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

Should you visit Tulum or Nags Head?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tulum and Nags Head can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Tulum

Tulum is a active, lively, and ancient town. Tulum is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Tulum travel costs.

Nags Head

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

Tulum and Nags Head: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tulum or Nags Head?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Tulum. Although Tulum and Nags Head are both popular with visitors, Tulum has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Tulum is more touristy than Nags Head and is popular for its archeological sights, beautiful beaches, and dramatic cenotes. It is also home to the Tulum archeological ruins. Nags Head is popular for

How is Tulum different from Nags Head?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Tulum is an amazing town to visit for its historical sights. However, Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Tulum from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. It's famous for its world-renowned archeological ruins. The Tulum Archeological Site is very popular for its Mayan temples and castles. You can also travel a bit further to see the Cobá Ruins.

Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Tulum 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 Tulum. Despite being well established as a top tourist destination in Mexico, you'll still find authentic and delicious local cuisine. Favorite dishes around town include the ceviche, tacos al pastor, and sopa de lima (chicken soup).

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 Tulum or Nags Head Better for Nightlife?

Tulum is an amazing town to visit for nightlife. Also, Nags Head is not as popular, but is still a nice for nightlife and partying.

Tulum has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It's world renowned for its wild nightlife scene and you'll find iconic beach parties, jungle raves, and trendy Tuluminati parties. Most of the local places that are a bit more affordable are in town, and the more touristy and expensive places are around the Middle Beach Zone.

Nags Head has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Tulum or Nags Head Better for Resorts?

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

For the ultimate resort vacation, Tulum is a great choice. If you're on a budget, you can stay in town for a more reasonable price, but if you want a classic beach vacation, head to the Zona Hotelera stretch along the coast. There are luxury hotels as well as resorts with beachfront pools and luxury restaurants.

Nags Head is not a resort destination.

Is Tulum or Nags Head Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tulum is an amazing town to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Nags Head is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Tulum a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. The water along the coast is shallow and clear, which is perfect for snorkeling. There are also dive trips that take you a short distance out to diverse and beautiful reefs.

Nags Head is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tulum or Nags Head Better for Beaches?

Tulum is an amazing town to visit for its beaches. However, Nags Head is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Tulum. World class beaches with turquoise water and long stretches of sand make this a true beach-lovers paradise. Playa Paraíso is a favorite beach in the area and many consider it among the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.

Nags Head is not a beach destination.

Is Tulum or Nags Head Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Tulum for the hiking trails. There are coastal walks and routes that take you through the jungle or by archeological ruins. There are many places where you can enjoy a stroll through nature.

Nags Head is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tulum or Nags Head?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Tulum. Quirky souvenir shops, local artisan boutiques, and colorful bazaars make shopping a fun experience. Make sure you check out Mercado Maya or the Tulum Bazaar while you're in town.

Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Tulum or Nags Head More Beautiful?

Tulum is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Nags Head is not a destination known for its beauty.

Tulum is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Clear blue water, sandy beaches, jungle covered archeological ruins, and hidden cenotes make this a stunningly beautiful place to visit.

Nags Head is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Tulum or Nags Head Better for Families?

Both Tulum and Nags Head are excellent to visit with kids.

Tulum is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the beaches and archeological sights as much as adults. You can also visit a cenote or see the sea turtles at Akumal Bay. If you're open to getting out of town, there are many adventure parks in the area as well.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Nags Head is very family-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 Tulum or Nags Head Better for Couples?

Tulum is an amazing town to visit for romance. Also, Nags Head is not as popular, but is still a nice for its romantic activities.

Tulum makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Beautiful beaches, world famous archeological sights, and a wild nightlife scene make this a great honeymoon or couple's destination. There are also spas, cenotes, and even cooking classes that you can take together.

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 Tulum or Nags Head Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Tulum is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's no longer an undiscovered backpacker paradise, but there are still affordable options in the area and there's a great nightlife scene.

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

Tulum 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 Tulum offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are shared vans, Collectivos, that provide transportation through the area. The Tiburon is also a local bus that runs along the coastline.

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 Tulum or Nags Head a more walkable city?

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

Tulum is very walkable. It's easy to walk around downtown Tulum and explore on foot.

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 Tulum?

How long in Tulum or Nags Head?

Both Tulum 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 Tulum. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Tulum, and 4-7 days is enough time in Nags Head.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tulum 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 Tulum.

One day in Tulum or Nags Head?

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

In Nags Head, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this fun-filled destination offers. This 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 Tulum or Nags Head?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the archeological destination of Tulum. 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 town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nags Head. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tulum or Nags Head?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the archeological town of Tulum. 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 fun place to experience. In Nags Head, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Tulum or Nags Head?

Tulum 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.

In Nags Head, many people enjoy the food and nightlife that this fun-filled destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in 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 Tulum and Nags Head, we can see that Nags Head is more expensive. And not only is Tulum much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tulum would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tulum 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 Tulum.

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

Which is Bigger, Tulum or Nags Head?

Tulum has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Nags Head. When comparing the sizes of Tulum 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.

When is the best time to visit Tulum or Nags Head?

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 Tulum or Nags Head in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Nags Head. Many travelers come to Tulum for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Nags Head in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Tulum is a little warmer than Nags Head in the summer. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Nags Head fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nags Head. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In the summer, Tulum often gets less sunshine than Nags Head. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nags Head receives 274 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nags Head. Tulum receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tulum usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Nags Head. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Nags Head receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tulum or Nags Head in the Autumn?

Both Nags Head and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Tulum in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Tulum is much warmer than Nags Head. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tulum in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Nags Head averages at about 62°F (16°C).

It's quite sunny in Nags Head. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nags Head during autumn. Tulum gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Nags Head receives 205 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Tulum. In October, Tulum usually receives more rain than Nags Head. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Nags Head receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Tulum is November to April. The rainy season in Tulum is June to October. June to October in Tulum is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Tulum or Nags Head in the Winter?

Both Nags Head and Tulum during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Tulum for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Nags Head because of the cuisine.

The weather in Nags Head can be very cold. In January, Tulum is generally much warmer than Nags Head. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 23°C (74°F), and Nags Head fluctuates around 41°F (5°C).

It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the winter, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Nags Head. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nags Head receives 147 hours of full sun.

Nags Head gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Tulum usually gets less rain in January than Nags Head. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Nags Head receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tulum or Nags Head in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Nags Head. The spring months attract visitors to Tulum because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Tulum is much warmer than Nags Head in the spring. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Nags Head fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nags Head this time of the year. In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nags Head during spring. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Nags Head receives 262 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tulum usually receives less rain than Nags Head. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Nags Head receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the spring. November to April in Tulum is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. The hurricane season in Tulum is June to October.

Typical Weather for Nags Head and Tulum