A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Daytona Beach vs. Tallahassee for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Daytona Beach or Tallahassee?

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

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Tallahassee? 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. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and live music.

Tallahassee

Tallahassee is a lively, vibrant, and youthful city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Daytona Beach and Tallahassee: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
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 Tallahassee?

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

How is Daytona Beach different from Tallahassee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Daytona Beach
Tallahassee

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

Tallahassee offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. As the capital city of Florida, you'll find a number of museums around town. Tallahassee Museum has outdoor and indoor space to explore. You can also visit the Tallahassee Automobile Museum, the Museum of Florida History, or the Florida Historic Capital Museum.

Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Daytona Beach
Tallahassee

Both Daytona Beach and Tallahassee offer a number of reasonable restaurants to choose from.

Daytona Beach may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. This beach is more about the parties and drinks than it is about the food.

Tallahassee offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find plenty of chain restaurants and cheap eateries that cater to the students. The main options are classic American restaurants with a few international restaurants mixed in as well.

Is Daytona Beach or Tallahassee Better for Nightlife?

Daytona Beach
Tallahassee

Daytona Beach is an amazing beach city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Tallahassee is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Daytona Beach has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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 Tallahassee. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the student population. There are many bars and pubs that fill up with students on weekends.

Is Daytona Beach or Tallahassee Better for Music?

Daytona Beach
Tallahassee

Daytona Beach is a beach city with good options for its music scene. However, Tallahassee is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in Daytona Beach. You can see live music at the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Bandshell and The Roof.

Tallahassee is not a live music destination.


Is Daytona Beach or Tallahassee Better for Resorts?

Daytona Beach
Tallahassee

Daytona Beach is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Tallahassee 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.

Tallahassee is not a resort destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Tallahassee Better for Beaches?

Daytona Beach
Tallahassee

Daytona Beach is a beach city with good options for the beach. However, Tallahassee is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Daytona 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.

Tallahassee is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Daytona Beach or Tallahassee?

Daytona Beach
Tallahassee

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

Many visitors go to Tallahassee to go shopping. There is no shortage of strip malls and shopping centers in the area. Some of the most interesting shopping is found at Railroad Square and Market Square.

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 Tallahassee Better for Families?

Daytona Beach
Tallahassee

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

Tallahassee is a family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of outdoor parks and adventure activities for kids. You could also see the wild manatees at Wakulla Springs.

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 Tallahassee Better for Couples?

Daytona Beach
Tallahassee

Daytona Beach is a beach city with good options for couples. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for romance.

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.

Tallahassee is not the best destination for a couple to visit. Head to a restaurant or bar. You could also check out a concert or explore a garden or park in town.

Is Daytona Beach or Tallahassee Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Daytona Beach
Tallahassee

Tallahassee is a popular place for backpackers. However, Daytona Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Tallahassee. The student population creates an environment that is welcoming to backpackers. There's also a hostel in town with affordable rooms.

Daytona Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.


Is Daytona Beach or Tallahassee Better for Students?

Daytona Beach
Tallahassee

Daytona Beach is an amazing beach city to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Tallahassee is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Daytona Beach is a very popular beach city 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.

Many students visit Tallahassee. Both Florida State University and Florida A&M University are located here. There's a large student population with many activities and cheap restaurants that appeal to the student crowd.

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

Daytona Beach
Tallahassee

Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee. There is a bus system operated by StarMetro.

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 Tallahassee a more walkable city?

Daytona Beach
Tallahassee

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

Tallahassee is generally not very walkable. There are a couple of walkable areas around Railroad Square, Downtown, and Midtown, but for the most part the city is not pedestrian-friendly.

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 Tallahassee Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Tallahassee or Daytona Beach?

How long in Daytona Beach or Tallahassee?

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

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

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


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

One day in Daytona Beach or Tallahassee?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the lively beach city of Daytona Beach. Most people visit for the nightlife. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the vibrant destination of Tallahassee. 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 Tallahassee?

You'll find live music and nightlife around the energetic destination of Daytona Beach. This beach city offers something for everyone. A weekend may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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

The energetic beach city of Daytona Beach offers nightlife and live music. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the youthful destination of Tallahassee. 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 Tallahassee?

