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

Should you visit Daytona Beach or Williamsburg?

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

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Williamsburg? 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 energetic, lively, and fun 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.

Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a historic, charming, and quaint town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.

Daytona Beach and Williamsburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Daytona Beach or Williamsburg?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Daytona Beach. Although Daytona Beach and Williamsburg are popular destinations, 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 Williamsburg attracts visitors for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Daytona Beach is more touristy than Williamsburg 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. Williamsburg is famous for its historic and colonial charm, its award winning amusement parks, and its historical reenactments.

How is Daytona Beach different from Williamsburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Williamsburg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Colonial Williamsburg is like a living museum with reenactments and historic buildings that date back to the colonial days. In addition to the historic area, there are folk art museums and other historic sights in the area.

Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Williamsburg is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its restaurants.

Dining out in Williamsburg is an experience not to be missed. Head to Historic Williamsburg if you want to try some colonial classics. There are historic taverns that maintain their old world charm and serve dishes such as peanut soup and stewed beef. Around town you'll also find casual restaurants with pizza, macaroni and cheese, and burgers.

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 Williamsburg Better for Nightlife?

Daytona Beach is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options 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.

Williamsburg doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Despite its student population, there isn't much of a nightlife scene in town. There are restaurants where you can enjoy fine wine or cocktails, but nightclubs and bars are limited.

Is Daytona Beach or Williamsburg Better for Music?

Daytona Beach is a good destination for its music scene. However, Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg is not a live music destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Williamsburg Better for Resorts?

Daytona Beach is a beach city with a few options for its resorts. However, Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg is not a resort destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Williamsburg Better for Beaches?

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

Daytona Beach offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Williamsburg is not a beach destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Williamsburg Better for its Old Town?

Williamsburg is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. However, Daytona Beach does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Williamsburg can be explored in its historical center. Colonial Williamsburg is an impressively maintained area with museums, shops, and taverns. There are live reenactments of historic events as well as blacksmiths, wig shops, and carriage rides. You can wander around without a ticket, but for access to many parts of the historic area you'll need to purchase a pass.

Daytona Beach does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Daytona Beach or Williamsburg?

Williamsburg is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Williamsburg. Charming shops both in the historic area and just outside sell unique items that reflect the city's past. There are souvenirs, food items, cookbooks, and home decor to choose from.

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 Williamsburg Better for Families?

Williamsburg 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, Williamsburg is a very family-friendly destination. Older kids will appreciate the history in the area. For kids of all ages there are a number of amusement parks and water parks such as Great Wolf Lodge, Busch Gardens, and the award winning Water Country USA.

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 Williamsburg Better for Couples?

Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg is a very popular place to visit for couples. Historic Williamsburg is filled with inns and charming restaurants that make this a beautiful destination for couples. There are quaint restaurants that serve colonial food and interesting southern shops with unique trinkets. You can also wander around the campus of William and Mary College.

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 Williamsburg Better for Students?

Daytona Beach and Williamsburg are both amazing destinations for students and younger travelers.

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.

Students come from all over the world to visit Williamsburg. The College of William and Mary has a beautiful campus and students enjoy the charming atmosphere with colonial architecture around town. There are also good restaurants and a great collegiate vibe.

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

Williamsburg is a moderate town 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 Williamsburg. There are buses around town, and they offer access to Historic Williamsburg, but for most places you'll need to have your own car.

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 Williamsburg a more walkable city?

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

Williamsburg is generally not very walkable. Historic Williamsburg and the neighborhoods around the College of William and Mary are all walkable, but if you plan to visit the amusement parks then you'll absolutely need a 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 Williamsburg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Williamsburg or Daytona Beach?

How long in Daytona Beach or Williamsburg?

It's fun to spend time in either Daytona Beach or Williamsburg. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Williamsburg due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Daytona Beach, and 2-4 days is enough time in Williamsburg.

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

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

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

One day in Daytona Beach or Williamsburg?

In Daytona Beach, many people enjoy the live music and nightlife that this party-hard beach city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the well-preserved destination of Williamsburg. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Williamsburg?

Daytona Beach is a fun place to experience. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the nightlife. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Williamsburg. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Williamsburg?

You'll find live music and nightlife around the party-hard destination of Daytona Beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the well-preserved destination of Williamsburg. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town 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 Williamsburg?

Daytona Beach is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find museums and food around the town of Williamsburg. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

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

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 Williamsburg Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Daytona Beach or Williamsburg?

Daytona Beach has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Williamsburg. When comparing the sizes of Daytona Beach and Williamsburg, 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 Williamsburg?

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 Williamsburg in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Daytona Beach and Williamsburg. Most visitors come to Daytona Beach for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Williamsburg because of the family-friendly experiences.

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

Williamsburg receives a lot of rain in the summer. Daytona Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Daytona Beach usually receives more rain than Williamsburg. Daytona Beach gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Williamsburg in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Daytona Beach as well as Williamsburg. The autumn months attract visitors to Daytona Beach because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Additionally, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Williamsburg this time of year.

In the autumn, Daytona Beach is a little warmer than Williamsburg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Daytona Beach in October average around 74°F (23°C), and Williamsburg averages at about 61°F (16°C).

Daytona Beach receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Daytona Beach usually gets more rain in October than Williamsburg. Daytona Beach gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Williamsburg in the Winter?

Both Williamsburg and Daytona Beach are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Daytona Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Williamsburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Williamsburg. In January, Daytona Beach is generally much warmer than Williamsburg. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 58°F (14°C), and Williamsburg fluctuates around 38°F (4°C).

In January, Daytona Beach usually receives less rain than Williamsburg. Daytona Beach gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Williamsburg in the Spring?

Both Williamsburg and Daytona Beach during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Daytona Beach for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Williamsburg in the spring for the natural beauty.

Daytona Beach is much warmer than Williamsburg in the spring. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 69°F (21°C) in April, and Williamsburg fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

Daytona Beach usually gets less rain in April than Williamsburg. Daytona Beach gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Williamsburg and Daytona Beach