A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Daytona Beach vs. Miami for Food, Nightlife, Music, and Resorts

Should you visit Daytona Beach or Miami?

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

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Miami? 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 energetic, lively, and fun beach city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and beaches. See Daytona Beach travel costs.

Miami

Miami is a glamorous, exciting, and diverse beach city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping. See Miami travel costs.

Daytona Beach and Miami: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Daytona Beach or Miami?

You'll generally find more things to do in Miami than Daytona Beach. Miami is bigger than Daytona Beach, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Daytona Beach is well known for its spring break culture, wild parties, and the Daytona 500 NASCAR race. Miami is well known for its long sandy beaches, glitzy nightlife scene, diverse cultures, and award-winning restaurants. Also, Miami is famous for South Beach.

How is Daytona Beach different from Miami?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Miami is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its restaurants.

For foodies, Miami is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city's food scene is as diverse as its population. It is a blend of Caribbean, Latin American, and South American flavors and it is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. There is everything from award-winning restaurants to local dives that offer excellent dishes and experiences. The city is known for its stone crabs, fish sandwiches, Cuban sandwiches, and key lime pie.

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 Miami Better for Nightlife?

Both Daytona Beach and Miami are world-class when it comes to partying.

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.

Miami is a must-see party destination. From the posh nightlife clubs in South Beach, to the local salsa dancing venues in Little Havana, Miami is a city that thrives with energy. There are many world-renowned clubs that keep the music and drinks flowing through the entire night. There's also a glitzy and glamourous scene where the wealthy like to see and be seen.

Is Daytona Beach or Miami Better for Music?

Miami is a must-visit destination for its music scene. Also, Daytona Beach is not as famous, but is still a good beach city to visit for live music.

In Miami you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Popular live music venues include Ball and Chain, Cafe La Trova, Flamingo Theater Bar.

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.

Is Daytona Beach or Miami Better for Resorts?

Miami is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its luxury resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Miami is a great choice. Known for it's luxury, you'll find many resorts in the area. Popular options include The Ritz-Carlton South Beach, Fontainebleau, and Carillon Miami.

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 Miami Better for Beaches?

Miami is a must-visit destination for the beach. Also, Daytona Beach is not as famous, but is still a good beach city to visit for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Miami. If you're looking for long sandy beaches, luxury yacht clubs, and fine dining restaurants, the area's beaches have them all. Some of the best beaches in the area include the world-famous South Beach, the North Beach Oceanside Park, Sunny Isles Beach, and Surfside. Many beaches are lined with high rise hotels that offer an urban beach experience.

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 Miami?

Miami is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for shopping.

Miami is a world class destination for shoppers. The city has every high end brand you could want, along with diverse neighborhoods with local finds and unique purchases. You'll find many diverse shopping opportunities that are influenced by the city's cultural scene. You'll also find many souvenir stands and t-shirt shops.

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 Miami Better for Families?

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

Miami is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Because it's so big, you'll find a number of kid-friendly activities in the area. There's the Miami Zoo, various waterparks, the Everglades Alligator Park, Miccosukee Indian Village, and plenty of indoor playgrounds in case the weather doesn't cooperate.

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 Miami Better for Couples?

Miami 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.

Miami is a very popular place to visit for couples. For couples who love nightlife, wining and dining, and high end beach clubs, this is the place to be. There are many award-winning restaurants and plenty of glitz and glam that make for a great romantic getaway.

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 Miami Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Miami. This city is large enough to have something for everyone, so you'll find several hostels in the area that bring in the backpackers.

Daytona Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Miami Better for Students?

Daytona Beach is an amazing beach city to visit for students. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

It's common for students to visit Miami. Spring break in Miami is the stuff of legends.

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

Miami is a popular place for its public transit. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for times when you don't have a car.

Miami has a few public transit options. There's an elevated metrorail as well as buses around the city.

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 Miami a more walkable city?

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

Miami is a very walkable destination. Many parts of city are surprisingly walkable and pedestrian friendly, allowing you to eat out, go shopping, or explore without the need for a car.

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 Miami Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Miami or Daytona Beach?

How long in Daytona Beach or Miami?

Both Daytona Beach and Miami have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Miami has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Miami than Daytona Beach. However, 7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Daytona Beach or Miami?

In Daytona Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this energetic destination offers. Lots of people come for the nightlife. This beach city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Miami is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Miami?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Daytona Beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Miami. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Five days in Daytona Beach or Miami?

Daytona Beach is a fun place to experience. In Daytona Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the nightlife. Five days is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Miami is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This beach city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A week in Daytona Beach or Miami?

In Daytona Beach, many people enjoy the live music and nightlife that this fun destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Miami is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. 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 comparing the travel costs between Daytona Beach and Miami, 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 Miami Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Daytona Beach or Miami?

Miami has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Daytona Beach. When comparing the sizes of Daytona Beach and Miami, 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 Miami?

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 Miami in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Daytona Beach and Miami. 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 Miami for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Daytona Beach is around the same temperature as Miami. Typically, the summer temperatures in Daytona Beach in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Miami averages at about 83°F (28°C).

Miami receives a lot of rain in the summer. Daytona Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Daytona Beach usually receives less rain than Miami. Daytona Beach gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Miami receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Miami in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Daytona Beach as well as Miami. 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 Miami in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Daytona Beach is generally cooler than Miami. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 74°F (23°C), and Miami fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

It's quite rainy in Miami. Daytona Beach receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Daytona Beach usually gets less rain in October than Miami. Daytona Beach gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Miami receives 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Miami in the Winter?

Both Miami and Daytona Beach are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Daytona Beach in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Miami for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Daytona Beach is cooler than Miami in the winter. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 58°F (14°C) in January, and Miami fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

In January, Daytona Beach usually receives more rain than Miami. Daytona Beach gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Miami receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Miami in the Spring?

Both Miami and Daytona Beach during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Daytona Beach for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Miami because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Daytona Beach is cooler than Miami. Typically, the spring temperatures in Daytona Beach in April average around 69°F (21°C), and Miami averages at about 75°F (24°C).

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

Typical Weather for Miami and Daytona Beach