Many people enjoy the live music and nightlife when visiting Daytona Beach. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the nightlife. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Tallahassee. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee is $156. 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 Tallahassee in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Daytona Beach $84
    Tallahassee $89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Daytona Beach $168
    Tallahassee $178
Compare Hotels in Daytona Beach and Tallahassee

Looking for a hotel in Daytona Beach or Tallahassee? 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 Tallahassee


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 Tallahassee Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Daytona Beach $53
    Tallahassee $33

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: $243
  • Private Transfer from Daytona to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $203
  • Private Transfer from New Smyrna Beach to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $188

Is it cheaper to fly into Daytona Beach or Tallahassee?

Prices for flights to both Tallahassee 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
    Tallahassee $47

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
    Tallahassee $12

Tours and Activities in Daytona Beach

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

  • 2-Hour Glass Bottom Guided Eco Tour in Flagler County-Small-group: $70
  • 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
  • Guided Wildlife Eco Kayak Tour in New Smyrna Beach: $45
  • New Smyrna Dolphin and Manatee Adventure Tour: $65
  • Orlando Manatee and Natural Spring Adventure Tour at Blue Springs: $65
  • Small-Group Sailing Tour in Daytona Beach: $79
  • The Great Daytona Wine Bar Tour: $40
  • Wildlife Tour of Indian River Lagoon with Experienced Captain: $32
  • Zipline Adventure through Tuscawilla Park: $59

Tours and Activities in Tallahassee

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tallahassee.

  • Experience Tranquility with a Picnic at Pedrick Pond Park: $120
  • Tallahassee Tranquility: A Scenic Walking Tour: $383
  • Tallahassee Delights: A Christmas Tour Through Art and Parks: $492

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Daytona Beach $43
    Tallahassee $53

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 from Daytona Beach: $40


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

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 Tallahassee Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Daytona Beach or Tallahassee?

Tallahassee has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Daytona Beach. When comparing the sizes of Daytona Beach and Tallahassee, 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 Tallahassee?

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 Tallahassee in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Daytona Beach as well as Tallahassee. Many visitors come to Daytona Beach in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Tallahassee for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Daytona Beach is around the same temperature as Tallahassee in the summer. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Tallahassee fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

It's quite rainy in Tallahassee. Daytona Beach receives a lot of rain in the summer. Daytona Beach usually gets less rain in July than Tallahassee. Daytona Beach gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Tallahassee receives 8.9 inches (227 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Daytona Beach 81°F (27°C) 
    Tallahassee 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Tallahassee in the Autumn?

Both Tallahassee and Daytona Beach are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Daytona Beach for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Tallahassee because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Daytona Beach is a little warmer than Tallahassee. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Daytona Beach in October average around 74°F (23°C), and Tallahassee averages at about 69°F (20°C).

It's quite rainy in Daytona Beach. In October, Daytona Beach usually receives more rain than Tallahassee. Daytona Beach gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Tallahassee receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Tallahassee is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Daytona Beach 74°F (23°C) 
    Tallahassee 69°F (20°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Tallahassee in the Winter?

Both Tallahassee and Daytona Beach during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Daytona Beach because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Tallahassee this time of year.

In January, Daytona Beach is generally a little warmer than Tallahassee. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 58°F (14°C), and Tallahassee fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Daytona Beach usually gets less rain in January than Tallahassee. Daytona Beach gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Tallahassee receives 3.7 inches (95 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Daytona Beach 58°F (14°C) 
    Tallahassee 51°F (11°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Tallahassee in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Daytona Beach and Tallahassee. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Daytona Beach this time of year.

Daytona Beach is around the same temperature as Tallahassee in the spring. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 69°F (21°C) in April, and Tallahassee fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

Tallahassee receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Daytona Beach usually receives less rain than Tallahassee. Daytona Beach gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Tallahassee receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Tallahassee is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Daytona Beach 69°F (21°C) 
    Tallahassee 67°F (19°C)

Typical Weather for Tallahassee and Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach Tallahassee
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 58°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 51°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm)
Feb 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm)
Mar 65°F (18°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 60°F (16°C) 5.9 inches (151 mm)
Apr 69°F (21°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 67°F (19°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
May 75°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 6 inches (152 mm) 80°F (27°C) 6.6 inches (168 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 82°F (28°C) 8.9 inches (227 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 6.2 inches (157 mm) 82°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (175 mm)
Sep 80°F (26°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 78°F (26°C) 6.7 inches (169 mm)
Oct 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 69°F (20°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Nov 66°F (19°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 60°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 60°F (16°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 54°F (12°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)