A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Daytona Beach vs. Grand Canyon National Park for Couples, Resorts, Families, and Food

Should you visit Daytona Beach or Grand Canyon National Park?

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

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Grand Canyon National Park? 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 party-hard, energetic, and lively beach city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and beaches.

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is a world-renowned, gorgeous, and striking national park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include hiking.

Daytona Beach and Grand Canyon National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the sunset views


Is there more to do in Daytona Beach or Grand Canyon National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Daytona Beach than Grand Canyon National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Daytona Beach is better known for its nightlife, music, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Grand Canyon National Park is more popular for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Daytona Beach is well known for its spring break culture, wild parties, and the Daytona 500 NASCAR race. Also, Daytona Beach is famous for The Daytona International Speedway. Grand Canyon National Park is well known for its iconic beauty, layers of color, breathtaking sunsets, and world-renowned geological history.

How is Daytona Beach different from Grand Canyon National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Grand Canyon National Park 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 Grand Canyon National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Daytona Beach
Grand Canyon National Park

Both Daytona Beach and Grand Canyon National Park offer a number of respectable 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.

Grand Canyon National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are several markets, restaurants, and cafes in the park but, in general, the options are expensive and not the best. If possible, bring your own food and plan for a picnic with a view.


Is Daytona Beach or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Nightlife?

Daytona Beach
Grand Canyon National Park

Daytona Beach is renowned for nightlife. However, Grand Canyon National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Grand Canyon National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Daytona Beach or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Music?

Daytona Beach
Grand Canyon National Park

Daytona Beach is a good destination for live music. However, Grand Canyon National Park 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.

Grand Canyon National Park is not a live music destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Resorts?

Daytona Beach
Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is a popular place for its resorts. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its luxury resorts.

Grand Canyon National Park has a few great resort options. There are several options within and near the park that range from luxury to affordable. Reservations should be made well in advance for most hotels within the park. Bright Angel Lodge, El Tovar Hotel, Grand Canyon Lodge (North Rim) and Phantom Ranch are all unique places to stay.

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 Grand Canyon National Park Better for Beaches?

Daytona Beach
Grand Canyon National Park

Daytona Beach is a good destination for its beaches. However, Grand Canyon National Park is not a beach destination.

Daytona Beach offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Grand Canyon National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Hiking?

Daytona Beach
Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Daytona Beach is not a hiking destination.

Grand Canyon National Park is a popular spot for hiking. Hiking options at the Grand Canyon include an easy walk along the rim or a hike into the canyon. If you're planning to enjoy a view from the rim and then stroll along the rim walk, a day or two is plenty. Hiking into the canyon is a thrilling experience, but it does require more preparation and planning. You should also check out the weather before you depart as temperatures within the canyon can become dangerously hot.

Daytona Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Daytona Beach or Grand Canyon National Park?

Daytona Beach
Grand Canyon National Park

Daytona Beach is a decent place to visit for shopping. However, Grand Canyon National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Grand Canyon National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Daytona Beach or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Families?

Daytona Beach
Grand Canyon National Park

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

Grand Canyon National Park is a family-friendly place to visit. This park is a spectacular landmark with a number of nature programs that kids can enjoy. There's also a simple rim walk along the edge of the canyon that is perfect for little legs.

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 Grand Canyon National Park Better for Couples?

Daytona Beach
Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park 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.

Grand Canyon National Park makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples who enjoy beauty, nature, and adventure will appreciate a visit to this park. There are amazing hikes and breathtaking views that make this a truly romantic destination. There are also several hotels and lodges that make for a truly romantic getaway (book well in advance!).

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 Grand Canyon National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Daytona Beach
Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is a must-visit destination for backpackers. However, Daytona Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Grand Canyon National Park is a very popular national park to visit for backpackers. Backpackers and budget travelers can take in one of America's most notable landmarks while camping at the large and affordable national park campground.

Daytona Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.


Is Daytona Beach or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Students?

Daytona Beach
Grand Canyon National Park

Daytona Beach is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Grand Canyon National Park 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.

Grand Canyon National Park is not popular with students.

Is Daytona Beach or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Daytona Beach
Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is a moderate national park 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 Grand Canyon National Park. There are free shuttle buses that run along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

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 Grand Canyon National Park a more walkable city?

Daytona Beach
Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its walkability.

Grand Canyon National Park is a somewhat walkable national park. There's a nice rim walk that is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll, but to reach many parts of the park you'll want to have a car or plan to take some form of transit.

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 Grand Canyon National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Grand Canyon National Park or Daytona Beach?

How long in Daytona Beach or Grand Canyon National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Daytona Beach or Grand Canyon National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Grand Canyon National Park due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Daytona Beach, and 1-4 days is enough time in Grand Canyon National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Grand Canyon National Park 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 Grand Canyon National Park.


  • How many days in Daytona Beach or Grand Canyon National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Daytona Beach 7 
    Grand Canyon National Park 1-4

One day in Daytona Beach or Grand Canyon National Park?

In Daytona Beach, many people enjoy the live music and nightlife that this lively 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 breathtaking destination of Grand Canyon National Park. 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 Grand Canyon National Park?

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 Grand Canyon National Park. 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 Grand Canyon National Park?

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 breathtaking destination of Grand Canyon National Park. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This national park 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 Grand Canyon National Park?

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 beautiful national park of Grand Canyon National Park. 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, Grand Canyon National Park 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 Grand Canyon National Park is $168. 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 Grand Canyon National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Daytona Beach $84
    Grand Canyon National Park $89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Daytona Beach $168
    Grand Canyon National Park $178
Compare Hotels in Daytona Beach and Grand Canyon National Park

Looking for a hotel in Daytona Beach or Grand Canyon National Park? 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 Grand Canyon National Park


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 Grand Canyon National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Daytona Beach $53
    Grand Canyon National Park $43

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: $199

Is it cheaper to fly into Daytona Beach or Grand Canyon National Park?

Prices for flights to both Grand Canyon National Park 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
    Grand Canyon National Park $49

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
    Grand Canyon National Park $35

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
  • Guided Wildlife Eco Kayak Tour in New Smyrna Beach: $45
  • Half Day Coastal Fun Cruise in Florida: $200
  • 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 Grand Canyon National Park

For Grand Canyon National Park, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Grand Canyon South & East Rim Self-Driving, Walking & Shuttling Tour: $17
  • Grand Canyon and Sedona Self-Guided Driving Tour Bundle: $25
  • Ultimate Arizona Self-Guided Driving and Walking Tour Bundle: $30
  • Take a Scottsdale/Valley Tour in a Retro Party Bus - Old Town/Scottsdale: $69
  • Ultimate American Southwest Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle: $85
  • Grand Canyon Signature Hummer Tour with Optional Sunset Views: $121
  • Grand Entrance Grand Canyon Tour - Pink Jeep: $122
  • 3 Hour Off-Road Sunset Safari to Grand Canyon with Entrance Gate Detour : $123
  • Desert View Grand Canyon Tour - Pink Jeep: $143
  • 4 Hour Grand Canyon Biblical Creation Morning Rim Tour: $149
  • 4-Hour Biblical Creation + Sunset Tour • Grand Canyon National Park South Rim: $149
  • Hermits Rest Hiking Tour from Tusayan: $165

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Daytona Beach $43
    Grand Canyon National Park $11

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 Grand Canyon National Park, we can see that Daytona Beach is more expensive. And not only is Grand Canyon National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Grand Canyon National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Grand Canyon National Park 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 Grand Canyon National Park.

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 Grand Canyon National Park Expensive?.