The words Daytona Beach can spark a plethora of mental images. Known for the Daytona 500, Bike Week, and national cheerleading and dance competition, this coastal city brings a wealth of travelers to its golden shores each year. It's also home to 23 miles of shoreline that's perfect for rest, relaxation, and epic celebrations.

From family beach getaways to spring break partiers, this vibrant Florida hotspot knows no bounds when it comes to offering an array of vacation options for travelers of all kinds. Whether someone wants to experience the city's booming nightlife scene or relax on the white sand beaches: Daytona Beach is the spot to be.

UPDATE: 2023/05/17 12:25 EST BY NOAH STAATS

There Are More Things To See And Do In Daytona Beach, Florida!

This article has been refreshed with four new things to do in Daytona Beach, as well as tips for tickets, discounts, and travel-related information. Whether someone prefers to lay in the sand, shop until they drop, or even climb to the top of a lighthouse, Daytona Beach has it all!

Things To Do

What's important to know before traveling to Daytona is the reason for the trip itself. This area hosts a variety of annual events and activities, which can cause issues with booking and relaxation.

Knowing the Daytona Beach calendar is a must before booking a trip, and knowing what type of trip travelers crave is the first step in creating a memorable travel experience.

1 Daytona Lagoon

Aerial view Daytona Beach, Florida
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Aerial view Daytona Beach, Florida

Something fun to experience while in Daytona Beach, Florida, is the Daytona Lagoon. Here, people can experience a top-rated waterpark and family entertainment center in Florida, filled with thrilling waterslides, a lazy river, and a wave pool.

Daytona Lagoon also offers on-land attractions, like a rock climbing wall, go-karts, laser tag, and mini-golf, so that might be fun as well.

  • Tickets to the amusement park start at $42.99 (Monday-Thursday) and $49.99 (Friday-Sunday), with discounts available for Florida residents.

The Daytona Lagoon amusement park offers a Florida residents discount. Make sure to bring an ID proving residence in the state to receive the discounted ticket rate of $38.99 (Monday-Thursday) and $45.99 (Friday-Sunday).

2 Ponce De Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum

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Daytona, Beach, Florida
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Beach in Daytona Florida

Another thing to do while in Daytona Beach, Florida, is to visit the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum. Here, guests can learn more about the tallest lighthouse in the state and one of the tallest in the United States.

The Ponce de Leon Inlet and Lighthouse Museum is a great way to spend an afternoon in the city, especially during hotter months.

For anyone wanting to explore the actual lighthouse, be wary of the 200+ steps that will need to be conquered to reach the top: talk about new heights!

3 Daytona Flea & Farmers Market

Daytona Beach, Florida

For people wanting to live like locals while in Daytona Beach, heading over to the Daytona Flea and Farmers Market might be fun. At this flea market, tourists can purchase fruit and vegetables, clothing, jewelry, snack foods, plus a monthly classic car show, all from sunny Daytona.

One of the nice aspects of visiting the Daytona Flea and Farmers Market is that it's a nice way to support and uplift local vendors and businesses. This might be someone just starting out or an experienced vet: either way, it is a great idea to support local Daytona residents!

The hours for the Daytona Flea and Farmers Market are 9 AM to 5 PM, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday year-round. There are also car shows here each month, so there is plenty to see.

4 Tanger Outlets Daytona Beach

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Daytona Beach Florida
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Signs on Daytona Beach

For those wanting to shop while in the Daytona Beach area, one of the best spots is Tanger Outlets. Here, people can experience a shopping-mall chain featuring a variety of brand-name & designer outlet stores, as well as great public spaces for walking. Even if people don't want to shop, there are also places to grab food and drinks nearby, making this a nice meeting ground.

  • The outlets are open daily from 10 AM to 9 PM but may modify the hours during holidays or unforeseen weather events.

It is also worth mentioning that Tanger Outlets in Daytona Beach is home to over 75 outlet designer and name-brand outlet stores, giving guests plenty of shops to hit while in the city. Don't be afraid to shop all day!

5 Daytona International Speedway

Race at the Daytona International Speedway
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Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series at the Daytona International Speedway

While the Daytona 500 brings thousands of race fans to Florida each year, the Speedway has more to offer its guests. There are a variety of races throughout the year, along with tours, seasonal and interactive exhibits, and the new One Daytona complex located across the street from the speedway.

Filled with shopping, food, and family activities, everyone in the group will find joy on site.

