Things to Do in Daytona Beach

The Daytona Beach Boardwalk area is the heart of the beachfront with amusement rides, arcade games, shops, and restaurants. The Main Street Pier extends over 1,000 feet into the Atlantic Ocean with fishing access ($6 to walk, fishing passes additional), a restaurant and bar at the end, and observation decks offering panoramic views. The nearby Bandshell hosts free concerts and events throughout the year, and the entire area comes alive at night with lights and entertainment.

One of the most iconic experiences in Florida, Daytona Beach allows vehicles on designated stretches of its hard-packed sand. The tradition dates to the early 1900s when racers tested speeds on the smooth shoreline. Today, marked ramps provide access to driving zones, where you can park right next to the surf. The fee is $20 per vehicle, and driving is permitted from sunrise to sunset. The speed limit is 10 mph, and you'll want to stay close to the waterline where the sand is firmest.

Home of the Daytona 500, this 101,500-seat superspeedway is a motorsport cathedral. Year-round tours take visitors through the 2.5-mile tri-oval track, the pit road, Victory Lane, and the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America museum. The 90-minute All Access Tour lets you walk on the track banking and visit the media center. Even non-racing fans are impressed by the sheer scale of the facility. Check the event calendar, as tour availability changes during race weekends.

Located in Ponce Inlet, the Marine Science Center operates one of the most active sea turtle rehabilitation programs in Florida, treating and releasing injured and sick sea turtles year-round. The center also houses a bird rehabilitation facility, saltwater aquariums, a stingray touch tank, and nature exhibits. An elevated boardwalk trail winds through the coastal hammock behind the center. It is an affordable, educational stop that complements a beach day.

At 175 feet, the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in Florida and a National Historic Landmark. Built in 1887, the restored lighthouse complex includes the tower climb (203 steps to the top), three keeper's cottages now serving as museum galleries, a lens exhibit building, and beautifully maintained grounds. The view from the top spans the Atlantic Ocean, Ponce Inlet, Halifax River, and surrounding coastline. Plan at least 90 minutes for a full visit.

Daytona Beach offers consistent beginner-friendly waves, especially near the pier and at Ponce Inlet. Multiple surf shops along Atlantic Avenue rent boards and offer lessons for first-timers. Beyond surfing, the beach supports jet ski rentals, parasailing, stand-up paddleboarding, and boogie boarding. The wide, shallow approach makes Daytona particularly forgiving for beginners learning to catch their first waves.

Daytona's dining scene spans casual boardwalk eats to waterfront seafood institutions. Aunt Catfish on the River is a local legend for Southern-fried catfish, hush puppies, and Halifax River views. Racing's North Turn Beach Bar & Grille sits on the actual stretch of beach where early NASCAR races were held. Crabby Joe's Deck & Grill offers waterfront dining at Sunglow Pier in Daytona Beach Shores. The Cellar provides upscale Italian in a historic downtown wine cellar setting.

One of the largest open-air markets in the Southeast, the Daytona Flea & Farmers Market has operated on Tomoka Farms Road since 1983. With over 1,000 vendor booths spread across 40 acres, the market sells everything from fresh produce and seafood to clothing, tools, and collectibles. Food stands serve everything from Southern BBQ to international cuisine. It runs Friday through Sunday and makes an easy add-on to a Daytona Beach day trip.