19 Cool Things to Do in Daytona Beach On Your Florida Adventure

Searching for a family-friendly destination filled with fun & exciting adventures? Pack your bags and explore all the fun things to do in Daytona Beach, Florida. Whether you’re a motorsports enthusiast or beach aficionado, plenty awaits in this famous Florida beach town.

Located along Florida’s Atlantic Coast, Daytona Beach is well-known for its mesmerizing 23-mile stretch of hard-packed white-sand beaches and its hair-raising international speedway. Among the top tourist attractions in Daytona Beach, you’ll also dig into history, arts, culture, and music. (And, of course, a little high-speed automobile testing and racing!)

Don’t know what to do? Start planning your dream getaway with this guide to the best places to visit in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Must-see places to visit in Daytona Beach, FL

Daytona International Speedway

Got a need for speed and not sure where to go in Daytona Beach? Rev up your engine and zoom over to the Daytona International Speedway. Holding the title “World Center of Racing,” the famed race track is the most popular attraction in Daytona Beach. The Daytona International Speedway is best known for NASCAR’s most-awaited and eminent race, the Daytona 500.

Daytona International Speedway

Travel behind the scenes, and immerse yourself in the speedway’s history as you pass through garages. There are several tour options at the Daytona International Speedway. On a Speedway Tour, fasten your seatbelt and ride through the speedway’s infield, taking a closer look at the 31-degree high banks.

Or, for an extra special experience, opt for a VIP Tour. The VIP tours run about two to three hours and include an exclusive visit to the NASCAR Archives and Research Center. Get a better glimpse of their immense collection of trophies, racer cars, and racing artifacts.

Jackie Robinson Ballpark

If you’re a baseball fan visiting Daytona Beach, don’t miss out on Jackie Robinson Ballpark. The city’s most famous ballpark, the historic field was the site of America’s first integrated baseball game. Today, it’s one of the city’s most popular places to visit.

Jackie Robinson Ballpark

Take a pause and reimagine the ballpark’s history as you set your eyes to the statue of Jackie Robinson. It’s a fitting tribute to the triumph over baseball’s color barrier and the impact that Mr. Robinson had on the game.

Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory

Not all chocolate factories require a golden ticket for entry. And Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory is living proof. If you’re a chocolate lover, you can’t miss marveling at the chocolatey goodness at this hotspot. For sweet tooths, it’s one of the top Daytona Beach points of interest.

On a tour of Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory, you’ll enjoy free chocolate samples and learn more about the art of chocolate-making. Factory tours only last 20 minutes, but they’re free, making it all the more worthwhile to slot it into your Daytona Beach itinerary.

Be sure to stop by the shop to grab some souvenir chocolates to bring home with you. (If they make it that far!)

Daytona Beach Boardwalk

Teeming with hotels, restaurants, shops, and bars, Daytona Beach Boardwalk offers exciting entertainment options for your Daytona trip. Strolling along the city’s famous Atlantic Ocean boardwalk, you’ll never run out of fun things to see & do.

Daytona Beach Boardwalk

The boardwalk is home to some of the top Daytona Beach attractions. From arcades to amusement rides, including a roller coaster, and a Ferris wheel, plenty await. Even just enjoying a relaxing walk to a gentle sea breeze is a fun experience for travelers.

Want to make your summer more vibrant? Try to catch a performance at the Daytona Beach Bandshell. Built in 1937, the Daytona Beach Bandshell holds frequent free concerts. It’s a great way to celebrate summer while enjoying live music at one of America’s most famous boardwalks.

When you’re done on the boardwalk, grab your beach gear to check out Daytona Beach itself, once dubbed the world’s most famous beach. On the beach’s distinctive hard-packed sand, you can go for a beachfront bike ride or a relaxing evening stroll.

Alongside Fort Myers and Panama City Beach, Daytona Beach is one of the most popular spring break destinations in the U.S. Be sure to plan your accommodations well ahead and bring extra patience for tourist crowds if you’re visiting at this busy time of year.

Daytona Beach Main Street Pier

Built in 1925, the iconic Daytona Beach Main Street Pier is one of the city’s most distinctive landmarks. Also known simply as Daytona Beach Pier, the fishing pier extends 1,000 feet into the Atlantic, providing a great spot to relax and enjoy spectacular ocean views.

Daytona Beach Pier

Anglers can head to the eastern end of the pier to cast in a line from dawn until dusk, with no fishing license required. Even if you’re not into reelin’ in the big ones, settle for a sunrise or a meal at Joe’s Crab Shack, the pier’s popular seafood restaurant.

Daytona Lagoon

Visiting Daytona Beach during summer? Beat the Florida heat at Daytona Lagoon. Known as “Daytona’s Year-Round Family Fun Center,” the water park offers a wide variety of fun family-friendly activities and entertainment.

Daytona Lagoon

Spend quality time with your family at the multi-level splash & play center, wave pool swim, and thrilling slides. Or just lay back and go with the flow in Daytona Lagoon’s relaxing lazy river.

