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

Should you visit Daytona Beach or Sacramento?

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

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Sacramento? 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. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the live music, beaches, and nightlife.

Sacramento

Sacramento is a undiscovered, laid back, and relaxed city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Daytona Beach and Sacramento: 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
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Daytona Beach or Sacramento?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Daytona Beach than Sacramento. While Sacramento is larger than Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach has more sights and attractions for tourists. Daytona Beach is more popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, and big city activities, while Sacramento is known for its museums, food, and shopping. Daytona Beach is more touristy than Sacramento and is popular for its spring break culture, wild parties, and the Daytona 500 NASCAR race. It is also home to The Daytona International Speedway. Sacramento is popular for its history and state capital.

How is Daytona Beach different from Sacramento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Daytona Beach
Sacramento

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

Sacramento offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. As the state capital, you'll find a number of historical and informational museums around town. You should check out the State Capital, as well as the California State Railroad Museum, the Crocker Museum of Art, Sutter's Fort State Historic Park, and the California Automobile Museum.

Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Daytona Beach
Sacramento

Sacramento 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 Sacramento area. Casual restaurants with laid back atmospheres are what's most common around town. You'll also find a variety of international cuisines that include Korean and Vietnamese.

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 Sacramento Better for Nightlife?

Daytona Beach
Sacramento

Daytona Beach is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, Sacramento is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Daytona Beach is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

Sacramento has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There highest concentration of activities are found in Downtown Sacramento. You'll find bars, clubs and live music in the area. You can also head to midtown, which has performing arts and comedy shows.

Is Daytona Beach or Sacramento Better for Music?

Daytona Beach
Sacramento

Daytona Beach is a nice place to visit for its live music scene. However, Sacramento is not a live music destination.

The music scene helps keep Daytona Beach active and fun. You can see live music at the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Bandshell and The Roof.

Sacramento is not a live music destination.


Is Daytona Beach or Sacramento Better for Resorts?

Daytona Beach
Sacramento

Daytona Beach is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Sacramento is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Daytona Beach offers a few options. 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.

Sacramento is not a resort destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Sacramento Better for Beaches?

Daytona Beach
Sacramento

Daytona Beach is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Sacramento is not a beach destination.

Daytona Beach has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Sacramento is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Daytona Beach or Sacramento?

Daytona Beach
Sacramento

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

Many visitors go to Sacramento to go shopping. You'll find down-to-earth vendors who have reasonable prices and a great selection. Some of the most interesting shopping is found at the Old Sacramento Waterfront or along Folsom Boulevard.

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 Sacramento Better for Families?

Daytona Beach
Sacramento

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

Sacramento is a family-friendly place to visit. With the large number of families that live in the area, you'll a variety of kid-friendly activities. Options include smaller amusement parks like Funderland Amusement Park, museums like the Sacramento Children's Museum, and indoor trampoline parks. There's also Fairytale Town, which is an imagination filled playground.

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 Sacramento Better for Couples?

Daytona Beach
Sacramento

Daytona Beach is a nice place to visit for its romantic activities. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options for couples.

Daytona Beach makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Sacramento is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Picnics, nice restaurants, and shows make for enjoyable date activities while you're in town.

Is Daytona Beach or Sacramento Better for Students?

Daytona Beach
Sacramento

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

Daytona Beach is a great destination 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.

Sacramento is not popular with students.


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

Daytona Beach
Sacramento

Sacramento 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 Sacramento. There's both light rail and buses around town.

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 Sacramento a more walkable city?

Daytona Beach
Sacramento

Sacramento is a moderate city for its ease of walking around. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its walkability.

Sacramento is generally not very walkable. You'll really want a car to get around town, but Midtown is one of the more walkable areas.

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 Sacramento Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sacramento or Daytona Beach?

How long in Daytona Beach or Sacramento?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Daytona Beach than Sacramento. 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 Sacramento 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 Sacramento.


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

One day in Daytona Beach or Sacramento?

With live music and nightlife around the energetic beach city of Daytona Beach, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the laid back destination of Sacramento. 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 Sacramento?

The destination of Daytona Beach offers nightlife and live music. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. Most people find that a weekend is more than enough time to see everything.

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

Daytona Beach, a popular beach city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the relaxed destination of Sacramento. 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 Sacramento?

Daytona Beach is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Sacramento. 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, Sacramento 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 Sacramento is $281. 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 Sacramento in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Daytona Beach $84
    Sacramento $111
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Daytona Beach $168
    Sacramento $222
Compare Hotels in Daytona Beach and Sacramento

Looking for a hotel in Daytona Beach or Sacramento? 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 Sacramento


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 Sacramento Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Daytona Beach $53
    Sacramento $51

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sacramento

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

  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Arrival Private Transfer: $110
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Sacramento hotel/address- RoundTrip Private Transfer: $122
  • Sacramento Airport to Northstar/Squaw Valley - Arrival Transfer: $218
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $221
  • Round Trip Private Transfer in Sacramento Airport to Calistoga: $294

Is it cheaper to fly into Daytona Beach or Sacramento?

