A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Daytona Beach vs. Everglades National Park for Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Daytona Beach or Everglades National Park?

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

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Everglades 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. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and live music. See Daytona Beach travel costs.

Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is a pristine, adventure-filled, and unique national park. Everglades National Park offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include hiking. See Everglades National Park travel costs.

Daytona Beach and Everglades National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • 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
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Daytona Beach. Although Daytona Beach and Everglades National Park are popular destinations, Daytona Beach has more sights and attractions for tourists. Daytona Beach is very popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Everglades National Park attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, hiking, and impressive beauty. Daytona Beach is more touristy than Everglades National Park and is popular for its spring break culture, wild parties, and the Daytona 500 NASCAR race. It is also well known for The Daytona International Speedway. Everglades National Park is famous for its unique habitats and wildlife such as the friendly manatees.

How is Daytona Beach different from Everglades National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Daytona Beach
Everglades National Park

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

Everglades National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. It's worth checking out the Museum of the Everglades, but most visitors prefer to spend their time outdoors exploring the habitats.

Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Daytona Beach
Everglades National Park

Both Daytona Beach and Everglades National Park offer a number of reasonable 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.

Everglades National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are a few casual eateries near the park. The options include taquerias and grills. You'll also find some farm fresh fruit stands on the side of the road and it's definitely worth stopping to pick up a snack.

Is Daytona Beach or Everglades National Park Better for Nightlife?

Daytona Beach
Everglades National Park

Daytona Beach is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. However, Everglades National Park is not known for nightlife.

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.

People don't go to Everglades National Park for the nightlife. There are a couple of grills outside of the park, but the nightlife scene is very limited.

Is Daytona Beach or Everglades National Park Better for Music?

Daytona Beach
Everglades National Park

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

Everglades National Park is not a live music destination.


Is Daytona Beach or Everglades National Park Better for Resorts?

Daytona Beach
Everglades National Park

Daytona Beach is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Everglades National Park 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.

Everglades National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Everglades National Park Better for Beaches?

Daytona Beach
Everglades National Park

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

Everglades National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Everglades National Park Better for Hiking?

Daytona Beach
Everglades National Park

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

Everglades National Park is a popular spot for hiking. The trails take you through a variety of habitats and range in length from short nature walks to longer, in depth hikes. Do be aware that the insects can be brutal. Mosquitos and biting flies are both common.

Daytona Beach is not a hiking destination.


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

Daytona Beach
Everglades National Park

Daytona Beach is adequate for its shopping areas. However, Everglades National Park is not known for shopping.

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.

Everglades National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There's a park store, but otherwise the shopping is very limited.

Is Daytona Beach or Everglades National Park More Beautiful?

Daytona Beach
Everglades National Park

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

Everglades National Park offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The natural beauty is impressive and it's easy to see why this is a highlight for many visitors to southern Florida.

Daytona Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Daytona Beach or Everglades National Park Better for Families?

Daytona Beach
Everglades National Park

Everglades 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.

Everglades National Park is a family-friendly place to visit. An airboat ride is a highlight for many kids. There's also hiking, kayaking, and even Junior Ranger programs. Do be on the lookout for mosquitoes, which can be relentless in the park.

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 Everglades National Park Better for Couples?

Daytona Beach
Everglades National Park

With fun activities for couples, both Daytona Beach and Everglades National Park 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.

Everglades National Park is a nice destination for couples. Hiking and enjoying a bit of nature makes for a nice romantic getaway. Go kayaking or take an airboat ride and then enjoy some time exploring the natural setting.

Is Daytona Beach or Everglades National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Daytona Beach
Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Daytona Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Everglades National Park is a very popular national park for backpackers and budget travelers. There are two drive-in campgrounds (Long Pine Key Campground and Flamingo Campground) that you can reach from the Homestead entrance to the park.

Daytona Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Everglades National Park Better for Students?

Daytona Beach
Everglades National Park

Daytona Beach is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Everglades 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.

Everglades National Park is not popular with students.


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

Daytona Beach
Everglades National Park

Neither Daytona Beach or Everglades National Park 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 Everglades National Park. There is no real public transportation to the park so an organized tour is your best option if you don't have a vehicle.

Is Daytona Beach or Everglades National Park a more walkable city?

Daytona Beach
Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is a moderate national park for its ease of walking around. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its walkability.

Everglades National Park is generally not very walkable. While there are hiking trails, to really explore the park you'll want to have a car or take an organized tour.

