A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Daytona Beach vs. South Lake Tahoe for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Resorts

Should you visit Daytona Beach or South Lake Tahoe?

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

Should I visit Daytona Beach or South Lake Tahoe? 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. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the live music, beaches, and nightlife. See Daytona Beach travel costs.

South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is a idyllic, scenic, and breathtaking town. You'll find world class beauty in South Lake Tahoe as well. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping. See South Lake Tahoe travel costs.

Daytona Beach and South Lake Tahoe: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Popular beach
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Not as many resort options
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Daytona Beach or South Lake Tahoe?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Daytona Beach. Although Daytona Beach and South Lake Tahoe are both popular with visitors, Daytona Beach has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Daytona Beach is more popular for its music, beaches, and big city activities, while South Lake Tahoe is known for its skiing, museums and attractions, food, resorts, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Daytona Beach is more touristy than South Lake Tahoe and is known for its spring break culture, wild parties, and the Daytona 500 NASCAR race. It is also home to The Daytona International Speedway. South Lake Tahoe is popular for its casino resorts, ski resorts, and beautiful setting.

How is Daytona Beach different from South Lake Tahoe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Daytona Beach or South Lake Tahoe Better for Skiing?

Daytona Beach
South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is a well-known place for snow skiing. However, Daytona Beach is not a skiing destination.

South Lake Tahoe is a well-known ski destination which attracts visitors from far and wide. There are three ski resorts in the area. Heavenly Mountain Resort is the largest, but if you're looking for something smaller, head to Kirkwood, which is tucked away and less well known. There's also Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort, which is popular with groups and families because it caters to a range of skill levels.

Daytona Beach is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Daytona Beach or South Lake Tahoe?

Daytona Beach
South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is a moderate town for its sights and museums. However, Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

South Lake Tahoe offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people spend their time exploring the area's nature, but you can also stop by Tallac Historic Site or the Lake Tahoe Historical Society Museum.

Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Daytona Beach or South Lake Tahoe? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Daytona Beach
South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe 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 South Lake Tahoe area. While most resorts have their own restaurants, there are a number of options around town that specialize in "alpine comfort cuisine", which is worth sampling. You'll also find plenty of cafes that serve up a hearty breakfast - the perfect way to start an active day.

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 South Lake Tahoe Better for Nightlife?

Daytona Beach
South Lake Tahoe

Both Daytona Beach and South Lake Tahoe are fantastic 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.

South Lake Tahoe is a must-see party destination. The resort town has plenty of nightclubs, bars, and music venues. There are outdoor options when the weather is warm as well as indoor settings for cooler weather. You'll also find casinos and live shows.


Is Daytona Beach or South Lake Tahoe Better for Music?

Daytona Beach
South Lake Tahoe

Daytona Beach is a nice place to visit for its live music scene. However, South Lake Tahoe is not a live music destination.

The music scene helps keep Daytona Beach active and fun. You can see live music at the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Bandshell and The Roof.

South Lake Tahoe is not a live music destination.

Is Daytona Beach or South Lake Tahoe Better for Resorts?

Daytona Beach
South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its luxury resorts.

South Lake Tahoe is known as a popular and fun resort destination. It's a resort town, so there are plenty of options to choose from, many with pools, spas, or casinos.

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 South Lake Tahoe Better for Beaches?

Daytona Beach
South Lake Tahoe

Daytona Beach is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, South Lake Tahoe is not a beach destination.

Daytona Beach has a beach worth visiting. 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.

South Lake Tahoe is not a beach destination.


Is Daytona Beach or South Lake Tahoe Better for Hiking?

Daytona Beach
South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is a must-visit destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Daytona Beach is not a hiking destination.

People visit South Lake Tahoe specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. There are miles of beautiful hikes in the area that follow the lake's shore or explore the diverse terrain. Skyline Trail Hike is a favorite. It is accessible by lift and offers spectacular views. For a relaxing stroll check out Fallen Leaf Lake Hike.

Daytona Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Daytona Beach or South Lake Tahoe?

Daytona Beach
South Lake Tahoe

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

Many visitors go to South Lake Tahoe to go shopping. Most of the shopping involves retailers selling ski gear or outdoor equipment. There are also clothing shops, gift stores, and some art galleries.

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 South Lake Tahoe More Beautiful?

Daytona Beach
South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe 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 South Lake Tahoe as well. The pristine lake and striking natural beauty can be appreciated any time of the year.

Daytona Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Daytona Beach or South Lake Tahoe Better for Families?

Daytona Beach
South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, South Lake Tahoe is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will love the outdoor adventures that the area is filled with. There are gondolas, lakefront beaches, adventure parks, and tubing. There are also miles of hiking trails and a beautiful setting that even the young ones will appreciate.

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 South Lake Tahoe Better for Couples?

Daytona Beach
South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Daytona Beach is not as famous, but is still a good beach city to visit for romance.

South Lake Tahoe makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's beautiful setting and wide variety of adventurous activities make this the perfect destination for a romantic getaway. The lake has hidden coves and nearby hiking trails. There are also hot springs, gondolas, and carriage rides. You can go hiking when the weather is warm or skiing when the weather is cold.

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 South Lake Tahoe Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Daytona Beach
South Lake Tahoe

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit South Lake Tahoe. There are a couple of hostels in the area and the skiing and hiking attracts the backpacker crowd.

