A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Daytona Beach vs. Chimney Rock and Lake Lure for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Daytona Beach or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

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

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is a energetic, lively, and fun beach city. 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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a active, beautiful, and peaceful recreation area. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include hiking.

Daytona Beach and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure: 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Daytona Beach. Although Daytona Beach and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure are popular destinations, Daytona Beach has more sights and attractions for tourists. Daytona Beach is very popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, and big city activities, while Chimney Rock and Lake Lure attracts visitors for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Daytona Beach is more touristy than Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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. Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is famous for its beautiful views and fun outdoor activities.

How is Daytona Beach different from Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Daytona Beach
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a moderate recreation area for its sights and museums. However, Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There's a museum in Chimney Rock State Park, but most visitors spend their time taking advantage of the outdoor activities.

Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Daytona Beach or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Daytona Beach
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Both Daytona Beach and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure offer a number of reasonable restaurants to choose from.

Daytona Beach may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. This beach is more about the parties and drinks than it is about the food.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Within Chimney Rock Park there's a deli and a cafe. Nearby you'll also find casual eateries with pizza or classic American dishes.

Is Daytona Beach or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Nightlife?

Daytona Beach
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Daytona Beach is an amazing beach city to visit for its evening party scene. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for nightlife.

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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Most people head into nearby Asheville for the best nightlife.

Is Daytona Beach or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Music?

Daytona Beach
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Daytona Beach is a beach city with good options for its music scene. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in Daytona Beach. You can see live music at the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Bandshell and The Roof.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a live music destination.


Is Daytona Beach or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Resorts?

Daytona Beach
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Daytona Beach is a beach city with a few options for its resorts. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a resort destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Beaches?

Daytona Beach
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Daytona Beach is a beach city with good options for the beach. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Daytona 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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a beach destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Hiking?

Daytona Beach
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Daytona Beach is not a hiking destination.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a popular spot for hiking. One of the most popular trails in Chimney Rock State Park is The Exclamation Point Trail , which leads to many viewpoints. During the summer and fall seasons the trail can get very crowded. The obvious highlight in the park is Chimney Rock, which is a rock outcropping that offers spectacular views.

Daytona Beach is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Daytona Beach or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Daytona Beach
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Both Daytona Beach and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure are reasonable shopping destinations.

Daytona Beach has some good spots for those that want to go 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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a good destination for shopping. You'll find the standard shopping centers in the area, but for the best shopping, head over to Asheville.

Is Daytona Beach or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Families?

Daytona Beach
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its kid-friendly activities.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of outdoor activities in the area. Head to sliding rock for a fun afternoon. There's also tubing, kayaking, and river rafting nearby. Horseback riding is a fun way to explore a trail, or simply hiking on one of the many paths in the area. You'll also find ziplining and plenty of water activities at the lake.

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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Couples?

Daytona Beach
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are romantic hotels as well as bed and breakfasts that make for a romantic retreat. Couples who enjoy beautiful outdoor settings and fun adventures will enjoy a weekend trip to the area. There are also local restaurants and a few wineries to explore.

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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Daytona Beach
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Daytona Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a very popular recreation area for backpackers and budget travelers. There are several great campgrounds and plenty of hiking trails that make this a nice budget or backpacker getaway.

Daytona Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Students?

Daytona Beach
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Daytona Beach is an amazing beach city to visit for students. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not popular with students.

Daytona Beach is a very popular beach city 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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not popular with students.

Is Daytona Beach or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Daytona Beach
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Neither Daytona Beach or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant 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.

Public transit is quite limited in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. There is limited public transit in the area.


Is Daytona Beach or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure a more walkable city?

Daytona Beach
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Neither Daytona Beach or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure are walkable places.

Daytona Beach is not a walkable beach city. This area requires a car if you want to access restaurants, nightlife, or anything away from your hotel.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a very walkable beach city. The trails and parks in the region are spread out and require a car to access.

For even more information, also check out Is Daytona Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Daytona Beach?

How long in Daytona Beach or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure.


  • How many days in Daytona Beach or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure? Ideal Length of Stay
    Daytona Beach 7 
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 1-3

One day in Daytona Beach or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

In Daytona Beach, many people enjoy the live music and nightlife that this party-hard destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the beautiful destination of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Daytona Beach or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

The destination of Daytona Beach offers nightlife and live music. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Many people enjoy the live music and nightlife when visiting Daytona Beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. This beach city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the active destination of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This recreation area 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the beach city of Daytona Beach. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Lots of people come for the nightlife. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find around the recreation area of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. 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, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is $196. 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Daytona Beach $84
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $117
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Daytona Beach $168
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $234
Compare Hotels in Daytona Beach and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Looking for a hotel in Daytona Beach or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure? 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure


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
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Daytona Beach

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Daytona Beach:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Daytona Beach or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Prices for flights to both Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $52

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
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $34

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
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $21

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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Daytona Beach or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Daytona Beach has a larger population, and is about 390 times larger than the population of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. When comparing the sizes of Daytona Beach and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, 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.