A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Daytona Beach vs. Orlando for Nightlife, Resorts, Families, and Food

Should you visit Daytona Beach or Orlando?

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

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Orlando? 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.

Orlando

Orlando is a active, family-friendly, and entertaining city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Daytona Beach and Orlando: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Daytona Beach or Orlando?

Both Orlando and Daytona Beach have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Daytona Beach is better known for its nightlife, music, beaches, and big city activities, while Orlando is more popular for its theatre productions, food, resorts, and shopping. Daytona Beach is well known for its spring break culture, wild parties, and the Daytona 500 NASCAR race. Orlando is well known for being the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and many other theme parks and family-friendly activities.

How is Daytona Beach different from Orlando?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Orlando and Daytona Beach. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Daytona Beach or Orlando Better for Theater?

Orlando is a popular place for its shows and theatre. However, Daytona Beach is not a theatre destination.

Orlando offers a number of shows and performances. The city has a number of local theaters that are fun to explore. As home to Disney World and Universal Studios, there are also a number of shows available that are affiliated with the parks.

Daytona Beach is not a theatre destination.

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

Orlando 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 Orlando is an experience not to be missed. There are a diversity of restaurants on the Disney grounds and nearby. You'll also find many restaurants at Universal CityWalk and Disney Springs. Food can be expensive, and the quality can vary dramatically. Many people enjoy going to dinner shows as well. Restaurants can be challenging also, as reservations must be made months in advance.

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 Orlando Better for Nightlife?

Daytona Beach is renowned for nightlife. Also, Orlando is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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 Orlando. If you need a break from the kids, you'll find some of the best nightlife around Orlando at Disney Springs, Wall Street Plaza and Universal CityWalk.

Is Daytona Beach or Orlando Better for Music?

Daytona Beach is a popular place for live music. However, Orlando 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.

Orlando is not a live music destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Orlando Better for Resorts?

Orlando is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its luxury resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Orlando is a great choice. Disney World is famous for its many iconic resorts. Some of the most popular are the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Port Orleans Resort, and the Grand Floridian Resort. There are also many resorts that aren't affiliated with the major theme parks. These tend to be more affordable, but transportation options to and from the park are limited. You'll also miss out on the perks that come with staying at a theme park resort.

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 Orlando Better for Beaches?

Daytona Beach is a popular place for its beaches. However, Orlando 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.

Orlando is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Daytona Beach or Orlando?

Orlando 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 Orlando. Shopping is a dream for any Disney enthusiast. There are countless malls and shops, both on and off the Disney grounds, that sell all of the Disney paraphernalia. Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk are the most famous areas. During the evenings, these areas can be very crowded, but during the day they're less popular as most people are at the theme parks.

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 Orlando Better for Christmas?

Orlando is a must-visit destination for its Christmas activities. However, Daytona Beach does not offer Christmas activities.

Orlando is a world class destination during the Christmas season. Christmas at Disney World is lots of fun. There are decorations and all kinds of seasonal activities around town.

Daytona Beach does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Daytona Beach or Orlando Better for Families?

Orlando is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Orlando is a very family-friendly destination. Known as a theme park capital, here you'll find the iconic Disney World, as well as Universal Studios, SeaWorld and many more. While most people spend their vacation at the Disney or Universal resorts, there is also an endless supply of less mainstream parks and activities in the area.

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 Orlando Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Daytona Beach and Orlando make for a notable 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.

Orlando is a nice destination for couples. While most people visit the area with family, there is a niche crowd that enjoys honeymooning or vacationing here as a couple. There are many beautiful restaurants and interesting activities that couples can enjoy together. This is the perfect trip for fun loving couples who don't take themselves to seriously.

Is Daytona Beach or Orlando Better for Students?

Daytona Beach is renowned for its student-friendly activities. Also, Orlando is not as popular, but is still a nice city for 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.

Orlando is a good beach city to visit for students. Most people don't think about education when they think about Orlando, but there are actually a diversity of internships and opportunities for students to learn in a fun setting.

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

Orlando 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 Orlando. If you're staying at a Disney Property, there is excellent transportation around the complex, but otherwise, a car is essential.

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 Orlando a more walkable city?

Neither Daytona Beach or Orlando 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.

Orlando is not a very walkable beach city. The city is sprawling, so unless you stay on the Disney grounds, it's best to rent a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Orlando or Daytona Beach?

How long in Daytona Beach or Orlando?

Both Daytona Beach and Orlando have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Orlando has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Orlando than Daytona Beach. However, 7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Daytona Beach or Orlando?

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 theater when visiting the active destination of Orlando. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Orlando?

In Daytona Beach, you'll find live music and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. 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 Orlando. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Five days in Daytona Beach or Orlando?

Daytona Beach is a great place to explore. Since there is so much to do in the area, five days is probably not enough for all of it. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the family-friendly destination of Orlando. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A week in Daytona Beach or Orlando?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Daytona Beach. In Daytona Beach, you'll find live music and nightlife. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the city of Orlando. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. 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 Orlando, we can see that Orlando 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 Orlando would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Orlando 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 Orlando Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Daytona Beach or Orlando?

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

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 Orlando in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Daytona Beach as well as Orlando. 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 family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Orlando this time of year.

In the summer, Daytona Beach is around the same temperature as Orlando. Typically, the summer temperatures in Daytona Beach in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Orlando averages at about 82°F (28°C).

It's quite rainy in Orlando. Daytona Beach receives a lot of rain in the summer. Daytona Beach usually gets less rain in July than Orlando. Daytona Beach gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Orlando receives 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Orlando in the Autumn?

Both Orlando and Daytona Beach are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Orlando for the shopping scene.

In October, Daytona Beach is generally around the same temperature as Orlando. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 74°F (23°C), and Orlando fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Orlando. It's quite rainy in Daytona Beach. In October, Daytona Beach usually receives around the same amount of rain as Orlando. Daytona Beach gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Orlando receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Orlando in the Winter?

Both Orlando and Daytona Beach during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Daytona Beach for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Orlando in the winter for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Daytona Beach is around the same temperature as Orlando in the winter. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 58°F (14°C) in January, and Orlando fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

Daytona Beach usually gets more rain in January than Orlando. Daytona Beach gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Orlando receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Orlando in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Daytona Beach and Orlando. Many visitors come to Daytona Beach in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Daytona Beach is around the same temperature as Orlando. Typically, the spring temperatures in Daytona Beach in April average around 69°F (21°C), and Orlando averages at about 72°F (22°C).

In April, Daytona Beach usually receives less rain than Orlando. Daytona Beach gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Orlando receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Orlando and Daytona Beach