10 Best Things to do in Daytona Beach, Florida

Planning a trip to Daytona Beach? We’ve got you covered!

Daytona Beach is a proper Florida getaway, with miles of sandy beaches, water adventures, a bit of history here and there, and, of course, delicious food to keep you going.

There’s a lot to do, so choosing the right tours and activities can be tricky when you’re short on time. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to our top 10 things to do in Daytona Beach, based on our own experiences and highly rated activities. From Polynesian fire shows and sunset cruises to surfing lessons, paddling, and spotting wildlife, it’s all here! 

Ready? Let’s go!

Daytona Beach at a Glance 

Before heading to Daytona Beach, there are a few local things worth knowing, especially if you plan to drive on the sand or spend time in the ocean. A little planning goes a long way, so here are our top tips to make your trip a lot easier!

Important tip: Check the tides before driving onto the beach! Yes, you can actually drive on Daytona Beach! However, you can only do so in designated areas, and access depends on tides and weather. Check the latest conditions before heading out.

We recommend renting a car: The Boardwalk is easy to explore on foot, but if you want to visit attractions outside the main beach area, such as Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse or nearby Ormond Beach, having a car will make things much easier.

Check the warning flags before swimming: Rip currents can be dangerous even when the water looks calm, so check the flags and swim or surf near a lifeguard. If conditions aren’t safe, stay out of the water.

Check for major events before booking your hotel: Events like the Daytona 500 and Bike Week bring big crowds, which usually means higher hotel rates and heavier traffic. If your dates overlap with one of these events, book your accommodation early and allow extra time to get around, especially near the Speedway.

How We Would Spend 3 Days in Daytona Beach

🏖️ Day 1: Beach Driving, Boardwalk & Polynesian Luau 
Start your first day with breakfast and a drive on the beach, explore the Boardwalk, and finish with a Polynesian luau and an evening stroll along Beach Street or a nightcap back at your hotel. 

🐬Day 2:  Dolphins, Ponce Inlet Lighthouse & Beachside Dinner 
Spend the morning spotting dolphins and manatees on a paddling adventure, explore Ponce Inlet’s lighthouse and marine life, and wrap things up with dinner and optional live music by the ocean. 

🏁 Day 3: Speedway Tour, Rockefeller’s Home & Skyline Dinner 
Take a tour of Daytona International Speedway, discover Rockefeller’s former winter home in Ormond Beach, and finish your vacation with a memorable dinner high above Daytona. 

Things to do in Daytona Beach 

1. Spend the evening at a Polynesian fire show 

If you’re looking to do something different on your evening out in Daytona Beach, this Polynesian luau is so worth a look. You get a buffet dinner, live music, traditional dancing, and a Samoan fire knife show, all in one evening! Now that’s what we call a night to remember!

When you arrive, the performers greet you with a lei, and you can grab a drink from the cash bar, which opens 30 minutes before the show. We recommend arriving a little early so you have time to grab a drink, get settled, and soak up the atmosphere before the fun begins!

Dinner is buffet-style, with everything from Polynesian chicken, kalua pork, fish, and beef meatballs to fried rice, salads, vegetables, fresh fruit, and desserts. Tea, water, and soda are included, but alcoholic drinks cost extra. One thing to keep in mind if you’re vegetarian: there isn’t a separate vegetarian meal, so you’ll need to choose from the available sides, salads, and vegetables.

Live Polynesian music plays while you eat, followed by traditional songs and dances. The big finale is the Samoan fire knife performance, with performers spinning and handling flaming knives. It’s certainly not something you see every day at dinner!

The show takes place in an air-conditioned venue, which is a nice break from the Florida heat. Keep in mind that it doesn’t run on Sundays or Mondays, so plan your activities accordingly.

2. Go paddling in search of dolphins and manatees 

Who knew a paddleboard could lead to some of the best wildlife encounters in Daytona Beach? We absolutely LOVED this dolphin and manatee paddleboarding tour, and couldn’t believe how much we saw in less than two hours! If paddleboarding isn’t your thing, you can hop in a kayak instead. Same incredible scenery, just a little less balancing!

And don’t worry if you’ve never tried paddleboarding before! The tour starts with a quick lesson, and the boards are stable enough for beginners to get the hang of it. The pace is nice and relaxed, too, so there’s plenty of time to enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.

