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

Should you visit Daytona Beach or Nantucket?

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

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Nantucket? 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. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and beaches.

Nantucket

Nantucket is a charming, serene, and peaceful island. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Daytona Beach and Nantucket: 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
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Daytona Beach or Nantucket?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nantucket than Daytona Beach, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nantucket is better known for its museums, food, resorts, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Daytona Beach is more popular for its nightlife, music, and big city activities. Daytona Beach is more touristy than Nantucket and is popular for its spring break culture, wild parties, and the Daytona 500 NASCAR race. Nantucket is well known for its pristine beaches, upscale atmosphere, and history of whaling. Also, Nantucket is famous for Great Point Lighthouse.

How is Daytona Beach different from Nantucket?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Daytona Beach
Nantucket

Nantucket is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Nantucket. There are several museums around town that educate visitors on the island's whaling history and maritime past.

Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Daytona Beach
Nantucket

Nantucket is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its restaurants.

For foodies, Nantucket is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Upscale eateries where you can look out on the water make dining on this island a true experience. There are raw bars, seafood restaurants, and local cafes with elaborate salads and duck carnitas. Dishes usually use the highest quality fresh ingredients and chefs bring their "A game" with every customer.

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 Nantucket Better for Nightlife?

Daytona Beach
Nantucket

Daytona Beach is renowned for nightlife. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island for nightlife and partying.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Nantucket. You'll find a number of bars and a lively singles scene in town. There's also live music and a laid back but active atmosphere in the evening.

Is Daytona Beach or Nantucket Better for Music?

Daytona Beach
Nantucket

Daytona Beach is very good for live music. However, Nantucket is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Daytona Beach. You can see live music at the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Bandshell and The Roof.

Nantucket is not a live music destination.


Is Daytona Beach or Nantucket Better for Resorts?

Daytona Beach
Nantucket

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

Nantucket is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Luxury resorts and upscale inns offer guests a relaxed setting with oceanfront views and family-friendly activities.

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 Nantucket Better for Beaches?

Daytona Beach
Nantucket

Nantucket 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.

Nantucket is considered a top beach destination. You'll find the calmest water at the northern beaches, and cooler water with rougher surf to the south. Many of the beaches are accessible from town, but parking can be limited. There are both public and private beaches, each with beautiful settings and relaxing vibes.

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 Nantucket Better for its Old Town?

Daytona Beach
Nantucket

Nantucket 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 Nantucket. The Historic District is filled with New England charm, cobblestone streets, and upscale boutiques. There are many great restaurants and a lot of historic character.

Daytona Beach does not have a historic old town.


Is Daytona Beach or Nantucket Better for Hiking?

Daytona Beach
Nantucket

Nantucket is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Daytona Beach is not a hiking destination.

Nantucket is a popular spot for hiking. The island is easy to explore on foot, and its covered with hiking trails that follow the serene coastline or take you through forests, bogs, and marshland.

Daytona Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Daytona Beach or Nantucket?

Daytona Beach
Nantucket

Nantucket 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 Nantucket. The Historic District is filled with boutiques, art galleries, and upscale shops. It's the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering around and shopping.

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 Nantucket Better for Families?

Daytona Beach
Nantucket

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

Nantucket is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There's a calm beach that's perfect for kids as well as quaint ice cream shops and plenty of New England charm. The town is also filled with hiking and biking trails.

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 Nantucket Better for Couples?

Daytona Beach
Nantucket

Nantucket 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.

Nantucket makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The New England charm, natural beauty, and relaxing coastal atmosphere make this a perfect romantic destination. There are also many romantic places to stay and great local restaurants.

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 Nantucket Better for Students?

Daytona Beach
Nantucket

Daytona Beach is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Nantucket is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit 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.

Nantucket is not popular with students.

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

Daytona Beach
Nantucket

Nantucket 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.

Nantucket has a few public transit options. There are shuttle buses around the island that operate with greater frequency during the summer months.

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 Nantucket a more walkable city?