6 Daytona Bike Week

Bikers at Daytona Bike Week
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Bikers cruising down the main street during Daytona Bike Week

Daytona Bike Week is hosted each year around the first full week of March. The city fills with motorcycles of all kinds and avid lovers of the lifestyle. Visitors will find an array of activities, events, and vendors all geared towards bikes, music, and a good time.

Whether they're bike fanatics or just want to have fun in Daytona, Bike Week is a non-stop party for everyone that promises a memorable experience in Florida.

7 Daytona Pier & Boardwalk

Joe's Crab Shack on the Daytona Beach Pier
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Joe's Crab Shack stilted over the water on the Daytona Beach Pier

The Boardwalk and Pier are two must-see locations, as they're home to an array of food options and activities for all ages. The Boardwalk features a world of fun with the Joyland Amusement Center equipped with exciting rides, bumper cars, and a Ferris wheel, the Mardi Gras Fun Center with carnival games and arcades, Pizza King, Lisa's Gift Shop, Michael's on the Beach, Zeno's Boardwalk Sweet Shop, and Phillip's Gift Shop.

At The Pier, do some fishing, hang in the sun, and grab a stellar seaside snack at the famous Joe's Crab Shack.

For people wanting to be right in the middle of Daytona Beach's action: the boardwalk and pier are some of the more happening places in town. Weekends here may get crazy, so make sure to arrive early to find parking or use a rideshare/taxi service instead.

8 Daytona Bandshell

Daytona Beach Bandshell and concert venue
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Daytona Beach Bandshell located right on the beach

The giant Daytona Bandshell is an open-air amphitheater that sits on the shoreline. The venue offers an array of music and entertainment options throughout the summer months, most notably the NCA Collegiate Cheerleading Championship, which takes place every April.

From concerts to annual festivities, visitors can partake in an array of family-friendly options to fill their time in Florida.

9 Play Golf In Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach public golf course
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Public golf course nestled between condos in Daytona Beach

Home to more than 20 golf courses, Daytona is a wealth of stellar options when it comes to golfing. The city hosts a variety, of course, types that can fit any age and ability level. From ocean views to Florida's palms, master one course during a stay or try and few over time.

10 Enjoy Water Sports At Daytona Beach

Surfer on the beach
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Surfer on the beach

For those who don't like to sit in one place, Daytona has a wealth of water sports options to keep travelers entertained. Take a surf lesson, rent a jet ski, watch the sunrise from a paddle board, kayak along the shore, or charter a boat and spend the day fishing and cruising around the coastline.

Travelers can even go parasailing over the water and enjoy a new perspective from high up in the sky!

11 Relax On The Shoreline

Sunny day on the Daytona Beach shoreline

While there is a lot to do in Daytona Beach, relaxing on the actual beach is one of the main reasons visitors come here every year. This city is home to some of the best beaches on the East Coast.

Enjoy the sun, the warm weather, the golden sand beaches, and the turquoise waves for the duration of your stay. Pedestrian access is free and allowed all day and night.

Cars are able to drive on the sand in certain locations based on the weather and the tides.

For more adventure near the beach, check out the local shipwreck from the 1800s.

12 Hike In Daytona Beach

Ponce Preserve trail in Florida
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A trail through the enchanted forest of the Ponce Preserve 

Believe it or not, Daytona features an array of nature trails that will take hikers all around the city. Enjoy a long walk in nature or consider a themed tour, such as an ale trail hike, mural tour, heritage trail tour, and more.

From family fun to beer-based walks, choose from many adventures in Daytona.

13 Best Time To See Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach road sign
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Daytona Beach 'World's Most Famous Beach' sign over main road

Daytona Beach is located on Florida's Atlantic coastline, offering warm weather for most of the year. May through October bring perfect beach weather, with temperatures in the mid to high 80s during the day and low 70s at night. December through March is the area's cooler season, with temperatures dipping down into the low 50s at night.

However, travelers will still enjoy sunny skies and 70-degree temps during the day, making this a great time of year to enjoy the many activities in and around the city.

Related: Daytona Beach: A Guide To Fun, Sun, Cars, & Food

Peak travel season for Daytona Beach is mid-February through March, along with summer fun from June through August. Late February, March, and early April bring an array of annual festivals and events, such as the Daytona 500, Bike Week, the National Cheerleading Association's collegiate competition, and college Spring Break.

For those who plan on traveling to Florida for any of these events, be sure to book a room early! The summer months of June through August bring another swarm of beach-goers, as summer break provides families the perfect opportunity to enjoy the coastline. However, these months offer the best weather with clear skies and high temps for water sports and swimming.

