Daytona Beach is one of our favorite getaways in Florida. Daytona Beach boasts a prime location on the Atlantic coast with 23 miles of pretty, sandy coastline. It was the first trip Dave and I ever took together way back in college, and we have returned again and again to enjoy the white sand along the Atlantic Ocean. But there are plenty of amazing activities off the beach to make for an excellent Florida vacation. So, we’ve put together the best things to do in Daytona Beach both on and off the beach from our regular road trips to Florida over the past two decades. Let’s get started.
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Fun Things to Do in Daytona Beach
There is no doubt that it’s the world-famous beach that makes Daytona Beach such a popular destination, but there are plenty of things to do off the beach as well. Daytona Beach activities include waterfront leisure at the Halifax Harbor Marina, which offers excellent amenities for boaters as well as the more popular things to do, like the Pier and Boardwalk. We’ve visited Daytona several times since the 1990s, and it has come a long way, baby.
If you plan to take a road trip to Florida, Daytona Beach is a great place to make a base for at least a few days as you enjoy the beautiful Florida sunshine. We’ve even gone to Disney during our stay at Daytona before as Orlando is just an hour’s drive from the beach.
1. Daytona International Speedway
If you go to Daytona Beach and are a race car fan, you should take part in the Richard Petty Driving Experience, where you can either ride along as a passenger or drive yourself around the world-famous Daytona 500 track. It’s definitely a bucket list item in Daytona Beach.
There is also a Speedway Tour where you can get out on the track. For the price, the 30-minute Daytona International Speedway tour was pleasant and entertaining.
It’s a good thing to do if you want to get away from the beach for a while. And it’s great for families. One dad even carried his newborn around with him on the tour – so clearly, it’s perfect for all ages!
While there, you can check out the Living Legends Motorsports Hall of Fame or enjoy a NASCAR Racing Experience where you can ride along with an instructor to hit racing speeds.
- Check out Daytona International Speedway tours at the Richard Petty Driving Experience
2. Main Street Pier
The Main Street Pier is a 1000-foot-long pier that has been a landmark since 1925. It’s fun to walk out and see the fisherman working on their daily catch. It also offers beautiful views while looking back at the beach, making it one of the top attractions in Daytona Beach. Check out Best Beaches in Florida for Fun in the Sun
Make sure to eat at Joe’s Crab Shack for some fresh crab when visiting the massive pier. It’s like a scene fresh out of Jerry McGuire as you eat a giant bucket of crabs. Or you can just enjoy a cocktail while enjoying the sunset.
3. Daytona Beach Boardwalk
The Daytona Beach Boardwalk is an entertainment area that is one of the top family-friendly attractions in Daytona Beach. I felt as if I had stepped back in time and was suddenly transported to a memory of when I walked with my parents to the pier and took a spin on the go-carts. It’s nostalgic and fun to relive. There are souvenir shops selling every beach item you can imagine at the Ocean Walk Shoppes. There are classic arcade games, and naturally, there are some amusement park rides, too.
Some highlights include: Sandblaster Roller Coaster, Joyland Amusement Center, Mardi Gras Fun Center and the fireworks show every Saturday night during the summer. We also recommend Zeno’s Boardwalk Sweet Shop and the historic Bandshell, and finally racing fans will enjoy reading the markers commemorating historic racing on the beach. Yes they used to race On Daytona Beach!
4. Daytona Beach Bandshell
The Daytona Beach Bandshell is an open-air amphitheater right on the Atlantic Ocean, filled with history, architecture, and entertainment. Built in 1937, it’s made of coquina rock and has that unique and charming look that’s all about the coast. This historic venue is the hub of cultural and community events in Daytona Beach.
You gotta come to the Daytona Beach Bandshell if you want to experience the local culture and entertainment. Throughout the year the Bandshell hosts concerts, festivals and performances, rock and pop, classical and jazz. The Summer Concert Series is the most popular, locals and tourists alike come out to enjoy live music against the ocean. These free or low cost events are a blast and a great way to spend an evening at the beach.
The Bandshell’s location on the Daytona Beach Boardwalk is a bonus. Before or after a show, you can walk the boardwalk and check out the shops, restaurants, and attractions. And with the beach right there you can spend the day sunbathing, swimming and taking in the ocean views before the evening show.
5. Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse Museum
Ponce de Leon Lighthouse is located 20 minutes south of Daytona Beach on the Ponce Inlet.
