A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Daytona Beach vs. Zion National Park for Families, Couples, Food, and Resorts

Should you visit Daytona Beach or Zion National Park?

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

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Zion National Park? 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. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and beaches.

Zion National Park

Zion National Park is a stunning, world-renowned, and breathtaking park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include hiking.

Daytona Beach and Zion National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Angels Landing
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Daytona Beach or Zion National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Daytona Beach than Zion National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Daytona Beach is better known for its nightlife, music, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Zion National Park is more popular for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Daytona Beach is well known for its spring break culture, wild parties, and the Daytona 500 NASCAR race. Also, Daytona Beach is famous for The Daytona International Speedway. Zion National Park is well known for its iconic hiking trails, dramatic canyon, and world-class rock climbing.

How is Daytona Beach different from Zion National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Zion National Park 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 Zion National Park?

Daytona Beach
Zion National Park

Zion National Park is a moderate park for its sights and museums. However, Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Zion National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The best museum in the area is the Zion Human History Museum.

Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Daytona Beach or Zion National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Daytona Beach
Zion National Park

Both Daytona Beach and Zion National Park 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.

Zion National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Within the park there are a couple of restaurants, but it's far better to bring your own food that you can enjoy as a picnic or meal by a campfire.

Is Daytona Beach or Zion National Park Better for Nightlife?

Daytona Beach
Zion National Park

Daytona Beach is a must-visit destination for nightlife. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Daytona Beach is a world class party destination. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Zion National Park Stargazing and relaxing by a campfire is how most visitors enjoy the evening hours.

Is Daytona Beach or Zion National Park Better for Music?

Daytona Beach
Zion National Park

Daytona Beach is a nice place to visit for live music. However, Zion National Park 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.

Zion National Park is not a live music destination.


Is Daytona Beach or Zion National Park Better for Resorts?

Daytona Beach
Zion National Park

Daytona Beach and Zion National Park offer a relatively similar set of respectable luxury resort options.

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.

Zion National Park has a few resort options worth checking out. There's a lodge within the park and many hotel options outside of the park.

Is Daytona Beach or Zion National Park Better for Beaches?

Daytona Beach
Zion National Park

Daytona Beach is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Zion National Park 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.

Zion National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Zion National Park Better for Hiking?

Daytona Beach
Zion National Park

Zion National Park is a must-visit destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Daytona Beach is not a hiking destination.

People visit Zion National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. This park is known for its iconic hikes, which include Angels Landing, the Narrows, and the Emerald Pools Trail. There are hikes that range from easy to incredibly difficult, and many visits see this destination as a bucket list hiking opportunity.

Daytona Beach is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Daytona Beach or Zion National Park?

Daytona Beach
Zion National Park

Daytona Beach is a beach city with a few options for shopping. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Shopping in Zion National Park can be found for those interested. There are park stores, but few other shopping opportunities in the area.

Is Daytona Beach or Zion National Park Better for Families?

Daytona Beach
Zion National Park

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

Zion National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. One of the most kid-friendly hikes is the Watchman Trail, which starts conveniently near the Visitor Center. Other favorites include the Lower Emerald Pool Trail, the Pa'rus Trail, and the Riverside Walk.

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 Zion National Park Better for Couples?

Daytona Beach
Zion National Park

Zion National Park 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.

Zion National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are world-class hiking trails, spectacular views, and many opportunities for a romantic moment in this well-known park. While the crowds can be intense, particularly during peak seasons, the park is large enough that you should be able to find a moment of solitude.

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 Zion National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Daytona Beach
Zion National Park

Zion National Park is a must-visit destination for backpackers. However, Daytona Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Zion National Park is a very popular park to visit for backpackers. This is a world-famous rock climbing, hiking, and backpacking destination. There are many opportunities for backcountry camping, but you are required to purchase a permit.

Daytona Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Zion National Park Better for Students?

Daytona Beach
Zion National Park

Daytona Beach is a must-visit destination for students. However, Zion National Park 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.

