Central Florida is popular for being a summer destination because of its beautiful beaches and warm and humid climate. Daytona Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Florida that has still retained its charm and has a unique type of hard-packed sand that is easy to drive on. This allows it to host its iconic Daytona 500 NASCAR race. However, if you are travelling to this exciting sandy beach, you will find yourself baffled by the host of fun and entertaining activities it provides. When it comes to accommodation, you can book a room in one of the family resorts if you are visiting with the children. There are plenty of cosy vacation rentals as well should you want a homier place to stay. Planning a trip soon? Continue reading to discover the best things to do in Daytona Beach, Florida.
1. Stroll on the Daytona Beach Boardwalk
The Boardwalk is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Daytona Beach and makes for a great place to take a long walk on. It has a lot of things to see and experience aside from the warm oceanic breeze, including multiple family-operated businesses and eateries where you can window shop or munch on food to your heart’s content. There are also arcades and videogame centres where you can have fun playing with your family or friends. This is a great way to spend a comfortable relaxed evening.
For more shopping opportunities, visit Ocean Walk Village on North Atlantic Avenue, Tanger Outlets on Cornerstone Boulevard, and Daytona Beach Surfside Historic District!
Daytona Beach Boardwalk
Address: Daytona Beach, FL 32118, USA
Website: Daytona Beach Boardwalk
Opening hours: 9am - 11pm (daily)
Price: Free entry
2. Explore Daytona Beach Main Street Pier
An iconic destination in Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Main Street Pier is the perfect spot for fishing. Anglers can have a great time here as they can go fishing for free, and the place does not require a license. Afterwards, you can enjoy delicious seafood delicacies at Joe’s Crab Shack which is located right on the famous pier. Parking is available on the premises for a minimal fee.
Daytona Beach Main Street Pier
Address: 1200 Main St, Daytona Beach, FL 32118, United States
Website: [Daytona Beach Main Street Pier (http://www.joescrabshack.com/locations/10762/)
Opening hours: 8am - 11pm (daily)
3. Join a dive bar crawl (from USD 40.0)
Experience the authentic and vibrant nightlife of Daytona Beach with this thrilling dive bar bus crawl. This happens to be one of the fun things to do with the group in Daytona Beach. The activity takes you on an unforgettable tour of the city’s dive bars, each offering a unique atmosphere and character. Prepare for a night of excitement and camaraderie as you hop aboard the bus with fellow enthusiasts.
Throughout the evening, you’ll visit multiple venues, where you can savor delicious drinks, groove to live music, and revel in the lively ambiance. From local hangouts to hidden gems, this guided tour ensures you explore the best of Daytona Beach’s nightlife scene. Get ready for an adventure-filled night, making memories that will last a lifetime. Book your tickets and embark on a night of revelry and fun!
Daytona Beach Comedy Dive Bar Bus Crawl
Duration: 4 hours 15 minutes
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Meet up with dolphins and manatees on a stand up paddleboard tour (from USD 65.0)
Led by knowledgeable guides, this two-hour tour is one of the best activities for kids in Daytona Beach and guarantees an unforgettable encounter with playful dolphins and gentle manatees in their natural habitat. Glide along the calm waters on a paddleboard, witnessing these majestic creatures up close, while learning about their behaviors and habitats.
The activity not only offers a chance to spot dolphins and manatees but also showcases the breathtaking coastal scenery and diverse marine life of the region. Perfect for all skill levels, the paddleboard adventure promises a safe and enjoyable experience for the whole family.
Dolphin and Manatee Stand Up Paddleboard Tour in Daytona Beach
Duration: 2 to 3 hours
5. Cool off at the Daytona Lagoon water park
Enjoy an action-packed and fun-filled day at this popular water park that boasts of a host of different rides and tons of fun things to do. Slide down water slides, bob up and down at the wave pool, or just forget about the outside world for a while as you unwind on the lazy river that flows through the waterpark. Let your kids unleash their energy at the kid-friendly water oasis with fun activities in shallow waters for your little ones. Get soaked by a giant refillable bucket or blast your kids with water features.
Daytona Lagoon water park
Address: 601 Earl St, Daytona Beach, FL 32118, USA
Website: Daytona Lagoon water park
Opening hours: Sun: 10am - 10pm; Mon - Tue: 12pm - 10pm; Wed - Fri: 10am - 10pm; Sat: 10am - 11pm
Price: 30 USD
6. Get your chocolate fix at the Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory
Buy 12 Get 6 Free~ Hand Dipped Chocolate Covered Strawberries $19.95, Expires 3/31/19 Not valid with coupons or discounts please. In Store Only, Please Call to Place Order
Posted by Angell and Phelps Chocolate Factory on Friday, 22 February 2019
This is a one-of-a-kind chocolate shop that serves a wide variety of chocolates for you to choose from. You can get to sample the chocolates as well, and the host will take you through a tour of the factory and how everything is made, which is extremely interesting and completely worth it. The staff is friendly, and overall this is a great place to bring your kids if they like chocolates.
Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory
Address: 154 S Beach St, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, USA
Website: Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 6pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm
Price: 20 USD
7. Visit Daytona's art campus in the Museum of Arts & Sciences
Calling all art lovers out there! This art museum is home to over 30,000 historical and cultural objects, making it one of the largest museums in Florida and a must-see if you visit Daytona Beach. From scientific exhibits to cultural activities, this museum provides a lot of fun things you can do here. There is a railroad car exhibit, antique automobile exhibit, a state-of-the-art planetarium, and so much more that you will surely be baffled by the choice available to you. Can’t get enough of arts and culture? Pay a visit to Cici & Hyatt Brown Museum of Art and Halifax Historical Museum too.
Museum of Arts & Sciences
Address: 352, South Nova Road, Daytona Beach, Fl 32114
Opening hours: Sun: 11am - 5pm; Mon - Sat: 1pm - 5pm
Price: 12.95 USD
8. Admire Florida's finest artworks at Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art
You may want to spend an additional day at MOAS as it also houses the stunning Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art. It is renowned for its massive collection of artworks sourced from Florida’s artists, and these are beautifully displayed inside the spacious and sophisticated museum. Once you are done admiring the exhibits, you can spend some time at the in-house cafe or purchase a unique item at the museum’s gift shop.
Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art
Address: 352 S Nova Rd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, United States
Website: Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 11am - 5pm
Price: Up to 13 USD
9. Watch a concert at Daytona Beach Bandshell
Want to catch the hippest Daytona Beach events? This bandshell features multiple concerts from various artists and tribute bands and is a great way to spend some time listening to lovely music by the beach, surrounded by great restaurants and coffee shops if you get hungry. It often gets crowded, which is a testament to how popular it is, and the building’s architecture and infrastructure are perfect for a good view. Check schedules beforehand on the website so you can catch a good live performances and other special events.
Daytona Beach Bandshell
Address: 70 Boardwalk, Daytona Beach, FL 32118, USA
Website: Daytona Beach Bandshell
Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 7:15pm - 9:30pm
Price: 10 USD
10. Touch the treetop at the Daytona Beach Zipline Adventure
Come out this weekend and enjoy the view! Walk-ins welcome 10:30 am to 3:30 pm.
Posted by Daytona Beach Zipline Adventure on Friday, 4 January 2019
This zip line adventure park is a perfect way to get a thrilling dose of an adrenaline rush in Daytona Beach. Enjoy a treetop adventure and go arboreal by zooming through the trees using a zip line. Zip from tree to tree transversing dancing logs and tight wires as you conquer the abundant challenges this public park offers, all the while being able to see all the flora and fauna that Daytona has.
Daytona Beach Zipline Adventure
Address: 1000 Orange Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, USA
Website: Daytona Beach Zipline Adventure
Opening hours: 10:30am - 3:45pm (daily)
Price: 42 USD
11. Feed alligators at Congo River Golf
Have you ever fed a live alligator? Check out this mini-golf and adventure park where you can feed live alligators and also play some miniature golf. They offer two levels at the mini-golf course, and you also get to hold a baby alligator! This is a great way to introduce your kids to alligators and build their fascination with these amazing reptiles.
Congo River Golf
Address: 2100 S Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32118, USA
Website: Congo River Golf
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 10am - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 12am
Price: 14 USD for adults, 12 USD for children
12. Go stand-up paddleboarding with Three Brothers Boards
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The Three Brothers Boards offers stand-up paddleboarding amongst other fun adventure sports to try out. This is a guaranteed adventure that you will not be forgetting anytime soon. No matter if you are a beginner or an expert at paddleboarding, they have guides that will help you swerve along the waters, so you are sure to have a great time. They take you through multiple sites that are picturesque and beautiful and are well worth the effort you put into paddleboarding.
Three Brothers Boards
Address: 212 S Beach Street, Suite 100, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, USA
Website: Three Brothers Boards
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10:30am - 4pm (closed on Sun)
Price: 55 USD
13. Enjoy Caribbean-inspired delicacies at Caribbean Jack's Restaurant and Bar
Thirsty?
Posted by Caribbean Jack's on Tuesday, 12 March 2019
This is a fun restaurant that offers a wide variety of dining options and a great drinks menu. Go for the nachos and burger, as well as the Mahi sandwich. The ambience is absolutely wonderful, with typical tropical decor and both indoor and outdoor seating for you to choose from. The location is right on the waterfront along the river, which is lovely during the summer. They also often have live music for you to enjoy.
