15 Fun Things To Do in Daytona Beach You’ll Love

If you’re looking for a family-friendly paradise that offers activities year-round, Daytona Beach is the sunny getaway you’ve been looking for. 

Currently one of Florida’s most popular destinations, located along the beautiful East Coast, Daytona Beach is known for its 23 miles of white sandy beaches, intriguing history-filled museums, and the tire squealing and engine roaring of auto racing. 

With plenty of different things to do in Daytona Beach for everyone young and old, it is the perfect destination for any family vacation, weekend out with the crew, or rejuvenating getaway.

DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY

Perhaps the city’s most iconic asset, the Daytona International Speedway is perfect for those adrenaline junkies, need for speed, go-getters who need a little extra horsepower in their lives. If the sound of tires squealing and engines roaring gets your blood pumping, then check out the many races that take place at the Daytona International Speedway, including stock cars, sport cars, motorcycles, and much more.

The Daytona International Speedway opened over 60 years ago in 1959, and is the home of the Daytona 500.  Known as the most important race in NASCAR, the Daytona 500 is a 500-mile NASCAR Cup Series season opener that was held on February 25, 1959 and is now held annually in February.

Details: 1801 W International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114 | Website

MOTOSPORTS HALL OF FAME OF AMERICA

Originally housed in Novi, Michigan, the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America is now located at the famous Daytona International Speedway.  The hall of fame features all forms of motorsports, including stock cars, sports cars, motorcycles, drag racing, open-wheel, land speed records, powerboating, and aviation. 

The Motorsports Hall of Fame of America museum holds bronze sculptures of all 230 Motorsports Hall of Fame of America inductees.  This museum also includes a hands-on display, many galleries, and multiple significant motorsport vehicles that tell the history themselves.  

Details: 1801 W International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114 | Website

MUSEUM OF ARTS & SCIENCES

Often referred to as MOAS, the Museum of Arts & Sciences is home to over 30,000 objects, making it the largest museum in Central Florida. When visiting this Smithsonian-affiliated museum, make sure to check out the state-of-the-art planetarium, restored railroad cars, and the vast permanent collections.  

If you are looking for fun for the kids, head over to the Charles and Linda Williams Children’s Museum to learn about science, music, and physics as well as play and learn in the interactive exhibits.  Located in the same complex as the Museum of Arts & Sciences, and included in the ticket price of the museum, this makes for the perfect budget-friendly daytime activity.

Read More: Best Things to do in Daytona Beach: Exploring Beyond the Beach and Into Nature

CICI AND HYATT BROWN MUSEUM OF ART

Opening in February of 2015, the Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art is a part of the Museum of Arts & Science and showcases Florida’s vast history through more than 2,600 oil and watercolor paintings, which date back as far as 1839.  This museum is home to one of the largest collections of Florida art in the world.

Within the museum, the grand central gallery and mezzanine showcase the collection’s signature pieces, as six smaller galleries include changing exhibitions themed around Florida.

Another great family attraction, the museum welcomes visitors seven days a week.  Although this showcase of Florida’s vast history is part of the Museum of Arts & Sciences, it does cost an additional entry fee.  The tickets are offered at a combo rate if you and your family are interested in getting the full experience.  With a gift shop and cafe included, this is the perfect day-long activity. 

Details: 352 S Nova Rd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114 | Website

SOUTHEAST MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Providing education outreach to students and the surrounding community, the Southeast Museum of Photography exhibits, collects, preserves, and interprets photography to enhance the teaching and learning at Daytona State College.  The museum also works to enhance the community’s understanding and respect of the history, art, culture, and photography. 

This is the only museum in Florida that is dedicated solely to photography.  Admission to this museum is completely free for all visitors, making this the perfect spot for the entire family!  

Details: 1200 W International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114 | Website

THE OLD SPANISH SUGAR MILL

If you are looking for a tasty daytime bite with an enormous amount of history, make sure to check out The Old Spanish Sugar Mill.  Located inside De Leon Springs State Park, The Old Spanish Sugar Mill was originally used in the 1830’s to crush sugar cane by using the power of the 16-18 million gallons of water flowing through daily.

