A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Daytona Beach vs. West Palm Beach for Nightlife, Resorts, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Daytona Beach or West Palm Beach?

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

Should I visit Daytona Beach or West Palm Beach? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is a lively, fun, and party-hard beach city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and beaches.

West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is a vibrant, fun-filled, and diverse beach area. Other popular activities here include beaches, nightlife, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Daytona Beach and West Palm Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Daytona Beach or West Palm Beach?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Daytona Beach than West Palm Beach. While West Palm Beach is larger than Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach has more sights and attractions for tourists. Daytona Beach is better known for its nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while West Palm Beach is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Daytona Beach is more touristy than West Palm Beach and is popular for its spring break culture, wild parties, and the Daytona 500 NASCAR race. Also, Daytona Beach is famous for The Daytona International Speedway. West Palm Beach is well known for its nice resorts, a lively boardwalk, great seafood, and fun watersports.

How is Daytona Beach different from West Palm Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Daytona Beach and West Palm Beach offer a number of respectable 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.

West Palm Beach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Oceanfront restaurants usually have a great view and offer local and fresh seafood. There are also many local restaurants concentrated around Clematis Street and CityPlace districts.

Is Daytona Beach or West Palm Beach Better for Nightlife?

Daytona Beach is very popular for nightlife. Also, West Palm Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice beach area for nightlife and partying.

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.

West Palm Beach offers plenty to do in the evening. With rooftop bars and clubs, oceanfront venues, and plenty of nightlife options downtown, this city rivals most places when it comes to nightlife. The nightlife scene is particularly active during spring break, when university students head to town.

Is Daytona Beach or West Palm Beach Better for Music?

Daytona Beach is a popular place for live music. However, West Palm Beach is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Daytona Beach is active and vibrant. You can see live music at the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Bandshell and The Roof.

West Palm Beach is not a live music destination.

Is Daytona Beach or West Palm Beach Better for Resorts?

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

For the ultimate resort vacation, West Palm Beach is a great choice. All of the major names are present including the Hilton, Marriott, and Four Seasons.

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 West Palm Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

West Palm Beach is a well-known place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Daytona Beach is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting West Palm Beach. Check out Phil Foster Park in Rivera Beach. It's a man-made reef that is surprisingly clear.

Daytona Beach is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Daytona Beach or West Palm Beach Better for Beaches?

West Palm Beach is a must-visit destination for the beach. Also, Daytona Beach is not as famous, but is still a good beach city to visit for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in West Palm Beach. From bustling beaches with a boardwalk to quieter, more relaxing beaches surrounded by parkland, there are are number of options in the area.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Daytona Beach or West Palm Beach?

Daytona Beach is adequate for shopping. However, West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Daytona Beach or West Palm Beach Better for Families?

West Palm Beach is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its kid-friendly activities.

West Palm Beach is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Animal lovers will appreciate the zoos and aquariums in the area. Check out McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary, Manatee Lagoon, the Palm Beach Zoo, and the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium.

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 West Palm Beach Better for Couples?

West Palm Beach is a well-known place for couples. Also, Daytona Beach is not as famous, but is still a good beach city to visit for romance.

West Palm Beach is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples will enjoy kayaking, dining out, or simply relaxing on the beach. It's fun to spend a day exploring the botanical gardens and an evening wandering around Clematis Street.

Daytona Beach is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Is Daytona Beach or West Palm Beach Better for Students?

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

Many students frequent Daytona Beach. It's one of the original Spring Break destinations, and the trend continues. If you're a student looking to cut loose, you'll find plenty of likeminded vacationers in the area, with many bars and hotels catering specifically to the younger crowd.

West Palm Beach is not popular with students.

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

West Palm Beach is a popular place for its public transit. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for times when you don't have a car.

West Palm Beach has a few public transit options. There's a downtown trolley, a commuter trail line (connecting West Palm Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale), and a bus system with about 30 lines.

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 West Palm Beach a more walkable city?

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

West Palm Beach is a somewhat walkable beach area. West Palm Beach has a surprisingly walkable area and it's possible to explore the downtown area on foot.

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 West Palm Beach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in West Palm Beach or Daytona Beach?

How long in Daytona Beach or West Palm Beach?

Both Daytona Beach and West Palm Beach have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in West Palm Beach than in Daytona Beach. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Daytona Beach, and 3-7 days is enough time in West Palm Beach.

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

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

One day in Daytona Beach or West Palm Beach?

The fun destination of Daytona Beach offers nightlife and live music. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the diverse destination of West Palm Beach. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. 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 West Palm Beach?

The beach city of Daytona Beach offers live music and nightlife. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in West Palm Beach. Most people come for the beaches. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Five days in Daytona Beach or West Palm Beach?

Daytona Beach is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. This beach city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the vibrant destination of West Palm Beach. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This beach area 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 West Palm Beach?

Many people enjoy the live music and nightlife when visiting Daytona Beach. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the beach area of West Palm Beach. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 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 West Palm Beach, we can see that West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Daytona Beach or West Palm Beach?

West Palm Beach has a larger population, and is about 27% larger than the population of Daytona Beach. When comparing the sizes of Daytona Beach and West Palm Beach, 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 West Palm Beach?

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 West Palm Beach in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Daytona Beach as well as West Palm Beach. The summer months attract visitors to Daytona Beach because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to West Palm Beach this time of year.

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

It's quite rainy in West Palm Beach. Daytona Beach receives a lot of rain in the summer. Daytona Beach usually gets less rain in July than West Palm Beach. Daytona Beach gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Daytona Beach or West Palm Beach in the Autumn?

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

In October, Daytona Beach is generally around the same temperature as West Palm Beach. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 74°F (23°C), and West Palm Beach fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in West Palm Beach. It's quite rainy in Daytona Beach. In October, Daytona Beach usually receives less rain than West Palm Beach. Daytona Beach gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in West Palm Beach.

Should I visit Daytona Beach or West Palm Beach in the Winter?

Both West Palm Beach and Daytona Beach during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Daytona Beach for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to West Palm Beach in the winter for the cuisine.

Daytona Beach is cooler than West Palm Beach in the winter. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 58°F (14°C) in January, and West Palm Beach fluctuates around 65°F (19°C).

Daytona Beach usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as West Palm Beach. Daytona Beach gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Daytona Beach or West Palm Beach in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Daytona Beach and West Palm Beach. Many visitors come to Daytona Beach in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to West Palm Beach for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Daytona Beach is cooler than West Palm Beach. Typically, the spring temperatures in Daytona Beach in April average around 69°F (21°C), and West Palm Beach averages at about 74°F (23°C).

In April, Daytona Beach usually receives less rain than West Palm Beach. Daytona Beach gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in West Palm Beach is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for West Palm Beach and Daytona Beach