A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Daytona Beach vs. Wisconsin Dells for Nightlife, Families, Food, and Resorts

Should you visit Daytona Beach or Wisconsin Dells?

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

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Wisconsin Dells? 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. 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.

Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a high energy, fun-filled, and lighthearted city. Other popular activities here include hiking, nightlife, and food. See Wisconsin Dells travel costs.

Daytona Beach and Wisconsin Dells: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Daytona Beach or Wisconsin Dells?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Daytona Beach. Although Daytona Beach and Wisconsin Dells are both popular with visitors, Daytona Beach has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Daytona Beach is more popular for its nightlife, music, beaches, and big city activities, while Wisconsin Dells is known for its museums and attractions, food, resorts, and hiking. Daytona Beach is popular for its spring break culture, wild parties, and the Daytona 500 NASCAR race. It is also home to The Daytona International Speedway. Wisconsin Dells is popular for its many waterparks and unapologetically playful atmosphere.

How is Daytona Beach different from Wisconsin Dells?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Daytona Beach
Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a moderate city for its sights and museums. However, Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Wisconsin Dells offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of art galleries in the area, but most visitors spend the majority of their time at the theme parks and waterparks.

Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Daytona Beach
Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells area. Pizza, pasta, burgers, and steak in a family-friendly atmosphere are the most common options in the area. There are also a few fine dining restaurants as well as pubs and brunch places to choose from.

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 Wisconsin Dells Better for Nightlife?

Daytona Beach
Wisconsin Dells

Daytona Beach is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Wisconsin Dells is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

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.

The nightlife in Wisconsin Dells has something for everybody. In the evening the fun-filled atmosphere takes on a different vibe. There are bars, clubs, casinos, and shows that keep things lively throughout the evening.

Is Daytona Beach or Wisconsin Dells Better for Music?

Daytona Beach
Wisconsin Dells

Daytona Beach is a popular place for its live music scene. However, Wisconsin Dells is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Daytona Beach is active and vibrant. You can see live music at the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Bandshell and The Roof.

Wisconsin Dells is not a live music destination.


Is Daytona Beach or Wisconsin Dells Better for Resorts?

Daytona Beach
Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a popular place for its resorts. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its luxury resorts.

Wisconsin Dells has a few great resort options. Many of the waterparks in the area have affiliated resorts that offer family-friendly entertainment.

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 Wisconsin Dells Better for Beaches?

Daytona Beach
Wisconsin Dells

Daytona Beach is a popular place for the beach. However, Wisconsin Dells is not a beach destination.

Daytona Beach is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Wisconsin Dells is not a beach destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Wisconsin Dells Better for Hiking?

Daytona Beach
Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Daytona Beach is not a hiking destination.

Wisconsin Dells is a good destination for hiking. Visitors often forget that this was originally a destination for its natural beauty. There are still many hiking trails in the area with some of the favorites found at Mirror Lake State Park, Rocky Arbor State Park, and Chimney Rock Private Park.

Daytona Beach is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Daytona Beach or Wisconsin Dells?

Daytona Beach
Wisconsin Dells

Both Daytona Beach and Wisconsin Dells are decent 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.

Wisconsin Dells is a good destination for shopping. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers, as well as gift shops in the area.

Is Daytona Beach or Wisconsin Dells Better for Families?

Daytona Beach
Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells 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, Wisconsin Dells is a very family-friendly destination. While it used to be known for its impressive sandstone formations along the Wisconsin River, today it has a more touristy atmosphere with theme parks and amusement parks. It's also become known as the "Water Park Capital of the World", and it won't disappoint. There are both indoor and outdoor waterparks as well as train rides, boat rides, and plenty of family-friendly restaurants.

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 Wisconsin Dells Better for Couples?

Daytona Beach
Wisconsin Dells

With fun activities for couples, both Daytona Beach and Wisconsin Dells make for a good 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.

Wisconsin Dells is a nice destination for couples. There are a number of resorts with spas and romantic atmospheres. There are also wineries and plenty of entertainment options in the area.


Is Daytona Beach or Wisconsin Dells Better for Students?

Daytona Beach
Wisconsin Dells

Daytona Beach is a world-class destination for students. However, Wisconsin Dells is not popular with students.

Many students frequent 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.

Wisconsin Dells is not popular with students.

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

Daytona Beach
Wisconsin Dells

Neither Daytona Beach or Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells. There's no real public transportation in the area.

Is Daytona Beach or Wisconsin Dells a more walkable city?

Daytona Beach
Wisconsin Dells

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

Wisconsin Dells is generally not very walkable. While the downtown area is walkable, you really need a car to access everything that the area has to offer.

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 Wisconsin Dells Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Wisconsin Dells or Daytona Beach?

How long in Daytona Beach or Wisconsin Dells?

It's fun to spend time in either Daytona Beach or Wisconsin Dells. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Wisconsin Dells due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Daytona Beach, and 2-4 days is enough time in Wisconsin Dells.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells.


  • How many days in Daytona Beach or Wisconsin Dells? Ideal Length of Stay
    Daytona Beach 7 
    Wisconsin Dells 2-4

One day in Daytona Beach or Wisconsin Dells?