In 1961, the mill was saved from destruction and was used by Peter Schwarze to grind flour. He later opened The Old Spanish Sugar Mill Grill and Griddle.   This unique restaurant is still under the same family operations today, and the most intriguing part has to be the griddles built into every table, allowing their customers to griddle their pancakes themselves.

 Guests are provided with pitchers of homemade pancake batter, and you can enjoy all you can eat pancakes for only $5.50 per person. You are welcome to add toppings, including apples, blueberries, chocolate chips, or much more, for a small additional fee. Although this is pancake paradise for some, they offer other breakfast foods to order on the side.  

In addition to the all-you-can-eat pancakes at the Sugar Mill, you can also purchase tickets to the Fountain of Youth Guided tours at De Leon Springs State Park.  The park was given its name due to De Leon’s belief in the Fountain of Youth located in the springs. 

Jump on in and experience the history and current wildlife with a guided boat tour through the Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge.  Taken by boat, you are guided and taught about the vast wildlife that inhabits the area, and you’ll learn the history of the famous Fountain of Youth.  This little slice of untouched paradise is definitely not a sight to miss!

Details: 601 Ponce Deleon Blvd, De Leon Springs, FL 32130 | Website

PONCE INLET LIGHTHOUSE AND HALIFAX HISTORICAL MUSEUM

Sitting only 10 miles from Daytona Beach, the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in all of Florida, and one of the tallest lighthouses in the United States.  Standing at 175 feet tall, this lighthouse is as tall as a 17-story building, and with its bright red coating, it is sure to be a sight to see for miles.

With 203 steps straight up, this may be a challenging attraction, but the view will be worth every step.  At the top of the lighthouse, you can enjoy a beautiful 360-degree panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean, Ponce Inlet, and Halifax River.  

After you are done enjoying the unbelievable views from the lighthouse, make sure you head right over to the Halifax Historical Museum to learn about Daytona Beach’s rich and colorful history.  This museum is housed in the former 1910 Merchant’s Bank building, including and exhibiting the history of the greater Daytona Beach area all the way from 5,000 B.C. to the present day!   

Details: 4931 S Peninsula Dr., Ponce Inlet, FL 32127 | Website

TOMOKA STATE PARK

Located just 15 minutes north of Daytona Beach in Ormond Beach, you’ll find Tomoka State Park. Known as a bird watchers paradise, Tomoka State Park is home to over 160 sighted species. There is a half-mile trail allowing visitors to stroll through nature trails, and possibly see a variety of protected and endangered wildlife species — such as the West Indian Manatee.

You can stop by Tomoka State Park for a nice walk through nature and witness the amazing wildlife, or enjoy an unbeatable camping experience in the full facility campsites.  If you need to make a quick stop on your way out, or just have arrived for the weekend, there is a park store offering snacks, camping supplies, and canoe rentals. 

Located along the Tomoka River, there’s a boat ramp here for boaters and canoeists, along with canoe rentals. Fishing and picnicking are also popular.

Details: 2099 N Beach St, Ormond Beach, FL 32174 | Website

MARINE SCIENCE CENTER

What could be better than seeing dolphins on your morning walk or stumbling upon a lost sea turtle?  Stopping by the Marine Science Center to learn and discover the rich marine life that inhibits the area!

Not only can you learn the story of the local marine life, through virtual education programs and through the hands-on teaching lab, but you can feed stingrays and observe the injured and ill seabirds and sea turtles as they are treated.   

Details: 100 Lighthouse Dr., Ponce Inlet, FL 32127 | Website

DAYTONA BEACH BOARDWALK & PIER

Whether you’re looking for something relaxing to do, or a day full of adventure, you’ll find both at the famous Daytona Beach Boardwalk & Pier.  Lined with shops, restaurants, and even an amusement park with a giant Ferris wheel, there is something for everyone to love.

If you are a fan of adrenaline-filled rides, check out Screamer’s Park, seven days a week, 365 days a year.  You can experience the “Slingshot,” which propels you 365-feet into the air at 70 mph.

Reaching out over 1000 feet into the Atlantic, the Pier itself is a perfect destination to reel out a line, grab a bite to eat at Joe’s Crab Shack or enjoy a drink at the rooftop bar during sunset.

Enjoy the beautiful sight of the Daytona Beach Fireworks show every Saturday evening from Memorial Day through Labor Day! There are many additional activities that take place at the Boardwalk and Pier daily, including street performers, concerts, and other family-friendly activities.

