A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Daytona Beach vs. Berkeley for Nightlife, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Daytona Beach or Berkeley?

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

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Berkeley? 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 fun, party-hard, and energetic beach city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include beaches, nightlife, and live music.

Berkeley

Berkeley is a diverse, quirky, and progressive city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Daytona Beach and Berkeley: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Daytona Beach or Berkeley?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Daytona Beach than Berkeley. While Berkeley is larger than Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Daytona Beach is very popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, and big city activities, while Berkeley attracts visitors for its museums, food, shopping, and impressive beauty. Daytona Beach is more touristy than Berkeley and is known for its spring break culture, wild parties, and the Daytona 500 NASCAR race. It is also well known for The Daytona International Speedway. Berkeley is famous for its progressive and liberal mindset as well as its farmer's markets and local boutiques.

How is Daytona Beach different from Berkeley?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Berkeley 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 Berkeley?

Daytona Beach
Berkeley

Berkeley is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Berkeley offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are a wide range of museums around town, many of which are affiliated with the university. There are natural history museums, art museums, cultural museums, as well as historical and science museums.

Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Daytona Beach
Berkeley

Berkeley 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 Berkeley is an experience not to be missed. There's a huge diversity of restaurants that range from international to California flavors. There are also eateries that cater to the student population, as well as fine dining and everything in between. You'll also find many farmer's markets, vegan options, and restaurants that use locally sourced ingredients.

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 Berkeley Better for Nightlife?

Daytona Beach
Berkeley

Daytona Beach is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Berkeley is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Daytona Beach is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Berkeley has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. With its large student population, you'll find no shortage of nightlife activities around town. There are bars and pubs as well as live music venues and plenty of unique experiences.

Is Daytona Beach or Berkeley Better for Music?

Daytona Beach
Berkeley

Daytona Beach is a nice place to visit for its music scene. However, Berkeley is not a live music destination.

The music scene helps keep Daytona Beach active and fun. You can see live music at the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Bandshell and The Roof.

Berkeley is not a live music destination.


Is Daytona Beach or Berkeley Better for Resorts?

Daytona Beach
Berkeley

Daytona Beach is a moderate beach city for its resorts. However, Berkeley is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Daytona Beach as a resort destination, but it has a few places. 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.

Berkeley is not a resort destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Berkeley Better for Beaches?

Daytona Beach
Berkeley

Daytona Beach is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Berkeley is not a beach destination.

Daytona Beach has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Berkeley is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Daytona Beach or Berkeley?

Daytona Beach
Berkeley

Berkeley 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 Berkeley. Quirky and local is what shopping in Berkeley is all about. There are also plenty of thrift stores and farmer's markets. Head to Fourth Street or Telegraph Avenue for some of the most interesting shopping opportunities.

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 Berkeley Better for Families?

Daytona Beach
Berkeley

Berkeley is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its kid-friendly activities.

Berkeley is a family-friendly place to visit. There are many outdoor places to explore with kids like Tilden Park or UC Botanical Garden. There are also science museums, nature centers, and plenty of kid-friendly restaurants.

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 Daytona Beach or Berkeley Better for Couples?

Daytona Beach
Berkeley

With fun activities for couples, both Daytona Beach and Berkeley make for a nice 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.

Berkeley is a nice destination for couples. There's a wonderful mix of cultural activities and outdoor parks that you can explore. There's the Berkeley Rose Garden, the Berkeley Repertory Theatre, and many charming restaurants.

Is Daytona Beach or Berkeley Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Daytona Beach
Berkeley

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

Berkeley is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. With its eclectic and alternative vibe, backpackers will find their place in this city. There's also a huge student population and a couple of hostels in the area.

Daytona Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.


Is Daytona Beach or Berkeley Better for Students?

Daytona Beach
Berkeley

Daytona Beach is renowned for students. Also, Berkeley is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Daytona Beach is a great destination 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.

Students come from all over to stay in Berkeley. University of California, Berkeley is a well reviewed university that attracts a progressive and motivated student population. The city is an expensive, but very rewarding place to study with many activities and opportunities for students.

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

Daytona Beach
Berkeley

Berkeley is a must-visit destination for its public transit. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for times when you don't have a car.

Berkeley has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. It's located in the San Francisco Bay Area, and it has access to buses and several BART stations.

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 Berkeley a more walkable city?

Daytona Beach
Berkeley

Berkeley is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Berkeley on foot. Most of Berkeley is very walkable, particularly the parts around the university.

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 Berkeley Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Berkeley or Daytona Beach?

How long in Daytona Beach or Berkeley?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Daytona Beach and Berkeley. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Berkeley than in Daytona Beach. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Daytona Beach, and 2-3 days is enough time in Berkeley.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Berkeley 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 Berkeley.


  • How many days in Daytona Beach or Berkeley? Ideal Length of Stay
    Daytona Beach 7 
    Berkeley 2-3

One day in Daytona Beach or Berkeley?

The beach city of Daytona Beach offers live music and nightlife. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the diverse destination of Berkeley. 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.

A weekend in Daytona Beach or Berkeley?

Daytona Beach is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Berkeley. 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 Berkeley?

Daytona Beach is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the diverse destination of Berkeley. 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 Berkeley?

