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

Should you visit Daytona Beach or Richmond?

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

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Richmond? 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. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include beaches, nightlife, and live music.

Richmond

Richmond is a friendly, historical, and growing city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Daytona Beach and Richmond: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for students


Is there more to do in Daytona Beach or Richmond?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Daytona Beach than Richmond. While Richmond is larger than Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Daytona Beach is very popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, and big city activities, while Richmond attracts visitors for its museums, food, and shopping. Daytona Beach is more touristy than Richmond and is known for its spring break culture, wild parties, and the Daytona 500 NASCAR race. It is also well known for The Daytona International Speedway. Richmond is famous for its cultural and historical sights.

How is Daytona Beach different from Richmond?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Daytona Beach
Richmond

Richmond is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Richmond offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city has a long history which you can learn about at one of the many museums. There's the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, and the Black History Museum. There are also landmarks and historical homes.

Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Daytona Beach
Richmond

Richmond 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 Richmond area. The food scene has been growing around town, and there are food halls and local restaurants that serve diverse and interesting dishes. You'll find Indian, Asian, and European restaurants in addition to local classics.

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 Richmond Better for Nightlife?

Daytona Beach
Richmond

Daytona Beach is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. Also, Richmond is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

People head to Daytona Beach just to party. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Richmond. You'll find diverse bars and clubs around town. Pubs are usually laid back with a relaxed atmosphere. You'll also find live music that includes bluegrass, country, and jazz.

Is Daytona Beach or Richmond Better for Music?

Daytona Beach
Richmond

Daytona Beach is very good for its music scene. However, Richmond 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.

Richmond is not a live music destination.


Is Daytona Beach or Richmond Better for Resorts?

Daytona Beach
Richmond

Daytona Beach is a moderate beach city for its resorts. However, Richmond is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Daytona Beach as a resort destination, but it has a few places. 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.

Richmond is not a resort destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Richmond Better for Beaches?

Daytona Beach
Richmond

Daytona Beach is very good for the beach. However, Richmond is not a beach destination.

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.

Richmond is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Daytona Beach or Richmond?

Daytona Beach
Richmond

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

Many visitors go to Richmond to go shopping. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers around town, but there are also eclectic shopping streets and boutique outlets.

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 Richmond Better for Families?

Daytona Beach
Richmond

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

Richmond is a family-friendly place to visit. The Children's Museum of Richmond offers hands-on exhibits that will keep young ones entertained. Another fun option is the Science Museum of Virginia. The city also has parks and outdoor places to explore as well as playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants.

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 Richmond Better for Couples?

Daytona Beach
Richmond

With fun activities for couples, both Daytona Beach and Richmond make for a nice 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.

Richmond is a nice destination for couples. Kayaking or tubing on the James River is a great activity for couples. There are also museums and many restaurants that are perfect for a date night.

Is Daytona Beach or Richmond Better for Students?

Daytona Beach
Richmond

Daytona Beach is a world-class destination for students. Also, Richmond is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Plenty of students visit Richmond. There are a couple of colleges and universities in town such as Virginia Commonwealth University.


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

Daytona Beach
Richmond

Richmond 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 Richmond. There are buses around town, but the availability and reliability is limited.

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 Richmond a more walkable city?

Daytona Beach
Richmond

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

Richmond is a somewhat walkable city. There are some walkable neighborhoods such as the Fan and Museum District, but most people prefer to get around by 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 Richmond Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Richmond or Daytona Beach?

How long in Daytona Beach or Richmond?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Daytona Beach or Richmond to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Richmond 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 Richmond.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Daytona Beach or Richmond? Ideal Length of Stay
    Daytona Beach 7 
    Richmond 1-2

One day in Daytona Beach or Richmond?

The beach city of Daytona Beach offers live music and nightlife. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the growing destination of Richmond. 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 Richmond?

Daytona Beach is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. A weekend 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. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Richmond. 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 Richmond?

Daytona Beach is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historical destination of Richmond. 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 Richmond?

