A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Daytona Beach vs. Cape Cod for Food, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Daytona Beach or Cape Cod?

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

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Cape Cod? 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 lively, fun, and party-hard beach city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and live music.

Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a peaceful, relaxing, and laid-back beach destination. 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, beaches, and hiking.

Daytona Beach and Cape Cod: 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 food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • 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 Cape Cod?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Daytona Beach. Although Daytona Beach and Cape Cod are popular destinations, Daytona Beach has more sights and attractions for tourists. Daytona Beach is very popular for its nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Cape Cod attracts visitors for its food, resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Daytona Beach is more touristy than Cape Cod and is popular for its spring break culture, wild parties, and the Daytona 500 NASCAR race. It is also well known for The Daytona International Speedway. Cape Cod is famous for its long scenic coastline, charming compact towns, and magnificent migrating whales.

How is Daytona Beach different from Cape Cod?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Daytona Beach
Cape Cod

Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod is an experience not to be missed. The region is famous for its fresh seafood and popular dishes include the fried clams and broiled lobster. There are also many diners and brunch cafes where you can enjoy pancakes or eggs benedict.

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 Cape Cod Better for Nightlife?

Daytona Beach
Cape Cod

Daytona Beach is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. However, Cape Cod is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

People don't go to Cape Cod for the nightlife. This area isn't really known for its nightlife, but the downtown of Hyannis has some activity at night.

Is Daytona Beach or Cape Cod Better for Music?

Daytona Beach
Cape Cod

Daytona Beach is a good destination for its music scene. However, Cape Cod 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.

Cape Cod is not a live music destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Cape Cod Better for Resorts?

Daytona Beach
Cape Cod

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

Cape Cod has a few great resort options. Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, White Elephant Resorts, and Chatham Bars Inn are favorite resorts in the Cape Cod area.

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 Cape Cod Better for Beaches?

Daytona Beach
Cape Cod

Cape Cod 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.

Cape Cod is considered a top beach destination. Beaches in the area include long stretches of soft sand as well as tidal pools where kids can play. Several of the best beaches around Cape Cod include Mayflower Beach, Marconi Beach, and Race Point 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 Daytona Beach or Cape Cod Better for Hiking?

Daytona Beach
Cape Cod

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

Cape Cod is a good destination for hiking. Hikes range from casual strolls to longer trails. Popular options include Bass Hole Boardwalk in Yarmouth and the 22 mile Cape Cod Rail Trail.

Daytona Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Daytona Beach or Cape Cod?

Daytona Beach
Cape Cod

Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod. Many of the area's towns have charming Main Streets where you can enjoy shopping and dining.

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 Cape Cod Better for Families?

Daytona Beach
Cape Cod

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

Cape Cod is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The coastal towns have a number of kid-friendly activities. In the Upper Cape, Falmouth is one of the best towns for families. On Mid Cape, Dennis and Yarmouth are both kid-friendly. Dennis has a resorty vibe and Yarmouth has kid-friendly museums. On the Lower Cape, both Harwich and Orleans are family-friendly options.

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 Cape Cod Better for Couples?

Daytona Beach
Cape Cod

Cape Cod 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.

Cape Cod is a very popular place to visit for couples. With its charming character and relaxing beach setting, honeymooners and couples will appreciate all that the area has to offer. There are peaceful settings and charming villages to explore. There are also award-winning restaurants and beautiful views.

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 Cape Cod Better for Students?

Daytona Beach
Cape Cod

Daytona Beach is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Cape Cod 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.

Cape Cod is not popular with students.


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

Daytona Beach
Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a moderate beach destination 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 Cape Cod. While there are buses and shuttles to help you get around, a car really is necessary to explore the area.

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 Cape Cod a more walkable city?

Daytona Beach
Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its walkability.

Cape Cod is a somewhat walkable beach destination. Many of the small towns in the area have compact and walkable areas, but the region is spread out so it's helpful to have a car to get from place to place.

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 Cape Cod Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cape Cod or Daytona Beach?

How long in Daytona Beach or Cape Cod?

Both Daytona Beach and Cape Cod have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cape Cod than in Daytona Beach. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Daytona Beach, and 5-7 days is enough time in Cape Cod.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod.


  • How many days in Daytona Beach or Cape Cod? Ideal Length of Stay
    Daytona Beach 7 
    Cape Cod 5-7

One day in Daytona Beach or Cape Cod?

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.

Even though Cape Cod is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Cape Cod?

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 Cape Cod. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Cape Cod?

Daytona Beach is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than five days exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Cape Cod is a small town with plenty to do. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This beach destination 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 Cape Cod?