Caribbean Jack's Restaurant and Bar
Address: 721 Ballough Rd Daytona Beach, FL 32114
Website: Caribbean Jack's Restaurant and Bar
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 12am
Price: 11-30 USD
14. Drive an actual race car on the Daytona International Speedway (from USD 440.0)
Have the experience of a lifetime with this race car driving experience at the popular Daytona International Speedway, home to the Daytona 500. You have the choice of how long you want to drive the racecar, from just 5 minutes to a proper 48-minute ride. You get to hone your race car driving skills and take home an official graduation certificate to remember this amazing experience and show it to your friends and family!
Daytona International Speedway Richard Petty Race Car Drive
Duration: 5 hours
15. Have some fun at Mardi Gras Fun Center
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If you want to have some fun while in Daytona Beach, you can head to Mardi Gras Fun Center. The arcade is situated within a long boardwalk that is full of games and snack stalls. You can enjoy classic games during your visit, like a pinball. Some games give out tickets which you can use to redeem interesting prizes. After a fun-filled day, you can purchase some snacks, like ice cream, and afterwards, enjoy a glass of draft beer while you admire the gorgeous water views.
Mardi Gras Fun Center
Address: 12 Ocean Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32118, United States
Website: Mardi Gras Fun Center
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 10pm; Sat - Sun: 9am - 11pm
16. Test your skills at Daytona Escape Room Experience
If mysteries and puzzles are your things, you might want to consider visiting Daytona Escape Room Experience. Offering six themed escape rooms, this attraction can ensure guests a thrilling experience. Each room takes approximately an hour to complete. If you come on a Wednesday, you can enjoy the experience for 20 USD per person instead of the usual 26 USD.
Daytona Escape Room Experience
Address: 679 Beville Rd, South Daytona, FL 32119, United States
Website: Daytona Escape Room Experience
Opening hours: 11:30am - 8pm (daily)
Price: 26 USD
17. Visit the impressive Motorsports Hall of Fame of America
Speed freaks can pay a visit to Motorsports Hall of Fame of America. This museum offers visitors a unique experience by presenting historic racing cars and memorabilia that they cannot find anywhere else. The knowledgeable guides can walk visitors through the various exhibitions, which represent a particular form of motorsports. These include drag racing, motorcycles, powerboating, sports cars, and stock cars, to name a few.
Motorsports Hall of Fame of America
Address: Daytona International Speedway, 1801 W International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, United States
Website: Motorsports Hall of Fame of America
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sun)
Price: Up to 47 USD
18. Enjoy sunbathing at the World's Most Famous Beach Daytona Beach
Who doesn’t like to spend time at sandy beaches? A day trip to Daytona Beach might be ideal, which received the title, “World’s Most Famous Beach,” in the 1920s when it attracted a high number of tourists. However, it’s easy to see why it’s such as popular destination, with its white sandy shore and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
World's Most Famous Beach Daytona Beach
Address: 838 E International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32118, United States
19. Shop for period pieces at Arlequin Antiques
Posted by Arlequin Antiques on Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Those who like to collect vintage items can surely enjoy a visit to Arlequin Antiques. This wonderful antique store sells plenty of period pieces, from estate jewelry to Victorian furniture. If you are looking for gifts for your loved ones back home, unique dolls and figurines are also sold at this place. If you are interested in a one-on-one visit, you can call the staff and arrange an appointment for a more personalized experience.
Arlequin Antiques
Address: 122 S Beach St, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, United States
Website: Arlequin Antiques
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 5pm; Fri: 11:30am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
Enjoy the warm summery vibes of Daytona Beach, Florida
Beaches have the power to instantly put one in a casual, relaxed mood. The spectacular views before you, the soft sand under your feet, the sea waves lapping gently up the Daytona Beach shores, and the distant sound of seagulls can melt away all your worries and stress in an instant.
Florida is popular for its drivable beaches, and with the sheer choice of things to do and unique experiences in Daytona Beach, you are sure to have a wonderful time and not even realize how your day has passed by. Besides, these aren’t the only cool attractions in and near Daytona Beach. You can also check out Tiger Bay State Forest, Halifax River, Lilian Place Heritage Center, Sun Splash Park, Jackie Robinson Ballpark, Lighthouse Point Park, Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, and more.
Frequently asked questions about things to do in Daytona Beach
1. What are the top things to do in Daytona Beach for free?
If you find yourself on a tight budget and would like to explore some of the fun activities in Daytona Beach that don’t cost a dime, you can stroll on the Daytona Beach Boardwalk.
2. What are popular things to do in Daytona Beach with kids?
If you are looking forward to spending quality time with the kids and family in Daytona Beach, you can meet up with dolphins and manatees on a stand up paddleboard tour, cool off at the Daytona Lagoon water park, get your chocolate fix at the Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory, or feed alligators at Congo River Golf.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to bookmark our articles, like local expert tips, receive great stories in your inbox, and follow writers and topics that you love.
Log in with Google ×