A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Playa del Carmen vs. Daytona Beach for Nightlife, Resorts, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Daytona Beach?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Daytona 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.

Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is a scenic, stunning, and vibrant town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

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.

Playa del Carmen and Daytona Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Playa del Carmen or Daytona Beach?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Playa del Carmen. Although Playa del Carmen and Daytona Beach are popular destinations, Playa del Carmen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Playa del Carmen is very popular for its museums, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Daytona Beach attracts visitors for its music and big city activities. Playa del Carmen is famous for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. It is also well known for La Quinta Avenida. Daytona Beach is famous for its spring break culture, wild parties, and the Daytona 500 NASCAR race.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Daytona Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Playa del Carmen or Daytona Beach?

Playa del Carmen is a moderate town for its sights and museums. However, Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Playa del Carmen offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. If you're willing to head out of town, there are world class Mayan ruins not far away, but if you want to hang out near town, then you'll likely spend most of your time enjoying outdoor water activities.

Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Playa del Carmen or Daytona Beach? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen area. You'll find a good number of overpriced tourist restaurants in the area, but if you do some research you'll also find amazing and authentic Mexican food as well. There is everything from food trucks to fine dining that offer ceviche, tacos, or burritos. There are also plenty of places to grab pizza or 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 Playa del Carmen or Daytona Beach Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Playa del Carmen or Daytona Beach has a better nightlife scene.

Playa del Carmen has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It rivals some of the country's best nightlife and you'll find plenty of venues to choose from, ranging from dive bars to swanky cocktail lounges. Head to the main walking street for some of the most active venues.

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.

Is Playa del Carmen or Daytona Beach Better for Music?

Daytona Beach is a popular place for its music scene. However, Playa del Carmen 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.

Playa del Carmen is not a live music destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Daytona Beach Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen 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, Playa del Carmen is a great choice. You'll find a huge number of luxury resorts in the area, particularly along the beach. There are fancy pools and beachfront properties that offer the perfect vacation retreat.

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 Playa del Carmen or Daytona Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Playa del Carmen is a must-visit destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Daytona Beach is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Playa del Carmen a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. There's not a lot to see right off of the beach, but there are plenty of snorkeling excursions in the area that take you to beautiful reefs. The diving is world class as well and you'll find wonderful reefs, bull sharks, and hidden gems.

Daytona Beach is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Daytona Beach Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen. The area is filled with world class beaches, long stretches of white sand, and beautiful blue water. You might even stumble across a sea turtle or two while you're swimming.

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 Playa del Carmen or Daytona Beach Better for Hiking?

Playa del Carmen is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Daytona Beach is not a hiking destination.

Playa del Carmen is a good destination for hiking. There are well marked trails in the area that get you out in nature or take you along the coastline.

Daytona Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or Daytona Beach?

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

Many visitors go to Playa del Carmen to go shopping. Much of the shopping is geared towards the tourists, but you'll find some local items, interesting galleries, and colorful markets to explore.

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 Playa del Carmen or Daytona Beach Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen 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, Playa del Carmen is a very family-friendly destination. From eco parks to kid-friendly snorkeling opportunities, there are many activities for kids of all ages. There are also adventure parks and playgrounds that are perfect for a fun afternoon.

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 Playa del Carmen or Daytona Beach Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Daytona Beach is not as famous, but is still a good beach city to visit for romance.

Playa del Carmen makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Beautiful beaches and tropical jungles make this a paradise honeymoon destination. You'll find luxury resorts, fine dining restaurants, and countless opportunities to enjoy the stunning setting. Take a sunset cruise of explore one of the many natural wonders in the area.

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 Playa del Carmen or Daytona Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Playa del Carmen. It's filled with tourists staying at luxury resorts, but you'll also find a couple of hostels tucked away in town. If you're interesting in scuba diving, then it's well worth the trip.

Daytona Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Daytona Beach Better for Students?

Daytona Beach is an amazing beach city to visit for students. However, Playa del Carmen 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.

Playa del Carmen is not popular with students.

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

Playa del Carmen 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.

Playa del Carmen has a few public transit options. There are local buses, collectivos and the ADO bus.

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 Playa del Carmen or Daytona Beach a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Playa del Carmen on foot. It's a compact and very walkable town. La Quinta is the main strip and it's pedestrian-only.

Daytona Beach is not a very walkable town. 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 Playa del Carmen Worth Visiting? and Is Daytona Beach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Daytona Beach or Playa del Carmen?

How long in Playa del Carmen or Daytona Beach?

Both Playa del Carmen and Daytona Beach have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Playa del Carmen has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Daytona Beach. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Playa del Carmen, and 7 days is enough time in Daytona Beach.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen.

One day in Playa del Carmen or Daytona Beach?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the vibrant destination of Playa del Carmen. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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.

You'll find live music and nightlife around the party-hard destination of Daytona Beach. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This beach city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Playa del Carmen or Daytona Beach?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Playa del Carmen. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the party-hard beach city of Daytona Beach. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Playa del Carmen or Daytona Beach?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant destination of Playa del Carmen. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town 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.

Daytona Beach is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Playa del Carmen or Daytona Beach?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the beautiful town of Playa del Carmen. 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.

Daytona Beach is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Playa del Carmen Expensive? and Is Daytona Beach Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Daytona Beach?

Daytona Beach has a larger population, and is about 19% larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Daytona 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 Playa del Carmen or Daytona Beach?

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 Playa del Carmen or Daytona Beach in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Daytona Beach. The summer months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Daytona Beach this time of year.

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

Daytona Beach receives a lot of rain in the summer. Playa del Carmen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than Daytona Beach. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Daytona Beach receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Daytona Beach in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Daytona Beach. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Daytona Beach for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than Daytona Beach. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Playa del Carmen in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Daytona Beach averages at about 74°F (23°C).

It's quite rainy in Daytona Beach. Playa del Carmen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in October than Daytona Beach. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Daytona Beach receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Daytona Beach in the Winter?

Both Daytona Beach and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Daytona Beach in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Playa del Carmen is generally much warmer than Daytona Beach. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 23°C (73°F), and Daytona Beach fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

In January, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Daytona Beach. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Daytona Beach receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Daytona Beach in the Spring?

Both Daytona Beach and Playa del Carmen during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Daytona Beach for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than Daytona Beach in the spring. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Daytona Beach fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in April than Daytona Beach. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Daytona Beach receives 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to October is the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen.

Typical Weather for Daytona Beach and Playa del Carmen