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

Should you visit Daytona Beach or Breckenridge?

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

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Breckenridge? 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. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the live music, beaches, and nightlife.

Breckenridge

Breckenridge is a scenic, nature-filled, and charming ski resort. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping.

Daytona Beach and Breckenridge: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Known for Christmas markets
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Daytona Beach or Breckenridge?

Both Breckenridge and Daytona Beach have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Daytona Beach is more popular for its nightlife, music, beaches, and big city activities, while Breckenridge is known for its skiing, food, resorts, historical sights, hiking, shopping, christmas markets, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Daytona Beach is more touristy than Breckenridge and is known for its spring break culture, wild parties, and the Daytona 500 NASCAR race. Breckenridge is popular for its world-class ski resorts, its charming small town atmosphere, and its family-friendly environment.

How is Daytona Beach different from Breckenridge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Daytona Beach or Breckenridge Better for Skiing?

Daytona Beach
Breckenridge

Breckenridge is a must-visit destination for snow skiing. However, Daytona Beach is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Breckenridge should be on your list. This is one of the most recognizable ski destinations in the world. It has diverse terrain that is good for all levels including beginners, intermediate, and expert skiers. The resort also has the tallest chairlift in North America.

Daytona Beach is not a skiing destination.


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

Daytona Beach
Breckenridge

Breckenridge 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 Breckenridge area. There are a number of restaurants around town serving everything from casual to fine dining. There are bistros, pubs, and luxury options where you can enjoy international or local dishes including elk and buffalo.

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 Breckenridge Better for Nightlife?

Daytona Beach
Breckenridge

Daytona Beach is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Breckenridge is not as famous, but is still a good ski resort to visit for its evening party scene.

People head to Daytona Beach just to party. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Breckenridge. The town comes to life in the winter and there are plenty of bars, breweries, and a wide selection of craft beer that you can try. Live music also brings the town to life in the evening.

Is Daytona Beach or Breckenridge Better for Music?

Daytona Beach
Breckenridge

Daytona Beach is a popular place for its live music scene. However, Breckenridge is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Daytona Beach is active and vibrant. You can see live music at the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Bandshell and The Roof.

Breckenridge is not a live music destination.


Is Daytona Beach or Breckenridge Better for Resorts?

Daytona Beach
Breckenridge

Breckenridge is a popular place for its resorts. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its luxury resorts.

Breckenridge has a few great resort options. The resorts often have pools or hot tubs where you can unwind after a day on the slopes. Many have condos that include a kitchen and separate bedrooms.

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 Breckenridge Better for Beaches?

Daytona Beach
Breckenridge

Daytona Beach is a popular place for the beache. However, Breckenridge is not a beach destination.

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.

Breckenridge is not a beach destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Breckenridge Better for its Old Town?

Daytona Beach
Breckenridge

Breckenridge is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Daytona Beach does not have a historic old town.

Breckenridge offers a nice historic old town area. Originating as a mining town, there is a historic Main Street that is filled with character.

Daytona Beach does not have a historic old town.


Is Daytona Beach or Breckenridge Better for Hiking?

Daytona Beach
Breckenridge

Breckenridge is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Daytona Beach is not a hiking destination.

Breckenridge is a good destination for hiking. During the summer months there are plenty of beautiful hikes nearby, but you'll likely need a car to reach most trailheads. Popular trails include Hoosier Pass Loop, Blue Lakes Trail, and McCullough Gulch.

Daytona Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Daytona Beach or Breckenridge?

Daytona Beach
Breckenridge

Breckenridge 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 Breckenridge. Quaint shops and galleries are throughout the town where you can by gear, artwork, or souvenirs.

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 Breckenridge Better for Christmas?

Daytona Beach
Breckenridge

Breckenridge is a must-visit destination for its Christmas activities. However, Daytona Beach does not offer Christmas activities.

Breckenridge is a world class destination during the Christmas season. From sledding to sleigh rides and hot chocolate, this town is absolutely magical during the Christmas season.

Daytona Beach does not offer Christmas activities.


Is Daytona Beach or Breckenridge Better for Christmas Markets?

Daytona Beach
Breckenridge

Breckenridge is a well-known place for its Christmas markets. However, Daytona Beach does not offer Christmas markets.

Many people head to Breckenridge to see its Christmas markets. During the holiday season the Arts District hosts a Christmas Market.

Daytona Beach does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Daytona Beach or Breckenridge Better for Families?

