A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cabo San Lucas vs. Daytona Beach for Nightlife, Couples, Food, and Resorts

Should you visit Cabo San Lucas or Daytona Beach?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cabo San Lucas and Daytona Beach 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.

Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is a wild, adventurous, and scenic city. You'll find world class beauty in Cabo San Lucas as well. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Cabo San Lucas travel costs.

Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is a energetic, lively, and fun beach city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and beaches. See Daytona Beach travel costs.

Cabo San Lucas and Daytona Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cabo San Lucas or Daytona Beach?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cabo San Lucas than Daytona Beach, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cabo San Lucas is better known for its museums and attractions, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Daytona Beach is more popular for its music and big city activities. Cabo San Lucas is well known for its beautiful coastline, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife scene. Also, Cabo San Lucas is famous for Land's End. Daytona Beach is well known for its spring break culture, wild parties, and the Daytona 500 NASCAR race.

How is Cabo San Lucas different from Daytona Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cabo San Lucas or Daytona Beach?

Cabo San Lucas is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Daytona Beach 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 Cabo San Lucas. There are several historical sights in the area such as the Church of Saint Luke and San Jose del Cabo.

Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Cabo San Lucas or Daytona Beach? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cabo San Lucas is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its restaurants.

Dining out in Cabo San Lucas is an experience not to be missed. If you step away from the all-you-can-eat buffets in the resorts, and the tourist hot spots, you'll find some excellent local Mexican cuisine and nice fine dining restaurants. Fresh seafood and local produce make the dishes unique.

Daytona Beach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. This beach is more about the parties and drinks than it is about the food.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Daytona Beach Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Cabo San Lucas or Daytona Beach has a better nightlife scene.

People head to Cabo San Lucas just to party. It has a long reputation of being one of Mexico's best party destinations. There are wild, all-night dance parties, crazy and crowded clubs, and music that lasts well into the morning. The best nightlife can be found in the blocks around Plaza Bonita, near the marina boardwalk.

The nightlife in Daytona Beach is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Spring break is when the parties are at their peak. For the most active nightlife head to A1A from Ormond-by-the-Sea to Ponce Inlet, Main and Beach Streets, and Seabreeze Boulevard, ONE DAYTONA and International Speedway Boulevard in Daytona Beach, and Granada Boulevard in Ormond Beach.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Daytona Beach Better for Music?

Daytona Beach is a beach city with good options for live music. However, Cabo San Lucas is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in Daytona Beach. You can see live music at the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Bandshell and The Roof.

Cabo San Lucas is not a live music destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Daytona Beach Better for Resorts?

Cabo San Lucas is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its luxury resorts.

Cabo San Lucas is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Many of the resorts are along parts of the coastline where it's not safe to swim. If you really want to enjoy swimming at a beachfront property, make sure you do some research in advance. Medano Beach is a nice area to consider.

Daytona Beach has a few resort options worth checking out. Many resorts in the area focus more on affordability than luxury. The oceanfront hotels usually have nice beachfront pools and rooms with balconies and oceanfront views. You'll pay a bit more for the waterfront rooms.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Daytona Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cabo San Lucas is a well-known place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Daytona Beach is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Cabo San Lucas. There are many snorkeling and scuba diving excursions that go out on half day and full day trips. Some of the best snorkeling is found at Cabo Pulmo, which has the only living coral reef in the Sea of Cortez.

Daytona Beach is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Daytona Beach Better for Beaches?

Cabo San Lucas is a well-known place for the beach. Also, Daytona Beach is not as famous, but is still a good beach city to visit for its beaches.

Cabo San Lucas is considered a top beach destination. Because of the water conditions, it's not safe to swim at many of the beaches in the area. This is particularly true on the Pacific side of the city. Many people consider Medano Beach to be one of the best in the area, but also nice are Lover's Beach, the ironically named Divorce Beach, and Chileno Beach.

Many people head to Daytona Beach to enjoy the beach. The city's beaches are lively and festive, so if you're looking for a beach with music, drinking, and partying, then this is your place. In the surrounding areas you'll find some quieter, more family-friendly beaches. It's also best to avoid the Spring Break crowds if you're hoping for a quieter and more family-friendly vacation.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Daytona Beach Better for its Old Town?

Cabo San Lucas is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Daytona Beach does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Cabo San Lucas. San Jose del Cabo is an "old town" that's a bit outside of town. It's particularly nice to visit on Thursdays when there's a nice market.

Daytona Beach does not have a historic old town.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Daytona Beach Better for Hiking?

Cabo San Lucas is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Daytona Beach is not a hiking destination.