The energetic destination of Daytona Beach offers nightlife and live music. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the high energy destination of Wisconsin Dells. 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 Wisconsin Dells?

The beach city of Daytona Beach offers live music and nightlife. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. 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 Wisconsin Dells. 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 Wisconsin Dells?

Daytona Beach is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. This beach city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the high energy destination of Wisconsin Dells. 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 Wisconsin Dells?

Many people enjoy the live music and nightlife when visiting Daytona Beach. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find food and nightlife around the city of Wisconsin Dells. 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, Wisconsin Dells 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
    Wisconsin Dells Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Daytona Beach $269
    Wisconsin Dells $174

The average daily cost (per person) in Daytona Beach is $269, while the average daily cost in Wisconsin Dells is $174. 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 Wisconsin Dells in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Daytona Beach $84
    Wisconsin Dells $70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Daytona Beach $168
    Wisconsin Dells $140
Compare Hotels in Daytona Beach and Wisconsin Dells

Looking for a hotel in Daytona Beach or Wisconsin Dells? 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 Wisconsin Dells


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 Wisconsin Dells Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Daytona Beach $53
    Wisconsin Dells $35

Is it cheaper to fly into Daytona Beach or Wisconsin Dells?

Prices for flights to both Wisconsin Dells 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
    Wisconsin Dells $74

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
    Wisconsin Dells $46

Tours and Activities in Daytona Beach

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

  • Discovery Dolphin Boat Tour: $35
  • Wildlife Tour of Indian River Lagoon with Experienced Captain: $35
  • St. Johns River Cruise - Blue Spring State Park : $38
  • Paddle Pub Experience: $45
  • Scenic Mangrove Tunnel Paddle Tour – New Smyrna Beach: $45
  • Guided Wildlife Eco Kayak Tour in New Smyrna Beach: $50
  • New Smyrna Mangrove Paddle & Mimosa Tour: $55
  • Zipline Adventure through Tuscawilla Park: $59
  • Guided Kayaking or Standup Paddling Tour: $65
  • Dolphin and Wildlife Tour at Indian River Shores: $65
  • Dolphin and Manatee Stand Up Paddleboard Tour in Daytona Beach: $65
  • New Smyrna Dolphin and Manatee Kayak and SUP Adventure Tour: $65

Tours and Activities in Wisconsin Dells

Here are a few actual costs in Wisconsin Dells for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Haunted History Trolley Tour in Wisconsin Dells: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Daytona Beach $43
    Wisconsin Dells $9.14

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 Wisconsin Dells, we can see that Daytona Beach is more expensive. And not only is Wisconsin Dells much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Wisconsin Dells would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells.

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 Wisconsin Dells Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Daytona Beach or Wisconsin Dells?

Daytona Beach has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Wisconsin Dells. When comparing the sizes of Daytona Beach and Wisconsin Dells, 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 Wisconsin Dells?

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 Wisconsin Dells in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Daytona Beach and Wisconsin Dells. The summer months attract visitors to Daytona Beach because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Wisconsin Dells this time of year.

In July, Daytona Beach is generally a little warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 81°F (27°C), and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

Daytona Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Daytona Beach usually receives more rain than Wisconsin Dells. Daytona Beach gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Daytona Beach 81°F (27°C) 
    Wisconsin Dells 74°F (24°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Wisconsin Dells in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Daytona Beach as well as Wisconsin Dells. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Daytona Beach this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Wisconsin Dells for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Daytona Beach is much warmer than Wisconsin Dells in the autumn. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 74°F (23°C) in October, and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

Daytona Beach receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Daytona Beach usually gets more rain in October than Wisconsin Dells. Daytona Beach gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Daytona Beach 74°F (23°C) 
    Wisconsin Dells 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Wisconsin Dells in the Winter?

Both Wisconsin Dells and Daytona Beach are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Daytona Beach for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Wisconsin Dells in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Wisconsin Dells can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Daytona Beach is much warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Typically, the winter temperatures in Daytona Beach in January average around 58°F (14°C), and Wisconsin Dells averages at about 19°F (-7°C).

In January, Daytona Beach usually receives more rain than Wisconsin Dells. Daytona Beach gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 1 inches (25 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Daytona Beach 58°F (14°C) 
    Wisconsin Dells 19°F (-7°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Wisconsin Dells in the Spring?

Both Wisconsin Dells and Daytona Beach during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Daytona Beach in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Daytona Beach is generally much warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 69°F (21°C), and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 49°F (10°C).

Daytona Beach usually gets less rain in April than Wisconsin Dells. Daytona Beach gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Daytona Beach 69°F (21°C) 
    Wisconsin Dells 49°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Wisconsin Dells and Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach Wisconsin Dells
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 58°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 19°F (-7°C) 1 inches (25 mm)
Feb 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
Mar 65°F (18°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 36°F (2°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Apr 69°F (21°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 49°F (10°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)
May 75°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 60°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 6 inches (152 mm) 70°F (21°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 6.2 inches (157 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Sep 80°F (26°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 63°F (17°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
Oct 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 52°F (11°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Nov 66°F (19°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 39°F (4°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Dec 60°F (16°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 25°F (-4°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)