A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Daytona Beach vs. Key West for Nightlife, Resorts, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Daytona Beach or Key West?

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

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Key West? 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.

Key West

Key West is a quaint, laid-back, and quirky town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Daytona Beach and Key West: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Daytona Beach or Key West?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Daytona Beach. Although Daytona Beach and Key West are both popular with visitors, Daytona Beach has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Daytona Beach is more popular for its nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Key West is known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Daytona Beach is popular for its spring break culture, wild parties, and the Daytona 500 NASCAR race. It is also home to The Daytona International Speedway. Key West is popular for its festive nightlife, quirky town center, colorful personality, adrenaline-filled watersports, stunning beaches, turquoise water, and location at the southernmost point of the continental U.S.

How is Daytona Beach different from Key West?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Key West 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 Key West area. Head to town for local restaurants with quirky atmospheres. There are many local dishes to sample, be the town is most known for its stone crabs, conch fritters, and Mahi Mahi sandwiches. You'll also find cold drinks and waterfront dining areas.

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 Key West Better for Nightlife?

Daytona Beach is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Key West is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

Key West has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. This area has some of the most lively nightlife in the Florida Keys. There are quirky bars and fun hangouts where you can spend the evening. The party starts at Mallory Square around sunset and many bars stay open well into the early hours. You can also enjoy sunset cruises or pass your time at one of the many tiki bars.

Is Daytona Beach or Key West Better for Music?

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

Key West is not a live music destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Key West Better for Resorts?

Key West is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its luxury resorts.

Key West is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are a number of high end resorts around the island, many with recognizable names such as the Hyatt and Hilton. Prices can be high, but these resorts often come with reliable luxury.

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 Key West Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Key West has a few good snorkeling spots. There are a number of dive shops and snorkeling excursions that leave from Key West. Like many tourist areas these days, the coral shows its damage from the crowds, but you'll likely see some barracuda or a Grouper.

Daytona Beach is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Key West Better for Beaches?

Key West is a well-known place for the beach. Also, Daytona Beach is not as famous, but is still a good beach city to visit for its beaches.

Key West is considered a top beach destination. One of the best beaches in the area is Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. The beach has soft sand and stunning turquoise water. As is typical in the Keys, the water stays shallow for great distances.

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 Daytona Beach or Key West Better for its Old Town?

Key West is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Daytona Beach does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Key West. The town has the most charming Old Town areas in the Florida Keys. Head to Mallory Square for the sunset street performers and explore the historic streets around Duval Street.

Daytona Beach does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Daytona Beach or Key West?

Both Daytona Beach and Key West are decent 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.

Key West is a good destination for shopping. While it definitely has its share of gimmicky souvenir shops and t-shirt stores, there are still a number of art galleries and local shops around Key West where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Daytona Beach or Key West Better for Families?

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

Key West is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Families that enjoy snorkeling, aquariums, water sports, and exploring new places will enjoy visiting this part of the Florida Keys. There are many ways to get out on the water from kayaking and snorkeling to glass bottom boat tours and sunset cruises. There are also many kid-friendly beaches in the area. The town can have a party atmosphere, but it's not hard to find a more family-friendly area where everyone can have fun.

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 Key West Better for Couples?

Key West 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.

Key West is a very popular place to visit for couples. From Mallory Square to the beautiful nearby parks, Key West makes a wonderful, romantic destination. Whether it's your honeymoon, an anniversary, or simply a couples' retreat, Key West is a great option. You can sip wine on a sunset cruise or dine at one of the many character-filled restaurants in town. If you are looking for a party, it's not hard to find, but if you want a more laid back holiday, that's also possible.

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 Key West Better for Students?

Daytona Beach is renowned for students. Also, Key West is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

Key West is very popular with students. It's a great spring break destination with a quirky personality and many great activities.

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

Neither Daytona Beach or Key West 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 Key West. Public transportation in Key West is limited to a few buses.

Is Daytona Beach or Key West a more walkable city?

Key West is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its walkability.

Key West is a somewhat walkable town. The town is the most walkable part of the Florida Keys. The area around Mallory Square and Duval Street is the most pedestrian friendly.

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 Key West Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Key West or Daytona Beach?

How long in Daytona Beach or Key West?

Both Daytona Beach and Key West have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Key West than in Daytona Beach. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Daytona Beach, and 5-7 days is enough time in Key West.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Key West 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 Key West.

One day in Daytona Beach or Key West?

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 scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the lively destination of Key West. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Key West?

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 Key West. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Key West?

Daytona Beach is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than five days exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the lively destination of Key West. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town 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 Key West?

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.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the beautiful town of Key West. 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Daytona Beach and Key West, we can see that Key West is more expensive. And not only is Daytona Beach much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Daytona Beach would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Daytona Beach 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 Key West would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Key West than you might in Daytona Beach.

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 Key West Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Daytona Beach or Key West?

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

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 Key West in the Summer?

Both Key West 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 beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Key West this time of year.

In July, Daytona Beach is generally around the same temperature as Key West. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 81°F (27°C), and Key West fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

It's quite rainy in Daytona Beach. In July, Daytona Beach usually receives more rain than Key West. Daytona Beach gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Key West receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Key West in the Autumn?

Both Key West 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Key West for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Daytona Beach is cooler than Key West in the autumn. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 74°F (23°C) in October, and Key West fluctuates around 80°F (27°C).

Key West gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Daytona Beach. Daytona Beach usually gets less rain in October than Key West. Daytona Beach gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Key West receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Key West.

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Key West in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Daytona Beach and Key West. Many travelers come to Daytona Beach for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Key West in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Daytona Beach is cooler than Key West. Typically, the winter temperatures in Daytona Beach in January average around 58°F (14°C), and Key West averages at about 70°F (21°C).

In January, Daytona Beach usually receives more rain than Key West. Daytona Beach gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Key West receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Key West in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Daytona Beach as well as Key West. Many visitors come to Daytona Beach in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Additionally, most visitors come to Key West for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Daytona Beach is generally cooler than Key West. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 69°F (21°C), and Key West fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

Daytona Beach usually gets more rain in April than Key West. Daytona Beach gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Key West receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Key West is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Key West and Daytona Beach