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.

Cape Cod might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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, Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod is $183. 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 Cape Cod in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Daytona Beach $84
    Cape Cod $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Daytona Beach $168
    Cape Cod $184
Compare Hotels in Daytona Beach and Cape Cod

Looking for a hotel in Daytona Beach or Cape Cod? 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 Cape Cod


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Daytona Beach $53
    Cape Cod $50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Daytona Beach

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Daytona Beach:

  • Private Transfer from New Smyrna Beach to Port Canaveral: $239
  • Private Transfer from Daytona to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $200
  • Private Transfer from New Smyrna Beach to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $184

Is it cheaper to fly into Daytona Beach or Cape Cod?

Prices for flights to both Cape Cod 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
    Cape Cod $60

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
    Cape Cod $27

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
  • 2-Hour Glass Bottom Guided Eco Tour in Flagler County-Small-group: $85
  • Guided Kayaking or Standup Paddling Tour: $65
  • Dolphin and Manatee Kayak Tour of Daytona Beach: $65
  • Dolphin and Manatee Stand Up Paddleboard Tour in Daytona Beach: $65
  • Electric Bike Tour of New Smyrna Beach: $115
  • Guided Wildlife Eco Kayak Tour in New Smyrna Beach: $45
  • New Smyrna Dolphin and Manatee Kayak and SUP Adventure Tour: $65
  • Orlando Manatee and Natural Spring Adventure Tour at Blue Springs: $65
  • Ormond Beach Manatee and Nature Tour Kayaking or Paddle Boarding: $65
  • Small-Group Sailing Tour in Daytona Beach: $79
  • The Great Daytona Wine Bar Tour: $40

Tours and Activities in Cape Cod

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Cape Cod.

  • Cape Cod Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • The Anne Hutchinson Tour of Provincetown: $30
  • Plymouth Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Mayflower Trolley Tour!: $36
  • 3-Hour Private Sightseeing Outdoor Escape Game in Eastham: $39
  • National Seashore Tour with Guided Hike: $65
  • Truro Cape Cod Lighthouse and Highland House Museum Tour: $65
  • Kayak The Creek Nature Tour: $80
  • Cape Cod Explorer Tour: $80
  • Cape Cod Sunset Kayak Tour: $80
  • Private Open-Air Pedicab Tour in Provincetown: $117
  • Private Province Town Pedicab Tour: $149

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Daytona Beach $43
    Cape Cod $19

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


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



When is the best time to visit Daytona Beach or Cape Cod?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Cape Cod in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Daytona Beach as well as Cape Cod. 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 Cape Cod because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

Daytona Beach receives a lot of rain in the summer. Daytona Beach usually gets more rain in July than Cape Cod. Daytona Beach gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Daytona Beach 81°F (27°C) 
    Cape Cod 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Cape Cod in the Autumn?

Both Cape Cod and Daytona Beach are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cape Cod this time of year.

In the autumn, Daytona Beach is much warmer than Cape Cod. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Daytona Beach in October average around 74°F (23°C), and Cape Cod averages at about 53°F (12°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cape Cod. It's quite rainy in Daytona Beach. In October, Daytona Beach usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cape Cod. Daytona Beach gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Daytona Beach 74°F (23°C) 
    Cape Cod 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Cape Cod in the Winter?

Both Cape Cod and Daytona Beach during the winter are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Daytona Beach this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cape Cod for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Cape Cod. In January, Daytona Beach is generally much warmer than Cape Cod. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 58°F (14°C), and Cape Cod fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

Cape Cod gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Daytona Beach usually gets less rain in January than Cape Cod. Daytona Beach gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Daytona Beach 58°F (14°C) 
    Cape Cod 31°F (-0°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Cape Cod in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Daytona Beach and Cape Cod. Many travelers come to Daytona Beach for the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cape Cod in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Daytona Beach is much warmer than Cape Cod in the spring. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 69°F (21°C) in April, and Cape Cod fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

Cape Cod receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Daytona Beach usually receives less rain than Cape Cod. Daytona Beach gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Daytona Beach 69°F (21°C) 
    Cape Cod 45°F (7°C)

Typical Weather for Cape Cod and Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach Cape Cod
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 58°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 31°F (-0°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Feb 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 32°F (-0°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)
Mar 65°F (18°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (102 mm)
Apr 69°F (21°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 45°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
May 75°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 6 inches (152 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 6.2 inches (157 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Sep 80°F (26°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 62°F (17°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Oct 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 53°F (12°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm)
Nov 66°F (19°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Dec 60°F (16°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 36°F (2°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)