A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America West Palm Beach vs. Nags Head for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit West Palm Beach or Nags Head?

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

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Nags Head? 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.

West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is a fun-filled, diverse, and vibrant beach area. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See West Palm Beach travel costs.

Nags Head

Other reasons to visit include nightlife and food. See Nags Head travel costs.

West Palm Beach and Nags Head: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in West Palm Beach or Nags Head?

Tourists will generally find more to do in West Palm Beach. Although West Palm Beach and Nags Head are both popular with visitors, West Palm Beach has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. West Palm Beach is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Nags Head is known for its food. West Palm Beach is more touristy than Nags Head and is known for its nice resorts, a lively boardwalk, great seafood, and fun watersports. It is also home to Rosemary Square. Nags Head is popular for

How is West Palm Beach different from Nags Head?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is the Food Better in West Palm Beach or Nags Head? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

West Palm Beach
Nags Head

Nags Head is a popular place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, West Palm Beach is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in West Palm Beach. Oceanfront restaurants usually have a great view and offer local and fresh seafood. There are also many local restaurants concentrated around Clematis Street and CityPlace districts.


Is West Palm Beach or Nags Head Better for Nightlife?

West Palm Beach
Nags Head

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find high quality options in both West Palm Beach and Nags Head.

The nightlife in West Palm Beach has something for everybody. With rooftop bars and clubs, oceanfront venues, and plenty of nightlife options downtown, this city rivals most places when it comes to nightlife. The nightlife scene is particularly active during spring break, when university students head to town.

Nags Head offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 West Palm Beach or Nags Head Better for Resorts?

West Palm Beach
Nags Head

West Palm Beach is an amazing beach area to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Nags Head is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, West Palm Beach is a great choice. All of the major names are present including the Hilton, Marriott, and Four Seasons.

Nags Head is not a resort destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Nags Head Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

West Palm Beach
Nags Head

West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach. Check out Phil Foster Park in Rivera Beach. It's a man-made reef that is surprisingly clear.

Nags Head is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is West Palm Beach or Nags Head Better for Beaches?

West Palm Beach
Nags Head

West Palm Beach is an amazing beach area to visit for its beaches. However, Nags Head is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in West Palm Beach. From bustling beaches with a boardwalk to quieter, more relaxing beaches surrounded by parkland, there are are number of options in the area.

Nags Head is not a beach destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Nags Head Better for Families?

West Palm Beach
Nags Head

Kids will enjoy a visit to either West Palm Beach or Nags Head.

West Palm Beach is a very family-friendly destination. Animal lovers will appreciate the zoos and aquariums in the area. Check out McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary, Manatee Lagoon, the Palm Beach Zoo, and the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium.

Nags Head is a very kid-friendly beach area. 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 West Palm Beach or Nags Head Better for Couples?

West Palm Beach
Nags Head

West Palm Beach is great for romance. Also, Nags Head is not as popular, but is still a nice for its romantic activities.

West Palm Beach is a great beach area if you're traveling as a couple. Couples will enjoy kayaking, dining out, or simply relaxing on the beach. It's fun to spend a day exploring the botanical gardens and an evening wandering around Clematis Street.

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 West Palm Beach or Nags Head Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

West Palm Beach
Nags Head

Nags Head is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, West Palm Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

West Palm Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

West Palm Beach
Nags Head

West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a downtown trolley, a commuter trail line (connecting West Palm Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale), and a bus system with about 30 lines.

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 West Palm Beach or Nags Head a more walkable city?

West Palm Beach
Nags Head

West Palm Beach is a popular place for its walkability. However, Nags Head is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

West Palm Beach is somewhat walkable. West Palm Beach has a surprisingly walkable area and it's possible to explore the downtown area 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 West Palm Beach?

How long in West Palm Beach or Nags Head?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nags Head than West Palm 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 Nags Head.


  • How many days in West Palm Beach or Nags Head? Ideal Length of Stay
    West Palm Beach 3-7 
    Nags Head 4-7

One day in West Palm Beach or Nags Head?

