A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Daytona Beach vs. Denali National Park for Couples, Resorts, Families, and Food

Should you visit Daytona Beach or Denali National Park?

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

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Denali National Park? 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.

Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a vast, rugged, and spectacular park. You'll find world class beauty in Denali National Park as well. Other popular activities here include hiking. See Denali National Park travel costs.

Daytona Beach and Denali National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Denali (Mount McKinley)
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Daytona Beach or Denali National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Daytona Beach. Although Daytona Beach and Denali National Park are both popular with visitors, Daytona Beach has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Daytona Beach is more popular for its nightlife, music, beaches, and big city activities, while Denali National Park is known for its museums and attractions, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Daytona Beach is more touristy than Denali National Park 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. Denali National Park is popular for its vast wilderness and iconic Alaskan wildlife.

How is Daytona Beach different from Denali National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Denali National Park 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 Denali National Park?

Daytona Beach
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a moderate park for its sights and museums. However, Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Denali National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Denali's Museum Collection includes more than 25,000 different items that reflect the region's history, culture, and geology.

Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Daytona Beach or Denali National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Daytona Beach
Denali National Park

Both Daytona Beach and Denali National Park offer a number of decent restaurants to choose from.

Daytona Beach may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. This beach is more about the parties and drinks than it is about the food.

Denali National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. During the summer months there are restaurants open along Highway 3 as well as the Morino Grill near the Denali Visitor Center.

Is Daytona Beach or Denali National Park Better for Nightlife?

Daytona Beach
Denali National Park

Daytona Beach is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. However, Denali National Park is not known for its evening party scene.

Daytona Beach is a world class 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.

People don't go to Denali National Park for the nightlife. Visitors come to the park to see the nature, not for the nightlife.

Is Daytona Beach or Denali National Park Better for Music?

Daytona Beach
Denali National Park

Daytona Beach is very good for its live music scene. However, Denali National Park is not a live music destination.

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.

Denali National Park is not a live music destination.


Is Daytona Beach or Denali National Park Better for Resorts?

Daytona Beach
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a popular place for its resorts. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its luxury resorts.

Denali National Park has a few great resort options. Most visitors stay nearby the Denali Park Entrance. It has the most affordable hotels and lodges, some of which have a lot of personality. Alternatively, you could stay in the more remote area of Kantishna. These lodges are more expensive and all-inclusive, but they are also far away from most conveniences.

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 Denali National Park Better for Beaches?

Daytona Beach
Denali National Park

Daytona Beach is very good for the beach. However, Denali National Park is not a beach destination.

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.

Denali National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Denali National Park Better for Hiking?

Daytona Beach
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Daytona Beach is not a hiking destination.

Denali National Park is a good destination for hiking. If you're looking for a marked trail, there are limited options within the park. Those that do exist are located near the park entrance and are usually just a couple of miles long. Off-trail hiking is what makes for the most memorable experience. Make sure you stop off at the visitor center for information and knowledge before you venture into the wilderness without a trail. For obvious reasons, you should fully understand what this entails before beginning your adventure.

Daytona Beach is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Daytona Beach or Denali National Park?

Daytona Beach
Denali National Park

Both Daytona Beach and Denali National Park are decent shopping destinations.

Daytona Beach has some good spots for those that want to go 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.

Denali National Park is a good destination for shopping. There are several park stores and shops in and near the park where you can pick up gifts, books, and souvenirs.

Is Daytona Beach or Denali National Park More Beautiful?

Daytona Beach
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Daytona Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Denali National Park as well. Home to the highest peak in North America, the park is famous for its dramatic beauty and rugged landscapes.

Daytona Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Daytona Beach or Denali National Park Better for Families?

Daytona Beach
Denali National Park

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

Denali National Park is a family-friendly place to visit. Most people visit the park as part of a tour, so it's important to book a tour that is designed with families in mind. This will help ensure the kids stay entertained even during long bus rides.

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 Denali National Park Better for Couples?

Daytona Beach
Denali National Park

Denali National Park 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.

Denali National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy outdoor adventures and stunning scenery will find the ultimate romance in this impressive park.

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 Denali National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Daytona Beach
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a must-visit destination for backpackers. However, Daytona Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Denali National Park is a very popular park to visit for backpackers. There are millions of acres in the park as well as campgrounds, hostels, and vast backcountry (which requires a permit).

Daytona Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Denali National Park Better for Students?

Daytona Beach
Denali National Park

Daytona Beach is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Denali National Park is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit 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.

Denali National Park is not popular with students.


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

Daytona Beach
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a moderate park 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 Denali National Park. There are free shuttle buses that leave from the entrance area, but many visitors organize a tour 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 Denali National Park a more walkable city?

Daytona Beach
Denali National Park

Neither Daytona Beach or Denali National Park are walkable places.

Daytona Beach is not a walkable beach city. This area requires a car if you want to access restaurants, nightlife, or anything away from your hotel.

Denali National Park is not a very walkable beach city. The park is vast and you need some form of transportation to get around, whether it's a private vehicle or a pre-arranged tour.

For even more information, also check out Is Daytona Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Denali National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Denali National Park or Daytona Beach?

How long in Daytona Beach or Denali National Park?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Denali National Park 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 Denali National Park.


  • How many days in Daytona Beach or Denali National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Daytona Beach 7 
    Denali National Park 2-4

One day in Daytona Beach or Denali National Park?

Many travelers enjoy the live music and nightlife when visiting the destination of Daytona Beach. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the rugged destination of Denali National Park. 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 Denali National Park?

Daytona Beach is a fun place to experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. This beach city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Denali National Park. 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 Denali National Park?