We seriously hit the wildlife jackpot! We spotted manatees, Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, a sea turtle, stingrays, puffer fish, jumping fish, and tons of birds. We barely knew where to look next, and honestly, we could have happily stayed out on the water all day!

Another thing we appreciated was our guide, Noah, who snapped photos throughout the tour and sent them to us afterward. Such a nice bonus, especially since we were too busy watching the wildlife to take many ourselves!

One quick tip: Wear comfortable clothes and bring plenty of sunscreen, as there’s very little shade out on the water. Water shoes aren’t essential, but we’d recommend them for extra comfort.

We had an absolute blast, and judging by the thousands of five-star reviews, we’re clearly not the only ones who loved this adventure!

3. Zipline at Tuscawilla Park 

If you’re looking for an adrenaline-packed activity, this ziplining tour through Tuscawilla Park is one to keep on your radar. There are two courses to try, and the second one is quite a step up from the first!

When you arrive, you’ll check in at the harness house, get fitted with your gear, and learn how to use it safely. There’s a practice session first, so you can get comfortable with everything.

The first course has 10 obstacles and four ziplines, including one that’s about 300 feet (90 meters) long. You’ll make your way across swinging bridges, hanging logs, and tight wires, balancing your way between the trees.

After a short break on the ground, it’s time for course two. This one has around 30 obstacles and six ziplines, with sections reaching up to 45 feet (14 meters). Three of the ziplines are about 500 feet (150 meters) long, so you’ll have plenty of distance to cover through the trees and scream like Tarzan, because why not?

While you’re swinging through the trees, staff stay on the ground to monitor your progress and help if needed. This whole adventure takes around 2.5 hours, so expect to be flying through the trees quite a bit! 

Before booking, make sure everyone in your group is at least 54 inches (137 cm) tall, and don’t forget your trainers! Tuscawilla Park is beautiful, so you can also have some fun on the playground or try the disc golf course afterward. Just keep in mind that the tour runs only from Friday through Monday.

4. Drive right onto Daytona Beach 

One of the fun things about Daytona Beach is that you can actually drive your car right onto the beach! The sand is firm enough for vehicles in designated areas, so you can cruise along the shoreline. 

Once you find a spot, you can park and head straight for the water or sit back and enjoy the beach. And with your car right there, you have easy access to towels, snacks, water, and half the house, especially if you’re visiting with kids!

If you’re not a Volusia County resident, beach driving currently costs $30 USD per vehicle per day. From May 1 through October 31, you can generally drive on the beach between 8 am and 7 pm, or until sunset if it comes earlier. From November 1 through April 30, access is usually allowed from sunrise to sunset.

Make sure you stay within the designated driving lanes and follow the posted speed limit. It’s also a good idea to check the tides, weather, and beach conditions before heading out, as access may be restricted depending on the conditions.

Set aside an hour or two for the drive and some beach time, or stay longer and make a day of it.

5. See Daytona’s wildlife from a luxury catamaran 

If you want to get out on the water but don’t feel like spending a whole day on a boat, this relaxing sailing trip along Daytona’s Halifax River could be just what you’re looking for. The meeting point is in front of Caribbean Jack’s restaurant. When you arrive, look for the crew wearing Howling Owl shirts. They’ll escort you through the marina gate to the boat.

You’ll hop aboard a spacious catamaran and cruise along the calm river for about an hour.

Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, manatees, pelicans, cormorants, and eagles. You never know what might show up and surprise you! 

There’s no guarantee you’ll spot them, of course (they don’t exactly follow a schedule!), but even without a dolphin sighting, you can enjoy the scenery and have a good chat with your fellow passengers or the captain. It’s a small group of just six people, so it doesn’t get more convenient than that! 

If the weather turns chilly, you can sit inside the enclosed area. But if you prefer to stay outside, blankets are provided to help keep you warm. So, you don’t necessarily need perfect Florida sunshine to enjoy the trip.

All in all, I think this is a lovely boat trip if you want to see Daytona from a different angle without spending a whole day on the water.

