Top 18 Ultimate Things to Do in Daytona Beach, FL

Daytona Beach is one of our favorite vacation spots in Florida. 

Dave and I enjoyed our first trip together in college, and we’ve returned several times to enjoy the 23 miles of white sand along the Atlantic Ocean. 

Plenty of exciting things to do in Daytona Beach are away from the beach to make for an unforgettable Florida vacation. 

Daytona Beach’s world-famous beach is undeniably the reason for its popularity, but there are plenty of things to do away from the beach. 

We’ve been to Daytona several times since the 1990s, and it has come a long way, baby. 

Details of the 18 best things to do in Daytona Beach

So, based on two decades of regular road trips to Florida, we’ve compiled a list of the top things to do in Daytona Beach, both on and off the beach. Let’s get started.

1. Main Street Pier

Since 1925, the Main Street Pier, which is 1000 feet long, has been a landmark. 

It’s enjoyable to step outside and watch the fishermen working on their daily catch. 

It also provides stunning views of the beach, making it one of Daytona Beach’s most popular attractions. 

Stop by Joe’s Crab Shack for fresh crab touring the big pier. 

It’s like a scene from Jerry McGuire, eating a large bucket of crabs. 

Or you can sip a cocktail while watching the sunset.

2.Do Surfing

There is also surfing at Daytona Beach, with many places to learn to surf. Its sandy break and gentle waves make it an ideal site to learn to surf.

The best method to explore a coastal destination is by boat. 

There are many boat things to do in Daytona Beach, including this small-group ride down Daytona’s Halifax River. 

You can look out for dolphins and other wildlife on a pleasant sail.

3. Museum of Arts and Science (MOAS)

Railway vehicle at the Daytona Beach Museum of Arts and Sciences. 

Museums and art galleries are not when visiting Daytona Beach, But it has some fantastic museums. 

The Museum of Arts and Sciences is Florida’s leading arts, science, and history museum.

Founded in 1955, it boasts some spectacular displays, including the collection of Cuban art outside of Cuba. 

There is a train station with two railway cars and a history of Coca-Cola. We thought it was a terrific way to spend the afternoon.

4. Tomoka State Park

When visiting Daytona Beach, you must have a car to go around and see the surrounding areas. Tomoka State Park, located only 20 minutes from the beach, is a 2,000-acre refuge ideal for birdwatching and one of the best things to do in Daytona Beach.

There is a lot of wildlife here, including alligators and bald eagles. Get out of the car and walk along one of the many nature trails, or try kayaking in search of manatees.

5. Maritime Science Centre

You can spend the afternoon in this area of Daytona Beach, visiting the Marine Science Centre, which rescues sea turtles and has an emergency ICU for injured marine creatures. 

They have a rehabilitation center for sea turtles and seabirds.

The Mary Keller Seabird Rehabilitation Sanctuary has rescued and rehabilitated over 18,000 birds. 

You may go along the bird boardwalk, enjoy the nature trail, and see what they’re doing at the turtle hospital.

6. Daytona International Speedway

If you visit Daytona Beach and enjoy racing, you can participate in the Richard Petty Driving Experience. 

It allows you to ride as a passenger or drive around the world-famous Daytona 500 track. 

It’s definitely on the things to do in Daytona Beach bucket list.

There is also a Speedway Tour that allows you to get out on the track. 

It’s an option if you want to go away from the beach for a while. And it’s ideal for families. 

7. Daytona Beach Boardwalk

The Daytona Beach Boardwalk is a popular attraction in Daytona Beach. 

I felt as if I had stepped back in time, transported to a recollection of walking to the pier with my parents and riding the go-carts. 

It’s nostalgic and enjoyable to revisit. At the Ocean, Walk Shoppes sells everything beach-related.

Highlights include the Sandblaster Roller Coaster, arcades, Zeno’s Boardwalk Sweet Shop, and the historic Bandshell. Racing enthusiasts will enjoy reading about the monuments honoring racing on the beach. 

8. The Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse Museum

The Ponce de Leon Lighthouse is located 20 minutes south of Daytona Beach on the Ponce Inlet.

Take a lovely journey to view this one of the top things to do in Daytona Beach. 

Before exploring the grounds, view the 20-minute film about the lighthouse’s history. 

You will view the lighthouse keeper’s quarters and the assistant lighthouse keeper’s house. 

The buildings have maps, uniforms, and artifacts. 

The main attraction is the ability to climb the 203 steps to the top of the lighthouse for a bird’s-eye view of the area.

9. Paddleboard. With Manatees

When living at a beach, you must get out on the water, and one of our favorite water sports is paddle boarding (SUP). 

Manatees and dolphins frequent these waterways, and SUP is a non-invasive way to enjoy them. Book a tour and venture out in search of wildlife in the tranquil waters of the Halifax River.

This dolphin and manatee paddle-boarding tour starts with a SUP demonstration and an introduction to paddleboarding. 

You can also choose to kayak. 

10. Daytona Beach Shores

Our preferred place to stay in Daytona Beach is Daytona Beach Shores. 

When you’ve finished a bucket of crabs at Joe’s Crab Shack and seen the neon lights of the Ferris wheel, it’s time to escape to tranquility, beauty, and romance at this one of the things to do in Daytona Beach. 

Daytona Beach Shores Hotel is an excellent choice for a couples’ vacation. 

We highly recommend staying here while experiencing Daytona Beach’s attractions.

Even if you are not staying there, The Shores is a place for dinner to relax by the fireplace and have canapés and good wine. 

11.Stairs to the top of the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse 

If you’re visiting the Ponce de Leon Lighthouse, I highly recommend going at sunset. 

Allow yourself time to climb to the top of the lighthouse. 

You will get a bird’s-eye perspective of the Ponce Inlet and Lighthouse Point Park. Make sure you wear sturdy shoes. 

People wearing flip-flops or heels are not permitted.

It is about a 20-minute trip from Daytona Beach.

Wear adequate shoes for climbing the lighthouse. It’s steep, and the railings are low.

12. Ormond Beach

Ormond Beach is just north of Daytona if you want to visit a quieter beach. 

There are watersports for everyone on the Tomoka River and the Atlantic Ocean, making them one of the best things to do in Daytona Beach.

If it is good enough for him, it is also good enough for me. 

You may explore his winter home, which has been a cultural center and museum.

13. Jackie Robinson Ballpark

Stop by this pub after you’ve seen Palm Beach County Convention Centre. 

You can sample the superb mushrooms, fillet steaks, and tuna tataki. 

You will have delicious biscuits, caramel ice cream, and dessert cookies. 

Enjoy great chardonnay, bourbon, or margaritas while visiting this establishment. 

Sports fans will also enjoy attending a baseball game at the Jackie Robinson Ballpark. 

It is the fourth-oldest ballpark in America. 

The Jackie Robinson Ballpark, formerly known as the City Island Ballpark, was renamed in 1989 to commemorate the March 17, 1946, event in which Jackie Robinson played baseball’s first integrated game. 

You may tour the park and watch the minor league team Daytona Tortugas play a game.

14. Lighthouse Point Park

Lighthouse Point Park is near the lighthouse. 

With its pristine waterfront, this park provides a welcome respite from the hotels that border Daytona Beach. 

This beach, located in the southern part of the barrier island, is home to many species. It has dunes and boardwalks that lead out to the white sand beach.

You may also get some sun on the beach and enjoy the jetty. It’s another one of the great things to do in Daytona Beach for photos.

15. The Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art

The Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art, which has a collection of Florida art on display, is a must-see. 

After spending time under the neon lights of the Daytona Boardwalk, you’ll feel very refined when you visit this gallery. 

It’s a great gallery. You can visit along with MOAS.

16. Stetson Mansion

My father has a Stetson cowboy hat and is quite proud of it. The Stetson Mansion, a historic property in Florida, dates back to 1885 and is one of the state’s most visited attractions. 

It is Florida’s oldest and finest mansion, and tourists can tour the grounds and outdoor gardens. 

Guests can enjoy the recently renovated mansion, which has been there to give the impression that a wealthy family still lived there, giving them an idea of what it would be like to live in the estate now.

17. Daytona Beach Historic Downtown

There are plenty of things to do in this historic portion of Daytona, including numerous stores and restaurants along Beach Street.

Visit the Halifax Historical Museum to see Daytona-related artifacts, and stop by Florida’s oldest farmers market to buy some fresh Florida oranges. 

Visit Angell & Phelps’ Chocolate Factory to experience locally handcrafted chocolates. 

18. Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp

Cassadaga is a 120-year-old spiritual camp! 

It is one of the best things to do in Daytona Beach.

It was a national historic monument that served as a retreat for mediums and psychics. Today, you can visit the camp where physicists still practice spiritual healing. 

Consider taking a guided tour at night in search of hot areas and energy.

While in Cassadaga, stop by Sinatra’s Italian Ristorante inside the Cassadaga Hotel for dinner.

Final words

Daytona Beach is known for its Speedway, colorful heritage, world-class cultural amenities, and a calendar full of exciting events and festivals.

If you’re planning a road trip to Florida, this is an excellent area to stay for at least a few days while enjoying the glorious Florida sunlight. 

Daytona Beach makes an excellent base. We’ve even visited Disney during our stays at Daytona Beach because Orlando is only an hour away.