Details: 1200 Main St, Daytona Beach, FL 32118 | Website

WORLD’S MOST FAMOUS BEACH

The name speaks for itself, as Daytona Beach provides 23 miles of white sandy beaches, packed down and accessible by vehicle or foot.  Becoming widely known in the 1900’s for high-speed automobile testing, and later racing, this World Famous Beach is certainly a mecca for racing enthusiasts.  Although beach racing ended in the late ‘50s, you can still drive and park on the sand and enjoy a beautiful day at the beach. 

One of the most popular and iconic assets to this beach is the ability to drive your vehicle directly on the hard-packed sand. This is tide-permitting, and only allowed from sunrise to sunset, but being able to park 25 feet from the water and a pebble toss away from your beach towel, is a luxury most beaches do not have. 

Although parking on the beach is only allowed during sunlight, the beach is always open.  This means if you want to take a romantic moonlit walk on the beach or bring your family out to stargaze in the middle of the night, you have nothing stopping you!

Details: 219 S Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32118 | Website

NASCAR RACING EXPERIENCE

If you are more than just a dedicated fan to the world of racing, you are definitely going to want to check out the Richard Petty Driving Experience, also known as the NASCAR racing experience, that is offered at the Daytona International Speedway. 

Operating year-round, stop in to experience driving a NASCAR race car by yourself or take a NASCAR ride along as a passenger.  Ranging from 5 minutes to 48 minutes, there are many options of drive time for a customer to pick to race around the track.

With many options to make the customer feel comfortable, this is an amazing and unique adventure. This activity is on the pricier side of things, and will take between 3 to 5 hours, so make sure you plan ahead. 

Details: 1801 W International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114 | Website

DAYTONA LAGOON PREMIER WATERPARK AND FAMILY FUN ENTERTAIMENT CENTER

Daytona Lagoon is one of the best all-day activities for the family. You can spend time relaxing in the pools, rushing down the thrilling waterslides, racing around in the go-karts, or winning all the games in the arcade at this popular attraction. 

Within the waterpark, you can find 12 water rides, including the 54-foot tall, four-lane mat racer, Kraken’s Revenge, and the Shaka Half-Pipe ‘pendulum slide’, as well as a lazy river and giant wave pool. 

If you prefer to stay dry or need a break from chasing your kids around the pool, head into the family entertainment center, also known as the Fun Park, where you can find the challenging Sky Maze.  This unbeatable ropes course features 10 obstacles, and a 70-foot zipline covers the entire length of the maze and sits 12 feet above the mega arcade. Don’t miss the mini golf, bumper cars, island hopper, or other activities offered here.

The family entertainment center is open year-round, but the waterpark is only open from March until September every year. 

Details: 601 Earl St, Daytona Beach, FL 32118 | Website

DAYTONA BEACH ZIPLINE ADVENTURE

Located right in the heart of Daytona Beach, this adventure park is a great way to spend a fun-filled day outside with the family.  Giving visitors the opportunity to climb, swing, and zip from tree to tree while enjoying the fresh air and Florida sunshine, a trip to Daytona Beach Zipline Adventure is sure to be memorable.  The adventure park features over 40 aerial games, which also include 10 skin shaking, adrenaline racing zip lines.

Although this is a more physically demanding activity than most, it is wonderful to bring the whole family to enjoy, and gives everyone a chance to learn to work together and help each other through the course.  Not only does this provide unbeatable fun for everyone, but it gives you an opportunity to spend quality time with your family in the great outdoors!

Details: 1000 Orange Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32114 | Website

JACKIE ROBINSON BALLPARK

If you are a fan of baseball, or a fan of history, this minor league baseball park and museum is a great place. It’s amazing to sit back and enjoy watching the Daytona Tortugas swing for the fences or learn about the history of racial injustice in the sports world. 

Named after the African-American baseball player Jackie Robinson, who played in the first integrated Major League Baseball spring training game in 1946, this baseball park is known as a part of the area’s history, as well as a fun stop to bring the whole family.

With games and events occurring all the time at the ballpark, this is another activity that is budget-friendly and will only take up 2-3 hours of your time.

Details: 105 E. Orange Ave, Jackie Robinson Ballpark, Daytona Beach, FL 32114 | Website

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