A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Daytona Beach vs. Olympic National Park for Resorts, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Daytona Beach or Olympic National Park?

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

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Olympic National Park? 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 fun, party-hard, and energetic beach city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the live music, beaches, and nightlife.

Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a stunning, vast, and pristine park. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and hiking.

Daytona Beach and Olympic National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Not as many resort options
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Daytona Beach or Olympic National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Daytona Beach. Although Daytona Beach and Olympic National Park are both popular with visitors, Daytona Beach has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Daytona Beach is more popular for its nightlife, music, beaches, and big city activities, while Olympic National Park is known for its museums, food, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Daytona Beach is more touristy than Olympic National Park and is known for its spring break culture, wild parties, and the Daytona 500 NASCAR race. It is also home to The Daytona International Speedway. Olympic National Park is popular for its diverse landscapes and its frequent rainfall.

How is Daytona Beach different from Olympic National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Olympic National Park 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 Olympic National Park?

Daytona Beach
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park 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 Olympic National Park. There are several museums near the park that highlight the region's history, culture, and geology. These include the Makah Cultural & Research Center Museum, Forks Timber Museum, Sequim Museum, and Squaxin Island Museum, Library and Research Center.

Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Daytona Beach or Olympic National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Daytona Beach
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park 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 Olympic National Park area. Most of the lodges have restaurants within the park, but they can be overpriced. There are also restaurants just outside of the park's border.

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 Olympic National Park Better for Nightlife?

Daytona Beach
Olympic National Park

Daytona Beach is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its evening party scene.

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.

Olympic National Park doesn't offer many options. You can enjoy a peaceful natural setting after the sun sets.

Is Daytona Beach or Olympic National Park Better for Music?

Daytona Beach
Olympic National Park

Daytona Beach is a popular place for its live music scene. However, Olympic National Park 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.

Olympic National Park is not a live music destination.


Is Daytona Beach or Olympic National Park Better for Resorts?

Daytona Beach
Olympic National Park

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

Olympic National Park is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are several lodges within the park as well as cabins and inns. Some have a historic atmosphere while others are more rustic. It's best to book well in advance, particularly if you're visiting during the peak summer months.

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 Olympic National Park Better for Beaches?

Daytona Beach
Olympic National Park

Daytona Beach is a popular place for the beache. However, Olympic National Park 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.

Olympic National Park is not a beach destination. The park has a rugged coastline with sandy beaches. Many people enjoy exploring the tidal pools or watching the sun set. Some of the best beaches include Kalaloch Beach, Beach 4, and Ruby Beach.

Is Daytona Beach or Olympic National Park Better for Hiking?

Daytona Beach
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a must-visit destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Daytona Beach is not a hiking destination.

People visit Olympic National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Hiking trails will take you through the diverse range of landscapes. There are mountain climbs, coastal trails, and routes that wander through old growth forests. You'll also find a mix of day hikes and backcountry wilderness hikes. Mount Storm King, Marymere Falls, and the High Divide are favorite hikes in the park, but there are countless others.

Daytona Beach is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Daytona Beach or Olympic National Park?

Daytona Beach
Olympic National Park

Both Daytona Beach and Olympic National Park are decent shopping destinations.

Daytona Beach has some good spots for those that want to go 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.

Olympic National Park is a good destination for shopping. There's a park store where you can pick up books, informational resources, and souvenirs.

Is Daytona Beach or Olympic National Park Better for Families?

Daytona Beach
Olympic National Park

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

Olympic National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy exploring the tidal pools and running around the beach. It's also fun to lose yourself in the old growth rainforests and spend some time kayaking or canoeing at Lake Crescent.

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 Olympic National Park Better for Couples?

Daytona Beach
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park 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.

Olympic National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy hiking, camping, and natural beauty will love exploring this park together. There are a diversity of ecosystems and landscapes where you can enjoy a couples retreat together.

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 Olympic National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Daytona Beach
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a must-visit destination for backpackers. However, Daytona Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Olympic National Park is a very popular park to visit for backpackers. There are many beautiful backcountry destinations that let you experience this park in depth. Make sure you purchase a permit in advance.

Daytona Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Olympic National Park Better for Students?

Daytona Beach
Olympic National Park

Daytona Beach is a must-visit destination for students. However, Olympic National Park 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.

Olympic National Park is not popular with students.

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

Daytona Beach
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a moderate park 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 Olympic National Park. There are buses and ferries to the park, but the park is large and requires a private vehicle to fully access it.

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 Olympic National Park a more walkable city?

Daytona Beach
Olympic National Park

Neither Daytona Beach or Olympic National Park are walkable places.

Daytona Beach is not a walkable beach city. This area requires a car if you want to access restaurants, nightlife, or anything away from your hotel.

Olympic National Park is not a very walkable beach city. The park is large and you'll need a car to reach most of the trailheads.

For even more information, also check out Is Daytona Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Olympic National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Olympic National Park or Daytona Beach?

How long in Daytona Beach or Olympic National Park?

In either Daytona Beach or Olympic National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Olympic National Park 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 Olympic National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Olympic National Park 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 Olympic National Park.


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

One day in Daytona Beach or Olympic National Park?