Don’t feel like getting soaked? Put on your gear, grab your friends, and battle it out on the laser tag arena. Or test your stamina and challenge your pals to a race at the beachside go-kart track. You can also put the day away at the mini-golf course or playing games at the MEGA Arcade.

Cici & Hyatt Brown Museum of Art

Watch Florida’s history come to life through paintings at the Cici & Hyatt Brown Museum of Art. The popular art & history museum mesmerizes guests with its impressive collection.

Cici & Hyatt Brown Museum of Art hosts the state’s largest rotating Florida art collection, featuring 2,600 watercolor and oil paintings. The collection retells Northeast Florida’s history through each stroke of paint.

After admiring its collections, stop in at the art museum’s café for a cup of coffee. There’s also a gift shop at the museum to take home some art-inspired souvenirs.

Halifax Historical Museum

Anyone interested in local history should stop in at the Halifax Historical Museum. Located along the Halifax River on South Beach Street, the history museum is one of the coolest places to see in Daytona Beach for history buffs. It occupies a striking 1910 neoclassical building that once housed a merchant bank.

The Halifax Historical Museum recites the area’s history through photos and everyday artifacts. Well-known exhibits include The Civil War in Florida, The Racing Zone, and the Spanish & British Plantation Eras.

The museum is open between Tuesday and Friday from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm. It’s well worth a gander if you find yourself in the South Beach Street Historic District.

Museum of Arts & Sciences (MOAS)

Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the Museum of Arts & Sciences (MOAS) is Daytona Beach’s main art, history, and science museum.

The Smithsonian-affiliated museum features a wide variety of art collections & galleries. You’ll also find several historical and educational exhibits like a planetarium and restored railroad carts.

One of Florida’s largest museums, the MOAS shows off more than 30,000 pieces. You’ll learn about everything from history to art techniques to fascinating facts about the universe.

Lighthouse Point Park

Located on South Atlantic Avenue in Ponce Inlet, Lighthouse Point Park is one of the top points of interest in Daytona Beach for nature lovers. The 52-acre park sweeps across the barrier island’s pristine Atlantic coastline. The park is named after Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, recognized as the tallest lighthouse in Florida.

Lighthouse Point Park

Visit Ponce Inlet Lighthouse Point Park to roam its sugary white-sand beaches, coastal dunes, and boardwalk. On the island, you can also just relax and enjoy the view offered by nature. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles vibing in the waters.

Brought your pooch along for the ride? Lighthouse Point Park is one of the only dog-friendly beaches in Volusia County. Let your furry friends run amok to burn off a little energy.

RELATED: Most Beautiful Beaches on Florida’s Atlantic Coast

When you’re done exploring the natural wonders, save time to visit the Ponce De Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum. Climb to the top of the 1880s historic lighthouse to enjoy beautiful views over Ponce Inlet.

Beach Street

Explore the highlights of downtown with a walk along Beach Street. The street’s most popular street runs between Bay Street in the north to Orange Avenue in the south. Historic Beach Street teems with museums, boutique stores, coffee shops, and restaurants.

Beach Street

Visit Beach Street to dish out your dollars in the unique Riverfront Shops of Daytona Beach. The area is also a great place to grab a bite to eat at one of the riverfront restaurants. Chow down on some fresh seafood to spectacular views over the Halifax River.

Need to stop to refuel? Stop in at Sweet Marlay’s Coffee Shop. The colorful cafe is one of the most popular hangout spots along Beach Street. Grab a gourmet coffee blend, pastry, or breakfast sandwich to give your day a boost.

Lilian Place Historic House

Looking for more of Daytona’s historical charms? Hop over to the South Peninsula Historic District to check out Lilian Place Historic House. Built in the 1880s, Lilian Place is the oldest house on Daytona’s beachside. It’s a must-see for getting a glimpse into Florida in the late 19th century.

Lilian Place Historic House charms with its Italianate Victorian architecture style. Inside lies a wealth of restored period furniture and decor, along with ornate woodwork.

While visiting, be sure to scope out Hotchkiss House next door. Slightly younger, the grand Queen Anne Victorian mansion is now one of the city’s most popular event venues.

Tomoka State Park

Looking for a little outdoor activity on your trip? Drive 20 minutes north of the city to Tomoka State Park. With canoeing, hiking trails, fishing, camping, and boating, the state park has got a little of everything for nature lovers.

Tomoka State Park

Hit up the Tomoka Outpost in the north of the park to rent a canoe or get camping supplies for an overnight trip. Besides its outdoor adventures, Tomoka State Park also hosts wildlife displays, Native American artifacts, and exhibits about Florida’s history.

RELATED: Top-Rated Side Trips from Orlando

Forgot to prepare snacks for your day trip? Tomoka State Park is close to several restaurants serving breakfast, lunch, and snacks. Scoot over the Halifax River to the nearby beach town of Ormond Beach for even more eating & drinking options.