Daytona Beach is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This beach city offers something for everyone.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Richmond. 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, Richmond 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 Richmond is $161. 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 Richmond in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Daytona Beach $84
    Richmond $101
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Daytona Beach $168
    Richmond $202
Compare Hotels in Daytona Beach and Richmond

Looking for a hotel in Daytona Beach or Richmond? 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 Richmond


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 Richmond Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Daytona Beach $53
    Richmond $72

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Richmond

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Richmond:

  • Richmond Airport (RIC) to Richmond city - Arrival Private Transfer: $36
  • Richmond City to Richmond Airport (RIC) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
  • Richmond Airport (RIC) to Richmond City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $72

Is it cheaper to fly into Daytona Beach or Richmond?

Prices for flights to both Richmond 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
    Richmond $21

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 Richmond

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Richmond.

  • The Carytown Food Tour in Richmond: $80
  • Church Hill Food Tour in Richmond, VA: $80
  • Church Hill Food Tour: $80
  • Trendy Carytown Food Tour: $80
  • Arts District Food Tour in Richmond: $85
  • Arts District Walking Food Tour: $85
  • Delicious Pizza & Ice Cream Tour of Richmond: $90
  • Pizza & Ice Cream Tour: $90

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Daytona Beach $28
    Richmond $13

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 Richmond

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

  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Richmond by Crazy Dash: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Richmond by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Richmond by 3Quest Challenge: $10
  • Hollywood Cemetery Tour Richmond Lore and Civil War: $24
  • Church Hill Chillers Ghost Tour: $25
  • Richmond Ghosts: Sinister Scares of Shockoe Bottom Tour: $26
  • Haunted Capitol Hill Ghost Tour: $30
  • Court End Walking Ghost Tour: $30
  • Monroe Park Campus Walking Ghost Tour: $30
  • Church Hill Guided Ghost Tour: $30
  • Downtown & Capitol Square Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $30
  • Capitol Hill Ghost Walking Tour with A Guide: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Daytona Beach $43
    Richmond -

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Richmond

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

  • Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl : $34
  • Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Drink Richmond Craft Brewery Crawl: $74
  • Richmond Craft Brewery Crawl By Junket: $74
  • Brewery Tour of Richmond, VA: $90


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Daytona Beach and Richmond, we can see that Daytona Beach is more expensive. And not only is Richmond much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Richmond would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Richmond 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 Richmond.

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 Richmond Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Daytona Beach or Richmond?

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

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 Richmond in the Summer?

Both Richmond and Daytona Beach are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Daytona Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Richmond for the family-friendly experiences.

Daytona Beach is around the same temperature as Richmond in the summer. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Richmond fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Richmond. It's quite rainy in Daytona Beach. In July, Daytona Beach usually receives around the same amount of rain as Richmond. Daytona Beach gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 5 inches (128 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Daytona Beach 81°F (27°C) 
    Richmond 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Richmond in the Autumn?

Both Richmond and Daytona Beach during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Daytona Beach for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Richmond in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Daytona Beach is much warmer than Richmond. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Daytona Beach in October average around 74°F (23°C), and Richmond averages at about 59°F (15°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Daytona Beach. Daytona Beach usually gets more rain in October than Richmond. Daytona Beach gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Daytona Beach 74°F (23°C) 
    Richmond 59°F (15°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Richmond in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Daytona Beach and Richmond. Many visitors come to Daytona Beach in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Richmond for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Richmond can be very cold during winter. In January, Daytona Beach is generally much warmer than Richmond. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 58°F (14°C), and Richmond fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).

In January, Daytona Beach usually receives less rain than Richmond. Daytona Beach gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Daytona Beach 58°F (14°C) 
    Richmond 36°F (2°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Richmond in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Daytona Beach as well as Richmond. Most visitors come to Daytona Beach for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

Daytona Beach is a little warmer than Richmond in the spring. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 69°F (21°C) in April, and Richmond fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

Daytona Beach usually gets less rain in April than Richmond. Daytona Beach gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Daytona Beach 69°F (21°C) 
    Richmond 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Richmond and Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach Richmond
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 58°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 36°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (83 mm)
Feb 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (80 mm)
Mar 65°F (18°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 49°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Apr 69°F (21°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 58°F (14°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
May 75°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.8 inches (98 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 6 inches (152 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 78°F (26°C) 5 inches (128 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 6.2 inches (157 mm) 77°F (25°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm)
Sep 80°F (26°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 71°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Oct 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Nov 66°F (19°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Dec 60°F (16°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)