Daytona Beach Florida Guide | Things to Do, Where to Eat & Stay

Daytona Beach Florida

Oh don't you just want to head to the beach? Yes! Daytona Beach, Florida is a destination of choice for thousands, every year, seeking a break from all the hustle and bustle of life. Imagine your toes in that soft sand and your sites on the mesmerizing waves...now, check out our vacation rentals in Daytona for your amazing beach vacation!. Daytona Beach is one of Florida’s most iconic coastal destinations, famous for its wide, drivable beaches, motorsports heritage, family attractions, and year-round sunshine. Located on the Atlantic Coast in Volusia County, Daytona Beach offers a blend of classic beach-town charm, modern entertainment, and outdoor adventure.

Daytona Beach is a wonderful place with what has been called “The World’s Greatest Beach”. You can stretch out and soak up some of the sun on the 23 mile stretch of white sand. There are even portions of the beach where you are permitted to take your car out on the sand! Daytona is an amazing vacation location that is second to none. Fishing in Daytona Beach will get you “hooked” whether you prefer dropping your line off of a pier, beach fishing, flats fishing, or going out on a deep sea excursion. Whatever you decide fun will be had guaranteed!

After your long day in the hanging out in the water and sand, check out the town which has culture all of its own. You can enjoy the boardwalk, some of the great restaurants and shops, the museums and historic sites, or even the world famous Daytona International Speedway. Daytona has it all, making this one of the greatest vacation spots in the world. Soaking up the sun, making new friends while playing beach volleyball, hooking a great trophy fish, or watching an incredible race at the speedway, you will never have a dull moment in the one and only, world famous Daytona Beach. For individuals who love surfing, strolling along white-sand beaches, going to parks, or visiting cultural or art museums, Daytona is the place for you. So, if you’re looking for an enjoyable vacation, give these Daytona Beach attractions a visit.

Things to Do in Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach Boardwalk

The Daytona Beach Boardwalk was built in 1938, and city life generally revolves around this area. The famed boardwalk is a vibrant spot where locals and visitors enjoy all sorts of activities. There are rides, shops, food stalls, restaurants, and street entertainment in this amusement center. 

The Boardwalk and Pier area is packed with classic seaside fun, including arcades, thrill rides, live entertainment, shops, and casual dining. It’s especially lively in the evenings and during special events and festivals.

If you want a satisfying gastronomical experience, visit the restos and cafes of Ocean Walk Village. It’s best to visit the boardwalk at night to see the colorful lights in the buildings and the Ferris Wheel. 

Main Street Pier

Just a walk from the Daytona Beach Boardwalk, you’ll arrive at the Main Street Pier. It’s a city attraction that’s perfect for strolling and fishing. You can spot seabirds and dolphins here, and it’s also an excellent place if you want to capture photos of the glorious Florida sunrise. 

For some fresh seafood, there are restaurants in the area that overlook the waters. The east end of the pier is a great spot for fishing, or you can head to Sunglow Pier to catch some fish too. 

Museum of Arts and Sciences

It’s rare to find a museum that combines both the arts and sciences for its exhibit, and that’s why the Museum of Arts and Sciences is a must-visit in Daytona Beach. 

The museum is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, and it houses over 30,000 art pieces from Chinese art to Americana art collections. For science enthusiasts, there’s a nature trail, a planetarium, interactive installations, and a collection of thousand-year-old bones and fossils. You can also find stores and cafes on the site. If you want a Yoga session, the Museum of Arts and Sciences also offers events for Yoga practitioners. 

This museum has displays art pieces that talk about the history and culture of Florida. It has a collection of over 2,600 artworks made by Florida artists. The artworks are diverse, ranging from historic to modern art objects. For instance, you can find paintings depicting famous places in Florida and the people. 

Daytona International Speedway

The Daytona International Speedway is a world-renowned auto-racing track and is home to the National Association for Stock Car Racing (NASCAR). The association was established by Bill France Sr. in 1947, and it organizes racing events that draw over 120,000 car racing fans. 

If you want to experience what it’s like on the track, you can join interactive tours to get the thrill of it. There’s a Speedway tour tram ride that allows visitors to experience the track’s 31-degree banks and head to Victory Lane for a photo-op. You can also have an opportunity to drive one of the race cars or get a ride with a professional NASCAR driver. 

Jackie Robinson Ballpark

Most probably, you know Jackie Robinson, the great baseball player known as the first African-American to enter the baseball major league in the United States. He played first for the Montreal Royals in the minor league, then played for the Brooklyn Dodgers and became a Hall of Famer in the majors. 

