A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Daytona Beach vs. Fort Lauderdale for Nightlife, Resorts, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Daytona Beach or Fort Lauderdale?

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

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

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is a scenic, bustling, and spirited coastal city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Daytona Beach and Fort Lauderdale: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Daytona Beach or Fort Lauderdale?

You'll generally find more things to do in Fort Lauderdale than Daytona Beach. Fort Lauderdale is bigger than Daytona Beach, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Fort Lauderdale is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Daytona Beach is more popular for its nightlife, music, and big city activities. Daytona Beach is well known for its spring break culture, wild parties, and the Daytona 500 NASCAR race. Fort Lauderdale is well known for its canals, beaches, walkable waterfront, and luxury resorts. Also, Fort Lauderdale is famous for The Local Beaches.

How is Daytona Beach different from Fort Lauderdale?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale area. Seafood is the obvious option with popular dishes being fish tacos, sea bass, and scallop risotto. There are many waterfront restaurants or you could head to Las Olas Boulevard, which has many bistros, cafes, and restaurants.

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 Fort Lauderdale Better for Nightlife?

Daytona Beach is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Fort Lauderdale is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Daytona Beach is a world class party destination. 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.

The nightlife in Fort Lauderdale has something for everybody. Trendy and upscale partying is the name of the game in this Florida city. Most people head to the beach, Las Olas Blvd, River Front and The New Hard Rock Seminole Hotel Complex for the best bars and clubs. You'll find the most activity around the weekends, but there really is something going on any night of the week.

Is Daytona Beach or Fort Lauderdale Better for Music?

Daytona Beach is a good destination for live music. However, Fort Lauderdale 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.

Fort Lauderdale is not a live music destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Fort Lauderdale Better for Resorts?

Fort Lauderdale is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its luxury resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Fort Lauderdale is a great choice. Luxury beachfront resorts are plentiful in the area. Several of the most impressive include the Ritz-Carlton, W Fort Lauderdale, and the Dalmar. Most resorts have a beachfront pool, hot tubs, and depending on the resort, a kid's club.

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 Fort Lauderdale Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Fort Lauderdale is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Daytona Beach is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Fort Lauderdale has a few good snorkeling spots. Although the snorkeling doesn't compare to what you'll find further south around the Florida Keys, there are some great places to pull your mask and fins out in the area. Popular snorkeling spots nearby include the Vista Park Reef, Pompano Beach, and Hollywood North Beach Park.

Daytona Beach is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Fort Lauderdale Better for Beaches?

Fort Lauderdale is a must-visit destination for the beach. Also, Daytona Beach is not as famous, but is still a good beach city to visit for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches, a fun boardwalk, and impressive views, the beaches here are among the best in the area. They are surprisingly walkable and, while there can be crowds, there's still a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere.

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 the Shopping Better in Daytona Beach or Fort Lauderdale?

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

Many visitors go to Fort Lauderdale to go shopping. For interesting local boutiques head to Las Olas Boulevard and for name brand stores you'll want to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall.

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 Fort Lauderdale Better for Families?

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

Fort Lauderdale is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches and a number of kid-oriented activities, the kids will love it here. Fun activities include Bluefoot Pirate Adventures, Butterfly World, and Funderdome. On sunny days there are many outdoor recreation areas and when the weather isn't cooperating, there are hands-on museums.

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 Fort Lauderdale Better for Couples?

Fort Lauderdale is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Daytona Beach is not as famous, but is still a good beach city to visit for romance.

Fort Lauderdale makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Fine dining, beautiful beaches, and great shopping make for a great romantic getaway. Couples and honeymooners love relaxing at the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. A sunset walk on the beach and a stay at a romantic resort will make for an unforgettable trip.

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 Fort Lauderdale Better for Students?

Daytona Beach is a must-visit destination for students. However, Fort Lauderdale 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.

Fort Lauderdale is not popular with students.

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

Fort Lauderdale is a moderate coastal 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 Fort Lauderdale. Transportation options include a water taxi and the Sun Trolley Hop-on Bus.

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 Fort Lauderdale a more walkable city?

Fort Lauderdale is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its walkability.

Fort Lauderdale is a very walkable destination. It is one of the most walkable Florida communities with a boardwalk and several pedestrian areas that are fun to wander around.

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 Fort Lauderdale Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fort Lauderdale or Daytona Beach?

How long in Daytona Beach or Fort Lauderdale?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale.

One day in Daytona Beach or Fort Lauderdale?

The party-hard destination of Daytona Beach offers nightlife and live music. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the bustling destination of Fort Lauderdale. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Don't miss the beaches, 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 Fort Lauderdale?

The beach city of Daytona Beach offers live music and nightlife. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fort Lauderdale. Most people come for the beaches. Don't miss the beaches, 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 Fort Lauderdale?

Daytona Beach is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. This beach city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the luxury destination of Fort Lauderdale. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This coastal city 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 Fort Lauderdale?

Many people enjoy the live music and nightlife when visiting Daytona Beach. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the beautiful coastal city of Fort Lauderdale. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Daytona Beach or Fort Lauderdale?

Fort Lauderdale has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Daytona Beach. When comparing the sizes of Daytona Beach and Fort Lauderdale, 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 Fort Lauderdale?

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 Fort Lauderdale in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Daytona Beach and Fort Lauderdale. Most visitors come to Daytona Beach for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Fort Lauderdale because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Daytona Beach is around the same temperature as Fort Lauderdale. Typically, the summer temperatures in Daytona Beach in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Fort Lauderdale averages at about 83°F (28°C).

Fort Lauderdale receives a lot of rain in the summer. Daytona Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Daytona Beach usually receives less rain than Fort Lauderdale. Daytona Beach gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Fort Lauderdale receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Fort Lauderdale in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Daytona Beach as well as Fort Lauderdale. The autumn months attract visitors to Daytona Beach because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Additionally, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Fort Lauderdale this time of year.

In October, Daytona Beach is generally cooler than Fort Lauderdale. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 74°F (23°C), and Fort Lauderdale fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

It's quite rainy in Fort Lauderdale. Daytona Beach receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Daytona Beach usually gets less rain in October than Fort Lauderdale. Daytona Beach gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Fort Lauderdale receives 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Fort Lauderdale in the Winter?

Both Fort Lauderdale and Daytona Beach are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Daytona Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Fort Lauderdale for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Daytona Beach is cooler than Fort Lauderdale in the winter. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 58°F (14°C) in January, and Fort Lauderdale fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

In January, Daytona Beach usually receives more rain than Fort Lauderdale. Daytona Beach gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Fort Lauderdale receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Fort Lauderdale in the Spring?

Both Fort Lauderdale and Daytona Beach during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Daytona Beach for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Fort Lauderdale in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Daytona Beach is cooler than Fort Lauderdale. Typically, the spring temperatures in Daytona Beach in April average around 69°F (21°C), and Fort Lauderdale averages at about 75°F (24°C).

Daytona Beach usually gets less rain in April than Fort Lauderdale. Daytona Beach gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Fort Lauderdale receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Fort Lauderdale and Daytona Beach