A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Daytona Beach vs. Aspen for Food, Nightlife, Music, and Resorts

Should you visit Daytona Beach or Aspen?

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

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Aspen? 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. See Daytona Beach travel costs.

Aspen

Aspen is a quaint, vibrant, and artsy ski town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. With stunning beauty, Aspen attracts visitors from all around. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include live music, food, and hiking. See Aspen travel costs.

Daytona Beach and Aspen: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Not as many resort options
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Known for Christmas markets
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Daytona Beach or Aspen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Aspen. Although Daytona Beach and Aspen are popular destinations, Aspen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Aspen is very popular for its skiing, food, music, resorts, hiking, shopping, christmas markets, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Daytona Beach attracts visitors for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities. Daytona Beach is more touristy than Aspen and is known for its spring break culture, wild parties, and the Daytona 500 NASCAR race. Aspen is famous for its world-class skiing, many food, film, and music festivals, and its stunning mountain hikes. It is also well known for The Maroon Bells.

How is Daytona Beach different from Aspen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Daytona Beach or Aspen Better for Skiing?

Daytona Beach
Aspen

Aspen is a must-visit destination for snow skiing. However, Daytona Beach is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Aspen should be on your list. Near the town, there are 4 separate ski resorts. In town you'll find Aspen Mountain, which is known for it's black-diamond runs. Aspen Highlands, a couple miles away, has a mix of slopes and is less crowded. Buttermilk attracts many freestyle skiers and Aspen Snowmass is considered one of the best family-friendly ski areas.

Daytona Beach is not a skiing destination.


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

Daytona Beach
Aspen

Aspen is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its restaurants.

For foodies, Aspen is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The town hosts many food festivals and there is a growing selection of diverse restaurants. In town you'll find cafes and restaurants that cater to both the local crowd and the travelers who flock to the area during peak seasons.

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 Aspen Better for Nightlife?

Daytona Beach
Aspen

Daytona Beach is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Aspen is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Daytona Beach is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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 in Aspen has something for everybody. The people in Aspen know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene includes craft beer, live music, and dancing. There's a local vibe, particularly during the off-season times when the tourist crowds are less.

Is Daytona Beach or Aspen Better for Music?

Daytona Beach
Aspen

Aspen is a well-known place for its music scene. Also, Daytona Beach is not as famous, but is still a good beach city to visit for live music.

The music scene in Aspen is very popular with diverse venues. Popular music venues in town include Silver City Mountain Saloon and Belly Up Aspen.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Daytona Beach. You can see live music at the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Bandshell and The Roof.


Is Daytona Beach or Aspen Better for Resorts?

Daytona Beach
Aspen

Aspen is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its luxury resorts.

Aspen is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Popular resorts in the area include The Little Nell, Hotel Jerome, and St. Regis Aspen.

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 Aspen Better for Beaches?

Daytona Beach
Aspen

Daytona Beach is a beach city with good options for the beach. However, Aspen is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Daytona 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.

Aspen is not a beach destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Aspen Better for Hiking?

Daytona Beach
Aspen

Aspen is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Daytona Beach is not a hiking destination.

Aspen is a popular spot for hiking. During the summer and fall seasons, hiking is a great way to explore Aspen's nearby beauty. Popular trails include the Ute Trail, the Lost Man Trail, and the famous Maroon Bells Scenic Trail.

Daytona Beach is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Daytona Beach or Aspen?

Daytona Beach
Aspen

Aspen 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 Aspen. There are many great local shops and art galleries where you can pick interesting items or fine art.

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 Aspen More Beautiful?

Daytona Beach
Aspen

Aspen is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Daytona Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Aspen attracts visitors from all around. Surrounded by the mountains and set amongst a beautiful natural setting, this town will take your breath away.

Daytona Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Daytona Beach or Aspen Better for Families?

Daytona Beach
Aspen

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

Aspen is a family-friendly place to visit. Families that enjoy skiing together, hiking, rock climbing, and having adventures will enjoy a visit to this town. Aspen Mountain is not a great option for beginning skiers, but further away, Aspen Snowmass offers good beginner slopes.

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 Aspen Better for Couples?

Daytona Beach
Aspen

Aspen 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.