The ballpark located in the downtown district was named in his honor. It has become a city landmark that tourists and locals flock to re-live its brilliant sports history and support the Daytona Tortugas whenever they play. Live entertainment and concerts are also held in the ballpark. 

Enjoy the World-Famous Beach

Daytona Beach is best known for its 23 miles of hard-packed sand, allowing vehicles to drive and park directly on designated sections of the beach. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, fly kites, play beach volleyball, or take long shoreline walks with ocean views.

Where to Stay in Daytona Beach

Oceanfront Hotels & Resorts

Daytona Beach is known for its wide selection of oceanfront hotels, many offering balconies, pools, beach access, and resort-style amenities.

Vacation Rentals

Vacation rentals are popular for families and extended stays, offering condos and beachfront homes with kitchens, multiple bedrooms, and private balconies.

From affordable motels to mid-range hotels, Daytona Beach provides lodging options for every budget, many within walking distance of the beach and attractions.

Vacation Rental Stays

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Where to Eat in Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach offers plenty of beachfront restaurants serving fresh seafood, burgers, and tropical cocktails with ocean views.

• Fresh seafood and Florida-style cuisine
• Waterfront dining along the Halifax River
• Laid-back beach bars and family-friendly grills

You’ll also find Italian, Asian, Mexican, and upscale steakhouse dining throughout Daytona Beach Shores and downtown, making it easy to suit any taste or budget.

Daytona Beach Restaurants

Oceanfront & Waterfront Dining

Ocean Deck – Caribbean-inspired seafood with ocean views

Chart House – Upscale seafood and steaks overlooking the Halifax River

LandShark Bar & Grill – Casual beachfront dining at One Daytona

Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse – Fine dining with river views

RiverGrille on the Tomoka – Ormond Beach - Seafood and Southern flavors on the water

Casual & Local Favorites

Daytona Taproom – Craft beer and pub fare

Tia Cori’s Tacos – Authentic Mexican street-style tacos

Big Tuna’s Beach Bar & Grill – Burgers, seafood, and live music

The Oyster Pub – Local institution known for oysters and laid-back vibe

Italian, Pizza & Comfort Food

Don Vito’s Italian Restaurant – Classic Italian dishes

Fratelli’s Pizzeria – New York–style pizza

Rose Villa Restaurant – Italian-American favorites in a historic home

Breakfast, Brunch & Cafés

Cracked Egg Diner – Hearty breakfasts and comfort food

Peach Valley Café – Popular brunch spot

IHOP (Original Location) – A Daytona classic

Sweet Marlays’ Coffee – Artisan coffee and pastries

Bars, Breweries & Nightlife Dining

Daytona Beach Brewing Company – Craft beer and pub menu

Razzle’s Nightclub & Restaurant – Late-night eats and dancing

Froggy's Saloon – Beachside drinks and casual bites

Seafood Favorites

Joe’s Crab Shack – Classic seafood spot on the pier

Crabby Joe’s Deck & Grill – Pier-top dining with panoramic views

Aunt Catfish’s on the River – Port Orange - Southern seafood and comfort food

Caribbean Jack’s – Lively waterfront seafood and cocktails

Events & Festivals

Daytona Beach hosts major events year-round, including:

• Daytona 500 and NASCAR race weeks
• Bike Week and Biketoberfest
• Beach concerts and seasonal festivals
• Fireworks and holiday celebrations

These events add energy and excitement to the destination while drawing visitors from around the world.

Outdoor Adventures & Nature

• Ponce Inlet Lighthouse & Museum – Climb Florida’s tallest lighthouse for panoramic coastal views
• Tomoka State Park – Kayaking, hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing
• Daytona Lagoon – Water park, mini-golf, go-karts, and arcade fun
• Boat Tours & Dolphin Cruises – Explore the Intracoastal Waterway

Arts, Culture & History

• Museum of Arts & Sciences (MOAS) – Art, science, history, and planetarium exhibits
• Mary McLeod Bethune Home & Gravesite – A National Historic Landmark
• Downtown Daytona Beach – Local galleries, riverfront dining, and cultural events

Best Time to Visit Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is a year-round destination. Spring and fall offer warm weather with fewer crowds, summer brings peak beach season and family travel, and winter provides mild temperatures ideal for snowbirds and event-goers.

Why Visit Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach combines classic Florida beach culture, thrilling motorsports, family-friendly attractions, and scenic coastal beauty. With miles of shoreline, diverse dining, exciting events, and accommodations for every traveler, it remains one of Florida’s most beloved beach destinations.

Map of Daytona Beach Florida

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