6. Climb to the top of Ponce Inlet Lighthouse  

If you’re up for a climb, head to Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse. It’s 175 feet (53 meters) tall, and you’ll need to tackle 203 steps to reach the top, so take your time. Once you get there, though, you’re rewarded with wide views over the Atlantic Ocean, Ponce Inlet, the Halifax River, and the surrounding coastline.

And there’s more to see here than just the lighthouse! Your admission also covers the keeper buildings, museum exhibits, and historic grounds that are open that day. Inside, you’ll find displays about lighthouse keeping, maritime history, shipwrecks, and how the surrounding area developed over the years. It’s pretty cool, actually, and gives you something to do other than spend time at the beach.

Adult admission currently costs $6.95 USD, and you normally don’t need to book in advance. Just bear in mind that the staircase inside the lighthouse is narrow, and the climb can be challenging if you have mobility issues. You can still explore the museum and historic grounds without climbing to the top, though.

The lighthouse is in Ponce Inlet, roughly a 20- to 25-minute drive south of central Daytona Beach, depending on traffic. You should be able to see everything in around 1.5 to 2 hours, leaving you plenty of time to get on with the rest of your day.

7. Relax on an evening sunset cruise 

If there’s one thing we can’t resist, it’s a gorgeous sunset, especially when there’s a boat involved! We absolutely loved this Daytona Beach sunset cruise, and it was such a relaxing way to end the day. Between the beautiful scenery, champagne, and peaceful atmosphere, we couldn’t have asked for a better evening on the water!

Our adventure started at Loggerhead Marina, where we hopped aboard a Sea Ray boat with a maximum of eight passengers. From there, we cruised north along Daytona Beach’s Intracoastal Waterway, passing impressive waterfront mansions and little islands along the way.

The highlight came when our captain dropped anchor just in time for sunset. We sipped champagne, enjoyed some cheese and crackers, and watched the sky change colors over the water. Talk about a picture-perfect moment! Our captain even took photos for us, which meant we could put our phones away and just enjoy the view.

The ride back was just as memorable! We picked up a little speed as the sky darkened, and the lights from waterfront homes started reflecting on the water. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, too, as manatees and even deer have been spotted along this route!

The cruise lasts around 90 minutes, so there’s still time to grab dinner afterward. We’d recommend bringing a light jacket, as it can get chilly once the sun goes down. Just remember that this tour only runs on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays, so plan accordingly!

8. Learn to surf on Daytona’s famous coastline 

You can’t visit Daytona Beach without getting out on those famous waves, right? We figured there was no better place to try our hand at surfing, so we signed up for this beginner-friendly surfing lesson! And trust us, it’s just as much fun falling off the board as it is finally catching a wave. Well, almost!

The adventure starts at a local surf shop before heading to the beach to meet your instructor. Just look for the bright lime green rash guards! Before hitting the water, our instructor walked us through the basics, from timing the waves to standing up on the board and staying safe in the ocean.

Then came the real challenge: putting everything we’d learned into practice! Let’s just say some of us spent more time in the water than on our boards at first. Getting our balance took a few tries (and plenty of laughs), but that made finally catching a wave feel even better!

We also loved the small-group setting, which meant our instructor could give everyone plenty of individual attention. Having someone there to offer tips and encouragement made a HUGE difference, especially when we were struggling to stay upright!

All jokes aside, this was such a fun way to experience Daytona Beach and try something new. Plus, your instructor can snap a photo when you finally ride that first wave. Talk about a holiday souvenir worth keeping!

9. Stroll the Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier 

The Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Main Street Pier are good places to spend an hour or two, plus they’re free! You’ve got the beach, ocean views, restaurants, shops, and arcades, which kids will love (and kids at heart, too. Don’t judge, we love a good game!).

Main Street Pier and the Daytona Beach Bandshell are worth a stop, especially if you want a few photos. We really enjoyed walking along the oceanfront promenade. And yes, stop for a photo by the famous beach sign. It’s pretty much an essential part of the Daytona Beach experience.

It gets livelier in the evening and during summer; you might catch a concert, festival, and even fireworks near the Bandshell. Check the events calendar before you go, particularly if you’re visiting over a holiday weekend. We were lucky enough to catch the fireworks! Parking can be tricky on weekends and during events, so allow extra time to find a spot.