Aspen is a very popular place to visit for couples. Aspen is both a popular ski destination as well as an established town. There are many great restaurants and activities that couples can enjoy and the setting is cute and very scenic, making it a beautiful and romantic destination.

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 Aspen Better for Students?

Daytona Beach
Aspen

Daytona Beach is renowned for students. However, Aspen is not popular with students.

Daytona Beach is a very popular beach city 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.

Aspen is not popular with students.

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

Daytona Beach
Aspen

Aspen 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.

Aspen has a few public transit options. There are several shuttle buses around the town.

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 Aspen a more walkable city?

Daytona Beach
Aspen

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

Aspen is a very walkable destination. The town is compact enough that it can be explored on foot. If you're planning to head into the mountains to hike, you'll likely 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 Aspen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aspen or Daytona Beach?

How long in Daytona Beach or Aspen?

In either Daytona Beach or Aspen, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Aspen than Daytona Beach because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Daytona Beach, and 3-5 days is enough time in Aspen.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Daytona Beach or Aspen? Ideal Length of Stay
    Daytona Beach 7 
    Aspen 3-5

One day in Daytona Beach or Aspen?

In Daytona Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this party-hard destination offers. Lots of people come for the nightlife. This beach city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Even though Aspen is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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.

A weekend in Daytona Beach or Aspen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Daytona Beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aspen. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Aspen?

Daytona Beach is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Daytona Beach. Lots of people come for the nightlife. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Aspen is a small town with plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This ski 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.

A week in Daytona Beach or Aspen?

You'll find live music and nightlife around the energetic destination of Daytona Beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Aspen is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Aspen or Daytona Beach?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Daytona Beach Prices
    USA Prices
    Aspen Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Daytona Beach $269
    Aspen $355

The average daily cost (per person) in Daytona Beach is $269, while the average daily cost in Aspen is $355. 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 Aspen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Daytona Beach $84
    Aspen $170
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Daytona Beach $168
    Aspen $340
Compare Hotels in Daytona Beach and Aspen

Looking for a hotel in Daytona Beach or Aspen? 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 Aspen


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 Aspen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Daytona Beach $53
    Aspen $56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aspen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aspen:

  • Aspen hotel or address to Denver Airport (DEN) - Departure Private Transfer: $143

Is it cheaper to fly into Daytona Beach or Aspen?

Prices for flights to both Aspen 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 $138
    Aspen $146

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
    Aspen $45

Tours and Activities in Daytona Beach

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Daytona Beach are as follows:

  • Discovery Dolphin Boat Tour: $35
  • Wildlife Tour of Indian River Lagoon with Experienced Captain: $35
  • St. Johns River Cruise - Blue Spring State Park : $38
  • Paddle Pub Experience: $45
  • Scenic Mangrove Tunnel Paddle Tour – New Smyrna Beach: $45
  • Guided Wildlife Eco Kayak Tour in New Smyrna Beach: $50
  • New Smyrna Mangrove Paddle & Mimosa Tour: $55
  • Zipline Adventure through Tuscawilla Park: $59
  • Guided Kayaking or Standup Paddling Tour: $65
  • Dolphin and Wildlife Tour at Indian River Shores: $65
  • Dolphin and Manatee Stand Up Paddleboard Tour in Daytona Beach: $65
  • New Smyrna Dolphin and Manatee Kayak and SUP Adventure Tour: $65

Tours and Activities in Aspen

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

  • Aspen Self-Guided Tour: Tales of Wealth, Wildness and Rebellion: $15
  • Aspen Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Highlights of Aspen Tour: $45
  • Cemetery Tour: $45
  • Aspen's Off the Beaten Path Tour: $45
  • Aspen's Past to Present Historic Tour: $45
  • Aspen's DarkSide Ghost Tour: $45
  • Dark History Ghost-Themed Guided Walking Tour: $45
  • City Highlights Walking Tour: $45
  • Aspen's Off the Beaten Path Scenic Walking Tour: $45
  • From Past to Present History Walking Tour: $45

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Daytona Beach $43
    Aspen $20

Sample the Local Flavors in Daytona Beach

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Daytona Beach:

  • Karaoke Party Bus Dive Bar Crawl: $40
  • Dive Bar Bus Crawl: $50


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


Which is Bigger, Daytona Beach or Aspen?

Daytona Beach has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Aspen. When comparing the sizes of Daytona Beach and Aspen, 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.