I've never been to either so my buddy and I are trying to decide which one to do. We are in Northeast Ga. Panama (Thunderbeach) will be about 6 hour ride and Daytona will be about 8 on the bikes. Thunder beach is a 5 day event and Biketoberfest looks like 4.
For those that have been to both which is better?? I imagine hotel rates will be about the same for both.
Opinions please?

 

It is, well, daytona. Don't really know hotel rates, have always camped but Panama City is a resort town that welcomes motorcycles twice a year. Daytona has its own bike vibe and you may want to look at getting into Daytona on Wednesday and having a layover in Orlando on the way back to check out the motorcycle show there.

 

When is that Orlando show?

 

I attend both.
If you have to hit just one:
Biketoberfest

What other questions do you have about either event?

 

Id love to do both, but I don't have that kind of vacation time.
A good reasonable hotel for biketoberfest??

 

The closer to Main Street and the beach, the more expensive.
Most hotel rooms are worn because they are beach hotels and they just get that way.

Get online and start looking.
It is easier to find a hotel room for Biketoberfest than Bike Week, but don't wait much longer.

 

I'm pretty sure it's Friday through Sunday.

 

Daytona Biketoberfest is smaller than Daytona bike week.
If considering Daytona as a one time thing, then consider going during bike week in March.
Catch a race and get the full experience of such a huge event.
It is rather amazing to see thousands and thousands of motorcycles.
Octoberfest is nice, more mellow but does not have the huge vendor exposure like bike week.
You might even consider riding near the coast on the way south or maybe on the way back north...maybe cross the St Johns river on the car ferry and eat fresh seafood at one of the many places on the south side of ferry. Make a stop in historic district of St Augustine for a snack/meal. Then enjoy the coastal ride into Daytona main street.
Destinations are important but making the ride relaxing and scenic is sometimes enjoyable.

 

I've thought about Thunder Beach, and my buddy and I are talking about doing that next year. I enjoyed Biketoberfest, and bid vacation for it again this year. Haven't decided 100%, but it was a great time.

I love riding with my OL, but it was nice to take a nice, long road trip solo. It's one of my favorite things to do! And, getting out of Ohio in October, before the ice and snow hit, was nice.