I’d set aside 1 to 2 hours for a relaxed stroll, especially if you’re stopping for food or arcade games. And if crowds aren’t your thing, try coming at sunrise instead. It’s quieter, and you won’t have to wait for someone to move out of your photo!

10. Explore Rockefeller’s former winter home  

Another fun stop that’s a nice change from the beach is The Casements, John D. Rockefeller’s former winter home in Ormond Beach, just north of Daytona Beach. It’s interesting to think that one of the richest men in American history chose this spot as his winter retreat! Today, the house is a cultural center with restored rooms, historical exhibits, local displays, and changing art exhibitions. 

You can explore it on your own for free or book a guided tour. Guided visits are available at scheduled times during the week and on Saturdays, so check ahead if you’d like someone to show you around.

After your visit, stop by Rockefeller Gardens next door, right beside the Halifax River. It’s free to explore, too, and a nice place for a few photos or a quiet break by the water.

You’ll probably need around 1 to 1.5 hours to see both the house and gardens without rushing. And since it’s only about a 15-minute drive north of central Daytona Beach (depending on traffic), you can easily add it to a day exploring Ormond Beach.

Where to Stay in Daytona Beach 

Daytona Grande Oceanfront Resort  – $$$

If waking up to ocean views is high on your list, Daytona Grande Oceanfront Resort is perfect! You can grab your towel, head downstairs, and be on the sand in minutes. And when you’re not by the ocean, you have great views of the Atlantic Ocean from the floor-to-ceiling windows in your room. Some have extra living space, which works great if you’re traveling with the family.

We really like the infinity pool facing the ocean, and when it’s time to eat, the on-site restaurant serves seafood, steaks, and other American favorites. You can also grab something lighter from the poolside bar.

Best of all, the Boardwalk, Main Street Pier, and Ocean Walk Shoppes are just a short walk away, so you don’t need to plan transport. Prices typically start at around $130 USD per night, which seems like a pretty sweet deal for a 4-star beachfront hotel. Check availability and book Daytona Grande Oceanfront Resort here!

Ocean Walk Resort  – $$

If you’re traveling with the family, Ocean Walk Resort could be exactly what you need. You’ve got pools, games, entertainment, food, a tiki bar, and ocean views, not to mention a lazy river and water slide for the kids. There’s also a fitness center and a volleyball court if you feel like squeezing in a workout. In other words, there’s a bit of everything to keep the whole family happy! 

The resort organizes activities and entertainment too, so you might catch pool games or a DJ session, depending on the schedule. You’re close to the beach, gift shops, and lots of food spots, but with so much going on at the resort, you may not feel like going anywhere else.

Prices start at around $190 USD per night, so it’s a bit of a splurge, but the facilities and location make it totally worth considering for a family vacation. See current rates and lock in your dates here!

Boardwalk Inn and Suites  – $

If you’re trying to save, Boardwalk Inn and Suites is definitely worth a look. You get direct beach access and an outdoor pool without paying resort prices! And that’s always a nice bonus!

You can choose from standard rooms and larger suites with a sofa bed and a balcony overlooking either the ocean or the city. Plus, Daytona Lagoon water park and family entertainment center are just steps away, which is pretty convenient if you’re traveling with kids.

As for the practical stuff, there’s an on-site bar with a good selection of drinks, and you can pick up a few basics, like cereal and milk, at reception. Better yet, getting from the pool to the beach is easy peasy! Prices start at around $115 USD per night, so it’s worth checking out if you want to stay near the beach without spending a fortune. Check your dates and book Boardwalk Inn and Suites here!

If these places are all booked up for your dates, check out more hotels for Daytona Beach here!

Thanks for reading!

Daytona Beach is SO much more than fast cars and beautiful beaches! Between paddleboarding alongside dolphins and manatees, attempting to catch our first waves, and soaking up that Florida sunshine, there’s never a dull moment here. We had such a blast exploring this lively coastal city, and we hope you leave with just as many fun stories (and maybe a few sandy souvenirs!) as we did!

Still dreaming of more sunshine and adventure? We’ve got plenty more USA travel guides packed with our favorite experiences, hidden gems, and handy tips to help you plan your next getaway. Or here are a few more destinations to get excited about in the meantime!

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