Top Attractions to Explore in Daytona Beach, Florida: A Guide
Layin' Low in Daytona Beach
Skip the race tracks for a minute and check out the hidden gems that Daytona Beach, Florida, has to offer. This coastal city is more than just speed and sand - it's a veritable treasure trove of history, culture, and family-friendly fun.
Roam the Outdoors
Soak Up the Sun
Daytona Beach, famously known as the "world's most famous beach," makes it a breeze for visitors to access the surf, sand, and sun. With numerous beachfront parks like University Boulevard Beach Park, Frank Rendon Park, and Sun Splash Park, complete with a kid-friendly splash pad, you'll find a spot to suit your needs. Some areas even allow you to drive right onto the sand!
Traverse the wilderness
Tiger Bay State Forest, covering more than 28,000 acres, is a massive slice of wild Florida. Here, you'll find hiking trails, fishing spots, and picnic areas amidst swamps, pine islands, and wildlife galore, including Florida black bears and bald eagles.
Riverfront Stroll
The Riverfront Esplanade, a gorgeous outdoor gathering spot along the Intracoastal Waterway, boasts a splash pad, dog park, walking trails, and a riverfront market with local vendors. Check out their event schedule for seasonal festivals and concerts.
Kayak it out
For a laidback adventure on the water, Kayak Atlantic Waters offers guided tours and all the equipment you need for a serene paddle around Daytona Beach's coastline. You can even join their fishing trips!
Shop 'til you Drop
Downtown retail therapy
The Riverfront Shops of Daytona Beach offers more than just retail therapy, with restaurants, a movie theater, the Halifax Historical Museum, and the Esplanade, all within reach. But if you're in the mood for shopping, you'll find galleries and stores selling everything from books, records, and jewelry to home decor.
Flea Market Finds
The gigantic Daytona Flea & Farmers Market, open Friday through Sunday, is home to over 100 vendors. Uncover hidden treasures as you scour the market for jewelry, unique finds, fresh produce, and two on-site restaurants.
Vintage wares
With over 50 vendors under one roof, Nicole's Beach Street Mall is a must-visit to browse handmade, antique, and secondhand items such as dishes, furniture, jewelry, and art.
And there's More!
Museum of Arts & Sciences
For a cultural fix beyond the beach and racing scene, head to the Museum of Arts & Sciences, Central Florida's largest museum. Discover a diverse collection of art, science, and history exhibits in its several wings, including the Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art, featuring the largest collection of Florida art.
Hands-on fun
The Charles and Linda Williams Children's Museum offers a variety of hands-on educational exhibits designed to engage and educate young minds. Don't forget to check out The Root Museum, with its collection of vintage Coca-Cola memorabilia, race cars, and more than 800 teddy bears!
Live Music in the Breeze
The Bandshell at Daytona Beach is a historic oceanfront venue with a vibrant music scene. Catch a concert under the stars and enjoy the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean as you take in the sounds.
A Piece of History
Daytona Beach offers many historic sites to explore, including the Halifax Historical Museum. Take a leisurely stroll around town and discover the rich history that spans over 7,000 years.
Beyond Daytona
Just a short drive south of Daytona Beach, you'll find the Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens. This botanical oasis offers lush gardens, historical ruins of an 1830 sugar mill, educational exhibits about Florida’s native plants and wildlife, and a peaceful escape from the bustling city.
- To explore a piece of Florida outside the racing scene, visit the Museum of Arts & Sciences in Daytona Beach, Florida, which houses a diverse collection spanning art, science, and local history.
- For a taste of Southern charm and lifestyle, check out the Southern Living's Daytona Beach travel guide or home-and-garden magazine, featuring hidden gems and family-friendly fun tucked away in the coastal city.
- After a day at the beach, take a leisurely stroll around Daytona Beach to discover its rich history that spans over 7,000 years, including historic sites like the Halifax Historical Museum.
- Catch a live concert under the stars with ocean views at The Bandshell at Daytona Beach, one of Daytona Beach, Florida's vibrant music venues.
- Venture beyond Daytona Beach and discover the Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens, a botanical oasis with lush gardens, historical ruins, and educational exhibits located just a short drive south.
