A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Wilmington vs. Nantucket for Food, Couples, Beaches, and Old Town

Should you visit Wilmington or Nantucket?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Wilmington 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.

Wilmington

Wilmington is a charming, historic, and welcoming city. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Wilmington travel costs.

Nantucket

Nantucket is a upscale, charming, and serene island. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Nantucket is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Nantucket travel costs.

Wilmington and Nantucket: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Wilmington or Nantucket?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nantucket. Although Wilmington and Nantucket are both popular with visitors, Nantucket has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nantucket is more touristy than Wilmington and is known for its pristine beaches, upscale atmosphere, and history of whaling. It is also home to Great Point Lighthouse. Wilmington is popular for its laid back beaches, historical waterfront area, and university setting.

How is Wilmington different from Nantucket?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the good sights and museums in either Wilmington or Nantucket.

Wilmington is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are art, history, and science museums around town. The Battleship North Carolina is a popular destination. Science enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science or the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. For art, head to the Cameron Art Museum or Art in Bloom Gallery.

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.

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

Nantucket is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Wilmington. Head to the waterfront for local seafood restaurants that offer outdoor seating and fresh caught fish. There are also farm-to-table restaurants and local diners with casual food.

Is Wilmington or Nantucket Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is good in both Wilmington and Nantucket.

If you're looking for night time activities Wilmington has a few options to choose from. Live music is popular around town. There are also bars, lounges and dance clubs. When the weather is warm, many places make use of the outdoor setting, which makes for a relaxed and fun evening.

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 Wilmington or Nantucket Better for Resorts?

Nantucket is great for its luxury resorts. However, Wilmington is not a resort destination.

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.

Wilmington is not a resort destination.

Is Wilmington or Nantucket Better for Beaches?

Both Wilmington and Nantucket have excellent beaches worth visiting.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Wilmington. Nearby you'll find Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They have long stretches of sand and great waves. The water is usually warm enough for swimming between the months of April and October. During these peak months parking can be challenging, but during the quieter times, you shouldn't have trouble.

The beaches at Nantucket attract visitors from all over. 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 Wilmington or Nantucket Better for its Old Town?

Nantucket is great for its historic old town. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its 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.

Many people head to Wilmington to see the old town. The Historic District is along the waterfront and has 18th and 19th century architecture. There are also great restaurants and interesting shops.

Is Wilmington or Nantucket Better for Hiking?

Nantucket is great for hiking. However, Wilmington 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.

Wilmington is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Wilmington or Nantucket?

Nantucket is great for shopping. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Wilmington offers some nice shopping areas. Head downtown for the most interesting local shops. You'll find boutiques and souvenir shops where you can pick up art, accessories, or antiques.

Is Wilmington or Nantucket More Beautiful?

Nantucket is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Wilmington is not a destination known for its beauty.

Nantucket is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Natural beauty and charming character make this a picturesque destination.

Wilmington is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Wilmington or Nantucket Better for Families?

Wilmington and Nantucket are both excellent destinations for the whole family.

Wilmington is a very family-friendly destination. Near town you'll find several beaches - Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They're all family-friendly and perfect for a day's activity. The city also has the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, the Children's Museum of Wilmington, and the Wilmington Railroad Museum. For a rainy day there are also indoor play areas and entertainment centers.

Nantucket is a very kid-friendly city. 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 Wilmington or Nantucket Better for Couples?

Nantucket is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

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.

Wilmington is a very popular place to visit for couples. The beaches are great for a relaxing day of swimming and sunbathing. In the evening head into town and enjoy one of the local seafood restaurants on the waterfront. You'll also find great shopping and historical sights in the area.

Is Wilmington or Nantucket Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit Wilmington. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a popular school that brings many students to town.

Nantucket is not popular with students.

Is Wilmington 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, Wilmington 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 generally limited in Wilmington. There are public buses around town, but for practical reasons, you'll want to have your own vehicle.

Is Wilmington or Nantucket a more walkable city?

Nantucket is great for its walkability. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

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

Wilmington is a somewhat walkable place. The Historic District is best explored on foot. You can also get around Wrightsville Beach on foot, but traveling between these places requires a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Nantucket or Wilmington?

How long in Wilmington or Nantucket?

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

Families should spend more time in Nantucket than Wilmington. 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 Wilmington. 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 Wilmington 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 Wilmington or Nantucket?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Wilmington. 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.

Nantucket might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Wilmington or Nantucket?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming destination of Wilmington. 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.

Even though Nantucket is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this island.

Five days in Wilmington or Nantucket?

You'll find nightlife and food around the charming city of Wilmington. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Nantucket, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Wilmington or Nantucket?

Wilmington 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Wilmington or Nantucket?

Wilmington has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Nantucket. When comparing the sizes of Wilmington 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 Wilmington 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 Wilmington or Nantucket in the Summer?

Both Nantucket and Wilmington are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Wilmington 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.

Wilmington is a little warmer than Nantucket in the summer. The daily temperature in Wilmington averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Nantucket fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite rainy in Wilmington. In July, Wilmington usually receives more rain than Nantucket. Wilmington gets 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Wilmington or Nantucket in the Autumn?

Both Nantucket and Wilmington during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Wilmington because of the shopping scene. 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.

In the autumn, Wilmington is much warmer than Nantucket. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Wilmington in October average around 65°F (18°C), and Nantucket averages at about 53°F (12°C).

Nantucket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Wilmington usually gets less rain in October than Nantucket. Wilmington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wilmington or Nantucket in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Wilmington and Nantucket. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Wilmington 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. In January, Wilmington is generally much warmer than Nantucket. Daily temperatures in Wilmington average around 45°F (7°C), and Nantucket fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

Nantucket receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Wilmington usually receives less rain than Nantucket. Wilmington gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Wilmington or Nantucket in the Spring?

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

Wilmington is much warmer than Nantucket in the spring. The daily temperature in Wilmington averages around 63°F (17°C) in April, and Nantucket fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

It's quite rainy in Nantucket. Wilmington usually gets less rain in April than Nantucket. Wilmington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nantucket and Wilmington