A city full of history lessons and fun things to do, Daytona Beach is an adventure-filled getaway for an unforgettable vacation. Families find the Joyland Amusement Center, the Daytona Lagoon, and other attractions to choose from. There’s something for gearheads too — they will surely enjoy all of the fun things to do related to NASCAR and the Daytona 500. Check out the following list of things to do to make the most out of your trip to this sunny beach city.
Daytona Beach is more than just a wide stretch of white sand. Some of the best things to do include visiting the Daytona National Speedway or taking a stroll along Beach Street.
The best things to do in Daytona Beach include:
Daytona International Speedway: see a NASCAR race at the home of the Daytona 500
Dunlawton Plantation and Sugar Mill: the remnants of a ruined 19th-century sugar plantation
Beach Street: Daytona Beach’s main drag with popular shops and restaurants
Halifax Historical Museum: displaying artifacts and history from 5000 BC to today
Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens: exhibiting art from local and nationally recognized artists
Historic landmarks and unique tourist attractions litter the streets of Daytona Beach. From the iconic Main Street Pier to the colorful buildings of the South Beach Street Historic District, it’s easy to find inspiration for your next Instagram post.
Popular attractions near Daytona Beach include:
Daytona Beach Bandshell: a beachside amphitheater with live concerts and fireworks
Daytona Beach Main Street Pier: great views of Daytona Beach and a seafood restaurant
Mary McLeod Bethune Home: the home of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune founded in 1904
Tourist Church: built in 1924 incorporating a mix of Spanish and Mission architecture styles
South Beach Street Historic District: a historic district of classically-styled buildings and shops on the beach
Daytona Beach has a wide selection of fun things to do today to help with your spur-of-the-moment decision making. The Daytona Flea and Farmer’s Market offers miles of shopping while the Tiger Bay State Forest has acres of swamps and pine islands to explore.
Fun things to do in Daytona Beach include:
Daytona 500 Experience: a motorsports museum and attraction located at the Daytona International Speedway
Daytona Flea and Farmer’s Market: miles of shopping and hundreds of vendors
Living Legends of Auto Racing: recognize, honor and promote pioneers of beach and stock car racing
Tiger Bay State Forest: large area of swamps and pine islands
Halifax Historic Museum: displaying artifacts and history from 5000 B.C. to today
Looking for things to do in Daytona Beach at night? You’re in luck, as the streets seem to get hotter as the sun goes down. The bars along the beach begin playing music and serving tropical drinks to keep the party going long into the night.
Nighttime activities near Daytona Beach include:
Daytona Beach Ale Trail: enough stops with great beer to keep you busy for days
Bank and Blues Club: experience live blues and rock acts in old bank from the 1920s
Mai Tai Bar Daytona Beach: island-themed bar with bar food and a colorful drink menu
Ocean Deck: a waterfront 3-story establishment offering seafood, burgers, and a reggae bar with live music
Razzle’s: one of Daytona Beach’s premier night clubs with a VIP area
From waterparks to mini golf, Daytona Beach has everything you need to keep your kids busy. There are also plenty of outdoor areas to explore and parks with jungle gyms to enjoy.
Things to do in Daytona Beach for kids include:
Joyland Amusement Center: arcade and amusement park with concessions and outdoor tables on the beach
Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf: fun island themed mini golf with two courses
Daytona Lagoon: a water park with go-karts, mini-golf, and many other activities
Tuscawilla Park: a small park with a lake, lighted tennis courts, and a science center
Tom Renick Park: an ocean front park with a play area for kids
If you need a break from the Florida sunshine, Daytona Beach has plenty of indoor activities for you to do. Check out the huge collection of Florida-themed art at the Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art. Or, sit and stare in awe at the stunning architecture that is Basilica of St. Paul.
Daytona Beach things to do indoors include:
Southeast Museum of Photography: the only museum in the southeast dedicated to photography
Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art: see a huge collection of Florida-themed art
Basilica of St. Paul: experience stunning architecture and stained glass
Museum of Arts and Sciences: revolving interactive exhibits ranging from insects to electricity
Hangar15 Extreme Air Sports: jump, spin, and flip at this trampoline park
Sports and Outdoor Activities in Daytona BeachView All
Daytona Beach is the destination for people who are more comfortable outside than in. The city has numerous things to do outdoors including many parks and nature preserves to explore.
Active things to see in Daytona Beach include:
Central Florida Nature Adventures: guided kayak and birding tours through Florida’s wetlands
Frank Rendon Park: the best place to spend the day grilling by the beach
City Island: an island with a park and walking trails just off the mainland of Daytona Beach
Michael Crotty Bicentennial Park: a dog park, riverfront boardwalk, campsites, and tree-covered roads
Fortunato Park: take out a rowboat or set up the grill and let the kids play