A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Virginia Beach vs. Nantucket for Food, Couples, Resorts, and Beaches

Should you visit Virginia Beach or Nantucket?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Virginia Beach or Nantucket, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a relaxing, bustling, and fun-filled coastal city. Virginia Beach is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include nightlife and beaches. See Virginia Beach travel costs.

Nantucket

Nantucket is a upscale, charming, and serene island. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. The beauty of Nantucket is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking. See Nantucket travel costs.

Virginia Beach and Nantucket: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Virginia Beach or Nantucket?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nantucket. Although Virginia Beach and Nantucket are popular destinations, Nantucket has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nantucket is more touristy than Virginia Beach and is known for its pristine beaches, upscale atmosphere, and history of whaling. It is also well known for Great Point Lighthouse. Virginia Beach is famous for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe.

How is Virginia Beach different from Nantucket?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Virginia Beach or Nantucket?

Nantucket is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Nantucket offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several museums around town that educate visitors on the island's whaling history and maritime past.

Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Nantucket is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Nantucket is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Virginia Beach may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Seafood is plentiful around town and there are all-you-can-eat buffets as well as high end, waterfront seafood restaurants. Make sure you try the She Crab Soup, soft shell crabs, and oysters.

Is Virginia Beach or Nantucket Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is nice in both Virginia Beach and Nantucket.

If you're looking for night time activities Virginia Beach has a few options to choose from. While it's a family-friendly beach, there's still a great nightlife scene with many bars and clubs in the area. Popular places to hang out at night include Omega Bar, Peabody's Nightclub, and Sky Bar.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

Is Virginia Beach or Nantucket Better for Resorts?

Nantucket is great for its luxury resorts. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its resorts.

Nantucket is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Luxury resorts and upscale inns offer guests a relaxed setting with oceanfront views and family-friendly activities.

Virginia Beach has a few great resort options. Some of the best resorts in the area include the Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club, the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, and The Founders Inn and Spa.

Is Virginia Beach or Nantucket Better for Beaches?

Nantucket is great for the beach. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for the beach.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Nantucket. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Virginia Beach. The beaches are long and sandy, but they can get crowded during the summer months. The waves are just the right size for playing in the surf and the water temperature is usually warm enough to swim well into the fall months.

Is Virginia Beach or Nantucket Better for its Old Town?

Nantucket is great for its old town. However, Virginia Beach does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Nantucket to see the historical old town. 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.

Virginia Beach does not have a historic old town.

Is Virginia Beach or Nantucket Better for Hiking?

Nantucket is great for hiking. However, Virginia Beach is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Nantucket for the hiking trails. 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.

Virginia Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Virginia Beach or Nantucket?

Nantucket is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Nantucket is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Nantucket More Beautiful?

Nantucket is great for its scenery and beauty. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its scenery and beauty.

The beauty of Nantucket is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Natural beauty and charming character make this a picturesque destination.

Virginia Beach offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As a developed beach town, the city has its share of hotels along the beach, but it is still a beautiful setting to explore.

Is Virginia Beach or Nantucket Better for Families?

Virginia Beach and Nantucket are both excellent destinations for the whole family.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Virginia Beach is very family-friendly. This is a popular family-friendly beach with a nice boardwalk, a fun waterpark, aquarium, and nice beaches. It attracts families in the area for its long beaches and fun atmosphere. Most restaurants have kid's menus and there are ice cream shops and minigolf around.

Nantucket is known to be 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 Virginia Beach or Nantucket Better for Couples?

Nantucket is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for couples.

Nantucket has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Virginia Beach is a good coastal city for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy a nice escape to the beaches and boardwalk. There are many great seafood restaurants, some with waterfront settings. There's also a variety of activities ranging from many golf to dance clubs.

Is Virginia Beach or Nantucket Better for Students?

Virginia Beach is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Nantucket is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Virginia Beach. It's not as popular as more southern beach towns, but you'll still find students heading here for the spring break holidays.

Nantucket is not popular with students.

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

Nantucket is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Nantucket offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are shuttle buses around the island that operate with greater frequency during the summer months.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Virginia Beach. There is very limited public transit in the area so you'll need to have a car to get around.

Is Virginia Beach or Nantucket a more walkable city?

Nantucket is great for its high level of walkability. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its ease of walking around.

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

Virginia Beach is generally not very walkable. Most people prefer to have a car but do note that parking can be a nightmare, particularly during the summer season.

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

Should I spend more time in Nantucket or Virginia Beach?

How long in Virginia Beach or Nantucket?

It's fun to spend time in either Virginia Beach or Nantucket. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Virginia Beach due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Virginia Beach, and 2-4 days is enough time in Nantucket.

Families should spend more time in Nantucket than Virginia Beach. 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 Virginia Beach. 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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach or Nantucket?

You'll find nightlife around the coastal city of Virginia Beach. 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.

Nantucket might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Virginia Beach or Nantucket?

You'll find nightlife around the fun-filled destination of Virginia Beach. 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.

Nantucket is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Virginia Beach or Nantucket?

You'll find nightlife around the bustling coastal city of Virginia Beach. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nantucket. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Virginia Beach or Nantucket?

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

Nantucket is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Virginia Beach and Nantucket, we can see that Nantucket is more expensive. And not only is Virginia Beach much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Virginia Beach would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach.

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

Which is Bigger, Virginia Beach or Nantucket?

Virginia Beach has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Nantucket. When comparing the sizes of Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach or Nantucket in the Summer?

Both Nantucket and Virginia Beach are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Virginia Beach for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Nantucket because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Virginia Beach is generally a little warmer than Nantucket. Daily temperatures in Virginia Beach average around 79°F (26°C), and Nantucket fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite rainy in Virginia Beach. In July, Virginia Beach usually receives more rain than Nantucket. Virginia Beach gets 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Nantucket in the Autumn?

Both Nantucket and Virginia Beach during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Virginia Beach because of the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nantucket this time of year.

Virginia Beach is a little warmer than Nantucket in the autumn. The daily temperature in Virginia Beach averages around 62°F (16°C) in October, and Nantucket fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

Nantucket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Virginia Beach usually gets less rain in October than Nantucket. Virginia Beach gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Nantucket in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Virginia Beach and Nantucket. The cuisine are the main draw to Virginia Beach this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Nantucket for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Nantucket. It's quite cold in Virginia Beach in the winter. In the winter, Virginia Beach is much warmer than Nantucket. Typically, the winter temperatures in Virginia Beach in January average around 39°F (4°C), and Nantucket averages at about 31°F (-0°C).

Nantucket receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Virginia Beach usually receives less rain than Nantucket. Virginia Beach gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Nantucket in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Virginia Beach as well as Nantucket. Many travelers come to Virginia Beach for the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Nantucket in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Virginia Beach is generally much warmer than Nantucket. Daily temperatures in Virginia Beach average around 58°F (14°C), and Nantucket fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

It's quite rainy in Nantucket. Virginia Beach usually gets less rain in April than Nantucket. Virginia Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nantucket and Virginia Beach