Looking for things to do in Daytona Beach?
For over 100 years Daytona Beach, FL has had the nickname “World’s Most Famous Beach”. It is a very popular vacation destination that does not disappoint.
Whether you are looking to have a blast with your family, catch a tan or a wave at the beach, party all night, or all of the above, you will never run out of fun activities and attractions in Daytona Beach. Here are our top 30 picks.
30 Fun and Best Things to do in Daytona Beach You Can’t Miss
1. Daytona Lagoon
Daytona Lagoon is conveniently located within walking distance of many popular resorts and hotels next to the Ocean Center and Ocean Center Shops. It features a water park, go karts, 18 holes of mini golf, laser tag, an arcade, places to eat, sky maze ropes, and a rock wall.
Make a sun filled day out of the water park by renting cabanas, sundecks, or lounge chairs. Then check out the water slides, wave pool, multi-level family splash pad or relax on the lazy river. This is the perfect place to bring the whole family for a day filled with tons of fun.
2. Andy Romano Beachfront Park
Located 10 minutes from Daytona Beach, Andy Romano Beachfront Park is a four-acre park located along the beach. It’s a perfect destination if you want to spend a day at the beach.
Amenities include a gazebo and pavilion, a splash pad, beach access, outdoor grilling, off beach parking, concessions, a picnic area, a playground and restrooms. Post up here and spend the day because the park has everything you need to have a great time.
One of the best free things to do in Daytona beach.
See more: Best Daytona Beach Oceanfront Hotels
Source: Silver Beach Club / Facebook
3. Sunsplash Park
You will see how it got its name as soon as you arrive. Sun Splash Park is a popular beach that offers fun for all whether you’re on the 600 feet of beach, in the ocean or playing in the refreshing splash pad. Sun Splash Park is also surrounded by amenities like cafes, bars, and restaurants, so you won’t have to go far for post beach fun.
Since the outdoor water park is free of charge it does get very busy in the afternoons so it’s best to go earlier on hot summer days to beat the rush. The lifeguard headquarters is also located at the park.
4. Daytona International Speedway
Iconic Daytona International Speedway is famous when it comes to the NASCAR world. Every year they hold the Daytona 500 as well as many other famous races. During the year there are different types of events like monster truck shows and international sports car racing.
For a behind the scenes look you should take a behind the scenes tour offered by the speedway. For a more hands on experience, The Richard Petty Driving Experience allows you to actually get behind the wheel. Daytona International is a must if you are a racing enthusiast.
5. Go Kart City
In the mood to ride go karts? Go Kart City is the largest go kart track in the New Smyrna Beach area. The track is a quarter mile long. You have to be 54” tall to drive. If you are shorter than 54” you can ride free with a licensed driver.
Go Kart City also offers other fun activities like pirate themed mini golf, batting cages for all abilities and arcade games for all ages. They are open 7 days a week so check them out for an exciting afternoon or evening.
6. The Daytona Beach Bandshell
The Daytona Beach Bandshell is an outdoor historic coquina amphitheater located right on the beach at Ocean Walk. Even though MTV Spring Break is no longer held here, they have events all year long.
Check out the summer concerts every night from May to September that end with the perfect view of fireworks off of the boardwalk pier. The concerts are free of charge.
7. Angell and Phelps Chocolate Factory Tour
Take a tour of the Angel and Phelps Chocolate Factory. Angell and Phelps Chocolate has been creating fine chocolates and candies since 1925. The tour will show you a behind the scenes look at how they make chocolate the old-fashioned way.
You will even get free samples of their delicious chocolate at the end of the tour. The tour is free of charge and lasts about 20 minutes.
8. Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Main Street Pier
Take a walk down the Daytona Beach Boardwalk. The boardwalk has many different gift shops, snack bars, restaurants and even an arcade. Daytona’s Main Street Pier was built in 1925 and has been attracting visitors ever since. The pier reaches 740 feet out over the Atlantic. It’s a great spot to go fishing, take some selfies, get some fresh air or catch a glimpse of marine life like dolphins, fish, birds and more.
The wooden pier can be accessed right from the boardwalk and if you’re looking for something to eat the pier also features two restaurants. You can also go for a walk on the beach underneath the pier if you are looking for a little shade while on the beach.