You'll find nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling around the beach area of West Palm Beach. 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 fun-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 West Palm Beach or Nags Head?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the fun-filled destination of West Palm Beach. 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 beach area 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 West Palm Beach or Nags Head?

You'll find nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling around the vibrant beach area of West Palm Beach. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this beach area makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this beach area 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 West Palm Beach or Nags Head?

West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The fun-filled 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 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Nags Head or West Palm Beach?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • West Palm Beach Prices
    USA Prices
    Nags Head Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    West Palm Beach $378
    Nags Head $179

The average daily cost (per person) in West Palm Beach is $378, while the average daily cost in Nags Head is $179. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for West Palm Beach and Nags Head in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    West Palm Beach $234
    Nags Head $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    West Palm Beach $468
    Nags Head $160
Compare Hotels in West Palm Beach and Nags Head

Looking for a hotel in West Palm Beach or Nags Head? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in West Palm Beach


Hotels in Nags Head


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: West Palm Beach Hotel Prices and Nags Head Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    West Palm Beach $49
    Nags Head $40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in West Palm Beach

Also for West Palm Beach, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Palm Beach Airport (PBI) to Palm Beach City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $213
  • Cruise Port of Palm Beach to Palm Beach Arrival Private Transfer: $155
  • Private Transfer from PBI to Palm Beach City : $149
  • Limo Service Transfer To or From Palm Beach Airport and Hotels: $139
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Palm Beach Airport PBI to Palm Beach in Luxury SUV: $119
  • Palm Beach hotels to Cruise Port of Palm Beach - Departure Private Transfer : $109
  • Cruise Port of Palm Beach to Palm Beach hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $109
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Palm Beach Airport PBI to Palm Beach in Business Car: $103
  • Palm Beach Intl Airport (PBI) to Port of Palm Beach - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $84
  • Private Transfer from Palm Beach to Palm Beach Cruise Port: $72
  • Private Transfer from Palm Beach Airport (PBI) to Palm Beach Port: $72
  • Private Transfer from Cruise Port of Palm Beach to Palm Beach: $72

Is it cheaper to fly into West Palm Beach or Nags Head?

Prices for flights to both Nags Head and West Palm Beach change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    West Palm Beach $114
    Nags Head $71

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in West Palm Beach

For West Palm Beach, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Mornings in the Market Food Tour: $75
  • Mornings in the Market Food Tour: $75
  • Downtown West Palm Beach Food Tour: $94
  • Downtown Food Tour: $94
  • Food Tour of Historic West Palm Beach Neighborhoods: $105
  • Prohibition Dinner & Drinks Tour: $110
  • Prohibition Dinner & Drinks Tour: $110

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    West Palm Beach $19
    Nags Head $14

Tours and Activities in West Palm Beach

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for West Palm Beach.

  • 2 ½ - Hour Guided Snorkel Tour of Phil Foster park, Free Videos!: $44
  • 3 Hour Cruise & Swimming Excursion from Downtown West Palm Beach: $77
  • Beginner Scuba Diving Experience With Videos in West Palm Beach: $99
  • Blue Heron Bridge Guided Snorkel Tour : $80
  • Bulk Candy Store Tour: $13
  • Clear Kayak Eco Tour in Jupiter, Florida: $75
  • Clear Kayak Peanut Island Guided Tour Palm Beach Singer Island: $90
  • Cruise the Palm Beach Intracoastal on a 90 minute Tour : $65
  • Experience Peanut Island Adventures: $50
  • Experience Peanut Island Adventures with Go Pro : $300
  • Flamingle Happy Hour Cruise: $40
  • Guided Clear Kayak Eco-Tour of Jupiter: $89

Tours and Activities in Nags Head

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nags Head.

