The Top 10 Things To Do in Daytona Beach
top of page
  • Writer's pictureGotta Go Orlando

The Top 10 Things To Do in Daytona Beach

Updated: Nov 26, 2023

Daytona Beach is only a short drive from Orlando and if you are looking for something fun to do in Daytona Beach, there is a ton of choices! Check out our top 10 list and get planning your trip to Daytona Beach!


The Top 10 Things to Do in Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach, located on Florida’s Atlantic coast, only around 50 miles northeast of Orlando, is a mecca for sun-worshippers and petrolheads alike. It’s best known as the home of the Daytona International Speedway, a legendary track which plays host to the prestigious Daytona 500 race each February, and of course the beach!


Further thrills await at the Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier. Here you’ll find colourful amusement arcades packed with retro games, adrenaline-pumping rollercoasters, and irresistible food stalls touting tempting treats like deep-pan pizza, then end your day with a relaxing stroll across the smooth, golden sands of Daytona Beach.


The Top 10 Things To Do in Daytona Beach


The Top 10 Reasons to Visit Daytona Beach

A beach trip isn’t complete without one day (or five) spent at the beach.


Unplug, relax and rejuvenate with a visit to beautiful Daytona Beach. With an expansive shoreline 500-feet wide at low tide, you’ll have plenty of elbow room to embark on a new adventure, create new favorite memories and soak in the warm Florida sunshine.


From its close proximity to dining and entertainment, to the fun atmosphere, Daytona Beach is the ideal family escape. Satisfy your craving for salt air by grabbing a quick bite right on the oceanfront. Or, simply kick back and let the rest of the world melt away.


With 23 miles of Atlantic shoreline, numerous coastal parks offering convenient parking, and on-beach parking in designated zones, the Daytona Beach area - Ormond Beach, Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Shores and Ponce Inlet - has some of the most accessible beaches in Florida.


The Top 10 Things to Do in Daytona Beach

There’s something nostalgic about a boardwalk beach experience. The boardwalk and pier are focused on two important parts of every vacation – fun and food.


The Top 10 Reasons to Visit Daytona Beach

There are plenty of things to be proud of and fueling the need for speed is an accomplishment that Daytona Beach does not mind bragging about.


Daytona International Speedway has enduring appeal all year for all ages! It doesn’t have to be Speedweeks to get your blood racing. And you don’t have to be a race fan to get spellbound by a Speedway Track Tour. It’s a massive multi-sports facility that leaves visitors in awe with every visit. Kids love it at the track, too! It charges up their imagination and gives them plenty to see and do.


The Top 10 Reasons to Visit Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach takes claim to the title of Festival Capital of Florida for good reason with festivals and events taking place here year-round.


Home to over 60 renowned art, music and one-of-a-kind pop culture festivals, Daytona Beach is the Festival Capital of Florida. With some of the most well established events in the state on the festival and music calendar, it’s an impressive line-up with a flair for everything from culture and cuisine to motorsports and music.


The environment, art, history and endless outdoor pursuits are enjoyed side-by-side in gatherings large and small. Learn about local traditions, enjoy live music and dancing, and most of all indulge in local foods classic to each festival. With so many events in the Daytona Beach area and throughout Volusia County, many that are free to enjoy, you will find an experience that is just your speed.


The Top 10 Reasons to Visit Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is full of history. You can learn about and even see Daytona Beach from its humble beginnings in some of its parks, preserves and historic sites.


Woven within the Daytona Beach area is a rich tapestry of arts, culture and heritage – all for you to explore and enjoy! Experience world-class museums, phenomenal art galleries, impressive performances, numerous historic sites and other cultural treasures.



The Top 10 Reasons to Visit Daytona Beach

This southern part of the beach destination is full of activities and dining options for all to enjoy.


More than just an inlet, this area is home to the tallest lighthouse in Florida, the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse and Museum.


Open for tours, the lighthouse also hosts special events throughout the year. While you’re here, learn about the wonders of sea life at the Marine Science Center or go for an aquatic adventure with Ponce Inlet Watersports.


The Top 10 Reasons to Visit Daytona Beach

Choose from a surprising list of thrilling attractions in the Daytona Beach area. Choose from a surprising list of attractions including a race around Daytona International Speedway with the NASCAR Racing Experience.


Explore a dozen water rides at Daytona Lagoon Premier Waterpark and Family Fun Entertainment Center, experience the thrill behind the wheel at Speedway Indoor Karting, embark on a Daytona Beach Zipline Adventure, take in the sights during a Daytona Speedboat Adventure or enjoy the calm thrill of up-close encounters with marine life while paddleboarding in the Halifax River.


The Top 10 Reasons to Visit Daytona Beach

Everyone has heard of Daytona Beach, home to the Great American Race and the World’s Most Famous Beach, but savvy golfers love the area for another reason: it is one of Florida’s best and most value-laden destinations.


The area is home to nearly 20 golf courses, a range of accommodations options, highlighted by stunning Atlantic Ocean views, and enough fun off the course to fill a month-long trip.


When viewed through that prism it’s easy to see why Daytona Beach is so appealing to golfers. It all begins on the course, and LPGA International, a highly-acclaimed 36-hole facility with a pair of layouts designed by Rees Jonesand Arthur Hills, is the clubhouse leader.


Mix-in a pair of Donald Ross designs in Daytona Beach Golf Club’s South Course and New Smyrna Golf Club - both layouts are recognized on the Florida Historic Golf Trail. - and the area offers an ideal cross-section of American golf course architecture.


The Top 10 Reasons to Visit Daytona Beach

Whether you’re cruising on beachside or the mainland, you’re sure to log some miles taking in all that the Daytona Beach area has to offer.


Born to be wild - or at least wild at heart? Marvel at the variety of wild animals and birds on 'The Loop', a 34-mile scenic route that's a must-see for motorcyclists, motorists and bicyclists alike. This amazing journey will take you back in time, combining tree-lined, canopied roads with acres of Florida's wild, untouched natural beauty.


The Top 10 Reasons to Visit Daytona Beach


You’re sure to find the perfect place in Daytona Beach to rest your head after a day of fun in the sun.


The Daytona Beach area boasts more than 200 properties and 12,000 rooms. With oceanfront cottages and resorts and everything in between, finding the ideal place to stay in Daytona Beach has never been easier! Choose from a variety of accommodations that suit your style and budget: Daytona Beach hotels, motels, bed & breakfasts, condo hotels, vacation rentals, and campgrounds/RV parks. Searching for Daytona Beach hotels with kitchens or kitchenettes? Daytona Beach has pet-friendly places to stay in Daytona Beach, too!


Thanks to Daytona Beach for all the awesome ideas of things to enjoy on a trip to this must visit Florida destination! Honestly, you gotta go visit!!!


The Top 10 Reasons to Visit Daytona Beach

For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you informed throughout the day, every day.


You can also keep up to date on our socials, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.


Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando.



Please Note:

Gotta Go Orlando is your free guide to all the amazing happenings in Orlando. Every day we offer the most up to date news and information on the best of Orlando and Central Florida.


We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links, articles may be paid for, or contain affiliate links where we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site.

bottom of page