Plans for an extension and some other renovations are in the works but don’t worry the pier and its restaurants will remain open. During the summer they also have fireworks for the public to enjoy every night at 9:45 that you can easily view from anywhere on the boardwalk.
9. Screamers Park
Screamers Park is located at the south end of the boardwalk and is an amazing experience for all you thrill seekers out there. If you are planning a trip to Daytona Beach then you should definitely check out this pair of beachfront thrill rides. Screamers Park features the Slingshot and the newer addition, Vamotrom. Daytona Beach Slingshot is the world’s fastest slingshot, reaching speeds up to 100 MPH and 6 G’s of force. Get shot into the sky and catch amazing views of the ocean and the boardwalk.
They even capture your experience on video which you can later purchase as a keepsake. The newly added Vamotrom has a 165-foot arm with two capsules on each end. Two can sit inside each capsule and buckle up for the ride. When the ride begins, the arm starts to rotate. Your capsule will begin spinning reaching speeds up to 5 G’s.
Just when you think the ride is over the arm begins rotating in the opposite direction sending your capsule into backflips at the same speeds. Since your throat will probably be dry from screaming make a pit stop before you leave at Screamers Bar. The bar serves soft drinks, beer, wine, and jello shots.
10. Ocean Walk Shops
Ocean Walk Shops has it all including shopping, dining and entertainment. They have several restaurants to choose from so no matter what you are in the mood for they have you covered. Restaurants include Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, Ker’s Wing House, Mai Tai Bar, Cold Stone Creamery, Sloppy Joe’s, Johnny Rockets and Better Taste Jamaican Restaurant.
If you are looking to get a little shopping into your day, check out Maui Nix Surf Shop, Point Break apparel store, Sunglass Hut, Rocket Fizz soda and candy shop and Brikabrak jewelry, gemstone and knick-knack shop. After your dinner and shopping is complete, catch a movie at Satellite Cinema movie theater, always playing the newest movies to hit the box office.
11. Daytona Beach
Named the “World’s Most Famous Beach”, this stretch of beautiful, flour-like sand can provide endless hours of enjoyment. Whether you want to spend time building sand castles, catching a tan, playing a game of beach volleyball or catching a wave body surfing you can find endless hours of fun at this beach.
Once you are done on the beach the boardwalk is right there with gift shops, games and attractions. The beach gets very busy in the afternoon so it’s a good idea to get there earlier in the day.
12. Bicentennial Park Beach
Bicentennial Park Beach is located in the center of Michael Crotty Bicentennial Park which is 20 minutes north of downtown. It’s a good spot to spend an afternoon catching a tan, swimming, having a picnic or playing in the sand.
This long sandy beach offers great views of the ocean and the rest of the park does not disappoint either. There are many amenities you can take advantage of such as soccer, football, racquetball, shuffleboard, tennis, kayaking, canoeing and fishing. This park has tons to offer for guests of all ages.
13. Daytona Beach Shores
If you are looking for a more secluded beach experience, Daytona Beach Shores is the place to be. Daytona Beach Shores is a five-and-a-half-mile section of the beach that is usually less packed but it can get a little packed during huge events like Bike Week or The Daytona 500 that draw crowds to Daytona from around the world.
Frank Rendon Park is right next to the shoreline and with a beach walkway, restrooms, showers, a playground and an observation deck it has all the amenities you and your family could possibly need while spending a day at the beach.
14. Razzle’s Night Club
If you are looking for a true night club experience, the place to go is Razzle’s Night Club. Grab a drink from the friendly bar staff while listening to popular DJs spinning the latest hits. They offer great service, amazing drinks all at an affordable price.
They also offer private tables in their VIP Ultra Lounge with extra space and full bottle service. Dance to your heart’s content on the busy dance floor and it’s sure to be an unforgettable night. Razzle’s is located blocks from the beach and within walking distance of many popular accommodations.
15. Daytona Beach Zipline Adventure
Daytona Beach Zipline Adventure lives up to its namesake. Located at Tuscawilla Park in Daytona Beach, the adventure course takes you through the tops of the trees. Have some fun swinging, climbing. balancing and of course zipping! Stop and check out the scenery on one of the tree top perches scattered throughout the course.
