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

Should you visit Daytona Beach or Arlington?

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

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Arlington? 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 party-hard, energetic, and lively 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. See Daytona Beach travel costs.

Arlington

Arlington is a educational, international, and historical city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Arlington travel costs.

Daytona Beach and Arlington: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Daytona Beach or Arlington?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Daytona Beach than Arlington. While Arlington 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 Arlington attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, and shopping. Daytona Beach is more touristy than Arlington 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. Arlington is famous for its international connections, its biking and walking trails, and being the location of the Pentagon.

How is Daytona Beach different from Arlington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Arlington offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Arlington National Cemetery is where you'll find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as well as the tomb of John F. Kennedy Jr. There are many memorials around town, with the most famous being the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial. There are also several museums like the DEA Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Arlington 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 Arlington is an experience not to be missed. It's a global city, and the restaurants reflect that. You'll find amazing Thai, Japanese, and Mexican restaurants. There are also less common cuisines to choose from such as Ethiopian, Moroccan, and Peruvian.

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 Arlington Better for Nightlife?

Daytona Beach is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Daytona Beach is a must-see 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 people in Arlington know how to have a good time. The city has a huge young population that drives the nightlife scene. There are clubs, bars, and lounges in many neighborhoods. There are also comedy clubs and plenty of live music.

Is Daytona Beach or Arlington Better for Music?

Daytona Beach is a nice place to visit for its music scene. However, Arlington 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.

Arlington is not a live music destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Arlington Better for Resorts?

Daytona Beach is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Arlington 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.

Arlington is not a resort destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Arlington Better for Beaches?

Daytona Beach is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Arlington 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.

Arlington is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Daytona Beach or Arlington?

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

Many visitors go to Arlington to go shopping. Many neighborhoods have local shops or farmer's markets. There are also shopping centers and malls such as Ballston Quarter, The Crossing Clarendon, and The Village at Shirlington.

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 Arlington Better for Families?

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

Arlington is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy seeing the planes talk off from Gravelly Point park. There are also plenty of outdoor spaces and educational opportunities in the area, including world class museums.

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 Arlington Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Daytona Beach and Arlington make for a nice place to visit.

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.

Arlington is a nice destination for couples. There's a vibrant cultural scene and many international restaurants that couples can enjoy. It's also a great place to take in a show or concert.

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

Arlington is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Daytona Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Arlington is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels and many free activities nearby. There's also great public transportation that makes for a convenient backpacker destination.

Daytona Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Arlington Better for Students?

Daytona Beach is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for 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.

Students come from all over to stay in Arlington. There are a huge number of colleges and museums in the area as well as many great internship and educational opportunities.

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

Arlington is a must-visit destination for its public transit. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for times when you don't have a car.

Arlington has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. There is a reliable bus system around town as well as many metro connections.

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 Arlington a more walkable city?

Arlington is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its walkability.

Arlington is a very walkable destination. There are many pedestrian-friendly areas around town, particularly in the neighborhoods that are concentrated around metro stations.

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 Arlington Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Arlington or Daytona Beach?

How long in Daytona Beach or Arlington?

It's fun to spend time in either Daytona Beach or Arlington. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Arlington 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 Arlington.

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

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

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

One day in Daytona Beach or Arlington?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the beach city of Daytona Beach. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the educational destination of Arlington. 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 Arlington?

You'll find live music and nightlife around the lively destination of Daytona Beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This beach city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the fun beach city of Daytona Beach. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the educational destination of Arlington. 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 Arlington?

Daytona Beach is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Arlington. 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 Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Daytona Beach and Arlington, we can see that Arlington 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 Arlington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Arlington 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 Arlington Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Daytona Beach or Arlington?

Arlington has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Daytona Beach. When comparing the sizes of Daytona Beach and Arlington, 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 Arlington?

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 Arlington in the Summer?

Both Arlington and Daytona Beach during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Daytona Beach for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Arlington in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Daytona Beach is around the same temperature as Arlington in the summer. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Arlington fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Daytona Beach. Daytona Beach usually gets more rain in July than Arlington. Daytona Beach gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Arlington in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Daytona Beach and Arlington. Many visitors come to Daytona Beach in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Arlington for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Daytona Beach is much warmer than Arlington. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Daytona Beach in October average around 74°F (23°C), and Arlington averages at about 60°F (15°C).

Daytona Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Daytona Beach usually receives more rain than Arlington. Daytona Beach gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Arlington in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Daytona Beach as well as Arlington. Most visitors come to Daytona Beach for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Arlington because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Arlington can be very cold. In January, Daytona Beach is generally much warmer than Arlington. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 58°F (14°C), and Arlington fluctuates around 35°F (1°C).

Daytona Beach usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Arlington. Daytona Beach gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Arlington in the Spring?

Both Arlington and Daytona Beach are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Daytona Beach because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

Daytona Beach is much warmer than Arlington in the spring. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 69°F (21°C) in April, and Arlington fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

In April, Daytona Beach usually receives less rain than Arlington. Daytona Beach gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Arlington and Daytona Beach