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

Should you visit Daytona Beach or Minneapolis?

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

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Minneapolis? 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. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the live music, beaches, and nightlife.

Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a diverse, dynamic, and innovative city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Daytona Beach and Minneapolis: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Daytona Beach or Minneapolis?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Daytona Beach than Minneapolis. While Minneapolis is larger than Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach has more sights and attractions for tourists. Daytona Beach is more popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, and beaches, while Minneapolis is known for its museums, food, and shopping. Daytona Beach is more touristy than Minneapolis and is popular for its spring break culture, wild parties, and the Daytona 500 NASCAR race. It is also home to The Daytona International Speedway. Minneapolis is popular for its professional sports teams, countless outdoor activities, and friendly people.

How is Daytona Beach different from Minneapolis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Daytona Beach
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Minneapolis offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There's a wide variety of museums that include art, history, science, and local culture. Some of the favorite museums in the city are the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Walker Art Center, the American Swedish Institute, and the Weisman Art Museum.

Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Daytona Beach
Minneapolis

Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis area. Dishes in the Midwest are known for being hearty comfort foods, and the food in Minneapolis is no exception. You'll find cheese-stuffed burgers that are known as Juicy Lucys, Tator Tot casseroles, and deep-fried cheese curds. For international food, there's a variety of Scandinavian options around town.

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 Minneapolis Better for Nightlife?

Daytona Beach
Minneapolis

Daytona Beach is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

People head to Daytona Beach just to party. 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.

Minneapolis is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There are diverse neighborhoods that each have their own personality. You'll find rooftop lounges in Uptown, international venues in Whittier, and trendy bars in the North Loop. But at the heart of the city's nightlife scene is Downtown Minneapolis.

Is Daytona Beach or Minneapolis Better for Music?

Daytona Beach
Minneapolis

Daytona Beach is a nice place to visit for its live music scene. However, Minneapolis is not a live music destination.

The music scene helps keep Daytona Beach active and fun. You can see live music at the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Bandshell and The Roof.

Minneapolis is not a live music destination.


Is Daytona Beach or Minneapolis Better for Resorts?

Daytona Beach
Minneapolis

Daytona Beach is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Minneapolis 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.

Minneapolis is not a resort destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Minneapolis Better for Beaches?

Daytona Beach
Minneapolis

Daytona Beach is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Minneapolis is not a beach destination.

Daytona Beach has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Minneapolis is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Daytona Beach or Minneapolis?

Daytona Beach
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for shopping.

Minneapolis is a world class destination for shoppers. Known for the megamall, Mall of America, this is a shopper's paradise. Mall of America is the largest shopping mall in the country and it even has an aquarium and a theme park within it. In addition to this iconic shopping mall, Minneapolis also has many shopping districts including the Minnehaha Mile.

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 Minneapolis Better for Families?

Daytona Beach
Minneapolis

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

Minneapolis is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Mall of America is at the top of the list for most families, but there's also plenty of kid-friendly museums around town as well as nature centers, parks, and playgrounds. There's the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, the Minnesota Zoo, and Afton Apple Orchard. For museums, kids will love the Minnesota Children's Museum or the Science Museum of Minnesota.

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 Minneapolis Better for Couples?

Daytona Beach
Minneapolis

With fun activities for couples, both Daytona Beach and Minneapolis make for a good place to visit.

Daytona Beach is a good beach city for couples to visit. 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.

Minneapolis is a nice destination for couples. There are beautiful parks and outdoor spaces to explore as well as museums and fine dining. Couples will appreciate stopping by the Stone Arch Bridge or wandering through the Lyndale Park Rose Garden.

Is Daytona Beach or Minneapolis Better for Students?

Daytona Beach
Minneapolis

Daytona Beach is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Daytona Beach is a great destination 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.

Students come from all over to stay in Minneapolis. There are a number of colleges and universities in the area including the University of Minnesota. The city is known for its academic and intellectual focus, and students will enjoy being challenged educationally while enjoying a dynamic city.


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

Daytona Beach
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a popular place for its public transit. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for times when you don't have a car.

Minneapolis has a few public transit options. There are buses, light rail, and commuter trains that stop at many of the major entertainment centers around town.

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 Minneapolis a more walkable city?

Daytona Beach
Minneapolis

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

Minneapolis is a somewhat walkable city. There are neighborhoods that are dense enough to be walkable, but the city is still very car-focused.

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 Minneapolis Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Minneapolis or Daytona Beach?

How long in Daytona Beach or Minneapolis?

It's fun to spend time in either Daytona Beach or Minneapolis. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Minneapolis due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Daytona Beach, and 2-4 days is enough time in Minneapolis.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Daytona Beach or Minneapolis? Ideal Length of Stay
    Daytona Beach 7 
    Minneapolis 2-4

One day in Daytona Beach or Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the lively beach city of Daytona Beach. Most people visit for the nightlife. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the innovative destination of Minneapolis. Don't miss the shopping, 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 Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the live music and nightlife when visiting the fun destination of Daytona Beach. This beach city offers something for everyone. 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 Minneapolis. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. 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 Minneapolis?

