Drive On Over To Daytona Beach For Sunny Skies & A Beach Breeze Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and if you want to get away from the busy theme parks and attractions then a fall beach getaway could be exactly what your looking for!

Daytona Beach is only a short drive from Orlando, and sunny skies and a beach breeze sounds like a pretty perfect thanksgiving to us, add in some fun and festive events happening surrounding the holiday. and it's time to pack the car and head on down to Daytona Beach!

Here’s what's happening in and around Daytona Beach for the holidays:

Riverfest Seafood Festival

November 19 - 20, 2022

If you’re in town the week leading up to Thanksgiving, you'll want to check out the Annual Ormond Beach Riverfest Seafood Festival, a free two-day community celebration November 19 - 20.

Don’t miss the return of the award-winning Riverfest Seafood Festival, with all the fresh fish, family fun, and fall festival delights that attendees have come to expect at this annual celebration of life along the water.

Rockefeller Gardens and Fortunato Park in Ormond Beach hosts more than two dozen food vendors, live music, boats, paddleboards, kid’s activities, a draft beer garden with TVs to catch your favorite football team and so much more.

Be sure to come hungry. Are you in the mood for crab cakes? Chowder? Fried shrimp? Fish and chips? Maybe your tastes run to burgers & fries? Sausages? Barbeque? You’ll find it all at Riverfest along with fried Oreos, ice cream, kettle corn, and more.

Free admission and free parking make it easy to enjoy the great variety of planned activities in both riverfront parks.

A free shuttle service from remote parking lots makes parking even easier.

Deland Fall Festival Of The Arts

November 19 - 20, 2022

Also happening the weekend before Thanksgiving, is the 2022 DeLand Fall Festival of the Arts on November 19-20.

This free, two-day event will last from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day and will take over the majority of Woodland Boulevard in historic downtown DeLand, a short drive just west of Daytona Beach.

Come soak in the bright colors of fall as you peruse displays of fine art presented by over 170 juried artists from all over the country - paintings, fine craftsmen, printmakers, sculptors, jewelers, potters and more!

The event includes kid's activities, live music and performers, too.

Daytona Turkey Run

November 24 - 27, 2022

The 48th annual Daytona Turkey Run is back for another year of classic cars, hard-to-find accessories, handmade gifts, and family fun.

This favorite Daytona Beach tradition will take place on November 24-27 this year. As the largest combined collector car show and swap meet in the United States, there will be thousands of classic cars on display, plus collector parts, unique gifts, and a crafts bazaar.

The event takes place on the infield of the iconic Daytona International Speedway from Thursday through Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend each year, and there’s something for all ages to enjoy.

From looking at all the classic cars to finding the perfect Christmas gift, you won’t want to miss out!

Find Steals and Deals

If you’re looking to combine being outdoors and shopping there are lots of great options! Head over to Tanger Outlets at the I95/LPGA Boulevard interchange and explore ONE DAYTONA, the retail, dining and entertainment district directly across from Daytona International Speedway.

Following that, you can find unique locally-owned businesses at the Shop Small Saturday Artisan Market in downtown Ormond Beach and explore the Riverfront Shops and eateries in downtown Daytona Beach.

Where to Stay

Whether you are getting away for a quiet beach weekend for two or holding a reunion with your extended family, Daytona Beach has accommodation options for Thanksgiving crews of all shapes and sizes.

If you're looking for special packages then you'll want to check out these deals!

Where to Eat

If you don’t feel like doing dishes on Thanksgiving — and let’s be honest, who ever wants to do dishes? — there are a number of local restaurants that are happy to provide a warm meal and friendly atmosphere.

Choose sunny skies and beach breezes this Thanksgiving, start planning your trip today!