Many people visit Daytona Beach for five days. You'll find live music and nightlife around the beach city of Daytona Beach. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the rugged destination of Denali National Park. This park 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 Denali National Park?

The fun destination of Daytona Beach offers nightlife and live music. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find around the beautiful park of Denali National Park. 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, Denali National Park 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
    Denali National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Daytona Beach $269
    Denali National Park $260

The average daily cost (per person) in Daytona Beach is $269, while the average daily cost in Denali National Park is $260. 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 Denali National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Daytona Beach $84
    Denali National Park $116
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Daytona Beach $168
    Denali National Park $232
Compare Hotels in Daytona Beach and Denali National Park

Looking for a hotel in Daytona Beach or Denali National Park? 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 Denali National Park


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Daytona Beach $53
    Denali National Park $76

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Daytona Beach

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Daytona Beach:

  • Private Transfer from New Smyrna Beach to Port Canaveral: $262
  • Private Transfer from Daytona to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $219
  • Private Transfer from New Smyrna Beach to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $202

Is it cheaper to fly into Daytona Beach or Denali National Park?

Prices for flights to both Denali National Park 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
    Denali National Park $98

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
    Denali National Park $30

Tours and Activities in Daytona Beach

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

  • St. Johns River Cruise - Blue Spring State Park : $38
  • 2-Hour Glass Bottom Guided Eco Tour in Flagler County-Small-group: $85
  • 3 Hour Coastal Fun Cruise : $150
  • 3 Hour Social Sip N Dip Party Cruise: $70
  • Bioluminescence Paddle Tour: $75
  • Coastal Discovery Cruise: $75
  • Daytona Beach Champagne Sunset Cruise: $89
  • Guided Kayaking or Standup Paddling Tour: $65
  • Paddle Pub Experience: $45
  • Sunrise Cruise on the Atlantic Ocean: $110
  • Discovery Dolphin Boat Tour: $35
  • Dolphin and Manatee Kayak Tour of Daytona Beach: $65

Tours and Activities in Denali National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Denali National Park.

  • Denali Husky Kennel & Brewpub Visit – Half-Day Experience: $130
  • Denali Naturalist Walking Tour: $132
  • 2.5-Hour Denali Wilderness ATV Adventure Tour: $135
  • Midnight Sun ATV Adventure 2.5 Hour Tour: $135
  • 3 Hour Naturalist Walking Tour in Denali National Park: $139
  • Wilds of Alaska Classic ATV Adventure: $153
  • Winter Side by Side ATV Tour: $160
  • Denali 4 Hour Hiking Adventure with Naturalist Guide: $160
  • Classic ATV Adventure with Back Country Dining: $163
  • Alaskan Back Country Side by Side ATV Adventure with Meal: $163
  • Denali ATV Trailblazer 3.5 Hour Tour : $178
  • Denali 5 Hour Hiking Tour with Naturalist Guide: $182

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Daytona Beach $43
    Denali National Park $12

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 comparing the travel costs between Daytona Beach and Denali National Park, we can see that Daytona Beach is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Denali National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Daytona Beach or Denali National Park?

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 Denali National Park in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Daytona Beach as well as Denali National Park. The beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Daytona Beach this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Denali National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Daytona Beach is generally much warmer than Denali National Park. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 81°F (27°C), and Denali National Park fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

Daytona Beach receives a lot of rain in the summer. Daytona Beach usually gets more rain in July than Denali National Park. Daytona Beach gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Daytona Beach 81°F (27°C) 
    Denali National Park 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Denali National Park in the Autumn?

Both Denali National Park and Daytona Beach are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Daytona Beach for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, many visitors come to Denali National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Denali National Park can get quite cold in the autumn. Daytona Beach is much warmer than Denali National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 74°F (23°C) in October, and Denali National Park fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

It's quite rainy in Daytona Beach. In October, Daytona Beach usually receives more rain than Denali National Park. Daytona Beach gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Daytona Beach 74°F (23°C) 
    Denali National Park 32°F (0°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Denali National Park in the Winter?

Both Denali National Park and Daytona Beach during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Daytona Beach in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Denali National Park for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Denali National Park can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Daytona Beach is much warmer than Denali National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Daytona Beach in January average around 58°F (14°C), and Denali National Park averages at about 11°F (-12°C).

Daytona Beach usually gets more rain in January than Denali National Park. Daytona Beach gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Daytona Beach 58°F (14°C) 
    Denali National Park 11°F (-12°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Denali National Park in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Daytona Beach and Denali National Park. Most visitors come to Daytona Beach for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Denali National Park because of the natural beauty.

The weather in Denali National Park can be very cold. In April, Daytona Beach is generally much warmer than Denali National Park. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 69°F (21°C), and Denali National Park fluctuates around 34°F (1°C).

In April, Daytona Beach usually receives more rain than Denali National Park. Daytona Beach gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Daytona Beach 69°F (21°C) 
    Denali National Park 34°F (1°C)

Typical Weather for Denali National Park and Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach Denali National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 58°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 11°F (-12°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Feb 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 16°F (-9°C) 1.4 inches (37 mm)
Mar 65°F (18°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 23°F (-5°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Apr 69°F (21°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 34°F (1°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
May 75°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 46°F (8°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 6 inches (152 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 60°F (15°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 6.2 inches (157 mm) 56°F (14°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Sep 80°F (26°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 47°F (9°C) 4.2 inches (108 mm)
Oct 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 32°F (0°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Nov 66°F (19°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Dec 60°F (16°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 13°F (-11°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)