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

Should you visit Daytona Beach or Columbia?

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

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Columbia? 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.

Columbia

Columbia is a welcoming, suburban, and friendly city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Daytona Beach and Columbia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Daytona Beach or Columbia?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Daytona Beach than Columbia. While Columbia is larger than Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Daytona Beach is more popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, and big city activities, while Columbia is known for its museums and shopping. Daytona Beach is more touristy than Columbia and is known for its spring break culture, wild parties, and the Daytona 500 NASCAR race. It is also home to The Daytona International Speedway. Columbia is popular for its southern hospitality and friendly people.

How is Daytona Beach different from Columbia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Columbia 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 Columbia. As the state capital, there are some decent museums around town like the Columbia Museum of Art, the South Carolina Military Museum, the South Carolina State Museum, and the U.S. Army Basic Combat Training Museum.

Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Daytona Beach and Columbia offer a number of decent 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.

Columbia offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Barbecue and other southern favorites are among the more local dishes, but the city is also filled with fast food joints and other major chain restaurants.

Is Daytona Beach or Columbia Better for Nightlife?

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

Daytona Beach is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. Spring break is when the parties are at their peak. For the most active nightlife head to A1A from Ormond-by-the-Sea to Ponce Inlet, Main and Beach Streets, and Seabreeze Boulevard, ONE DAYTONA and International Speedway Boulevard in Daytona Beach, and Granada Boulevard in Ormond Beach.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Columbia. You'll find live music venues as well as low key bars and more trendy cocktail lounges.

Is Daytona Beach or Columbia Better for Music?

Daytona Beach is a popular place for its live music scene. However, Columbia 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.

Columbia is not a live music destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Columbia Better for Resorts?

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

Not known for its high-end resorts, Daytona Beach offers a few options. 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.

Columbia is not a resort destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Columbia Better for Beaches?

Daytona Beach is a popular place for the beache. However, Columbia 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.

Columbia is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Daytona Beach or Columbia?

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

Many visitors go to Columbia to go shopping. You'll find independent and locally owned shops along Devine Street and in the Five Points area. Also interesting are the Vista, which is a warehouse district, and Trenholm Plaza.

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 Columbia Better for Families?

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

Columbia is a family-friendly place to visit. Around town you'll find parks, playgrounds, and kid-friendly restaurants. There's a zoo in the area as well as a nice state park - Sesquicentennial State Park. There's also EdVenture Children's Museum, which is filled with hands-on exhibits.

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 Columbia Better for Couples?

Daytona Beach is a popular place for its romantic activities. However, Columbia is not a good city for couples.

Daytona Beach makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Columbia is not always the best place to visit for a couple. You'll find parks to explore and some nice restaurants that make for a good date night.

Is Daytona Beach or Columbia Better for Students?

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

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.

Plenty of students visit Columbia. The University of South Carolina, and other nearby colleges all bring in a decent student population.

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

Columbia is a moderate city 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 Columbia. The COMET is the bus system through town, but you really must have your own car to enjoy the city.

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 Columbia a more walkable city?

Neither Daytona Beach or Columbia 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.

Columbia is not a very walkable beach city. It's filled with suburban-style development and is generally very car dependent.

For even more information, also check out Is Daytona Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Columbia Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Columbia or Daytona Beach?

How long in Daytona Beach or Columbia?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Daytona Beach or Columbia to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Columbia than Daytona Beach because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Daytona Beach, and 1-2 days is enough time in Columbia.

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

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

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

One day in Daytona Beach or Columbia?

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 nightlife when visiting the suburban destination of Columbia. 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 Columbia?

Daytona Beach is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. A weekend 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. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

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 suburban destination of Columbia. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

A week in Daytona Beach or Columbia?

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 nightlife around the city of Columbia. 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.

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

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 Columbia Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Daytona Beach or Columbia?

Columbia has a larger population, and is about 80% larger than the population of Daytona Beach. When comparing the sizes of Daytona Beach and Columbia, 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 Columbia?

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 Columbia in the Summer?

Both Columbia and Daytona Beach are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Daytona Beach because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Columbia this time of year.

In July, Daytona Beach is generally around the same temperature as Columbia. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 81°F (27°C), and Columbia fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Columbia. It's quite rainy in Daytona Beach. In July, Daytona Beach usually receives more rain than Columbia. Daytona Beach gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Columbia in the Autumn?

Both Columbia and Daytona Beach during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Daytona Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Columbia for the shopping scene.

Daytona Beach is a little warmer than Columbia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 74°F (23°C) in October, and Columbia fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Daytona Beach. Daytona Beach usually gets more rain in October than Columbia. Daytona Beach gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Columbia in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Daytona Beach and Columbia. Many travelers come to Daytona Beach for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Columbia in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Daytona Beach is much warmer than Columbia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Daytona Beach in January average around 58°F (14°C), and Columbia averages at about 45°F (7°C).

In January, Daytona Beach usually receives less rain than Columbia. Daytona Beach gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Columbia in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Daytona Beach as well as Columbia. Many visitors come to Daytona Beach in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Daytona Beach is generally a little warmer than Columbia. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 69°F (21°C), and Columbia fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

Daytona Beach usually gets less rain in April than Columbia. Daytona Beach gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Columbia and Daytona Beach