Cabo San Lucas is a popular spot for hiking. It's not hard to get out into nature and you'll find many great hiking trails that go through varied and beautiful landscapes.

Daytona Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cabo San Lucas or Daytona Beach?

Cabo San Lucas is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Cabo San Lucas. There are many great shopping areas where you can pick up souvenirs or other interesting items to remember your trip. There are mall, markets, and boutique vendors that sell a variety of products.

Daytona Beach is a good destination for shopping. Souvenir shops and t-shirt shops are the main shopping you'll find in this area. The boardwalk is lined with gimmicky shops where you can pick up magnets or beach paraphernalia.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Daytona Beach More Beautiful?

Cabo San Lucas is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Daytona Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Cabo San Lucas as well. Beautiful beaches, stunning natural beauty, and striking landscapes make this a world class tropical destination.

Daytona Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Daytona Beach Better for Families?

Cabo San Lucas is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its kid-friendly activities.

Cabo San Lucas is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the snorkeling, boat rides, and kid-friendly cuisine. There are many places where kids can get up close and personal with animals, such as Wild Canyon’s Kingdom or camel riding. You might even be able to see migrating whales during your visit. Surfing, fishing, and hiking are also popular in the area.

Daytona Beach is not always a place people visit with their families. Although it's best avoided during spring break, Daytona with kids can be fun when the crowds aren't too bad. There are water parks, surfing lessons, and of course the beach. The restaurants are usually family-friendly as well with many offering kid's menus and early opening hours.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Daytona Beach Better for Couples?

Cabo San Lucas is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Daytona Beach is not as famous, but is still a good beach city to visit for romance.

Cabo San Lucas makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It has long been a favorite honeymoon destination and couples who enjoy a beach paradise with wildlife, diving, and outdoor adventures will appreciate Cabo San Lucas. There's also amazing Mexican food and world class resorts.

Daytona Beach is a nice destination for couples. While romance isn't exactly what comes to mind when you first think of Daytona, couples who like to party and be out and about will enjoy a visit to Daytona Beach. There's plenty to do and some very great seafood restaurants in the area, so it's not hard to turn it into a couple's destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Daytona Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cabo San Lucas is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Daytona Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Cabo San Lucas is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. It's a popular tourist destination, and there are a number of hostels and activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Daytona Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Daytona Beach Better for Students?

Daytona Beach is a world-class destination for students. However, Cabo San Lucas is not popular with students.

Daytona Beach is a very popular beach city for students. It's one of the original Spring Break destinations, and the trend continues. If you're a student looking to cut loose, you'll find plenty of likeminded vacationers in the area, with many bars and hotels catering specifically to the younger crowd.

Cabo San Lucas is not popular with students.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Daytona Beach Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cabo San Lucas is a popular place for its public transit. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for times when you don't have a car.

Cabo San Lucas has a few public transit options. Buses make up the main form of public transit. They are called Subercabos and run between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.

Public transit is quite limited in Daytona Beach. There's limited transportation options around town so you really must have a private vehicle. If you've been out drinking, you can call a taxi or an Uber.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Daytona Beach a more walkable city?

Cabo San Lucas is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its walkability.

Cabo San Lucas is a very walkable destination. The town is relatively easy to walk around with many things close together.

Daytona Beach is not a very walkable city. This area requires a car if you want to access restaurants, nightlife, or anything away from your hotel.

For even more information, also check out Is Cabo San Lucas Worth Visiting? and Is Daytona Beach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Daytona Beach or Cabo San Lucas?

How long in Cabo San Lucas or Daytona Beach?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cabo San Lucas than Daytona 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 Cabo San Lucas.

One day in Cabo San Lucas or Daytona Beach?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the idyllic destination of Cabo San Lucas. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Daytona Beach, you'll find live music and nightlife. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cabo San Lucas or Daytona Beach?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cabo San Lucas. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Daytona Beach is a great place to explore. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Cabo San Lucas or Daytona Beach?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the idyllic destination of Cabo San Lucas. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Daytona Beach. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Cabo San Lucas or Daytona Beach?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the beautiful city of Cabo San Lucas. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

In Daytona Beach, you'll find nightlife and live music. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cabo San Lucas and Daytona Beach, we can see that Daytona Beach is more expensive. And not only is Cabo San Lucas much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cabo San Lucas would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cabo San Lucas 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 Daytona Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Daytona Beach than you might in Cabo San Lucas.

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

Which is Bigger, Cabo San Lucas or Daytona Beach?

Daytona Beach has a larger population, and is about 52% larger than the population of Cabo San Lucas. When comparing the sizes of Cabo San Lucas and Daytona Beach, 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.