Take a scenic drive to see this historic lighthouse. At 175 feet tall, it is the state’s tallest (and the country’s second tallest) lighthouse. You can step back into a bit of Florida history and see what life was like for the lighthouse keepers and their families.
Make sure to watch the 20-minute film about the lighthouse’s history before exploring the grounds. You’ll see the lighthouse keepers’ quarters and the assistant lighthouse keepers’ house. The buildings are furnished with maps, uniforms, and artifacts. The star attraction is climbing the 203 steps to the top of the lighthouse for a bird’ s-eye view of the area.
Visit the Lighthouse, a National Historic Landmark. for more information.
6. Stairs up to the top of the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse
If you are visiting the Ponce de Leon Lighthouse, I highly recommend going for sunset. Give yourself time to climb up to the top of the lighthouse. You’ll have a bird’s eye view of the Ponce Inlet and Lighthouse Point Park. Make sure to wear sturdy shoes. People wearing flip-flips or heels are not allowed.
- Entrance fee: $6.95 – $1.95 for children aged 2-11
- The Lighthouse opens at 10 am and closes at 9:00 pm. The last admission is 8pm
- It’s about a 20 minute drive from Daytona Beach
- To climb the lighthouse, wear proper shoes. It’s steep, and the railings are low.
- Visit the website for more information.
7. Lighthouse Point Park
Just a short distance from the lighthouse is Lighthouse Point Park. This park is a nice escape from the hotels that line Daytona Beach with its unspoiled waterfront. You’ll see plenty of wildlife on this beach located at the southern end of the barrier island, with sand dunes and boardwalks leading out to the white sand beach.
You can also catch some sun on the beach and enjoy the jetty. It’s another excellent spot for photo opportunities.
8. Marine Science Center
You can spend the afternoon in this part of Daytona Beach and visit the Marine Science Center where they rescue sea turtles and have an emergency ICU for injured marine life. Halifax Harbor Marina is another thriving location with local character where visitors can absorb the ambiance and join in on local life. They have a sea turtle and seabird rehabilitation center.
The Mary Keller Seabird Rehabilitation Sanctuary has rescued and rehabilitated more than 18,000 birds. You can take a walk along the bird boardwalk, enjoy the nature trail, and see the work they are doing at the turtle hospital.
This is an excellent place to visit to learn about conservation and environmental efforts. Marine Science Center website.
9. Hit the Beach
Yes, we said that there are more things in Daytona than just the beach, but come on, it is the STAR attraction! At 23 miles long, our favorite thing to do in Daytona is to walk on the beach.
Hotels line the white sand, and you can pop in for a bite to eat or a cocktail as you enjoy the views. This is a great walking beach, but keep an eye out for cars; you can drive in certain areas of Daytona Beach for $20 per day per vehicle.
10. Paddleboard with Manatees
When staying at a beach, you have to get out on the water, and one of our favorite water sports is paddle boarding (SUP). Manatees and dolphins frequent these waters, and SUP is a noninvasive way to enjoy them. Book a tour and head out in search of wildlife in the calm waters of the Halifax River.
This dolphin and manatee paddle boarding tour begins with a SUP demonstration and introduction to paddleboarding. If you would prefer to kayak, that is an option as well. The tour takes you through the yacht club and canals in shallow water where you’ll pass a high concentration of dolphins and manatees.
11. Surfing
There’s also surfing at Daytona Beach, which has plenty of places to learn to surf. Its sandy break and easy waves are the perfect place to learn to surf.
There is no better way to explore a beach destination than by boat. There are several boat tours to choose from in Daytona, and this sailing trip takes you along Daytona’s Halifax River on a small group sail. Keep an eye out for dolphins and other wildlife during a relaxing sunset sail.
12. Jackie Robinson Ballpark
Sports lovers will also love catching a ball game at the Jackie Robinson Ballpark. It is the 4th oldest ballpark in America opening in 1914. Orignally named the City Island Ballpark, was renamed in 1989 to the Jackie Robinson Ballpark to commemorate the March 17, 1946 game where Jackie Robinson played the first integrated game of baseball. You can take a tour of the park, and you can watch the minor league team Daytona Tortugas play a game.
13. Ormond Beach
Ormond Beach is just north of Daytona Beach and is a sweet little coastal town with beautiful beaches, a laid-back vibe, and a ton of history. If you’re looking for a quieter alternative to Daytona Beach, this is the place to enjoy the natural beauty of Florida’s coast without the crowds. The wide sandy beaches of Ormond Beach are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing, with plenty of room to relax and take in the ocean views.
