A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Daytona Beach vs. Martha's Vineyard for Nightlife, Resorts, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Daytona Beach or Martha's Vineyard?

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

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Martha's Vineyard? 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 lively, fun, and party-hard beach city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and live music. See Daytona Beach travel costs.

Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a coastal, peaceful, and affluent island. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. With stunning beauty, Martha's Vineyard attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and hiking. See Martha's Vineyard travel costs.

Daytona Beach and Martha's Vineyard: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Popular beach
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Not as many resort options
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Daytona Beach or Martha's Vineyard?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Daytona Beach. Although Daytona Beach and Martha's Vineyard are popular destinations, Daytona Beach has more sights and attractions for tourists. Daytona Beach is very popular for its nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Martha's Vineyard attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Daytona Beach is more touristy than Martha's Vineyard and is popular for its spring break culture, wild parties, and the Daytona 500 NASCAR race. It is also well known for The Daytona International Speedway. Martha's Vineyard is famous for its natural beauty, charming New England towns, and upscale local shopping.

How is Daytona Beach different from Martha's Vineyard?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Daytona Beach
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a moderate island for its sights and museums. However, Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Martha's Vineyard offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of local museums in the area as well as the Martha's Vineyard Museum.

Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Daytona Beach or Martha's Vineyard? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Daytona Beach
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its restaurants.

Dining out in Martha's Vineyard is an experience not to be missed. The region prioritizes sustainable agriculture and there are many local eateries that range from upscale to more casual. You'll find the greatest number of options during the peak summer months, but regardless of when you visit, you're sure to eat well.

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 Martha's Vineyard Better for Nightlife?

Daytona Beach
Martha's Vineyard

Daytona Beach is an amazing beach city to visit for its evening party scene. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known 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.

Most people don't head to Martha's Vineyard specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There's more of a laid back vibe, but the best towns in the evening are Edgartown and Oak Bluffs.

Is Daytona Beach or Martha's Vineyard Better for Music?

Daytona Beach
Martha's Vineyard

Daytona Beach is a good destination for its music scene. However, Martha's Vineyard 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.

Martha's Vineyard is not a live music destination.


Is Daytona Beach or Martha's Vineyard Better for Resorts?

Daytona Beach
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard 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, Martha's Vineyard is a great choice. There are beautiful and luxurious resorts that attract celebrities and socialites. Many have pools and serene outdoor spaces that you can enjoy.

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 Martha's Vineyard Better for Beaches?

Daytona Beach
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard 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.

Martha's Vineyard is considered a top beach destination. The beaches are scenic and peaceful. Head to northern side of the island for shallow water, or south for more surf. While there are some public beaches that are open to everyone, there are also beaches that require a parking or town beach permit to visit.

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 Martha's Vineyard Better for Hiking?

Daytona Beach
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Daytona Beach is not a hiking destination.

Martha's Vineyard is a good destination for hiking. There are miles of trails around the island that pass through fields or along the coastline. The island is mostly flat, so the hikes are relatively easy for all skill levels.

Daytona Beach is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Daytona Beach or Martha's Vineyard?

Daytona Beach
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Martha's Vineyard. There are no malls, so you'll enjoy shopping at local stores that sell a mix of locally made items and name brand. There are many art galleries as well as craft festivals during the summer months.

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 Martha's Vineyard More Beautiful?

Daytona Beach
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Daytona Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Martha's Vineyard attracts visitors from all around. The rugged coastline and rolling hills give this area a natural beauty.

Daytona Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Daytona Beach or Martha's Vineyard Better for Families?

Daytona Beach
Martha's Vineyard

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

Martha's Vineyard is a family-friendly place to visit. You can visit local farms or go to a local baseball game. There's also cafes, ice cream shops, and donut shops that kids will enjoy.

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 Martha's Vineyard Better for Couples?

Daytona Beach
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard 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.

Martha's Vineyard makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's filled with charming bed and breakfasts and plenty of New England charm. Couples will enjoy the quaint restaurants and mix of history, small town charm, and outdoor adventure.

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 Martha's Vineyard Better for Students?

Daytona Beach
Martha's Vineyard

Daytona Beach is an amazing beach city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Martha's Vineyard 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.

Martha's Vineyard is not popular with students.

Is Daytona Beach or Martha's Vineyard Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Daytona Beach
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a moderate island 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 Martha's Vineyard. Access to the island is limited to boat and air. There's a bus service that connects the towns.

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 Martha's Vineyard a more walkable city?

Daytona Beach
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its walkability.

Martha's Vineyard is a somewhat walkable island. Many of the towns have walkable downtown areas, but traveling between towns and into the countryside requires a vehicle.

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 Martha's Vineyard Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Martha's Vineyard or Daytona Beach?

How long in Daytona Beach or Martha's Vineyard?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard.


  • How many days in Daytona Beach or Martha's Vineyard? Ideal Length of Stay
    Daytona Beach 7 
    Martha's Vineyard 1-3

One day in Daytona Beach or Martha's Vineyard?

With nightlife and live music around the destination of Daytona Beach, there's plenty to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

Even though Martha's Vineyard is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Martha's Vineyard?

Many people enjoy the live music and nightlife when visiting Daytona Beach. Your budget might influence how long you stay. A weekend is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Martha's Vineyard. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Martha's Vineyard?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the energetic destination of Daytona Beach. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Martha's Vineyard is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island 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 Martha's Vineyard?