  • 2-hour Outer Banks Wild Horse Tour by 4WD Truck: $65
  • Alligator River Kayak Adventure: $59
  • Cape Hatteras Kayak Adventure in Rodanthe: $59
  • Cape Hatteras National Seashore Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15
  • Kitty Hawk Maritime Forest Kayak Tour: $49
  • Nags Head Kayak Tour: $55
  • OBX Ghost Tours- The Original Ghost Tour of the Outer Banks: $25
  • OBX Ghost Tours: Lighthouse Wraiths & Dune Shadows: $26
  • Outer Banks Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $25
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Outer Banks: $17
  • Stand Up Paddleboard Adventure on the Outer Banks : $65
  • Wright Brothers Carolina Dunes Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    West Palm Beach $39
    Nags Head $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Nags Head

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nags Head:

  • Wine Tasting And Boat Ride: $109


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between West Palm Beach and Nags Head, we can see that West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach Expensive? and Is Nags Head Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, West Palm Beach or Nags Head?

West Palm Beach has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Nags Head. When comparing the sizes of West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach or Nags Head?

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 West Palm Beach or Nags Head in the Summer?

Both Nags Head and West Palm Beach are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to West Palm Beach because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nags Head this time of year.

West Palm Beach is around the same temperature as Nags Head in the summer. The daily temperature in West Palm Beach averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Nags Head fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Nags Head. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in West Palm Beach. West Palm Beach usually receives more sunshine than Nags Head during summer. West Palm Beach gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Nags Head receives 274 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nags Head. It's quite rainy in West Palm Beach. In July, West Palm Beach usually receives more rain than Nags Head. West Palm Beach gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Nags Head receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    West Palm Beach 82°F (28°C) 
    Nags Head 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Nags Head in the Autumn?

Both Nags Head and West Palm Beach during the autumn are popular places to visit.

In the autumn, West Palm Beach is much warmer than Nags Head. Typically, the autumn temperatures in West Palm Beach in October average around 78°F (25°C), and Nags Head averages at about 62°F (16°C).

In Nags Head, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in West Palm Beach. In the autumn, West Palm Beach often gets more sunshine than Nags Head. West Palm Beach gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nags Head receives 205 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in West Palm Beach. West Palm Beach usually gets more rain in October than Nags Head. West Palm Beach gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Nags Head receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in West Palm Beach is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    West Palm Beach 78°F (25°C) 
    Nags Head 62°F (16°C)

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Nags Head in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both West Palm Beach and Nags Head. Many travelers come to West Palm Beach for the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Nags Head in the winter for the cuisine.

Nags Head can get quite cold in the winter. In January, West Palm Beach is generally much warmer than Nags Head. Daily temperatures in West Palm Beach average around 65°F (19°C), and Nags Head fluctuates around 41°F (5°C).

In West Palm Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. West Palm Beach usually receives more sunshine than Nags Head during winter. West Palm Beach gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Nags Head receives 147 hours of full sun in the winter.

Nags Head receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, West Palm Beach usually receives less rain than Nags Head. West Palm Beach gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Nags Head receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    West Palm Beach 65°F (19°C) 
    Nags Head 41°F (5°C)

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Nags Head in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to West Palm Beach as well as Nags Head. Many visitors come to West Palm Beach in the spring for the beaches.

West Palm Beach is much warmer than Nags Head in the spring. The daily temperature in West Palm Beach averages around 74°F (23°C) in April, and Nags Head fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nags Head. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in West Palm Beach this time of the year. In the spring, West Palm Beach often gets more sunshine than Nags Head. West Palm Beach gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nags Head receives 262 hours of full sun.

West Palm Beach usually gets more rain in April than Nags Head. West Palm Beach gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Nags Head receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in West Palm Beach.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    West Palm Beach 74°F (23°C) 
    Nags Head 59°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Nags Head and West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach Nags Head
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 65°F (19°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 41°F (5°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Feb 66°F (19°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Mar 70°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Apr 74°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
May 78°F (25°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm) 67°F (19°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 8.1 inches (207 mm) 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (166 mm) 78°F (26°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (176 mm) 78°F (25°C) 5 inches (127 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 9.8 inches (250 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm)
Oct 78°F (25°C) 8.7 inches (222 mm) 62°F (16°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Nov 72°F (22°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Dec 67°F (20°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)