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

Should you visit Daytona Beach or Norfolk?

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

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Norfolk? 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 energetic, lively, and fun beach city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and beaches.

Norfolk

Norfolk is a authentic, blue collar, and maritime city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Daytona Beach and Norfolk: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Daytona Beach or Norfolk?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Daytona Beach than Norfolk. While Norfolk is larger than Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Daytona Beach is better known for its nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, and big city activities, while Norfolk is more popular for its museums, food, and shopping. Daytona Beach is more touristy than Norfolk and is known for its spring break culture, wild parties, and the Daytona 500 NASCAR race. Also, Daytona Beach is famous for The Daytona International Speedway. Norfolk is well known for its naval base and military presence.

How is Daytona Beach different from Norfolk?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Norfolk 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 Norfolk. There are some interesting museums in town like the Chrysler Museum, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, and the Norfolk Police and Fire Museum. You should also check out the Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin.

Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Norfolk 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 Norfolk area. You'll find a decent collection of restaurants in the downtown area. Food options include local seafood, brunch, casual eateries, and fine dining.

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 Norfolk Better for Nightlife?

Daytona Beach is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Daytona Beach is a world class party destination. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Norfolk has a few options to choose from. Downtown is where you'll find the most busy nightlife venues. The city has great breweries, and the live music scene has taken off. There are also lounges, dance clubs, and wine bars to choose from.

Is Daytona Beach or Norfolk Better for Music?

Daytona Beach is a popular place for live music. However, Norfolk is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Daytona Beach is active and vibrant. You can see live music at the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Bandshell and The Roof.

Norfolk is not a live music destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Norfolk Better for Resorts?

Daytona Beach is a beach city with a few options for its resorts. However, Norfolk is not a resort destination.

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.

Norfolk is not a resort destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Norfolk Better for Beaches?

Daytona Beach is a popular place for its beaches. However, Norfolk is not a beach destination.

Daytona Beach is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Norfolk is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Daytona Beach or Norfolk?

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

Many visitors go to Norfolk to go shopping. There's a mix of shopping malls, local boutiques, farmer's markets, and shopping centers around town.

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 Norfolk Better for Families?

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

Norfolk is a family-friendly place to visit. The Norfolk Zoo is always a hit with kids. You should also visit the USS Wisconsin which offers tours, as well as the Douglas MacArthur Memorial Museum.

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 Norfolk Better for Couples?

Daytona Beach is a popular place for romance. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Norfolk as a couple's destination. There are some nice hotels and several great parks and outdoor activities.

Is Daytona Beach or Norfolk Better for Students?

Daytona Beach is a must-visit destination for students. However, Norfolk is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Daytona Beach. It's one of the original Spring Break destinations, and the trend continues. If you're a student looking to cut loose, you'll find plenty of likeminded vacationers in the area, with many bars and hotels catering specifically to the younger crowd.

Norfolk is not popular with students.

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

Norfolk is a moderate city 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 Norfolk. While there are buses, ferries, and even lightrail in the area, you really want to have a car to get around.

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 Norfolk a more walkable city?

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

Norfolk is a somewhat walkable city. Downtown is the most walkable part of the city.

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 Norfolk Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Norfolk or Daytona Beach?

How long in Daytona Beach or Norfolk?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Daytona Beach or Norfolk to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Norfolk than Daytona Beach because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Daytona Beach, and 1-2 days is enough time in Norfolk.

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

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

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

One day in Daytona Beach or Norfolk?

In Daytona Beach, you'll find nightlife and live music. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This beach city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the blue collar destination of Norfolk. 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 Norfolk?

You'll find live music and nightlife around the energetic destination of Daytona Beach. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. 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 Norfolk. 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 Norfolk?

Daytona Beach is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the maritime destination of Norfolk. 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 Norfolk?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Daytona Beach. Many people enjoy the live music and nightlife when visiting Daytona Beach. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Norfolk. 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.

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

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 Norfolk Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Daytona Beach or Norfolk?

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

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Norfolk in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Daytona Beach and Norfolk. The summer months attract visitors to Daytona Beach because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Norfolk this time of year.

In the summer, Daytona Beach is around the same temperature as Norfolk. Typically, the summer temperatures in Daytona Beach in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Norfolk averages at about 79°F (26°C).

Norfolk receives a lot of rain in the summer. Daytona Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Daytona Beach usually receives around the same amount of rain as Norfolk. Daytona Beach gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Norfolk in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Daytona Beach as well as Norfolk. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Daytona Beach this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Norfolk for the shopping scene.

In October, Daytona Beach is generally a little warmer than Norfolk. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 74°F (23°C), and Norfolk fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

Daytona Beach receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Daytona Beach usually gets more rain in October than Norfolk. Daytona Beach gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Norfolk in the Winter?

Both Norfolk and Daytona Beach are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Daytona Beach for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Norfolk in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Norfolk can get quite cold in the winter. Daytona Beach is much warmer than Norfolk in the winter. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 58°F (14°C) in January, and Norfolk fluctuates around 39°F (4°C).

In January, Daytona Beach usually receives less rain than Norfolk. Daytona Beach gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Norfolk in the Spring?

Both Norfolk and Daytona Beach during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Daytona Beach in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Daytona Beach is a little warmer than Norfolk. Typically, the spring temperatures in Daytona Beach in April average around 69°F (21°C), and Norfolk averages at about 58°F (14°C).

Daytona Beach usually gets less rain in April than Norfolk. Daytona Beach gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Norfolk and Daytona Beach