Zion National Park is not popular with students.

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

Daytona Beach
Zion National Park

Zion National Park 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.

Zion National Park has a few public transit options. There are free shuttles that travel around the park. They operate during the most popular seasons but the service isn't available during most of the winter months.

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 Zion National Park a more walkable city?

Daytona Beach
Zion National Park

Neither Daytona Beach or Zion National Park are walkable places.

Daytona Beach is not a walkable beach city. This area requires a car if you want to access restaurants, nightlife, or anything away from your hotel.

Zion National Park is not a very walkable beach city. The park is large, and most trailheads are spread out and require a vehicle to access.

For even more information, also check out Is Daytona Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Zion National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zion National Park or Daytona Beach?

How long in Daytona Beach or Zion National Park?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Zion National Park 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 Zion National Park.


  • How many days in Daytona Beach or Zion National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Daytona Beach 7 
    Zion National Park 3-7

One day in Daytona Beach or Zion National Park?

Visitors enjoy the live music and nightlife when visiting the party-hard destination of Daytona Beach. This beach city offers something for everyone. Most people visit for the nightlife. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the breathtaking destination of Zion National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Don't miss the hiking, 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 Zion National Park?

Daytona Beach is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the party-hard beach city of Daytona Beach. Most people visit for the nightlife. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zion National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the hiking, 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 Zion National Park?

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. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the stunning destination of Zion National Park. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This park 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 Zion National Park?

Daytona Beach is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the beautiful park of Zion National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 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, Zion National Park 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 Zion National Park is $119. 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 Zion National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Daytona Beach $84
    Zion National Park $60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Daytona Beach $168
    Zion National Park $120
Compare Hotels in Daytona Beach and Zion National Park

Looking for a hotel in Daytona Beach or Zion National Park? 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 Zion National Park


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 Zion National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Daytona Beach $53
    Zion National Park $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Daytona Beach

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Daytona Beach:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Daytona Beach or Zion National Park?

Prices for flights to both Zion National Park 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
    Zion National Park $37

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
    Zion National Park $26

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
  • Wildlife Tour of Indian River Lagoon with Experienced Captain: $32
  • The Great Daytona Wine Bar Tour: $40
  • Guided Wildlife Eco Kayak Tour in New Smyrna Beach: $45
  • Zipline Adventure through Tuscawilla Park: $59
  • New Smyrna Dolphin and Manatee Kayak and SUP Adventure Tour: $65
  • Dolphin and Manatee Stand Up Paddleboard Tour in Daytona Beach: $65
  • Orlando Manatee and Natural Spring Adventure Tour at Blue Springs: $65
  • Dolphin and Manatee Kayak Tour of Daytona Beach: $65
  • Ormond Beach Manatee and Nature Tour Kayaking or Paddle Boarding: $65
  • Guided Kayaking or Standup Paddling Tour: $65
  • 2 Hour Coastal Discovery Cruise: $75

Tours and Activities in Zion National Park

Here are a few actual costs in Zion National Park for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • East Zion Dark Sky Stargazing Tour: $19
  • East Zion East Rim Jeep Tour: $49
  • Campfire S'mores and Stars Tour in Kanab: $65
  • Zion Sunset Jeep Tour: $69
  • Virgin: Zion National Park Off-Road Vehicle Tour & Hike: $89
  • Award Winning UTV Slot Canyon Tour: $98
  • Peekaboo Slot Canyon UTV and Hiking Adventure: $99
  • 3 Hour Guided E Bike Tour in Zion National Park : $100
  • Peekaboo Slot Canyon Jeep Tour: $104
  • East Zion Crimson Canyon Hike & UTV Adventure: $109
  • UTV Dune Cruise and Surf at Coral Pink Sand Dunes: $114
  • Via Ferrata / Rappel Adventure in East Zion: $119

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Daytona Beach $43
    Zion National Park $8.28

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


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

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 Zion National Park Expensive?.