Daytona Beach is a popular choice for travelers. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. This beach city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Martha's Vineyard is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Martha's Vineyard or Daytona Beach?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Daytona Beach Prices
    USA Prices
    Martha's Vineyard Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Daytona Beach $269
    Martha's Vineyard $285

The average daily cost (per person) in Daytona Beach is $269, while the average daily cost in Martha's Vineyard is $285. 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 Martha's Vineyard in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Daytona Beach $84
    Martha's Vineyard $132
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Daytona Beach $168
    Martha's Vineyard $264
Compare Hotels in Daytona Beach and Martha's Vineyard

Looking for a hotel in Daytona Beach or Martha's Vineyard? 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 Marthas Vineyard


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 Martha's Vineyard Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Daytona Beach $53
    Martha's Vineyard $83

Is it cheaper to fly into Daytona Beach or Martha's Vineyard?

Prices for flights to both Martha's Vineyard 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 $138
    Martha's Vineyard $104

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
    Martha's Vineyard $30

Tours and Activities in Daytona Beach

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Daytona Beach are as follows:

  • St. Johns River Cruise - Blue Spring State Park : $38
  • 2-Hour Glass Bottom Guided Eco Tour in Flagler County-Small-group: $85
  • 3 Hour Coastal Fun Cruise : $150
  • 3 Hour Social Sip N Dip Party Cruise: $70
  • Coastal Discovery Cruise: $75
  • Daytona Beach Champagne Sunset Cruise: $89
  • Guided Kayaking or Standup Paddling Tour: $65
  • Paddle Pub Experience: $45
  • Discovery Dolphin Boat Tour: $35
  • Dolphin and Manatee Kayak Tour of Daytona Beach: $65
  • Dolphin and Manatee Stand Up Paddleboard Tour in Daytona Beach: $65
  • Dolphin and Wildlife Tour at Indian River Shores: $65

Tours and Activities in Martha's Vineyard

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Martha's Vineyard.

  • Edgartown Martha’s Vineyard Self-Guided (GPS) Audio Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Discovering Oak Bluffs: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard Audio Tour: $13
  • Martha’s Vineyard Self-Guided Driving & Walking Audio Tour: $15
  • Martha Vineyard Bus Tour: $60
  • Best 3-Hour Martha's Vineyard shared Island Tour from Oak Bluffs: $65
  • Best of Martha's Vineyard 3 hour Full-Island Tour: $65
  • Down Island Tour with One Hour in Edgartown: $65
  • Martha's Vineyard: All Island Tour: $70
  • All Island Bus Tour: $75
  • 4 hours Hop-on Hop-off Jawsome Jaws Tour: $120
  • All New Shared Jaws tour Budget Friendly: $130

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Daytona Beach $43
    Martha's Vineyard $22

Sample the Local Flavors in Daytona Beach

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Daytona Beach:

  • Karaoke Party Bus Dive Bar Crawl: $40
  • Dive Bar Bus Crawl: $50


When comparing the travel costs between Daytona Beach and Martha's Vineyard, we can see that Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Daytona Beach or Martha's Vineyard?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Martha's Vineyard in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Daytona Beach as well as Martha's Vineyard. Most visitors come to Daytona Beach for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Martha's Vineyard because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Daytona Beach is a little warmer than Martha's Vineyard in the summer. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Daytona Beach receives a lot of rain in the summer. Daytona Beach usually gets more rain in July than Martha's Vineyard. Daytona Beach gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Daytona Beach 81°F (27°C) 
    Martha's Vineyard 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Martha's Vineyard in the Autumn?

Both Martha's Vineyard and Daytona Beach are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Daytona Beach because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Martha's Vineyard this time of year.

In the autumn, Daytona Beach is much warmer than Martha's Vineyard. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Daytona Beach in October average around 74°F (23°C), and Martha's Vineyard averages at about 53°F (12°C).

It's quite rainy in Daytona Beach. In October, Daytona Beach usually receives more rain than Martha's Vineyard. Daytona Beach gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Daytona Beach 74°F (23°C) 
    Martha's Vineyard 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Martha's Vineyard in the Winter?

Both Martha's Vineyard and Daytona Beach during the winter are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Daytona Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Martha's Vineyard for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Martha's Vineyard. In January, Daytona Beach is generally much warmer than Martha's Vineyard. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 58°F (14°C), and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

Daytona Beach usually gets less rain in January than Martha's Vineyard. Daytona Beach gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Daytona Beach 58°F (14°C) 
    Martha's Vineyard 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Martha's Vineyard in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Daytona Beach and Martha's Vineyard. Many travelers come to Daytona Beach for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Martha's Vineyard in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Daytona Beach is much warmer than Martha's Vineyard in the spring. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 69°F (21°C) in April, and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In April, Daytona Beach usually receives less rain than Martha's Vineyard. Daytona Beach gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Daytona Beach 69°F (21°C) 
    Martha's Vineyard 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Martha's Vineyard and Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach Martha's Vineyard
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 58°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 65°F (18°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 69°F (21°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 75°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 6 inches (152 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 6.2 inches (157 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 80°F (26°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 66°F (19°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 60°F (16°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)