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

Should you visit Daytona Beach or Durham?

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

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Durham? 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.

Durham

Durham is a diverse, student-filled, and sports oriented city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Durham travel costs.

Daytona Beach and Durham: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Daytona Beach or Durham?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Daytona Beach than Durham. While Durham is larger than Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Daytona Beach is very popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, and big city activities, while Durham attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, and shopping. Daytona Beach is more touristy than Durham 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. Durham is famous for its college town vibe as well as being the home of the famous Blue Devil basketball team.

How is Daytona Beach different from Durham?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Durham 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 Durham?

Durham is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Durham offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Duke University is one of the most popular destinations in town. There are several museums on campus as well as the famous Duke Chapel. Elsewhere in Durham there's the Durham Museum of Life and Science.

Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Durham 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 Durham area. Barbecue is a favorite around town. You'll also find plenty of restaurants that cater to the student population, particularly along Nineth Street near Duke's campus.

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 Durham Better for Nightlife?

Daytona Beach is an amazing beach city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Daytona Beach has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Durham. The younger population tends to hang out near campus and along Nineth Street. If you're looking for something less student oriented, head to downtown Durham.

Is Daytona Beach or Durham Better for Music?

Daytona Beach is very good for its music scene. However, Durham 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.

Durham is not a live music destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Durham Better for Resorts?

Daytona Beach is a moderate beach city for its resorts. However, Durham 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.

Durham is not a resort destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Durham Better for Beaches?

Daytona Beach is very good for the beach. However, Durham 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.

Durham is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Daytona Beach or Durham?

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

Many visitors go to Durham to go shopping. The Streets of Southpoint is the best mall in the area. Other shopping areas include Brightleaf Square and Nineth Street.

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 Durham Better for Families?

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

Durham is a family-friendly place to visit. A highlight for kids is a visit to the Durham Museum of Life and Science. It has both an indoor and an outdoor section and brings science to life for families. There's also an impressive playground and climbing area. Other activities in town include the Notasium and Eno River State Park. If you plan ahead you could also organize a trip to the Duke Lemur Center.

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 Durham Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Daytona Beach and Durham make for a nice 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.

Durham is a nice destination for couples. Have a picnic at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens or spend the day hiking at Eno River State Park. In the evening there's a wonderful selection of restaurants around town. Then you can check out a show at the Durham Performing Arts Center or see a Durham Bulls game.

Is Daytona Beach or Durham Better for Students?

Daytona Beach is an amazing beach city to visit for students. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Durham is a great beach city to visit as a student. Duke University has a stunning campus with a world class garden. There's also nearby Nineth Street, which has shops, restaurants, and bars that are geared toward the student population.

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

Durham 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 Durham. There are buses around town, but you really need a car to explore the area.

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 Durham a more walkable city?

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

Durham is generally not very walkable. Downtown Durham and a few areas near Duke University are the most walkable areas.

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 Durham Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Durham or Daytona Beach?

How long in Daytona Beach or Durham?

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

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

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

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

One day in Daytona Beach or Durham?

Many travelers enjoy the live music and nightlife when visiting the destination of Daytona Beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the sports oriented destination of Durham. 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 Durham?

Daytona Beach is a great place to explore. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. A weekend may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Durham. 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 Durham?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Daytona Beach. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the student-filled destination of Durham. 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 Durham?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the party-hard destination of Daytona Beach. This beach city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Durham. 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 Durham, we can see that Daytona Beach is more expensive. And not only is Durham much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Durham would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Durham 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 Durham.

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 Durham Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Daytona Beach or Durham?

Durham has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Daytona Beach. When comparing the sizes of Daytona Beach and Durham, 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 Durham?

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 Durham in the Summer?

Both Durham and Daytona Beach are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Daytona Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Durham for the family-friendly experiences.

Daytona Beach is around the same temperature as Durham in the summer. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Durham fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Durham. It's quite rainy in Daytona Beach. In July, Daytona Beach usually receives around the same amount of rain as Durham. Daytona Beach gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Durham receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Durham in the Autumn?

Both Durham and Daytona Beach during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 Durham in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Daytona Beach is a little warmer than Durham. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Daytona Beach in October average around 74°F (23°C), and Durham averages at about 61°F (16°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Daytona Beach. Daytona Beach usually gets more rain in October than Durham. Daytona Beach gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Durham receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Durham in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Daytona Beach and Durham. Many visitors come to Daytona Beach in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Durham for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Durham can be very cold during winter. In January, Daytona Beach is generally much warmer than Durham. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 58°F (14°C), and Durham fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

In January, Daytona Beach usually receives less rain than Durham. Daytona Beach gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Durham receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Durham in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Daytona Beach as well as Durham. Most visitors come to Daytona Beach for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

Daytona Beach is a little warmer than Durham in the spring. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 69°F (21°C) in April, and Durham fluctuates around 60°F (16°C).

Daytona Beach usually gets less rain in April than Durham. Daytona Beach gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Durham receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Durham and Daytona Beach