Daytona Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.


Is Daytona Beach or South Lake Tahoe Better for Students?

Daytona Beach
South Lake Tahoe

Daytona Beach is an amazing beach city to visit for students. However, South Lake Tahoe is not popular with students.

Daytona Beach is a great destination 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.

South Lake Tahoe is not popular with students.

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

Daytona Beach
South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is a moderate town 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 South Lake Tahoe. While there are some shuttles and buses, if you really want to explore the area, you'll need your own car.

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 South Lake Tahoe a more walkable city?

Daytona Beach
South Lake Tahoe

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

South Lake Tahoe is a very walkable destination. Once you get to town, the area is very walkable.

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 South Lake Tahoe Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in South Lake Tahoe or Daytona Beach?

How long in Daytona Beach or South Lake Tahoe?

In either Daytona Beach or South Lake Tahoe, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in South Lake Tahoe than Daytona Beach because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Daytona Beach, and 3-5 days is enough time in South Lake Tahoe.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in South Lake Tahoe 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 South Lake Tahoe.


  • How many days in Daytona Beach or South Lake Tahoe? Ideal Length of Stay
    Daytona Beach 7 
    South Lake Tahoe 3-5

One day in Daytona Beach or South Lake Tahoe?

You'll find live music and nightlife around the fun destination of Daytona Beach. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This beach city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the breathtaking destination of South Lake Tahoe. 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 South Lake Tahoe?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the lively beach city of Daytona Beach. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in South Lake Tahoe. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 South Lake Tahoe?

Daytona Beach is a popular choice for travelers. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the breathtaking destination of South Lake Tahoe. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.


A week in Daytona Beach or South Lake Tahoe?

Daytona Beach is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find nightlife and food around the beautiful town of South Lake Tahoe. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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, South Lake Tahoe 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
    South Lake Tahoe Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Daytona Beach $269
    South Lake Tahoe $146

The average daily cost (per person) in Daytona Beach is $269, while the average daily cost in South Lake Tahoe is $146. 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 South Lake Tahoe in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Daytona Beach $84
    South Lake Tahoe $54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Daytona Beach $168
    South Lake Tahoe $108
Compare Hotels in Daytona Beach and South Lake Tahoe

Looking for a hotel in Daytona Beach or South Lake Tahoe? 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 South Lake Tahoe


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 and South Lake Tahoe Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Daytona Beach $53
    South Lake Tahoe $24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Daytona Beach

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Daytona Beach:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Daytona Beach or South Lake Tahoe?

Prices for flights to both South Lake Tahoe 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
    South Lake Tahoe $66

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in South Lake Tahoe

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in South Lake Tahoe.

  • Persian Cooking Class with Private Chef: $120
  • Lake Tahoe Evening Dinner Cruise: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Daytona Beach $28
    South Lake Tahoe $56

Tours and Activities in Daytona Beach

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

  • Wildlife Tour of Indian River Lagoon with Experienced Captain: $35
  • Discovery Dolphin Boat Tour: $35
  • St. Johns River Cruise - Blue Spring State Park : $38
  • Scenic Mangrove Tunnel Paddle Tour – New Smyrna Beach: $45
  • Paddle Pub Experience: $45
  • Kayaking Backwaters of New Smyrna Beach Ecotour/Birdwatching: $50
  • Guided Wildlife Eco Kayak Tour in New Smyrna Beach: $50
  • New Smyrna Mangrove Paddle & Mimosa Tour: $55
  • Zipline Adventure through Tuscawilla Park: $59
  • Nighttime iSUP Glow Paddleboard Adventure in Daytona Beach: $60
  • Orlando Manatee and Natural Spring Adventure Tour at Blue Springs: $65
  • Dolphin and Manatee Kayak Tour of Daytona Beach: $65

Tours and Activities in South Lake Tahoe

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for South Lake Tahoe are as follows:

  • Ultimate Lake Tahoe Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Public Sauna Experience at Tahoe Vista Recreation Area: $40
  • Lake Tahoe: Full Day Self-Guided Bike Tour: $69
  • Full-Day Lake Tahoe Circle Tour including Squaw Valley: $70
  • Sunset Kayak Tour in Tahoe City: $75
  • Sunset Kayak Experience in South Lake Tahoe: $75
  • Virginia City Day Tour From Lake Tahoe with Train Ride: $80
  • Lake Tahoe's West Shore Best Shore Kayak Tour: $80
  • Scenic and Wild Nature tour in South Lake Tahoe: $85
  • Lake Tahoe East Shore Trail 2-Hour Self-Guided E-Bike Tour: $90
  • Tahoe National Forest Moonlight Snowshoe Tour Under a Starry Sky: $90
  • Lake Tahoe: Daytime Scenic Cruise: $99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Daytona Beach $43
    South Lake Tahoe $34

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

Sample the Local Flavors in South Lake Tahoe

Also in South Lake Tahoe, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Scavenger Adventure and Lake Tahoe Bar Crawl: $15
  • Lake Tahoe: Emerald Bay Sunset Wine Tasting Yacht Cruise: $150


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

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 South Lake Tahoe Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Daytona Beach or South Lake Tahoe?

Daytona Beach has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of South Lake Tahoe. When comparing the sizes of Daytona Beach and South Lake Tahoe, 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.