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 Everglades National Park Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Daytona Beach or Everglades National Park?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Daytona Beach than Everglades National Park. 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 Everglades 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 Everglades National Park.


  • How many days in Daytona Beach or Everglades National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Daytona Beach 7 
    Everglades National Park 2-3

One day in Daytona Beach or Everglades National Park?

With live music and nightlife around the lively beach city of Daytona Beach, there's plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the adventure-filled destination of Everglades National Park. 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 Everglades National Park?

With nightlife and live music around the energetic destination of Daytona Beach, there's plenty to do. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

You'll find live music and nightlife around the party-hard beach city of Daytona Beach. This beach city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the adventure-filled destination of Everglades National Park. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This national 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 Everglades National Park?

Daytona Beach is a great place to explore. One week 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find around the national park of Everglades National Park. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Everglades 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
    Everglades National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Daytona Beach $269
    Everglades National Park $169

The average daily cost (per person) in Daytona Beach is $269, while the average daily cost in Everglades National Park is $169. 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 Everglades National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Daytona Beach $84
    Everglades National Park $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Daytona Beach $168
    Everglades National Park $160
Compare Hotels in Daytona Beach and Everglades National Park

Looking for a hotel in Daytona Beach or Everglades 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 Everglades 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
    Everglades National Park $56

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

Prices for flights to both Everglades 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
    Everglades National Park $54

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
    Everglades National Park $28

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
  • Coastal Discovery Cruise: $75
  • Daytona Beach Champagne Sunset Cruise: $89
  • Guided Kayaking or Standup Paddling Tour: $65
  • Paddle Pub Experience: $45
  • Discovery Dolphin Boat Tour: $35
  • Dolphin and Manatee Kayak Tour of Daytona Beach: $65
  • Dolphin and Manatee Stand Up Paddleboard Tour in Daytona Beach: $65
  • Dolphin and Wildlife Tour at Indian River Shores: $65

Tours and Activities in Everglades National Park

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

  • Flamingo Everglades Boat Tours: $52

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Daytona Beach $43
    Everglades National Park $7.86

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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Daytona Beach and Everglades National Park, we can see that Daytona Beach is more expensive. And not only is Everglades National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Everglades National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Everglades National Park 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 Everglades National Park.

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 Everglades National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Daytona Beach or Everglades 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 Everglades National Park in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Daytona Beach as well as Everglades 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 Everglades National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Daytona Beach is around the same temperature as Everglades National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Everglades National Park fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

It's quite rainy in Everglades National Park. Daytona Beach receives a lot of rain in the summer. Daytona Beach usually gets less rain in July than Everglades National Park. Daytona Beach gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Everglades National Park receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Daytona Beach 81°F (27°C) 
    Everglades National Park 82°F (28°C)

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

Both Everglades 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 Everglades National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Daytona Beach is cooler than Everglades National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Daytona Beach in October average around 74°F (23°C), and Everglades National Park averages at about 78°F (26°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Everglades National Park. It's quite rainy in Daytona Beach. In October, Daytona Beach usually receives less rain than Everglades National Park. Daytona Beach gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Everglades National Park receives 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Everglades National Park is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Daytona Beach 74°F (23°C) 
    Everglades National Park 78°F (26°C)

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

Both Everglades 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 Everglades National Park for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Daytona Beach is generally cooler than Everglades National Park. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 58°F (14°C), and Everglades National Park fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

Daytona Beach usually gets more rain in January than Everglades National Park. Daytona Beach gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Everglades National Park receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Daytona Beach 58°F (14°C) 
    Everglades National Park 67°F (19°C)

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Daytona Beach and Everglades 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 Everglades National Park because of the natural beauty.

Daytona Beach is cooler than Everglades National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 69°F (21°C) in April, and Everglades National Park fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

In April, Daytona Beach usually receives less rain than Everglades National Park. Daytona Beach gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Everglades National Park receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Everglades National Park is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Daytona Beach 69°F (21°C) 
    Everglades National Park 74°F (24°C)

Typical Weather for Everglades National Park and Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach Everglades National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 58°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 67°F (19°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Feb 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Mar 65°F (18°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 71°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
Apr 69°F (21°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
May 75°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 78°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 6 inches (152 mm) 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 6.2 inches (157 mm) 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm)
Sep 80°F (26°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm)
Oct 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Nov 66°F (19°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Dec 60°F (16°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)