Daytona Beach
Nantucket

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

Nantucket is a very walkable destination. The town is very walkable and parking can be challenging, so it's best to leave your car in the ferry parking lot.

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 Nantucket Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nantucket or Daytona Beach?

How long in Daytona Beach or Nantucket?

It's fun to spend time in either Daytona Beach or Nantucket. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Nantucket 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 Nantucket.

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

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

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


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

One day in Daytona Beach or Nantucket?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the beach city of Daytona Beach. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Even though Nantucket is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Don't miss the food, 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 Nantucket?

You'll find live music and nightlife around the fun destination of Daytona Beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This beach city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nantucket. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the food, 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 Nantucket?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the energetic beach city of Daytona Beach. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Nantucket 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 Nantucket?

Daytona Beach is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Nantucket 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 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, Nantucket 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 Nantucket is $350. 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 Nantucket in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Daytona Beach $84
    Nantucket $237
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Daytona Beach $168
    Nantucket $474
Compare Hotels in Daytona Beach and Nantucket

Looking for a hotel in Daytona Beach or Nantucket? 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 Nantucket


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 Nantucket Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Daytona Beach $53
    Nantucket $47

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: $200
  • Private Transfer from New Smyrna Beach to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $185

Is it cheaper to fly into Daytona Beach or Nantucket?

Prices for flights to both Nantucket 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
    Nantucket $81

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
    Nantucket $34

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Daytona Beach $43
    Nantucket $35

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 Nantucket, we can see that Nantucket 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 Nantucket would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nantucket 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 Nantucket Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Daytona Beach or Nantucket?

Daytona Beach has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Nantucket. When comparing the sizes of Daytona Beach and Nantucket, 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 Nantucket?

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 Nantucket in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Daytona Beach as well as Nantucket. The beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Daytona Beach this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Nantucket for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Daytona Beach is a little warmer than Nantucket. Typically, the summer temperatures in Daytona Beach in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Nantucket averages at about 68°F (20°C).

Daytona Beach receives a lot of rain in the summer. Daytona Beach usually gets more rain in July than Nantucket. Daytona Beach gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Daytona Beach 81°F (27°C) 
    Nantucket 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Nantucket in the Autumn?

Both Nantucket and Daytona Beach are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Daytona Beach for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, many visitors come to Nantucket in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Daytona Beach is generally much warmer than Nantucket. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 74°F (23°C), and Nantucket fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nantucket. It's quite rainy in Daytona Beach. In October, Daytona Beach usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nantucket. Daytona Beach gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Daytona Beach 74°F (23°C) 
    Nantucket 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Nantucket in the Winter?

Both Nantucket and Daytona Beach during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Daytona Beach in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Nantucket for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Nantucket can be very cold during winter. Daytona Beach is much warmer than Nantucket in the winter. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 58°F (14°C) in January, and Nantucket fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

Nantucket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Daytona Beach usually gets less rain in January than Nantucket. Daytona Beach gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Daytona Beach 58°F (14°C) 
    Nantucket 31°F (-0°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Nantucket in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Daytona Beach and Nantucket. Most visitors come to Daytona Beach for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Nantucket because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Daytona Beach is much warmer than Nantucket. Typically, the spring temperatures in Daytona Beach in April average around 69°F (21°C), and Nantucket averages at about 45°F (7°C).

Nantucket receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Daytona Beach usually receives less rain than Nantucket. Daytona Beach gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Daytona Beach 69°F (21°C) 
    Nantucket 45°F (7°C)

Typical Weather for Nantucket and Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach Nantucket
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 58°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 31°F (-0°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Feb 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 32°F (-0°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)
Mar 65°F (18°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (102 mm)
Apr 69°F (21°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 45°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
May 75°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 6 inches (152 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 6.2 inches (157 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Sep 80°F (26°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 62°F (17°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Oct 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 53°F (12°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm)
Nov 66°F (19°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Dec 60°F (16°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 36°F (2°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)