A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Daytona Beach vs. Carmel-by-the-Sea for Nightlife, Food, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Daytona Beach or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Carmel-by-the-Sea? 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 fun, party-hard, and energetic 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a quaint, charming, and picturesque town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. With stunning beauty, Carmel-by-the-Sea attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping. See Carmel-by-the-Sea travel costs.

Daytona Beach and Carmel-by-the-Sea: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Daytona Beach or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Daytona Beach. Although Daytona Beach and Carmel-by-the-Sea are popular destinations, Daytona Beach has more sights and attractions for tourists. Daytona Beach is very popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, and big city activities, while Carmel-by-the-Sea attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, beaches, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Daytona Beach is more touristy than Carmel-by-the-Sea and is known for its spring break culture, wild parties, and the Daytona 500 NASCAR race. It is also well known for The Daytona International Speedway. Carmel-by-the-Sea is famous for its storybook architecture, its opulent setting, and its popularity with golf enthusiasts.

How is Daytona Beach different from Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Carmel-by-the-Sea. The Carmel Mission is a beautiful and fascinating Spanish mission that dates back to 1770. It's also well worth visiting the nearby Pebble Beach Golf Course. There are also a few fairytale style cottages in the area with some of the most notable being the Hansel cottage, the Gretel cottage, and the Tuck Box cottage.

Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Daytona Beach or Carmel-by-the-Sea? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea is an experience not to be missed. For such a small town there is a huge number of bistros and local cafes. Seafood is popular, but you'll also find international restaurants and more casual eateries.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Nightlife?

Daytona Beach is renowned for its evening party scene. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's not a late night town, but there are a couple of bars and some decent Happy Hours around town.

Is Daytona Beach or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Music?

Daytona Beach is a beach city with good options for its music scene. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in Daytona Beach. You can see live music at the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Bandshell and The Roof.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a live music destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Resorts?

Daytona Beach is a moderate beach city for its resorts. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a resort destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Beaches?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a well-known place for the beach. Also, Daytona Beach is not as famous, but is still a good beach city to visit for its beaches.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is considered a top beach destination. It's easy to walk to the beach from the village center. Just head down Ocean Avenue and you'll be at a beautiful beach with great scenery, surfing, and fun activities.

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 the Shopping Better in Daytona Beach or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's easy to walk around the heart of town and pop in the many shops and galleries. The highest concentration of shops is found around the Carmel Plaza which has upscale brands as well as local items.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea More Beautiful?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Daytona Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Carmel-by-the-Sea attracts visitors from all around. It's a beautiful town with nice beaches and a European atmosphere.

Daytona Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Daytona Beach or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Daytona Beach or Carmel-by-the-Sea as a family destination.

Daytona Beach is not the most family-friendly destination. 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not always a place people visit with their families. Carmel is a good place to let the kids stretch their legs. There are also some good kid-friendly walks in the area.

Is Daytona Beach or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Couples?

Carmel-by-the-Sea 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a charming town with a beautiful coastline and plenty of cute hotels that makes for a great romantic getaway. There's wonderful shopping and many great restaurants where you can enjoy a local meal.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Students?

Daytona Beach is renowned for students. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not popular with students.

Is Daytona Beach or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a moderate town 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea. There are a couple of buses, but you can't really depend on them to get around.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea a more walkable city?

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

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very walkable destination. The village center is very walkable so it's easy to park you car and shop or walk to the beach.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Daytona Beach?

How long in Daytona Beach or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Daytona Beach and Carmel-by-the-Sea. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Carmel-by-the-Sea than in Daytona Beach. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Daytona Beach, and 1-3 days is enough time in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea.

One day in Daytona Beach or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

With nightlife and live music around the destination of Daytona Beach, there's plenty to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

Even though Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Daytona Beach or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Many people enjoy the live music and nightlife when visiting Daytona Beach. Your budget might influence how long you stay. A weekend is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the lively destination of Daytona Beach. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This town 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Daytona Beach is a popular choice for travelers. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. This beach city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea, we can see that Daytona Beach is more expensive. And not only is Carmel-by-the-Sea much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Carmel-by-the-Sea would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Daytona Beach or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Daytona Beach has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Carmel-by-the-Sea. When comparing the sizes of Daytona Beach and Carmel-by-the-Sea, 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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 Daytona Beach or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Summer?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Daytona Beach are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Daytona Beach in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Daytona Beach is much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea in the summer. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It's quite rainy in Daytona Beach. In July, Daytona Beach usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daytona Beach gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Autumn?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Daytona Beach during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Daytona Beach for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Carmel-by-the-Sea because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Daytona Beach is a little warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Daytona Beach in October average around 74°F (23°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea averages at about 62°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Daytona Beach. Daytona Beach usually gets more rain in October than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daytona Beach gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Daytona Beach and Carmel-by-the-Sea. The winter months attract visitors to Daytona Beach because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Carmel-by-the-Sea this time of year.

In January, Daytona Beach is generally a little warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 58°F (14°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In January, Daytona Beach usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daytona Beach gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Daytona Beach as well as Carmel-by-the-Sea. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Daytona Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Daytona Beach is much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea in the spring. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 69°F (21°C) in April, and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Daytona Beach usually gets more rain in April than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daytona Beach gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Carmel-by-the-Sea and Daytona Beach