The party-hard beach city of Daytona Beach offers nightlife and live music. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the innovative destination of Minneapolis. 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 Minneapolis?

Many people enjoy the live music and nightlife when visiting Daytona Beach. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the nightlife. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Minneapolis. 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, Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis is $206. 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 Minneapolis in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Daytona Beach $84
    Minneapolis $110
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Daytona Beach $168
    Minneapolis $220
Compare Hotels in Daytona Beach and Minneapolis

Looking for a hotel in Daytona Beach or Minneapolis? 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 Minneapolis


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 Minneapolis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Daytona Beach $53
    Minneapolis $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 New Smyrna Beach to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $185
  • Private Transfer from Daytona to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $200

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Minneapolis

Also for Minneapolis, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Minneapolis Airport (MSP) to Minneapolis - Arrival Private Transfer: $69
  • Private Departure Transfer to Minneapolis Airport MSP: $88
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Minneapolis Airport MSP: $88
  • Minneapolis Airport (MSP) to Minneapolis - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $138

Is it cheaper to fly into Daytona Beach or Minneapolis?

Prices for flights to both Minneapolis 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
    Minneapolis $40

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Minneapolis

For Minneapolis, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Minneapolis Food Tour - Walking: $115

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Daytona Beach $28
    Minneapolis $27

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 Coastal Discovery Cruise: $75
  • 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
  • Electric Bike Tour of New Smyrna Beach: $115
  • 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

Tours and Activities in Minneapolis

For Minneapolis, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • In the Footsteps of Prince: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Downtown Minneapolis: $7.99
  • Mighty Mississippi Self Guided Minneapolis Riverside Tour: $7.99
  • Minnehaha Falls: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Minneapolis: $7.99
  • Minnehaha Falls: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Minneapolis: $7.99
  • Mighty Mississippi: A Self-Guided Riverside Walking Tour: $7.99
  • In the Footsteps of Prince: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Saint Paul by Operation City Quest: $10
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour of the Riverfront: $11
  • Minnesota Twins Baseball Game Ticket at Target Field: $14
  • St. Paul Historic Cave Tour: $15
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Minneapolis with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • Lost Souls Tour: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Daytona Beach $43
    Minneapolis $24

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Minneapolis

Also in Minneapolis, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • History and 4-Bar Crawl Guided Walking Tour: $69
  • All-Inclusive Minneapolis Craft Brewery Tour: $85
  • 3-Hour Craft Brewery Tour: $100


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


Which is Bigger, Daytona Beach or Minneapolis?

Minneapolis has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Daytona Beach. When comparing the sizes of Daytona Beach and Minneapolis, 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 Minneapolis?

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 Minneapolis in the Summer?

Both Minneapolis and Daytona Beach during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Daytona Beach for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Minneapolis in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Daytona Beach is generally a little warmer than Minneapolis. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 81°F (27°C), and Minneapolis fluctuates around 76°F (25°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Daytona Beach. Daytona Beach usually gets more rain in July than Minneapolis. Daytona Beach gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Daytona Beach 81°F (27°C) 
    Minneapolis 76°F (25°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Minneapolis in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Daytona Beach and Minneapolis. Many visitors come to Daytona Beach in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, most visitors come to Minneapolis for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Daytona Beach is much warmer than Minneapolis in the autumn. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 74°F (23°C) in October, and Minneapolis fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

Daytona Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Daytona Beach usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. Daytona Beach gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Daytona Beach 74°F (23°C) 
    Minneapolis 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Minneapolis in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Daytona Beach as well as Minneapolis. Most visitors come to Daytona Beach for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Minneapolis because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Minneapolis can be very cold. In the winter, Daytona Beach is much warmer than Minneapolis. Typically, the winter temperatures in Daytona Beach in January average around 58°F (14°C), and Minneapolis averages at about 15°F (-10°C).

Daytona Beach usually gets more rain in January than Minneapolis. Daytona Beach gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Daytona Beach 58°F (14°C) 
    Minneapolis 15°F (-10°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Minneapolis in the Spring?

Both Minneapolis and Daytona Beach are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Daytona Beach because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Minneapolis this time of year.

In April, Daytona Beach is generally much warmer than Minneapolis. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 69°F (21°C), and Minneapolis fluctuates around 49°F (10°C).

In April, Daytona Beach usually receives around the same amount of rain as Minneapolis. Daytona Beach gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Daytona Beach 69°F (21°C) 
    Minneapolis 49°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Minneapolis and Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach Minneapolis
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 58°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 15°F (-10°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Feb 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm)
Mar 65°F (18°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 34°F (1°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)
Apr 69°F (21°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 49°F (10°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
May 75°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 62°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 6 inches (152 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 76°F (25°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 6.2 inches (157 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Sep 80°F (26°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 64°F (18°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Oct 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 52°F (11°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Nov 66°F (19°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 36°F (2°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Dec 60°F (16°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)