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

Should you visit Daytona Beach or Sarasota?

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

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Sarasota? 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. 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.

Sarasota

Sarasota is a entertaining, underrated, and relaxing city. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Daytona Beach and Sarasota: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Daytona Beach or Sarasota?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Daytona Beach than Sarasota, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Daytona Beach is more popular for its nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Sarasota is known for its museums, food, resorts, and shopping. Daytona Beach is more touristy than Sarasota 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. Sarasota is popular for its sandy beaches and its fun activities.

How is Daytona Beach different from Sarasota?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Sarasota offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are some decent museums in town such as the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the Sarasota Classic Car Museum, and the Ca' da'Zan. Another highlight is the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium.

Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Sarasota 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 Sarasota area. You'll find plenty of seafood around town, but there are also international restaurants and quirky local joints.

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 Sarasota Better for Nightlife?

Daytona Beach is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

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 Sarasota. You'll find beach clubs, live entertainment such as drum circles, and plenty of bars around town. There are also evening cruises and late night parties.

Is Daytona Beach or Sarasota Better for Music?

Daytona Beach is a good destination for its live music scene. However, Sarasota is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Daytona Beach. You can see live music at the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Bandshell and The Roof.

Sarasota is not a live music destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Sarasota Better for Resorts?

Sarasota is a popular place for its resorts. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its luxury resorts.

Sarasota has a few great resort options. You'll find beachfront resorts with pools and nice views.

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 Sarasota Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Daytona Beach and Sarasota are good choices.

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.

Many people head to Sarasota to enjoy the beach. There's no shortage of beaches in the area where you can spend a relaxing day playing the water and lounging in the sun. Siesta Key, Sarasota Gay Beach, Crescent Beach, and Coquina Beach are some of the favorites.

Is the Shopping Better in Daytona Beach or Sarasota?

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

Many visitors go to Sarasota to go shopping. Upscale shopping can be found at St. Armand's Circle. There's also Sarasota Square Mall and the Mall at University Town Center. If you want to pick up some local items you can check out Sarasota Farmers Market.

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 Sarasota Better for Families?

Sarasota 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, Sarasota is a very family-friendly destination. There's a huge number of hands on activities for kids and families in the area. Many families enjoy a visit to Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. There are also botanical gardens, science museums, and outdoor adventure centers. Animal lovers will appreciate a visit to Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary. The city also has many performing arts and entertainment options for kids. And make sure you check out the museum dedicated to the Ringling Brothers Circus.

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 Sarasota Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Daytona Beach and Sarasota make for a good 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.

Sarasota is a nice destination for couples. A night out at St. Armands Circle is a fun way to spend the evening. There are also sunset cruises, nice restaurants, comedy clubs, and more.

Is Daytona Beach or Sarasota Better for Students?

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

Daytona Beach is a very popular place to visit 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.

Sarasota is not popular with students.

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

Sarasota 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 Sarasota. There's a bus system around town but most visitors depend on their own car for transportation.

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 Sarasota a more walkable city?

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

Sarasota is generally not very walkable. While the downtown has some walkable parts, you'll need a car to access most things around town.

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 Sarasota Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sarasota or Daytona Beach?

How long in Daytona Beach or Sarasota?

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

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

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

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

One day in Daytona Beach or Sarasota?

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 relaxing destination of Sarasota. 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 Sarasota?

Daytona Beach is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

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.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the entertaining destination of Sarasota. This city 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 Sarasota?

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 Sarasota. 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 Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Daytona Beach or Sarasota?

Daytona Beach has a larger population, and is about 21% larger than the population of Sarasota. When comparing the sizes of Daytona Beach and Sarasota, 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 Sarasota?

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 Sarasota in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Daytona Beach as well as Sarasota. Most visitors come to Daytona Beach for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Sarasota because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Daytona Beach is generally around the same temperature as Sarasota. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 81°F (27°C), and Sarasota fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

It's quite rainy in Sarasota. Daytona Beach receives a lot of rain in the summer. Daytona Beach usually gets less rain in July than Sarasota. Daytona Beach gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Sarasota receives 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Sarasota in the Autumn?

Both Sarasota and Daytona Beach are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Daytona Beach because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Sarasota this time of year.

Daytona Beach is around the same temperature as Sarasota in the autumn. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 74°F (23°C) in October, and Sarasota fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

It's quite rainy in Daytona Beach. In October, Daytona Beach usually receives more rain than Sarasota. Daytona Beach gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Sarasota receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Sarasota is June to November.

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Sarasota in the Winter?

Both Sarasota and Daytona Beach during the winter are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Daytona Beach this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Sarasota for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Daytona Beach is around the same temperature as Sarasota. Typically, the winter temperatures in Daytona Beach in January average around 58°F (14°C), and Sarasota averages at about 59°F (15°C).

Daytona Beach usually gets more rain in January than Sarasota. Daytona Beach gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Sarasota receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Sarasota in the Spring?

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

In April, Daytona Beach is generally around the same temperature as Sarasota. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 69°F (21°C), and Sarasota fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In April, Daytona Beach usually receives around the same amount of rain as Sarasota. Daytona Beach gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Sarasota receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Sarasota.

Typical Weather for Sarasota and Daytona Beach