One of the main attractions of Ormond Beach is the natural beauty. The area has several parks and nature reserves, including Tomoka State Park, where you can explore the region’s unique ecosystems, kayak or canoe the Tomoka River, and spot manatees, birds, and alligators. The Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail is a popular driving route that takes you through beautiful landscapes and offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Halifax River.
Ormond Beach is also steeped in history and culture. The Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens is a great place to see local art and enjoy beautiful gardens.
14. Museum of Arts and Sciences (MOAS)
One doesn’t normally think of museums and art galleries when visiting Daytona Beach, but it has some awesome museums. The Museum of Arts and Sciences is Florida’s premier arts, science, and history museum.
Founded in 1955 it has some impressive displays with the largest display of Cuban art outside of Cuba. There’s a train station that has two railway cars and the history of Coca Cola. We found it a great way to spend an afternoon.
15. Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art
This Museum of Art has the largest collection of Florida art in the world and has paintings of Florida’s landscapes, wildlife, and people. The paintings span several centuries and are a visual timeline of Florida.
The museum has works by Thomas Moran and Martin Johnson Heade and contemporary artists who capture Florida’s many environments. Thematic galleries focus on different aspects of Florida’s history and geography, including early exploration, native wildlife, and coastal scenes.
Located within the Museum of Arts and Sciences (MOAS) complex, the Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art is part of a larger cultural experience in Daytona Beach. Visitors can easily walk to other attractions within the MOAS, including the planetarium, science exhibits, and the Root Family Museum, which has vintage cars and a large collection of Coca-Cola memorabilia.
16. Stetson Mansion
My dad has a Stetson cowboy hat and he is pretty proud of it. Dating back to 1885, The Stetson Mansion is a historic home in Florida that is considered one of the most popular Florida attractions. Built by John B. Stetson it’s catchphrase is the house that hats built.
It is Florida’s oldest and grandest mansion, and visitors can explore the grounds and the outdoor gardens. Guests can enjoy a tour of the recently restored mansion that has been updated to give a sense that a rich family still lived in it giving a sense of what it would feel like to live in the mansion today. Visit Stetson Mansion for more details.
17. Daytona Beach Historic Downtown
It took us several visits before visiting “downtown” Daytona Beach but it is a great place to hang out. There are plenty of things to do in this historic part of Daytona, with plenty of shops and dining along Beach Street, which fronts onto Riverfront Park and the Halifax River and hosts the Halifax Art Festival, the second oldest art festival in Florida.
Visit the Halifax Historical Museum for Daytona-specific artifacts and pick up some fresh Florida oranges at Florida’s oldest farmers market. Be sure to stop in to sample locally made chocolates at Angell & Phelps’ Chocolate Factory. This was a highlight for us Check their website
Check out Off the wall art and digital mash ups at Aberrant Art Gallery and grab a healthy fresh Kale juice for your stroll at the Kale Café Juice Bar.
18. Daytona Beach Shores
Our favorite place to stay in Daytona Beach is Daytona Beach Shores. When you are done with a bucket of crabs at Joe’s Crab Shack and the neon lights of the Ferris wheel, it is time to escape to tranquility, beauty, and romance. Daytona Beach Shores Hotel is a top choice for a couple’s travel vacation. We highly recommend staying here while exploring the attractions in Daytona Beach.
Even if you are not staying there, The Shores is a great place for dinner to sit by the fire and enjoy canapés and fine wine. As we sat with content smiles on our faces, we said to each other, “This place can actually be a nice alternative to the Caribbean.”
Before staying here, we only thought of Daytona as a family vacation destination or a spot where students escape during Spring Break. Our minds were changed after a stay at this spa and resort.
19. New Smyrna Beach Museum of History
The New Smyrna Beach Museum of History, just south of Daytona Beach, takes you on a journey through the colorful past of New Smyrna Beach and surrounding areas. In a historic building, the museum is an interactive look at the region’s history from Native American roots to Spanish colonial to modern beach town.
You’ll see exhibits with artifacts, photos and stories that bring the area’s history to life. One of the coolest is the Turnbull Colony exhibit, an 18th century settlement that was a big part of the area’s early development. The museum also covers the railroad, tourism and the unique cultural heritage that is New Smyrna Beach.