You will be given a harness system to use and trained on how to properly use it. The course is self-paced so you can enjoy the experience at your own speed. They offer over 40 aerial games that include ten zip lines. Other amenities they offer include free parking, restrooms and a gift shop with water snacks and shoe rentals.
16. Dine and Cruise – Dinner and River Cruise
Enjoy a scenic dinner and paddleboat cruise on the beautiful Intracoastal Waterway of Daytona Beach on board the “Lady Dolphin of Daytona” paddle boat. Dinner will include dessert, unlimited soft drinks and free raffles.
You will be able to relax and enjoy your meal while cruising down the river. Catch glimpses of the natural beauty of the waterway and its native animals. Photography is welcomed. The cruise is about an hour and a half long and costs $25.95, plus tax, and there is also a small port fee.
17. Ho Daddy O’s Surf Cream and Surf and Sport
Ho Daddy O’s Surf and Sport is certainly a very unique, family friendly surf hangout. They offer lessons to learn how to surf, paddle and stand-up paddle surf. They have lessons for all ages right on the beach. You can cool off across the street at Ho Daddy O’s Surf Cream Enjoy their popular ice cream or shakes.
Hungry? Grab a quick bite for the family after your surf lesson. They have chili dogs, longboards and tacos. They also have refreshing cold beer and soft drinks on tap. This is a pet friendly establishment and overall has very laid-back surfer vibes.
18. Experience the Thrill of Daytona Speed Boat Adventures
Take an hour-long thrill ride onboard the Sea Racer. Ride along the breathtaking waterways of the Daytona Beach area. The course you take during your adventure strongly depends on the weather and sea conditions.
If it’s nice out you will cruise down the scenic coast and if the weather is not so agreeable you will take a ride down the beautiful Intracoastal Waterway. Either way it’s an amazing experience. You can catch a glimpse of the natural beauty of this area as well as wildlife in their natural habitat, like dolphins.
19. Take a Scenic Ride on Blue Heron River Tours
Take a scenic trip down the St. Johns River on board “Great Blue”. This attraction is perfect if you want to learn about nature and see the native wildlife in their natural habitat.
You will usually see adult and baby alligators, different species of wading birds, turtles and manatees. Your adventure is guided by coast guard licensed captains who will narrate the ride. You will frequently stop to be able to view the wildlife and take pictures. The tour will take approximately two hours.
20. Sample Artisan Spirits at Copper Bottom Craft Distillery
Check out Copper Bottom Distillery, a great place to enjoy a fun learning experience while sampling award winning artisan spirits. Copper Bottom is a family-owned distillery that was founded right here in the Daytona Beach area.
They offer tours for a behind the scene glimpse of how they create their one-of-a-kind spirits. During the tour you get to enjoy samples of various spirits. This makes a great evening for you and your significant other or your friends during your visit to Daytona Beach.
21. Play a Couple Round of Golf at LPGA International Golf Course
The LPGA International was designed by Arthur Hills and Ree Jones and was built in 1994. Since it was built it has been the home course and facility of the LPGA tour.
It includes two tracks, Jones course and the Hills Course named after their designers. The Hills Course was not added until 1997. If you are a golf enthusiast you will most certainly not want to miss the chance to play on this world renown course.
22. Take a Fishing Charter
If you want to catch some native, big game fish you need to hire an expert as your guide. Here is a great tour we would reccommend. Catch some sharks on a deep-sea excursion or catch some fresh water monsters on one of his inland fishing trips.
While on board the boat, the crew will teach you expert tips like the best way to rig live bait in order to get the biggest strikes as well as how to properly use artificial bait. They will also teach you about feeding times, barometric pressure, tides and moon phases. Get out on the water on a fun fishing charter and catch that trophy fish you have been daydreaming about.
23. Take a Ride on Jet Skis
Take an exciting trip out on the water with your family, friends or even if you are flying solo. Nothing feels better than the wind in your hair and the ocean spray on your body. Southside Jetski is a great spot for all your rental needs.