Bulow Creek State Park

Want to enjoy an afternoon out of the city? Experience a shaded picnic to amazing views of the Fairchild Oak in Bulow Creek State Park. For its bucolic experiences, Bulow Creek is one of the must-see places to go in Daytona Beach.

Bulow Creek State Park

Follow the hiking trails to venture into the park’s interior. If you’re observant, you’ll catch raccoons, white-tailed deer, and barred owls in their natural habitat.

Camping is also available in Bulow Creek State Park. End a long day of Daytona Beach sightseeing with a campfire and dinner in the park.

Ormond Beach Scenic Loop and Trail

Running through Tomoka State Park, Ormond Beach Scenic Loop and Trail is one of the area’s top hiking trails. The 30-mile trail surges between sunny beaches and shaded forest. It’s a diverse experience for nature lovers looking to squeeze a little greenery into their Florida road trip itinerary.

Ormond Beach Scenic Loop and Trail

Along the Ormond Beach Scenic Loop and Trail, you’ll scope out roads where live oak trees form cathedral ceilings and gorgeous views of the waterfront.

If you’re a history buff, you’ll also find several noteworthy places nearby. Check out the Dummet Plantation Ruins and Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park for a taste of the Old South.

Tanger Outlets Daytona Beach

Need to break up a day of sightseeing with a little retail therapy? Zip inland for a shopping trip to Tanger Outlets Daytona Beach. Home to over 70 stores, the open-air outlet mall is one of the most popular places in Volusia County to score some deals.

Tanger Outlets focuses mostly on men’s & women’s fashion and accessories. The factory outlets cover a myriad of popular brands, including Columbia, Adidas, Nike, GUESS, Sketchers, and H&M.

Mary McLeod Bethune House

Located on the Bethune-Cookman University campus, Mary McLeod Bethune House is one of Daytona’s most important historic homes. The house was built in the early 20th century and was the former home of African-American civil rights leader Mary McLeod Bethune.

Now a National Historic Landmark, the Mary McLeod Bethune House retains the look & feel of Bethune’s final days in the 1950s. Besides seeing its original furnishings, visitors will learn more about life & work through a series of artifacts and photos.

Caribbean Jack’s Restaurant & Bar

Perched on the banks of the Halifax River, Caribbean Jack’s Restaurant & Bar is one of the city’s most popular hangout spots. The waterfront restaurant bar is famed not only for its beautiful river views but its eclectic food & drink menu, fusing together local Floridan and Caribbean flavors.

If you find yourself at Caribbean Jack’s, tickle your tastebuds with local favorites like Gator Bites and Jack’s Caribbean Tacos. Not hungry? Jump in for their daily happy hour from 3 pm to 6 pm, or slide in later in the evening for some live music & entertainment.

Ormond Garage

For craft beer lovers, one of the most popular things to do in Daytona Beach is to sink a pint or two at Ormond Garage. Located just ten minutes north of the city in the town of Ormond Beach, this craft brewery occupies a historic garage and is loaded with historical charm.

Admire beach racing history as you sip craft beer favorites like Amber Ale, Juicy IPA, and American Stout. Pair it with the taproom’s signature Garage Burger—loaded with Angus beef and spicy fried pickles—to get the full Ormond Garage experience.

Recommended places to stay in Daytona Beach for sightseeing

For most travelers, the best places to stay in Daytona Beach fall within the Seabreeze Historic District and Daytona Beach Shores. If you’re visiting during the Daytona 500, you’ll also find a cluster of superb hotels around the speedway.

Bahama House

Bahama House

Located on South Atlantic Avenue, this delightful hotel offers superb value for your stay. Enjoy gorgeous views over the Atlantic Ocean from your private balcony or the gorgeous pool area. The hotel serves a daily complimentary breakfast.

Delta Hotels by Marriott Oceanfront

Delta Hotels by Marriott Oceanfront

Revel in oceanfront pleasures at this popular beachfront resort. Amenities include an outdoor pool, hot tub, and fitness center. Enjoy a hearty breakfast, lunch, and dinner to dramatic sea views at the on-site restaurant Ocean Terrace.

Hard Rock Hotel

Hard Rock Hotel

Classic rock fan or not, you’ll love staying at this popular rock-themed 4-star hotel. Luxuriate in craft cocktails and live entertainment at the Wave Terrace or soak in the oceanfront pool. To fully embrace your relaxation, settle in for a soothing treatment at the on-site Rock Spa & Salon.

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19 Fun Things to Do in Daytona Beach On Your Florida Adventure

Treksplorer

Ryan O'Rourke is a seasoned traveler and the founder & editor of Treksplorer, a fiercely independent guide to mid-range luxury travel for busy people. With over 20 years of extensive travel experience, Ryan has journeyed through over 50 countries, uncovering hidden gems and sharing firsthand, unsponsored insights on what to see & do and where to eat, drink & stay. Backed by his travel experience and in-depth research, Ryan’s travel advice and writing has been featured in publications like the Huffington Post and Matador Network. You can connect with Ryan on Twitter/X at @rtorourke.

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