In Daytona Beach, you'll find nightlife and live music. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the vast destination of Olympic National Park. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Don't miss the hiking, 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 Olympic National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Daytona Beach. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It offers something for everyone.

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

Daytona Beach is a fun place to experience. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the pristine destination of Olympic National Park. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This park 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 Olympic National Park?

You'll find live music and nightlife around the lively destination of Daytona Beach. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find museums and food around the beautiful park of Olympic National Park. 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, Olympic National Park 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 Olympic National Park is $124. 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 Olympic National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Daytona Beach $84
    Olympic National Park $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Daytona Beach $168
    Olympic National Park $98
Compare Hotels in Daytona Beach and Olympic National Park

Looking for a hotel in Daytona Beach or Olympic National Park? 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 Olympic National Park


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Daytona Beach $53
    Olympic National Park $68

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Daytona Beach

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Daytona Beach:

  • Private Transfer from New Smyrna Beach to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $185
  • Private Transfer from Daytona to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $200
  • Private Transfer from New Smyrna Beach to Port Canaveral: $239

Is it cheaper to fly into Daytona Beach or Olympic National Park?

Prices for flights to both Olympic National Park 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
    Olympic National Park $35

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
    Olympic National Park $26

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
  • Wildlife Tour of Indian River Lagoon with Experienced Captain: $32
  • The Great Daytona Wine Bar Tour: $40
  • Guided Wildlife Eco Kayak Tour in New Smyrna Beach: $45
  • Zipline Adventure through Tuscawilla Park: $59
  • New Smyrna Dolphin and Manatee Kayak and SUP Adventure Tour: $65
  • Dolphin and Manatee Stand Up Paddleboard Tour in Daytona Beach: $65
  • Orlando Manatee and Natural Spring Adventure Tour at Blue Springs: $65
  • Dolphin and Manatee Kayak Tour of Daytona Beach: $65
  • Ormond Beach Manatee and Nature Tour Kayaking or Paddle Boarding: $65
  • Guided Kayaking or Standup Paddling Tour: $65
  • 2 Hour Coastal Discovery Cruise: $75

Tours and Activities in Olympic National Park

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Olympic National Park are as follows:

  • Olympic Audio Driving Tour: $15
  • Olympic Full Day Small Group Tour: $299

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Daytona Beach $43
    Olympic National Park $5.57

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 Olympic National Park, we can see that Daytona Beach is more expensive. And not only is Olympic National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Olympic National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Olympic National Park 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 Olympic National Park.

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 Olympic National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Daytona Beach or Olympic National Park?

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 Olympic National Park in the Summer?

Both Olympic National Park and Daytona Beach are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Daytona Beach because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Olympic National Park this time of year.

In July, Daytona Beach is generally much warmer than Olympic National Park. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 81°F (27°C), and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

It's quite rainy in Daytona Beach. In July, Daytona Beach usually receives more rain than Olympic National Park. Daytona Beach gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Daytona Beach 81°F (27°C) 
    Olympic National Park 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Olympic National Park in the Autumn?

Both Olympic National Park and Daytona Beach during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Daytona Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Olympic National Park for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Daytona Beach is much warmer than Olympic National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 74°F (23°C) in October, and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

Olympic National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Daytona Beach. Daytona Beach usually gets less rain in October than Olympic National Park. Daytona Beach gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 10.4 inches (263 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Daytona Beach 74°F (23°C) 
    Olympic National Park 51°F (10°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Olympic National Park in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Daytona Beach and Olympic National Park. Many travelers come to Daytona Beach for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Olympic National Park in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Olympic National Park can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Daytona Beach is much warmer than Olympic National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Daytona Beach in January average around 58°F (14°C), and Olympic National Park averages at about 41°F (5°C).

Olympic National Park receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Daytona Beach usually receives less rain than Olympic National Park. Daytona Beach gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 13.7 inches (349 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Daytona Beach 58°F (14°C) 
    Olympic National Park 41°F (5°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Olympic National Park in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Daytona Beach as well as Olympic National Park. Many visitors come to Daytona Beach in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Olympic National Park for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Daytona Beach is generally much warmer than Olympic National Park. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 69°F (21°C), and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 47°F (8°C).

It's quite rainy in Olympic National Park. Daytona Beach usually gets less rain in April than Olympic National Park. Daytona Beach gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Daytona Beach 69°F (21°C) 
    Olympic National Park 47°F (8°C)

Typical Weather for Olympic National Park and Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach Olympic National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 58°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 41°F (5°C) 13.7 inches (349 mm)
Feb 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 43°F (6°C) 12.2 inches (311 mm)
Mar 65°F (18°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 44°F (7°C) 11.6 inches (294 mm)
Apr 69°F (21°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 47°F (8°C) 7.4 inches (189 mm)
May 75°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 52°F (11°C) 5.6 inches (142 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 6 inches (152 mm) 56°F (13°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 60°F (15°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 6.2 inches (157 mm) 60°F (16°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Sep 80°F (26°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 58°F (14°C) 5 inches (126 mm)
Oct 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 51°F (10°C) 10.4 inches (263 mm)
Nov 66°F (19°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 45°F (7°C) 14 inches (355 mm)
Dec 60°F (16°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 41°F (5°C) 15 inches (380 mm)