Take one of their jet skis out for a spin on North Florida’s only water sports area. This means that no boat traffic is allowed so it’s safer for you to jet ski. Fuel is included in the rental cost. Reach speeds of up to 50 miles per hour on one of their 110hp, Yamaha VX110 Deluxe jet skis.
24. Cruisin’ Tikis River Cruise
Take a one-of-a-kind ride along the Halifax River on a very unique boat. With Cruisin Tikis, you will take a relaxing trip on an actual floating Tiki Bar! They offer 3 hour and 90-minute tours down the river.
So, bring your refreshments, kick back and relax, watch the amazing sunset and leave the navigating up to them. You may turn a few heads as you float by chilling out on your personal floating tiki bar.
25. MOAS – Museum of Arts and Science
The Museum of Arts and Science is the oldest museum in Central FL and features 30,000 objects on exhibit. You will see exhibits showcasing things like Florida History, Chinese Art, Cuban Art, Early American Furniture.
They have an extensive collection of Americana items like teddy bears, quilts, two private train cars and tons of memorabilia. They offer many hands- on science exhibits in the 9,000 square foot Charles and Linda William’s Children Museum that was added in 2008. The Children’s Museum also features a planetarium.
Source: Sloth1979 / Wikimedia
26. Lighthouse Point Park – Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum
Lighthouse Point Park is a 52-acre public park that is perfect to bring your family for the day. The park features a beach area where you can go swimming and observation decks overlooking the beautiful landscapes.
Enjoy the scenic trails and catch a look at some native species like armadillos, different birds or dolphins that frequently feed on the shoreline. When you are ready to refuel, there are pavilions to sit and enjoy lunch. The park is also one of the few pet friendly beaches in the area, just remember to keep your pets leashed.
27. Marine Science Center
A great place to experience marine life up close is the Marine Science Center. The center is dedicated to educating the public so they can take an interest in local marine life rehabilitation and conservation.
It features interactive exhibits like a 5,000-gallon artificial reef aquarium, a bird observation tower, the Nature Trail, the Mary Keller Seabird Rehabilitation Sanctuary and a stingray touch pool. They also have an amazing gift shop that offers something for all ages like educational items, apparel, books, gold and silver jewelry and more.
28. Take a Stroll Down Beach Street
Take a stroll down historic Beach Street and experience a unique atmosphere. Choose from many different restaurant options if you’re looking for a bite to eat. Beach Street offers all types of cuisines like Mexican, Japanese, American, French and Italian. You can also check out many unique shops that sell antiques, clothes, art, books, jewelry and more.
Beach Street always seems alive with entertainment like theater performances at the News Journal Center, attractions like the Cinematique Theater, the Halifax History Museum and the Harbor Marina. Beach Street never disappoints.
Source: Ebyabe / Wikimedia
29. Go on a Stand up Paddle Board Tour to see Manatees and Dolphins
One of the best things to do in Daytona beach for the whole family is to go on a stand up paddle board tour to see manatees and dolphins.
One of our favorite part about Florida is no doubt the awesome manatees so any chance we get to see them we take. One the tours, you are likely to see redfish, manatees, and dolphins in their natural habitat.
30. Congo River Golf
Congo River Golf is much more than its name. Yes, there is an action-packed miniature golf course that features waterfalls, caves, rainforests, and much more however, there is much more to do here. You can also take part in the Congo River Mining Experience.
Take your shot and sift to discover arrowheads, gemstones, fossils, and more. Stop by the arcade to play video games for all ages or take part in the Exploration Game Scavenger Hunt and win prizes. Since best should always be last, we need to mention they have a live alligator exhibit that features over 25 alligators and gives you the chance to take part in an alligator feeding experience!
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There are so many fun things to do in Daytona Beach that we couldn’t list them all here. Whether you are with your family, your significant other, your friends, or by yourself there are endless possibilities at the “World’s Most Famous Beach”.
You will enjoy the time you spend in this beautiful city so much that you won’t be able to wait to plan your next trip to Daytona Beach.
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See more nearby:
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Gail
Friday 25th of February 2022
Is the Go Kart City that you speak of in Port Orange? That's the one we go to..
Florida Vacationers
Saturday 26th of February 2022
Yes, it is :)