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

Should you visit Daytona Beach or Cherokee?

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

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Cherokee? 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. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and beaches.

Cherokee

Cherokee is a fascinating, cultural, and genuine town. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping.

Daytona Beach and Cherokee: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Daytona Beach or Cherokee?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Daytona Beach than Cherokee, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Daytona Beach is better known for its nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, and big city activities, while Cherokee is more popular for its museums, food, hiking, and shopping. Daytona Beach is more touristy than Cherokee and is known for its spring break culture, wild parties, and the Daytona 500 NASCAR race. Also, Daytona Beach is famous for The Daytona International Speedway. Cherokee is well known for its cultural experiences and nearby hiking trails.

How is Daytona Beach different from Cherokee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Daytona Beach
Cherokee

Cherokee is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Cherokee. Many of the museums educate visitors on the Native American culture. Oconaluftee Indian Village, the Museum of the Cherokee People, and the Mountain Farm Museum each offer a unique and interesting perspective.

Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Daytona Beach
Cherokee

Cherokee 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 Cherokee area. There are casual sandwich shops as well as several places that offer traditional Cherokee foods such as fry bread.

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 Cherokee Better for Nightlife?

Daytona Beach
Cherokee

Daytona Beach is an amazing beach city to visit for nightlife. However, Cherokee is a mediocre town for nightlife and partying.

Daytona Beach has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Cherokee. The town is generally quiet but you can head to Harrah's Cherokee Casino for drinks and entertainment.

Is Daytona Beach or Cherokee Better for Music?

Daytona Beach
Cherokee

Daytona Beach is a nice place to visit for live music. However, Cherokee 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.

Cherokee is not a live music destination.


Is Daytona Beach or Cherokee Better for Resorts?

Daytona Beach
Cherokee

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

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.

Cherokee is not a resort destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Cherokee Better for Beaches?

Daytona Beach
Cherokee

Daytona Beach is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Cherokee 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.

Cherokee is not a beach destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Cherokee Better for Hiking?

Daytona Beach
Cherokee

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

Cherokee is a popular spot for hiking. There are many trails in the area that pass through forests, wander by waterfalls, and take you to spectacular viewpoints. The fall foliage is particularly nice during the autumn months.

Daytona Beach is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Daytona Beach or Cherokee?

Daytona Beach
Cherokee

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

Many visitors go to Cherokee to go shopping. There are craft shops and artisan vendors in the downtown area. It's fun to wander around for a few hours.

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 Cherokee Better for Families?

Daytona Beach
Cherokee

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

Cherokee is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It's proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park make this a fun destination for families. There are countless outdoor adventure activities. The town is also filled with Cherokee history and culture, so it offers educational experiences as well.

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 Cherokee Better for Couples?

Daytona Beach
Cherokee

Cherokee 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.

Cherokee is a very popular place to visit for couples. Nearby there are many outdoor activities and adventure experiences. Couples who enjoy nature and exploring will appreciate a stay here.

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 Cherokee Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Daytona Beach
Cherokee

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Cherokee. There are several great campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hiking opportunities.

Daytona Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Cherokee Better for Students?

Daytona Beach
Cherokee

Daytona Beach is an amazing beach city to visit for students. However, Cherokee is not popular with students.

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.

Cherokee is not popular with students.

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

Daytona Beach
Cherokee

Cherokee is a moderate town 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 Cherokee. There are some bus and shuttle routes, but a private vehicle is important if you want to make the most of your visit.

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 Cherokee a more walkable city?

Daytona Beach
Cherokee

Cherokee is a moderate town for its ease of walking around. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its walkability.

Cherokee is generally not very walkable. If you want to explore the area, you'll need a car to reach most places.

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 Cherokee Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cherokee or Daytona Beach?

How long in Daytona Beach or Cherokee?

It's fun to spend time in either Daytona Beach or Cherokee. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Cherokee due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Daytona Beach, and 2-4 days is enough time in Cherokee.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Daytona Beach or Cherokee? Ideal Length of Stay
    Daytona Beach 7 
    Cherokee 2-4

One day in Daytona Beach or Cherokee?

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 museums and food when visiting the genuine destination of Cherokee. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Cherokee?

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 Cherokee. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Cherokee?

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 shopping and museums when visiting the fascinating destination of Cherokee. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town 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 Cherokee?

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 museums and food around the town of Cherokee. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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, Cherokee 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 Cherokee is $174. 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 Cherokee in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Daytona Beach $84
    Cherokee $158
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Daytona Beach $168
    Cherokee $316
Compare Hotels in Daytona Beach and Cherokee

Looking for a hotel in Daytona Beach or Cherokee? 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 Cherokee


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 Cherokee Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Daytona Beach $53
    Cherokee -

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Daytona Beach or Cherokee?

Prices for flights to both Cherokee 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
    Cherokee $16

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
    Cherokee -

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Daytona Beach $43
    Cherokee -

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

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 Cherokee Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Daytona Beach or Cherokee?

Daytona Beach has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Cherokee. When comparing the sizes of Daytona Beach and Cherokee, 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 Cherokee?

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 Cherokee in the Summer?

Both Cherokee 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 Cherokee in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Daytona Beach is around the same temperature as Cherokee. Typically, the summer temperatures in Daytona Beach in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Cherokee averages at about 81°F (27°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cherokee. It's quite rainy in Daytona Beach. In July, Daytona Beach usually receives more rain than Cherokee. Daytona Beach gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Cherokee receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Daytona Beach 81°F (27°C) 
    Cherokee 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Cherokee in the Autumn?

Both Cherokee 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 Cherokee for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Daytona Beach is generally a little warmer than Cherokee. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 74°F (23°C), and Cherokee fluctuates around 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 Cherokee. Daytona Beach gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Cherokee receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Cherokee in the Winter?

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

The weather in Cherokee can be very cold. Daytona Beach is much warmer than Cherokee in the winter. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 58°F (14°C) in January, and Cherokee fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

Cherokee receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Daytona Beach usually receives less rain than Cherokee. Daytona Beach gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Cherokee receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Daytona Beach 58°F (14°C) 
    Cherokee 40°F (5°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Cherokee in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Daytona Beach as well as Cherokee. The spring months attract visitors to Daytona Beach because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Daytona Beach is a little warmer than Cherokee. Typically, the spring temperatures in Daytona Beach in April average around 69°F (21°C), and Cherokee averages at about 62°F (17°C).

Daytona Beach usually gets less rain in April than Cherokee. Daytona Beach gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Cherokee receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Daytona Beach 69°F (21°C) 
    Cherokee 62°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for Cherokee and Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach Cherokee
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 58°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 40°F (5°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm)
Feb 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm)
Mar 65°F (18°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Apr 69°F (21°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
May 75°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 70°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 6 inches (152 mm) 78°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 81°F (27°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 6.2 inches (157 mm) 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Sep 80°F (26°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 74°F (24°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Oct 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 63°F (17°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Nov 66°F (19°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Dec 60°F (16°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm)