A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Daytona Beach vs. Naples for Nightlife, Beaches, Food, and Resorts

Should you visit Daytona Beach or Naples?

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

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Naples? 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. 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.

Naples

Naples is a nature-filled, relaxing, and peaceful beach town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Daytona Beach and Naples: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Not as many resort options
  • Less attractive beach
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Daytona Beach or Naples?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Daytona Beach. Although Daytona Beach and Naples 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 Naples attracts visitors for its museums, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Daytona Beach is more touristy than Naples 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. Naples is famous for its white sand, blue water, water sports, and golf resorts.

How is Daytona Beach different from Naples?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Daytona Beach
Naples

Naples 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 Naples. While most visitors spend most of their time at the beach, on a rainy day you can check out the town's art museums, history museums, or local spots such as the Palm Cottage.

Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Daytona Beach
Naples

Naples 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 Naples is an experience not to be missed. Seafood is a favorite around town, but you'll also find plenty of Italian food. Everything from casual to fine dining is available with many local favorites to choose from.

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 Naples Better for Nightlife?

Daytona Beach
Naples

Daytona Beach is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Naples is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Daytona Beach is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. Spring break is when the parties are at their peak. For the most active nightlife head to A1A from Ormond-by-the-Sea to Ponce Inlet, Main and Beach Streets, and Seabreeze Boulevard, ONE DAYTONA and International Speedway Boulevard in Daytona Beach, and Granada Boulevard in Ormond Beach.

Naples has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are live music venues, cocktail bars, and dance clubs around town.

Is Daytona Beach or Naples Better for Music?

Daytona Beach
Naples

Daytona Beach is a beach city with good options for its music scene. However, Naples is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in Daytona Beach. You can see live music at the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Bandshell and The Roof.

Naples is not a live music destination.


Is Daytona Beach or Naples Better for Resorts?

Daytona Beach
Naples

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

Naples is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are luxury resorts, family-friendly hotels, and a range of prices to choose from. Most have pools and many have oceanfront views with golf facilities available. Many of the major brands such as Marriott are found here.

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 Naples Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Daytona Beach
Naples

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

Naples has a few good snorkeling spots. Snorkeling and scuba diving are both available in the area, in part because of the impressive artificial reefs that have been constructed. Snorkeling is available at Tigertail Beach, Clam Pass, and Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park.

Daytona Beach is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Naples Better for Beaches?

Daytona Beach
Naples

Naples is a must-visit destination for the beach. Also, Daytona Beach is not as famous, but is still a good beach city to visit for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Naples. White sand beaches and calm Gulf waters make this an ideal beach destination. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is a favorite beach spot in the area, but you should also check out Naples Municipal Beach which is where you'll find the Naples Pier. If you want a more natural setting, head to Barefoot Beach Preserve County Park.

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 Naples Better for Hiking?

Daytona Beach
Naples

Naples is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Daytona Beach is not a hiking destination.

Naples is a good destination for hiking. The area is filled with state parks and nature reserves where you can explore and enjoy a scenic hike. There are also greenways and coastal paths nearby.

Daytona Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Daytona Beach or Naples?

Daytona Beach
Naples

Naples is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for shopping.

Many visitors go to Naples to go shopping. You'll find shopping centers, outlet malls, and plenty of retail space around town. Some of the favorite shopping spots are the Mercato, Coastland Center, and Waterside Shops. For souvenirs and beach items head to Tin City Waterfront Shops.

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 Naples Better for Families?

Daytona Beach
Naples

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

Naples is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. You'll find relaxing beaches, nice parks, plenty of playgrounds, and even the Golisano Childrens Museum for rainy days. There are also nature centers with great walks as well as gardens and wildlife viewpoints.

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 Naples Better for Couples?

Daytona Beach
Naples

Naples 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.

Naples is a very popular place to visit for couples. Beautiful beaches and relaxing spas make this a favorite couples destination. Golf, high end restaurants and plenty of romantic activities will ensure you have the anniversary trip or honeymoon to remember.

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 Naples Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Daytona Beach
Naples

Naples is a popular place for backpackers. However, Daytona Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Naples. There's a hostel or two in the area as well as cheaper accommodation than other parts of Florida.

Daytona Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Naples Better for Students?