Daytona Beach
Breckenridge

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

Breckenridge is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It is a fun, family-friendly ski resort town with skiing for all levels. There are lessons for kids starting at the age of three, and slopes that are perfect for all skill levels. The town also has ice skating, sledding, and white water rafting.

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 Breckenridge Better for Couples?

Daytona Beach
Breckenridge

Breckenridge is a well-known place for couples. Also, Daytona Beach is not as famous, but is still a good beach city to visit for romance.

Breckenridge is a very popular place to visit for couples. For couples who enjoy skiing, outdoor activities, beautiful hikes, and a charming small town atmosphere, this is the perfect romantic getaway.

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 Daytona Beach or Breckenridge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Daytona Beach
Breckenridge

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Breckenridge. The town has a hostel or two for skiers who want a social setting at an affordable price.

Daytona Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Breckenridge Better for Students?

Daytona Beach
Breckenridge

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

Many students frequent Daytona Beach. 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.

Breckenridge is not popular with students.

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

Daytona Beach
Breckenridge

Breckenridge is a moderate ski resort for its public transit. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Breckenridge. There is a free shuttle service around town.

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 Breckenridge a more walkable city?

Daytona Beach
Breckenridge

Breckenridge 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 Breckenridge on foot. The town is designed to be pedestrian-friendly.

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 Breckenridge Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Breckenridge or Daytona Beach?

How long in Daytona Beach or Breckenridge?

Both Daytona Beach and Breckenridge have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Breckenridge than in Daytona Beach. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Daytona Beach, and 3-7 days is enough time in Breckenridge.

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

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

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


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

One day in Daytona Beach or Breckenridge?

In Daytona Beach, many people enjoy the live music and nightlife that this fun beach city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Even though Breckenridge is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Don't miss the skiing, 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.

A weekend in Daytona Beach or Breckenridge?

Daytona Beach is a fun place to experience. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the nightlife. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Breckenridge. Don't miss the skiing, 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.


Five days in Daytona Beach or Breckenridge?

You'll find live music and nightlife around the party-hard destination of Daytona Beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Breckenridge is a small town with plenty to do. This ski resort 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.

A week in Daytona Beach or Breckenridge?

Daytona Beach is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Breckenridge might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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.


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, Breckenridge 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 Breckenridge is $200. 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 Breckenridge in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Daytona Beach $84
    Breckenridge $106
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Daytona Beach $168
    Breckenridge $212
Compare Hotels in Daytona Beach and Breckenridge

Looking for a hotel in Daytona Beach or Breckenridge? 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 Breckenridge


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 Breckenridge Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Daytona Beach $53
    Breckenridge $19

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 Breckenridge

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Breckenridge:

  • Eagle County Airport to Breckenridge/Keystone-Round-Trip Transfer: $185
  • Breckenridge to Denver Airport (DEN) - Departure Private Transfer: $193
  • Breckenridge/Keystone/Copper to Denver Airport-Departure Transfer: $196
  • Breckenridge Ski Resort to Denver Airport APA Departure Transfer: $197
  • Denver Airport APA to Breckenridge Ski Resort-Arrival Transfer: $197

Is it cheaper to fly into Daytona Beach or Breckenridge?

Prices for flights to both Breckenridge 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
    Breckenridge $61

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Daytona Beach $28
    Breckenridge $94

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 Breckenridge

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

  • Smartphone Driving Tour b/w Breckenridge & Denver: $7.99
  • Breckenridge Scavenger Hunt: Breckenridge Adventure: $12
  • Self-Guided Snow Shoe Tours: $17
  • Breckenridge Tours - Strange but True: $32
  • Breckenridge Tours - Ghostly Tales : $33
  • Breckenridge Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Real Gold Mine Tour with, gold panning and more: $47
  • Island Kayak Tour Experience in Frisco: $67
  • Half-Day Upper Colorado River Float Tour from Kremmling: $94
  • Continental Divide Tour: $145
  • 3 Hours 30 Minutes Colorado Astrophotography Experience: $260

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Daytona Beach $43
    Breckenridge $7.79

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 Breckenridge

Also in Breckenridge, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Ridden Fat Bike Beer & Distillery Tour: $85


When comparing the travel costs between Daytona Beach and Breckenridge, 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 Breckenridge Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Daytona Beach or Breckenridge?

Daytona Beach has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Breckenridge. When comparing the sizes of Daytona Beach and Breckenridge, 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.