14 Best Ways To Get Around Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach driving lane sign
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Driving lane signs on the sands of Daytona Beach

Staying on the main strip makes getting around a breeze, as most restaurants, bars, shopping options, and nightclubs are easily walkable. However, any other activities will most likely render the use of a car, but services such as taxis, Uber, and Lyft all operate in the area.

One cool thing about Daytona Beach is that motorists can actually drive on the beach itself! Renting a jeep and putting the top down is a unique way to immerse oneself in the local culture and enjoy the shoreline. Travelers can also rent bikes or motorcycles to stay connected to the warm Florida sunshine.

15 Where To Eat In Daytona Beach

Main strip in downtown Daytona Beach
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Downtown strip of business storefronts on palm tree-lined street

Situated on the Atlantic coast, seafood treats abound in Daytona Beach, with a variety of other local and international favorites at every turn. From BBQ to Italian, visitors can have it all on a trip to Daytona.

Breakfast and Brunch

For breakfast fans, Daytona is filled with classic and modern diners, complete with everyone's morning favorites.

Starlite Diner: 1940s retro diner with all the classics -- food and decor

  • Hours: Monday - Thursday & Sunday, 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM | Friday & Saturday, 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
  • Cost: $ - $$
  • Address: 401 N Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32118

The Cracked Egg: Great for dine-in or take-out with cocktail options & classic diner fare

  • Hours: Sunday - Saturday, 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
  • Cost: $ - $$
  • Address: 3280 S Atlantic Ave D, Daytona Beach Shores, FL 32118

Rossi's Diner: Big family feel with diner classics & big plates

  • Hours: Monday - Saturday, 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM | Sunday, 7:00 AM - 1:30 PM
  • Cost: $ - $$
  • Address: 2240 S Ridgewood Ave, South Daytona, FL 32119

The Red Bud Cafe: Serving delicious crêpes & international favorites in an artsy space

  • Hours: Tuesday - Sunday, 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM | Closed Monday
  • Cost: $$
  • Address: 317 Seabreeze Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32118
Coastline of Daytona Beach, Florida
Via: Shutterstock
Beachgoers on Daytona Beach near the Ferris Wheel

Lunch

Steve's Famous Diner: American classics & Greek favorites in a cozy environment

  • Hours: Sunday - Saturday, 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
  • Cost: $ - $$
  • Address: 2011 N Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32118

Hog Heaven Bar-B-Q: Sumptuous southern BBQ in a rustic setting

  • Hours: Sunday - Saturday, 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Cost: $$
  • Address: 37 N Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32118

Dancing Avocado Kitchen (daK): Healthy treats with ample vegetarian options

  • Hours: Monday - Saturday, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM | Closed Sunday
  • Cost: $$
  • Address: 110 S Beach St, Daytona Beach, FL 32114

Joe's Crab Shack: Seafood favorites right on the pier

  • Hours: Sunday - Thursday, 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM | Friday & Saturday, 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Cost: $$
  • Address: 1200 Main St Bridge, Daytona Beach, FL 32118

Dinner

Ocean Deck Restaurant & Beach Bar: 3-floor waterfront spot with live reggae music & killer burgers

  • Hours: Sunday - Saturday, 11:00 AM - 2:00 AM
  • Cost: $$
  • Address: 127 S Ocean Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32118

Blue Flame: Elevated comfort food with posh indoor & outdoor spaces

  • Hours: Sunday - Saturday, 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
  • Cost: $$
  • Address: 1870 Victory Cir, Daytona Beach, FL 32114

Chucherias Fine Dining: Latin American/Caribbean fusion with wine & outdoor seating

  • Hours: Wednesday - Sunday, 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Cost: $$$
  • Address: 101 2nd St #500, Holly Hill, FL 32117

Caribbean Jack's: Live music & fresh seafood on the water

  • Hours: Sunday - Thursday, 11:30 AM - 9:00 PM | Friday & Saturday, 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Cost: $$
  • Address: 721 Ballough Rd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114

Bars & Clubs

Never forget that Daytona Beach was one of the original Spring Break destinations in the US, and that reputation still stands with an array of bars and clubbing options.

