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

Should you visit Daytona Beach or Durango?

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

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Durango? 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. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and beaches. See Daytona Beach travel costs.

Durango

Durango is a historic, charming, and quaint small town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. Durango offers plenty of beauty for visitors. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. Other popular activities here include hiking and museums. See Durango travel costs.

Daytona Beach and Durango: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Daytona Beach or Durango?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Daytona Beach than Durango, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Daytona Beach is better known for its nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, and big city activities, while Durango is more popular for its skiing, museums and attractions, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Daytona Beach is more touristy than Durango and is popular for its spring break culture, wild parties, and the Daytona 500 NASCAR race. Also, Daytona Beach is famous for The Daytona International Speedway. Durango is well known for its historic narrow gauge railroad, its charming small town atmosphere, and its many family-friendly activities.

How is Daytona Beach different from Durango?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Daytona Beach or Durango Better for Skiing?

Durango is a moderate small town for snow skiing. However, Daytona Beach is not a skiing destination.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Durango for snow skiing. Purgatory Ski Resort is about 20 minutes from town and it's a family-friendly mountain with beginner and intermediate runs. It's small, and geared specifically to the beginner and younger crowd.

Daytona Beach is not a skiing destination.

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

Durango 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 Durango. Most visitors come to town specifically to ride the Silverton & Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad. There's also the D&SNGRR Railroad Museum, and the Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum.

Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Daytona Beach and Durango offer a number of respectable 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.

Durango offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Most of the restaurants are casual and family-friendly, serving up burgers or sandwiches for a reasonable price. You'll also find some coffeeshops and even a few food trucks and international restaurants.

Is Daytona Beach or Durango Better for Nightlife?

Daytona Beach is a world-class destination for nightlife. However, Durango is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

People head to Daytona Beach just to party. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Durango. It's a small town that attracts tourists mainly for its train, so you won't find much in the way of a nightlife scene.

Is Daytona Beach or Durango Better for Music?

Daytona Beach is a good destination for live music. However, Durango is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Daytona Beach. You can see live music at the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Bandshell and The Roof.

Durango is not a live music destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Durango Better for Resorts?

Daytona Beach is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Durango is not a resort destination.

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.

Durango is not a resort destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Durango Better for Beaches?

Daytona Beach is a good destination for its beaches. However, Durango 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.

Durango is not a beach destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Durango Better for its Old Town?

Durango is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Daytona Beach does not have a historic old town.

Durango offers a nice historic old town area. Filled with character, the downtown feels like you've stepped into a Western. The town has a long history as a mining and railroad community, which you can see throughout the historic area. It really feels like you're in the "Wild West."

Daytona Beach does not have a historic old town.

Is Daytona Beach or Durango Better for Hiking?

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

Durango is a popular spot for hiking. It's surrounded by plenty of natural beautiful and there is an endless supply of hikes in the region. Popular nearby hikes include Animas Mountain Trail, Falls Creek Trail, and Purgatory Trail.

Daytona Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Daytona Beach or Durango?

Both Daytona Beach and Durango are respectable 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.

Durango is a good destination for shopping. The charming town has some boutiques that sell beautifully made Native American jewelry and other interesting items. There are also souvenir shops and other venues that target tourists specifically.

Is Daytona Beach or Durango More Beautiful?

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

Durango offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The town is surrounded by plenty of natural beauty.

Daytona Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Daytona Beach or Durango Better for Families?

Durango is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its kid-friendly activities.

Durango is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. In the area you'll find ziplining, alpine slides, and plenty of outdoor areas to explore - and of course there's the railroad.

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 Durango Better for Couples?

Daytona Beach is a good destination for romance. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Durango as a couple's destination. The town may not be the first romantic destination that comes to mind, but the railroad combined with wandering the downtown can make for a great couple's getaway.

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

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Durango. With plenty of parks and outdoor areas nearby, backpackers will have plenty of places to explore.

Daytona Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Durango Better for Students?

Daytona Beach is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Durango is not popular with 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.

Durango is not popular with students.

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

Neither Daytona Beach or Durango offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant 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.

Public transit is quite limited in Durango. It's a small town with no real public transit options so a car is a must.

Is Daytona Beach or Durango a more walkable city?

Durango is a moderate small town for its ease of walking around. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its walkability.

Durango is generally not very walkable. While the Main Street through town is walkable, it's not as pedestrian-friendly as some small towns.

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 Durango Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Durango or Daytona Beach?

How long in Daytona Beach or Durango?

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

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

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

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

One day in Daytona Beach or Durango?

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.

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

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 Durango. 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 Durango?

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.

Durango is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This small 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 Durango?

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.

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

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 Durango Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Daytona Beach or Durango?

Daytona Beach has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Durango. When comparing the sizes of Daytona Beach and Durango, 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.