Daytona Beach is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This beach city offers something for everyone.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Berkeley. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Berkeley or Daytona Beach?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Daytona Beach is $211, while the average daily cost in Berkeley is $190. 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 Daytona Beach and Berkeley in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Daytona Beach $84
    Berkeley $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Daytona Beach $168
    Berkeley $262
Compare Hotels in Daytona Beach and Berkeley

Looking for a hotel in Daytona Beach or Berkeley? 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 Daytona Beach


Hotels in Berkeley


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: Daytona Beach Hotel Prices and Berkeley Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Daytona Beach $53
    Berkeley $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Daytona Beach

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Daytona Beach:

  • Private Transfer from New Smyrna Beach to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $185
  • Private Transfer from Daytona to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $200
  • Private Transfer from New Smyrna Beach to Port Canaveral: $239

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Berkeley

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Berkeley:

  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland hotel or address - Private Arrival Transfer: $44
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to San Francisco hotel/address - Private Arrival Transfer: $63
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Oakland Airport OAK: $81
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $87
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland: $93
  • Private Departure Transfer to Oakland Airport OAK: $97
  • Private Transfer: Oakland International Airport to Hotel: $200
  • Arrival Transfer from Oakland Airport OAK to San Francisco by SUV: $232

Is it cheaper to fly into Daytona Beach or Berkeley?

Prices for flights to both Berkeley and Daytona 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
    Daytona Beach $80
    Berkeley $36

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Daytona Beach

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Daytona Beach.

  • Polynesian Fire and Dinner Show Ticket in Daytona Beach: $53

Typical Food Prices in Berkeley

Some typical examples of dining costs in Berkeley are as follows:


  • Chocolates at Sweet Dreams
    $4.46

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Berkeley

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Berkeley.

  • North 3-Hour Food Tour: $116
  • Best of North Berkeley Food Tour: $130
  • Black Food Tour - Downtown Oakland: $130

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Daytona Beach $28
    Berkeley $30

Tours and Activities in Daytona Beach

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Daytona Beach are as follows:

  • St. Johns River Nature Cruise at Blue Spring State Park : $28
  • Wildlife Tour of Indian River Lagoon with Experienced Captain: $32
  • The Great Daytona Wine Bar Tour: $40
  • Guided Wildlife Eco Kayak Tour in New Smyrna Beach: $45
  • Zipline Adventure through Tuscawilla Park: $59
  • New Smyrna Dolphin and Manatee Kayak and SUP Adventure Tour: $65
  • Dolphin and Manatee Stand Up Paddleboard Tour in Daytona Beach: $65
  • Orlando Manatee and Natural Spring Adventure Tour at Blue Springs: $65
  • Dolphin and Manatee Kayak Tour of Daytona Beach: $65
  • Ormond Beach Manatee and Nature Tour Kayaking or Paddle Boarding: $65
  • Guided Kayaking or Standup Paddling Tour: $65
  • 2 Hour Coastal Discovery Cruise: $75

Tours and Activities in Berkeley

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Berkeley are as follows:

  • Ruth Bancroft Garden General Admission Ticket: $12
  • Oakland Athletics Baseball Game Ticket at RingCentral Coliseum: $14
  • 2 Hours Private Walking Tour in Berkeley: $20
  • Self-Guided Oakland Tour in an Urban Excursion: $20
  • Comedy Oakland at The Washington Inn Show Tickets: $20
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Berkeley by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Antioch by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Redwoods of Marin and Mt. Tamalpais Walking Tour with Local Guide: $59
  • Historic Houseboat Tour: $65
  • Oakland's Temescal Tastes Tour: $120
  • Classic Sausalito Wooden Boat Tour: $135

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Daytona Beach $43
    Berkeley $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Daytona Beach

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Daytona Beach:

  • Dive Bar Bus Crawl: $38
  • Dive Bar Bus Crawl from Daytona Beach: $40

Sample the Local Flavors in Berkeley

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Berkeley:

  • Guided Wine Tasting at Berkeley Wineries with Local Sommelière : $175
  • Guided Wine Tasting with Local Sommelière: $175


When comparing the travel costs between Daytona Beach and Berkeley, we can see that Daytona Beach is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Berkeley Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Daytona Beach or Berkeley?

Berkeley has a larger population, and is about 55% larger than the population of Daytona Beach. When comparing the sizes of Daytona Beach and Berkeley, 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 Berkeley?

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 Berkeley in the Summer?

Both Berkeley and Daytona Beach are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Daytona Beach for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Berkeley in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Daytona Beach is much warmer than Berkeley in the summer. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Berkeley fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It's quite rainy in Daytona Beach. In July, Daytona Beach usually receives more rain than Berkeley. Daytona Beach gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Daytona Beach 81°F (27°C) 
    Berkeley 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Berkeley in the Autumn?

Both Berkeley and Daytona Beach during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Daytona Beach in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Berkeley for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Daytona Beach is a little warmer than Berkeley. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Daytona Beach in October average around 74°F (23°C), and Berkeley averages at about 63°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Daytona Beach. Daytona Beach usually gets more rain in October than Berkeley. Daytona Beach gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Daytona Beach 74°F (23°C) 
    Berkeley 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Berkeley in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Daytona Beach and Berkeley. Most visitors come to Daytona Beach for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Berkeley because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Daytona Beach is generally a little warmer than Berkeley. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 58°F (14°C), and Berkeley fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

In January, Daytona Beach usually receives less rain than Berkeley. Daytona Beach gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Daytona Beach 58°F (14°C) 
    Berkeley 50°F (10°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Berkeley in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Daytona Beach as well as Berkeley. The spring months attract visitors to Daytona Beach because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Berkeley this time of year.

Daytona Beach is a little warmer than Berkeley in the spring. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 69°F (21°C) in April, and Berkeley fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

Daytona Beach usually gets more rain in April than Berkeley. Daytona Beach gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Daytona Beach 69°F (21°C) 
    Berkeley 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Berkeley and Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach Berkeley
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 58°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Feb 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 65°F (18°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Apr 69°F (21°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 58°F (14°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
May 75°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 60°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 6 inches (152 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 63°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 6.2 inches (157 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm)
Sep 80°F (26°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Nov 66°F (19°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 60°F (16°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)