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

Should you visit Daytona Beach or Boulder?

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

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Boulder? 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 lively, fun, and party-hard beach city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the live music, beaches, and nightlife. See Daytona Beach travel costs.

Boulder

Boulder is a nature-filled, biker-friendly, and outdoorsy city. Boulder offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping. See Boulder travel costs.

Daytona Beach and Boulder: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Daytona Beach or Boulder?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Daytona Beach than Boulder. While Boulder is larger than Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach has more sights and attractions for tourists. Daytona Beach is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, and big city activities, while Boulder is known for its skiing, museums and attractions, food, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Daytona Beach is more touristy than Boulder and is popular for its spring break culture, wild parties, and the Daytona 500 NASCAR race. It is also home to The Daytona International Speedway. Boulder is popular for its outdoor sports, biker-friendly downtown, vibrant downtown, and many local breweries.

How is Daytona Beach different from Boulder?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Daytona Beach or Boulder Better for Skiing?

Boulder is a moderate city for snow skiing. However, Daytona Beach is not a skiing destination.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Boulder for snow skiing. The town offers access within an hour or two to several great ski resorts including Eldora Mountain, Vail, and Breckenridge.

Daytona Beach is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Daytona Beach or Boulder?

Boulder is a moderate city for its sights and museums. However, Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Boulder offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people visit Boulder for the outdoor activities more than the museums and sights. If have the time you can wander around the University of Colorado Boulder campus, visit the Museum of Boulder, or see the Leanin' Tree Museum of Western Art.

Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Boulder 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 Boulder area. This is an often overlooked foodie town, with great farmer's markets and restaurants to try. There are many casual places to eat as well as vegetarian and vegan friendly options everywhere.

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 Boulder Better for Nightlife?

Daytona Beach is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Boulder is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Daytona Beach is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Boulder. The town has breweries, craft beer, and plenty to do in the evening. Live music is popular and many venues are smaller with a more personal atmosphere. Check out The Bitter Bar or License No. 1 for a local vibe.

Is Daytona Beach or Boulder Better for Music?

Both Daytona Beach and Boulder offer good live music venues.

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.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Boulder. During the summer months there are often outdoor concerts. Head to Pearl Street for open air stages or see a concert at Boulder Theater.

Is Daytona Beach or Boulder Better for Resorts?

Daytona Beach is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Boulder is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Daytona Beach offers a few options. 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.

Boulder is not a resort destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Boulder Better for Beaches?

Daytona Beach is a good destination for the beach. However, Boulder 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.

Boulder is not a beach destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Boulder Better for Hiking?

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

Boulder is a popular spot for hiking. There are many accessible hikes in the area that take you through the mountains, by wildflowers, or up mountain peaks. Popular hikes that are nearby include the Bear Peak Summit Hike, the trails in Eldorado Canyon State Park, and Boulder Falls.

Daytona Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Daytona Beach or Boulder?

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

Many visitors go to Boulder to go shopping. The downtown area has many local retailers where you can shop for clothing, art, or home goods. You can also pick up outdoor gear, camping equipment, and any other items you may need in town. Make sure you wander down the pedestrian-friendly Pearl Street Mall.

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 Boulder More Beautiful?

Boulder is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Daytona Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Boulder offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The city is surrounded by beautiful mountains and breathtaking landscapes. Many people move here specifically for the surrounding natural beauty.

Daytona Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Daytona Beach or Boulder Better for Families?

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

Boulder is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has parks, playgrounds, a planetarium, and climbing gyms that are fun for kids of all ages. There are plenty places to get outdoors with hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor recreational activities. Eldorado Canyon State Park is a great place to explore as well.

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 Boulder Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Daytona Beach and Boulder make for a good 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.

Boulder is a nice destination for couples. This is a great city for couples who love outdoor adventures, hiking, rock climbing, and cycling. You can wander down Pearl Street or go for a bike ride. There are also great restaurants where you can enjoy a meal and then head to Panorama Point to take in the view.

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

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Boulder. There are a number of backcountry areas in the region that are perfect for backpackers. The city also has a young population and several affordable places to stay.

Daytona Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Boulder Better for Students?

Daytona Beach is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Boulder is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Daytona Beach is a very popular place to visit 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.

Boulder is a very popular beach city for students and younger travelers. With the University of Colorado, Boulder in town, this city is a popular spot for students. It's an outdoor enthusiast's perfect base with many outdoor recreational activities in the area.

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

Boulder is a moderate city 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 Boulder. There are buses that run around town, but you really need a car to fully experience everything that the city has to offer.

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 Boulder a more walkable city?

Boulder is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its walkability.

Boulder is a somewhat walkable city. The city has some nice walkable areas and it is very bike-friendly.

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 Boulder Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Boulder or Daytona Beach?

How long in Daytona Beach or Boulder?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Daytona Beach and Boulder. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Boulder than in Daytona Beach. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Daytona Beach, and 2-3 days is enough time in Boulder.

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

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

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

One day in Daytona Beach or Boulder?

In Daytona Beach, you'll find nightlife and live music. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This beach city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the nature-filled destination of Boulder. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Boulder?

In Daytona Beach, you'll find live music and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

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

Daytona Beach is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the nature-filled destination of Boulder. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Boulder?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Daytona Beach. Many people enjoy the live music and nightlife when visiting Daytona Beach. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find live music and food around the city of Boulder. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Boulder, we can see that Daytona Beach is more expensive. And not only is Boulder much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Boulder would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Boulder 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 Boulder.

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 Boulder Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Daytona Beach or Boulder?

Boulder has a larger population, and is about 42% larger than the population of Daytona Beach. When comparing the sizes of Daytona Beach and Boulder, 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.