Razzles Nightclub: Spacious local staple with DJs, VIP tables & dance floors

  • Hours: Wednesday - Saturday, 9:00 PM - 2:00 AM | Closed Sunday - Tuesday
  • Cost: $ - $$
  • Address: 611 Seabreeze Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32118

The Bank & Blues Club: Historic 1920s bank turned music venue

  • Hours: Sunday - Friday, varies | Saturday, 7:00 PM - 1:00 AM
  • Cost: $$
  • Address: 701 Main St Bridge, Daytona Beach, FL 32118

Dirty Harry's Pub & Package: BBQ, live music & friendly staff

  • Hours: Monday, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Tuesday & Wednesday, 11:00 AM - 1:00 AM | Thursday, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM | Friday, 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM | Saturday, 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM | Sunday, 11:00 AM - 3:00 AM
  • Cost: $
  • Address: 705 Main St Bridge, Daytona Beach, FL 32118

Full Moon Saloon: Great cocktails, music & billiards

  • Hours: Monday, Wednesday - Saturday, 6:00 PM - 12:00 AM | Closed Sunday & Tuesday
  • Cost: $
  • Address: 700 Main St Bridge, Daytona Beach, FL 32118

Related: 10 Things To Do In Daytona Beach (You Haven't Thought Of)

16 Where to Stay In Daytona Beach

Strip of Hotels on Daytona Beach
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Strip of hotels on the Daytona Beach coastline in the early morning

Daytona Beach is home to a variety of accommodation types, including big-name hotels on the beach, noteworthy all-inclusive resorts, smaller chains along the main strip, and rentals that can accommodate groups large and small. Here are a few options right in the heart of this coastal gem.

Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort - Lower-range option

  • Price Range: Starting at $135/night
  • Why You Should Book: Located right on the beach next to the iconic Daytona Bandshell, travelers can't get any closer to the action than at the Hilton. Its position within Ocean Walk Village allows guests to enjoy easy access to the beach, food, and fun! On-site, enjoy a spacious pool, multiple restaurants/bars, and all the comforts of home for a memorable stay.

Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach - Mid-range pricing

  • Price Range: Starting at $179/night
  • Why You Should Book: A well-known name right on the beach, staying at the Hard Rock is a great choice. From its prime location to its brand-name restaurant, family groups, and partiers can find everything they're looking for. Their posh decor, outdoor pool terrace, restaurants, and spa, along with live events and stylish rooms, will keep the energy up for the duration of a trip.

The Daytona Autograph Collection - Higher-end pricing

  • Price Range: Starting at $249/night
  • Why You Should Book: Looking to stay near the speedway? Look no further than Marriott's unique homage to racing history. Situated in the brand new One Daytona entertainment district, guests will have food, fun, and race car excitement at their fingertips. The property itself features racing-themed decor, an outdoor pool, a restaurant, and a hot tub. With a quick drive to the shoreline, guests can have the best of both worlds in Daytona.

17 Tips For Visiting Daytona Beach, Florida

Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach
Photo by Tim Trad on Unsplash
Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach

This is a friendly reminder that Daytona Beach is home to a few national events which may affect travel plans. Be sure to check the dates and plan around the major events that happen in Daytona Beach every year.

  • Mid-February: The Daytona 500 at the Daytona International Speedway
  • Early April: NCA College Cheer Competition at the Daytona Bandshell
  • Early March: Daytona Bike Week
  • Mid-March: College Spring Break

Another noteworthy attraction is the Kennedy Space Center; plan a trip to Florida just right to catch a space rocket launch.

To attend one or more of these events, be sure to book accommodations and flights early, as they are known to sell out high-traffic areas in and around the city.

Daytona Beach is a destination on many people's bucket lists. Therefore, during busier seasons, events, and holidays, it is a good idea to plan ahead. This might mean booking hotels months in advance, as well as restaurants and attractions.

Also, consider popular activities in Orlando; it's a short drive away and full of plenty of activities and attractions apart from Disney.

18 How To Spend The Perfect Day In Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach coastline at sunset
Via: Shutterstock
Daytona Beach coastline at sunset with hotels and ferris wheel lit up

Start the day with a stellar breakfast, hit the beach for some sun, and see where the day takes you.

Whether it's an afternoon filled with amusement park rides and water sports, or a nice leisurely walk on a nature trail, visitors of all walks of life will enjoy the chill Florida vibes of Daytona Beach.

From golfing to party nights, this city offers it all and will make every vacationer want to come back for more!

FAQ

Q: What's the best time to visit Daytona Beach?

Daytona's weather is warm year-round, like the rest of Florida's winter escapes, but the best months to enjoy the beaches are from May through October. However, July and August are the busiest months, with many families traveling to the area to enjoy summer freedom.

Q: What Daytona Beach is known for?

Daytona Beach's primary claim to fame is the Daytona 500 NASCAR race, but it's also home to history, beaches, and outdoor adventures.

Q: Does Daytona Beach have a strip?

Daytona Beach does have a main "strip" that features restaurants, shops, and plenty of cars and motorcycles to check out. It's worth checking out, but there are plenty of other activities off the beaten path that charm visitors, too.