Prices for flights to both Sacramento 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
    Sacramento $53

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 Sacramento

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

  • Historic Old Sacramento Walking Food Tour: $95
  • Midtown Sacramento Arts and Food Tour: $98
  • Downtown Sacramento Historical Food Tour: $98
  • Midtown Sacramento Walking Food Tour: $125
  • Midtown Walking Food Tour: $145
  • Italian Cooking and Dance Class Experience: $160

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Daytona Beach $28
    Sacramento $19

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
  • 2 Hour Coastal Discovery Cruise: $75
  • 2-Hour Glass Bottom Guided Eco Tour in Flagler County-Small-group: $85
  • 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
  • Electric Bike Tour of New Smyrna Beach: $115
  • Guided Wildlife Eco Kayak Tour in New Smyrna Beach: $45
  • Half Day Coastal Fun Cruise in Florida: $200
  • New Smyrna Dolphin and Manatee Kayak and SUP Adventure Tour: $65
  • Orlando Manatee and Natural Spring Adventure Tour at Blue Springs: $65
  • Ormond Beach Manatee and Nature Tour Kayaking or Paddle Boarding: $65

Tours and Activities in Sacramento

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

  • Gold Rush & Ghosts SmartPhone App Walking Tour: $6.50
  • Gold Rush and Ghosts of Sacramento Smart Phone guided (App/GPS) Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Old A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Old A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Historic Folsom: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Sacramento Urban Murals: A Self-Guided Cycling Tour: $8.99
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game: $10
  • Driving in Delta’s Wine Country: Private Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Delta's History and Wine: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $12
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Jackson to Angels Camp: $12
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Placerville to Jackson: $12
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Auburn to Placerville: $12

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Daytona Beach $43
    Sacramento $12

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 Sacramento

Also in Sacramento, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Sacramento Bar Hunt: Sacramento Sprint Bar Crawl: $12
  • Placer County Wine Tasting Pass: $19
  • Wine Tasting Audio Tour - Lodi California: $35
  • Cider and Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch - near Sacramento: $125


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Daytona Beach and Sacramento, we can see that Sacramento 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 Sacramento would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sacramento 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 Sacramento Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Daytona Beach or Sacramento?

Sacramento has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Daytona Beach. When comparing the sizes of Daytona Beach and Sacramento, 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 Sacramento?

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 Sacramento in the Summer?

Both Sacramento and Daytona Beach during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Daytona Beach for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Sacramento in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Daytona Beach is generally a little warmer than Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 81°F (27°C), and Sacramento fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Daytona Beach. Daytona Beach usually gets more rain in July than Sacramento. Daytona Beach gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Daytona Beach 81°F (27°C) 
    Sacramento 76°F (24°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Sacramento in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Daytona Beach and Sacramento. Many visitors come to Daytona Beach in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, most visitors come to Sacramento for the shopping scene during these months.

Daytona Beach is a little warmer than Sacramento in the autumn. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 74°F (23°C) in October, and Sacramento fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

Daytona Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Daytona Beach usually receives more rain than Sacramento. Daytona Beach gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Daytona Beach 74°F (23°C) 
    Sacramento 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Sacramento in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Daytona Beach as well as Sacramento. Most visitors come to Daytona Beach for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Sacramento because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Daytona Beach is much warmer than Sacramento. Typically, the winter temperatures in Daytona Beach in January average around 58°F (14°C), and Sacramento averages at about 45°F (7°C).

Daytona Beach usually gets less rain in January than Sacramento. Daytona Beach gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Daytona Beach 58°F (14°C) 
    Sacramento 45°F (7°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Sacramento in the Spring?

Both Sacramento and Daytona Beach are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Daytona Beach because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Daytona Beach is generally a little warmer than Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 69°F (21°C), and Sacramento fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

In April, Daytona Beach usually receives more rain than Sacramento. Daytona Beach gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Daytona Beach 69°F (21°C) 
    Sacramento 58°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Sacramento and Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach Sacramento
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 58°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Feb 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 65°F (18°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Apr 69°F (21°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 58°F (15°C) 1.3 inches (32 mm)
May 75°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 65°F (18°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 6 inches (152 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 76°F (24°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 6.2 inches (157 mm) 75°F (24°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Sep 80°F (26°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Oct 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Nov 66°F (19°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Dec 60°F (16°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 45°F (7°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)