Daytona Beach
Naples

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

Daytona Beach is a very popular beach city 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.

Naples is not popular with students.


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

Daytona Beach
Naples

Naples is a moderate beach town 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 Naples. There's a trolley system as well as a public bus system.

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 Naples a more walkable city?

Daytona Beach
Naples

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

Naples is a somewhat walkable beach town. The downtown area is relatively walkable, but to fully explore the region you'll need your own car.

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 Naples Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Naples or Daytona Beach?

How long in Daytona Beach or Naples?

In either Daytona Beach or Naples, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Naples than Daytona Beach because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Daytona Beach, and 2-5 days is enough time in Naples.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Daytona Beach or Naples? Ideal Length of Stay
    Daytona Beach 7 
    Naples 2-5

One day in Daytona Beach or Naples?

Many travelers enjoy the live music and nightlife when visiting the destination of Daytona Beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the relaxing destination of Naples. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Don't miss the beaches, 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 Naples?

Daytona Beach is a great place to explore. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Naples. Most people come for the beaches. Don't miss the beaches, 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 Naples?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Daytona Beach. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the relaxing destination of Naples. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This beach 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 Naples?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the energetic destination of Daytona Beach. This beach city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the beach town of Naples. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Naples 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 Naples is $226. 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 Naples in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Daytona Beach $84
    Naples $119
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Daytona Beach $168
    Naples $238
Compare Hotels in Daytona Beach and Naples

Looking for a hotel in Daytona Beach or Naples? 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 Naples


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 Naples Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Daytona Beach $53
    Naples $62

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: $243
  • Private Transfer from New Smyrna Beach to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $188
  • Private Transfer from Daytona to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $203

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Naples

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

  • Marco Island to Southwest Airport (RSW) - Departure Private Transfer: $94
  • Naples to Southwest Florida Airport (RSW) - Departure Private Transfer: $103

Is it cheaper to fly into Daytona Beach or Naples?

Prices for flights to both Naples 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
    Naples $70

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 Naples

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

  • Traditional Greek Cooking Class in Naples Florida: $224

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Daytona Beach $28
    Naples $26

Tours and Activities in Daytona Beach

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

  • 2-Hour Glass Bottom Guided Eco Tour in Flagler County-Small-group: $70
  • Guided Kayaking or Standup Paddling Tour: $65
  • Dolphin and Manatee Kayak Tour of Daytona Beach: $65
  • Dolphin and Manatee Stand Up Paddleboard Tour in Daytona Beach: $65
  • Guided Wildlife Eco Kayak Tour in New Smyrna Beach: $45
  • New Smyrna Dolphin and Manatee Adventure Tour: $65
  • Orlando Manatee and Natural Spring Adventure Tour at Blue Springs: $65
  • Small-Group Sailing Tour in Daytona Beach: $79
  • The Great Daytona Wine Bar Tour: $40
  • Wildlife Tour of Indian River Lagoon with Experienced Captain: $32
  • Zipline Adventure through Tuscawilla Park: $59

Tours and Activities in Naples

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

  • Naples Kayak Rentals, Self Guided Eco Experience: $17
  • Self-Guided Island Tour - CLEAR or Standard Kayak or Board - Bonita Springs : $32
  • Guided Tour of Naples on a Vintage Trolley (Hop on - Hop off): $44
  • Naples Sightseeing Boat Tour: $54
  • Guided Dolphin Tour by Kayak & SUP - Big Hickory Island: $55
  • Sunset Cruise 40' Vessel: $57
  • Gulf of Mexico Sunset Cruise from Naples: $58
  • 10000 Islands Everglades Boat Tour : $59
  • 2 Hours Cycle Boat Sunset Tour in Marco Island : $59
  • Naples Florida Electric Trike Tour - Fun For The Entire Family!: $60
  • Kayak Tour Adventure Marco Island and Naples Florida: $60
  • Manatee Sightseeing and Wildlife Boat Tour: $60

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Daytona Beach $43
    Naples $38

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 from Daytona Beach: $40

Sample the Local Flavors in Naples

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

  • Epic Naples Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12


When comparing the travel costs between Daytona Beach and Naples, we can see that Naples 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 Naples Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Daytona Beach or Naples?

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