20. Canaveral National Seashore
Canaveral National Seashore, near Daytona Beach, is a beautiful and untouched stretch of coastline that shows off Florida’s natural beauty and ecological diversity. This 24+ mile stretch of undeveloped beach, dunes, and lagoon ecosystem is a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the developed areas. Visitors come to Canaveral National Seashore for the unspoiled landscapes, wildlife and outdoor recreation.
Activities at Canaveral National Seashore are endless and for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The undeveloped beaches are great for swimming, sunbathing and beachcombing, the Mosquito Lagoon waters are perfect for kayaking, canoeing and fishing. Hiking trails meander through the diverse landscapes so you can get up close and personal with the area’s unique flora and fauna. And the seashore is rich in history with several archaeological sites that reveal the area’s past including the ancient Timucuan Indian mounds.
21. Blue Spring State Park
Blue Spring State Park is a beautiful natural area around a crystal clear spring that pumps out over 100 million gallons of water a day into the St. Johns River. This state park is famous for its beauty and is a winter home to the West Indian manatee. During the colder months hundreds of manatees gather in the warm waters of the spring and it’s a one of a kind wildlife viewing experience.
Canoeing and kayaking on the St. Johns River is a great way to see the park’s natural surroundings and wildlife, such as birds, turtles, and fish. There are several hiking trails that meander through the park to see scenic views and diverse plant and animal life.
Blue Spring State Park is popular for its natural beauty, activities and the chance to see manatees in the wild. Whether you want to float in the cool clear waters of the spring, paddle the river or explore the history and wildlife of the area it’s a experience for everyone.
22. Tiger Bay State Forest
Tiger Bay State Forest near Daytona Beach is a big and varied natural area where you can get lost in Florida’s wild. 27,000 acres of wetlands, pine flatwoods, and cypress swamps create a habitat for all sorts of wildlife. The name “Tiger Bay” comes from the many blackwater streams that run through the forest, and they are a big part of what makes this place so unique.
The forest’s lakes and streams make it a great place to fish and canoe. The waterways are full of fish and a peaceful place to paddle. Horseback riding is another favorite activity, with equestrian trails that allow you to experience the forest in a unique way. For those who love to camp, Tiger Bay State Forest has great campsites so you can get back to nature.
How to Get to Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach is a city located on the east coast of the state of Florida in Volusia County. It is part of the greater metropolitan area known as the Daytona Beach area. The city is 54 miles northeast of Orlando and 86 miles southeast of Jacksonville.
To get to Daytona Beach by plane, you can take a flight to Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB). This airport is served by several airlines, including American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, and United, with non-stop flights from cities such as Atlanta, Charlotte, and New York. Once you arrive at the airport, you can take a taxi or rental car to your destination.
If you prefer to drive, Daytona Beach is easily accessible by car. From the north, take Interstate 95 (I-95) south to Exit 273 (US-1). Follow US-1 south to Daytona Beach. From the south, take I-95 north to Exit 261 (US-92). Follow US-92 east to Daytona Beach. From the west, take I-4 east to Exit 129 (US-92). Follow US-92 east to Daytona Beach.
FAQ’s
Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory in historic downtown Daytona offers free tours. In Ormond Beach, the winter home of JD Rockefeller offers free tours as well. And, of course, the beach is free to pedestrians and bicycles 24/7.
Yes, you can drive on Daytona Beach. It costs $20 per day per vehicle. However, it is only allowed in certain areas, and vehicles are off-limits in the conservation zone to protect sea turtles.
Daytona Beach is worth visiting because of the beaches, boardwalk, and Daytona 500. The city has cultural attractions, outdoor activities, and a lively atmosphere for all ages.
The best part is the wide, hard-packed beach for driving, biking, and beach activities. The Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier has entertainment, dining, and ocean views.
Yes, Daytona Beach has a boardwalk with arcades, shops, restaurants, and amusement rides. It’s a local and tourist favorite with entertainment and ocean views.
Daytona Beach is popular for its hard-packed sand beaches, which allowed for the early development of automobile racing and the creation of the Daytona International Speedway. It also hosts the annual Daytona 500 NASCAR race and attracts motorsports fans from around the world.
The Last Word
Daytona Beach is definitely one of those places in the United States that should be on your list of places to visit. The beach alone is worth it, and when you add in the amazing state parks, great cultural and art museums, as well as all the fun things to do in Daytona, it is easy to see why this is one of the most popular destinations in the southern US.
Have you been to the world’s most famous beach? What should we add to our list when we visit next?
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