampa is adequate for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Nantucket is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can go snorkeling in Tampa. While the water isn't always the clearest, there are some nice snorkeling and diving spots in the area. Options include Shell Key and Egmont Key, Crystal River, and Fort De Soto.

Nantucket is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tampa or Nantucket Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Tampa and Nantucket are great choices.

Tampa is considered a top beach destination. Popular beaches near Tampa include Ben T. Davis Beach, Fred Howard Park, and Indian Rocks Beach.

Nantucket is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. You'll find the calmest water at the northern beaches, and cooler water with rougher surf to the south. Many of the beaches are accessible from town, but parking can be limited. There are both public and private beaches, each with beautiful settings and relaxing vibes.

Is Tampa or Nantucket Better for its Old Town?

Nantucket is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Tampa does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Nantucket. The Historic District is filled with New England charm, cobblestone streets, and upscale boutiques. There are many great restaurants and a lot of historic character.

Tampa does not have a historic old town.

Is Tampa or Nantucket Better for Hiking?

Nantucket is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Tampa is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Nantucket. The island is easy to explore on foot, and its covered with hiking trails that follow the serene coastline or take you through forests, bogs, and marshland.

Tampa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tampa or Nantucket?

Nantucket is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Nantucket. The Historic District is filled with boutiques, art galleries, and upscale shops. It's the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering around and shopping.

Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Tampa or Nantucket More Beautiful?

Nantucket is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Tampa is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Nantucket attracts visitors from all around. Natural beauty and charming character make this a picturesque destination.

Tampa is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Tampa or Nantucket Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Tampa or Nantucket.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Tampa. The city has a number of kid-oriented attractions including Busch Gardens Amusement Park, several kid-friendly museums, and a number of animal centers, aquariums, and wildlife rescue facilities.

Nantucket is a very family-friendly place to visit. There's a calm beach that's perfect for kids as well as quaint ice cream shops and plenty of New England charm. The town is also filled with hiking and biking trails.

Is Tampa or Nantucket Better for Couples?

Nantucket is an amazing island to visit for couples. However, Tampa is lacking in options for romance.

Nantucket makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The New England charm, natural beauty, and relaxing coastal atmosphere make this a perfect romantic destination. There are also many romantic places to stay and great local restaurants.

Tampa is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The area does have great restaurants and some fun places to explore, but the downtown area has room for improvement and much of the city is suburban.

Is Tampa or Nantucket Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Nantucket is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Tampa is lacking in options for its public transit.

Nantucket has some public transit options. There are shuttle buses around the island that operate with greater frequency during the summer months.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Tampa. There is the street car that runs from downtown Tampa to Ybor City and stops at 11 stations.

Is Tampa or Nantucket a more walkable city?

Nantucket is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Tampa is lacking in options for its walkability.

Nantucket is a very walkable destination. The town is very walkable and parking can be challenging, so it's best to leave your car in the ferry parking lot.

Tampa is generally not very walkable. While there are some neighborhoods that are considered walkable, you really need a car if you hope to explore Tampa in depth.

For even more information, also check out Is Tampa Worth Visiting? and Is Nantucket Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nantucket or Tampa?

How long in Tampa or Nantucket?

It's fun to spend time in either Tampa or Nantucket. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Nantucket due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Tampa, and 2-4 days is enough time in Nantucket.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nantucket than Tampa 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 Nantucket.

One day in Tampa or Nantucket?

You'll find food around the city of Tampa. 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.

Even though Nantucket is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the food. This island 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.

A weekend in Tampa or Nantucket?

You'll find food around the easy-going destination of Tampa. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nantucket. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tampa or Nantucket?

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the low-key city of Tampa. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Nantucket is a fun place to experience. Nantucket is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Lots of people come for the food. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Tampa or Nantucket?

Tampa 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.

Nantucket is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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 Tampa and Nantucket, we can see that Nantucket is more expensive. And not only is Tampa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tampa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tampa 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 Nantucket would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nantucket than you might in Tampa.

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

Which is Bigger, Tampa or Nantucket?

Tampa has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Nantucket. When comparing the sizes of Tampa and Nantucket, 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 Tampa or Nantucket?

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 Tampa or Nantucket in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tampa and Nantucket. The beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tampa this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nantucket for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Tampa is a little warmer than Nantucket. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tampa in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Nantucket averages at about 68°F (20°C).

Tampa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Tampa usually receives more rain than Nantucket. Tampa gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tampa or Nantucket in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tampa as well as Nantucket. Many travelers come to Tampa for the city's sights and attractions. Also, many visitors come to Nantucket in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Tampa is generally much warmer than Nantucket. Daily temperatures in Tampa average around 75°F (24°C), and Nantucket fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

It's quite rainy in Nantucket. Tampa usually gets less rain in October than Nantucket. Tampa gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tampa or Nantucket in the Winter?

Both Nantucket and Tampa are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Tampa in the winter for the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Nantucket for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Nantucket can be very cold during winter. Tampa is much warmer than Nantucket in the winter. The daily temperature in Tampa averages around 60°F (15°C) in January, and Nantucket fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nantucket. In January, Tampa usually receives less rain than Nantucket. Tampa gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tampa or Nantucket in the Spring?

Both Nantucket and Tampa during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Tampa for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Nantucket because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Tampa is much warmer than Nantucket. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tampa in April average around 71°F (22°C), and Nantucket averages at about 45°F (7°C).

Nantucket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Tampa usually gets less rain in April than Nantucket. Tampa gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nantucket and Tampa