A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Daytona Beach vs. Atlantic City for Nightlife, Resorts, Food, and Beaches

Should you visit Daytona Beach or Atlantic City?

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

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Atlantic City? 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.

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.

Atlantic City

Atlantic City is a glitzy, flashy, and party-oriented city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Daytona Beach and Atlantic City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Daytona Beach or Atlantic City?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Daytona Beach than Atlantic City, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Daytona Beach is better known for its music and big city activities, while Atlantic City is more popular for its museums, food, resorts, and shopping. Daytona Beach is well known for its spring break culture, wild parties, and the Daytona 500 NASCAR race. Also, Daytona Beach is famous for The Daytona International Speedway. Atlantic City is well known for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality

How is Daytona Beach different from Atlantic City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Daytona Beach or Atlantic City?

Atlantic City is a moderate city for its sights and museums. However, Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Atlantic City offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While most people don't spend their time in museums, there is the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, the African American Heritage Museum, and the Noyes Museum Galleries.

Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Daytona Beach or Atlantic City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Atlantic City is a popular place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its restaurants.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Atlantic City area. There are budget buffets around town as well as seafood restaurants and even some fine dining. Salt water taffy is a local specialty that you should pick up while you're in the area.

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 Daytona Beach or Atlantic City Better for Nightlife?

Both Daytona Beach and Atlantic City are amazing when it comes to partying.

Daytona Beach is a world class party destination. 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.

Atlantic City is a must-see party destination. This is a city that is all about its nightlife scene. Many visitors come here just to party, and you'll find clubs with DJs or bands playing from sunset to sunrise. There are glitzy lounges and dive bars with everything in between. As a gambling town, there are casinos and all-night activities that keep the energy going round the clock.

Is Daytona Beach or Atlantic City Better for Music?

Daytona Beach is a good destination for live music. However, Atlantic City is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Daytona Beach. You can see live music at the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Bandshell and The Roof.

Atlantic City is not a live music destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Atlantic City Better for Resorts?

Atlantic City is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its luxury resorts.

Atlantic City is known as a popular and fun resort destination. The beach and boardwalk are lined with casinos and resorts. There are many recognizable names such as Harrah's, Bally's, Caesars, Hard Rock, and the Tropicana.

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 Daytona Beach or Atlantic City Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Daytona Beach and Atlantic City are notable choices.

Daytona Beach is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Many people head to Atlantic City to enjoy the beach. There's a Boardwalk that runs along the beach and is lined with piers and hotels. The Downtown Beach is the most accessible, and where most tourists hang out. If you're willing to travel a little further, there are some nice beaches nearby such as Margate Beach and Brigantine Beach.

Is the Shopping Better in Daytona Beach or Atlantic City?

Atlantic City is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for shopping.

Many visitors go to Atlantic City to go shopping. You'll find many souvenir shops along the boardwalk. There's also a Tangier Outlet Mall in the area. Some of the hotels such as the Tropicana have their own shopping areas as well.

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 Daytona Beach or Atlantic City Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Daytona Beach or Atlantic City as a family destination.

Daytona Beach is not the most family-friendly destination. 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.

Atlantic City is not always a place people visit with their families. Most families avoid this area for more family-friendly beaches, but if you find yourself in the area, you can check out Ripley's Believe It or Not or go on a dolphin cruise. Also popular is Steel Pier, which has rides for all ages.

Is Daytona Beach or Atlantic City Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Daytona Beach and Atlantic City make for a notable place to visit.

Daytona Beach is a good beach city for couples to visit. 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.

Atlantic City is a nice destination for couples. It's not exactly known for its romance, but there are casinos, hotels, and a beaches that are fun to visit. You'll also find several spas and sunset cruises in the area.

Is Daytona Beach or Atlantic City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atlantic City is a popular place for backpackers. However, Daytona Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Atlantic City. There is a hostel in the area. You'll also find a younger crowd and plenty of partying.

Daytona Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Atlantic City Better for Students?

Daytona Beach is a world-class destination for students. However, Atlantic City is not popular with students.

Daytona Beach is a very popular place to visit 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.

Atlantic City is not popular with students.

Is Daytona Beach or Atlantic City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Atlantic City 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.

Atlantic City has a few public transit options. The Jitney are shuttle buses that runs from one end of the city to the other. They pass by most of the hotels and casinos along Pacific Avenue.

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 Daytona Beach or Atlantic City a more walkable city?

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

Atlantic City is a very walkable destination. Many of the hotels are walkable and located near the boardwalk.

Daytona Beach is not a very walkable beach 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 Daytona Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Atlantic City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Atlantic City or Daytona Beach?

How long in Daytona Beach or Atlantic City?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Daytona Beach and Atlantic City. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Atlantic City than in Daytona Beach. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Daytona Beach, and 1-3 days is enough time in Atlantic City.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City.

One day in Daytona Beach or Atlantic City?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the fun destination of Daytona Beach. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the glitzy destination of Atlantic City. 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. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Daytona Beach or Atlantic City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Daytona Beach. 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 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's hard to know how much time to spend in Atlantic City. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Daytona Beach or Atlantic City?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the fun destination of Daytona Beach. This beach city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the party-oriented destination of Atlantic City. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

A week in Daytona Beach or Atlantic City?

You'll find live music and nightlife around the beach city of Daytona Beach. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the city of Atlantic City. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Daytona Beach or Atlantic City?

Daytona Beach has a larger population, and is about 59% larger than the population of Atlantic City. When comparing the sizes of Daytona Beach and Atlantic City, 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 Daytona Beach or Atlantic City?

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 Daytona Beach or Atlantic City in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Daytona Beach and Atlantic City. Most visitors come to Daytona Beach for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Atlantic City because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Daytona Beach is a little warmer than Atlantic City. Typically, the summer temperatures in Daytona Beach in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Atlantic City averages at about 75°F (24°C).

Atlantic City receives a lot of rain in the summer. Daytona Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Daytona Beach usually receives more rain than Atlantic City. Daytona Beach gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Atlantic City in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Daytona Beach as well as Atlantic City. The autumn months attract visitors to Daytona Beach because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Atlantic City this time of year.

In October, Daytona Beach is generally much warmer than Atlantic City. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 74°F (23°C), and Atlantic City fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Daytona Beach receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Daytona Beach usually gets more rain in October than Atlantic City. Daytona Beach gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Atlantic City in the Winter?

Both Atlantic City and Daytona Beach are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Daytona Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Atlantic City for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Atlantic City. Daytona Beach is much warmer than Atlantic City in the winter. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 58°F (14°C) in January, and Atlantic City fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

In January, Daytona Beach usually receives less rain than Atlantic City. Daytona Beach gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Atlantic City in the Spring?

Both Atlantic City and Daytona Beach during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Daytona Beach for the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Atlantic City in the spring for the beaches.

In the spring, Daytona Beach is much warmer than Atlantic City. Typically, the spring temperatures in Daytona Beach in April average around 69°F (21°C), and Atlantic City averages at about 51°F (10°C).

Daytona Beach usually gets less rain in April than Atlantic City. Daytona Beach gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Atlantic City and Daytona Beach