Last updated: September 4, 2026
Daytona Beach has a lot more going on than just sand and sun. If you’re wondering about the best things to do in Daytona Beach, Florida, this list covers the boardwalk, the speedway, the beaches, and a handful of family-friendly stops you’ll want to add to your trip.
1. Drive or Walk the Beach
Daytona Beach is famous for allowing cars on certain stretches of sand, and it’s one of the few beaches in the country where you can still do this. You’ll pay a small entry fee during peak season, and rangers post the rules at each access point.
If you’d rather skip the driving, you can park in a beachside lot and walk instead. Either way, the sand here is wide, hard-packed, and easy to stroll along even with little ones in tow.
2. Stroll the Daytona Beach Boardwalk
The boardwalk sits right along the shore and is packed with arcades, food stands, and small rides for kids. It’s a nice spot for an evening walk once the day’s heat has faded.
Grab a funnel cake or an ice cream cone and just people-watch for a while — the boardwalk has a laid-back, old-school beach town feel that’s hard to find elsewhere in Florida.
3. Visit the Daytona International Speedway
Even if you’re not a racing fan, the speedway offers tours that take you through the garage area, victory lane, and the massive grandstands. You can check the current tour schedule and ticket prices on the speedway’s official site before you go.
Racing fans will want to time a visit around one of the major events held there throughout the year, since the track hosts several big races each season.
4. Explore the Marine Science Center
This small science center focuses on local marine life, including sea turtles and injured birds being rehabilitated for release. It’s an easygoing stop for families and usually takes about an hour to see everything.
Kids especially enjoy the touch tank exhibits, where staff members are on hand to answer questions about what you’re looking at.
5. Spend a Day at Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse
A short drive south of the main beach area, this lighthouse is one of the tallest in the country and still has the original keeper’s cottages on site. You can climb to the top for a wide view of the coastline if you’re up for the stairs.
The grounds around the lighthouse also make for a nice, shaded break from the beach if you need a change of scenery.
6. Catch a Show at the Peabody Auditorium
This historic venue hosts concerts, comedy shows, and traveling productions throughout the year. Check the auditorium’s calendar ahead of your trip, since shows here tend to sell out during busy travel weeks.
It’s a good rainy-day backup plan if the weather doesn’t cooperate with your beach schedule.
7. Take a Dolphin or Sunset Cruise
Several local operators run short boat trips out of the Halifax River area, and many are timed around sunset. Dolphin sightings aren’t guaranteed, but they’re common enough that most trips report seeing at least a few.
Bring a light jacket even in warmer months, since the breeze off the water can feel cooler once the boat is moving.
8. Browse Downtown Daytona
Downtown has a growing collection of local shops, breweries, and restaurants worth a slower afternoon. It’s a nice contrast to the beach crowds and gives you a feel for the town beyond the tourist strip.
Farmers markets and small festivals pop up here throughout the year, so it’s worth checking local event listings before your visit.
9. Play a Round of Mini Golf
Daytona Beach has several themed mini golf courses within walking distance of the main beach strip. They’re an easy way to fill an hour or two in the evening after a day in the sun.
Most courses stay open late during peak season, so they make a good after-dinner activity for families.
10. Visit the Museum of Arts and Sciences
This museum covers everything from Cuban art to a full-sized whale skeleton and a planetarium. It’s a bit outside the main tourist strip, but well worth the short drive if you want an air-conditioned break.
Plan for at least two hours here if you want to see the planetarium show along with the main exhibits.
11. Try Deep-Sea Fishing
Charter boats leave from the Halifax Harbor Marina for half-day and full-day fishing trips. Beginners are welcome, and most charters provide the gear and bait so you don’t need to bring your own.
Ask the charter company about current catch limits and licensing requirements before you head out, since these can change from season to season.
12. Relax at Sun Splash Park
This free splash pad sits right on the water and is a favorite spot for families with younger kids. There’s no fee to use it, and it’s shaded enough to make a good midday break from direct sun.
The park also has a small playground next door if the kids want to keep moving after the splash pad.
13. Day Trip to Tomoka State Park
Just north of Daytona Beach, Tomoka State Park has hiking trails, kayak rentals, and quiet spots along the river for a picnic. Pack bug spray, since the trails can get buggy near the water in warmer months.
It’s a good half-day trip if you want a break from the beach scene without driving too far.
14. Watch the Sunrise Over the Atlantic
Because Daytona Beach faces east, it’s one of the better spots on Florida’s coast for sunrise views. Set an early alarm and grab a spot on the sand before the boardwalk crowds show up.
Bring coffee and a blanket, and you’ll likely have a long stretch of beach mostly to yourself.
15. Shop and Eat Along Seabreeze Boulevard
This stretch of downtown has a cluster of local restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques that feel distinctly different from the beachfront chains. It’s a nice option for a slower dinner away from the tourist crowds.
Many of the restaurants here rotate seasonal menus, so it’s worth asking your server what’s new if you’re a regular visitor.
Why Daytona Beach Is Worth the Trip
Daytona Beach works well because it blends classic beach town energy with enough variety to keep a multi-day trip interesting. You’ve got the racing history, the wide beaches, and a downtown that’s grown a lot in recent years.
It also tends to be more budget-friendly than some of Florida’s bigger coastal destinations, which makes it an easy pick for family trips or long weekends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Daytona Beach good for families?
Yes, Daytona Beach has plenty of family-friendly stops, from the boardwalk arcades to the Marine Science Center and Sun Splash Park. The wide, flat beach also makes it easy to keep an eye on younger kids.
Can you still drive on Daytona Beach?
Certain sections of the beach do allow car access during set hours, though this varies by season and location. Check with the local beach patrol or official Daytona Beach website for current access points and fees before you go.
How many days do you need in Daytona Beach?
A long weekend, around three to four days, is usually enough to cover the boardwalk, the speedway, and a day trip or two without feeling rushed. You can always stretch it longer if you want to add more day trips like Tomoka State Park.
What is Daytona Beach known for?
Daytona Beach is best known for its speedway and racing history, along with its wide, drivable beaches. It’s also a popular spot for Spring Break and beach vacations along Florida’s east coast.
Is Daytona Beach walkable?
The boardwalk area and downtown are both walkable on their own, but you’ll want a car to get between the beach strip, the speedway, and spots like Tomoka State Park. Ride-share options are also widely available if you’d rather skip driving.
Plan Your Daytona Beach Trip
With this many things to do in Daytona Beach, Florida, it’s easy to build a trip that mixes beach time with a few unique local stops. Pick a few favorites from this list, pack sunscreen, and you’ll have a solid itinerary before you even land.
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