DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The votes have been tallied, and the Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) has announced the results from the fifth annual Visitors’ Choice Awards, a program that recognizes businesses and attractions that vacationers enjoyed the most.

The Visitors’ Choice program honors some of visitors’ most beloved attractions and businesses through a survey that was sent to thousands of Daytona Beach area visitors in the CVB’s database and promoted through its social media channels. The 17 different category selections and top suggestions were based solely on DaytonaBeach.com analytics and other key data points, and each category allowed for “write-in” submissions.

With area beaches receiving votes from visitors in numerous categories, Volusia County Beaches was once again honored with the Award of Excellence. Among the other honorees in 2026 were Daytona International Speedway and the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, the Daytona Aquarium & Rainforest Adventure, Ponce Inlet Lighthouse & Museum, Daytona Beach Bike Week, the Riverfest Seafood Festival in Ormond Beach and the Daytona Beach Bandshell.

“We’re proud to recognize the events, attractions and businesses that make the Daytona Beach area such a memorable destination for visitors,” said Lori Campbell Baker, Executive Director for the Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. “What makes the Visitors’ Choice Awards meaningful is that they’re driven by the people who experience our destination firsthand. These winners represent the passion, creativity and dedication that define our community and play a vital role in creating unforgettable experiences for our visitors while also generating significant economic impact for the community.”

Businesses that were selected by visitors were recognized at the annual Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association’s National Travel and Tourism Week breakfast at the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach. Winners received a plaque and a graphics file that can be used to promote their Visitors’ Choice honor.

Winners and honorable mentions of the 2026 Visitors’ Choice Awards are:

  • Award of Excellence: Volusia County Beaches
  • Best Museum & Gallery: Winner, Motorsports Hall of Fame of America; Runner-up, Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens
  • Best Major Attraction: Winner, Daytona International Speedway and Motorsports Hall of Fame of America; Runner-up, Daytona Aquarium & Rainforest Adventure
  • Best Major Event: Winner, Daytona Beach Bike Week; Runner-up, Speedweeks (includes the Rolex 24 At DAYTONA and the DAYTONA 500)
  • Best Arts, Culture & Heritage Festival: Winner, Riverfest Seafood Festival; Runner-up, Daytona Beach Arts Fest
  • Best Historical Site: Winner, Ponce Inlet Lighthouse & Museum; Runner-up, Daytona Beach Bandshell and Coquina Clock Tower
  • Best Entertainment Venues: Winner, Daytona Beach Bandshell; Runner-up, Ocean Center
  • Best Shopping: Winner, Daytona Flea & Farmers Market; Runner-up, Riverfront Shops of Daytona Beach (Historic Beach Street)
  • Best Golf Course: Winner, LPGA International; Runner-up, Daytona Beach Golf Club
  • Best Water Excursions: Winner, Dine & Cruise – River Cruise; Runner-up, Tomoka Outpost at Tomoka State Park
  • Best Park: Winner, Lighthouse Point Park; Runner-up, Blue Spring State Park
  • Best Eco Tourism Boat Tour: Winner, Dolphin and Manatee Boat Tour by Ponce Inlet Watersports; Runner-up, World Famous Boat Tours
  • Best Local Fine Dining: Winner, Top of Daytona; Runner-up, Millie’s Restaurant
  • Best Local Seafood Restaurant: Winner, Aunt Catfish’s; Runner-up, Caribbean Jack’s
  • Best Beachfront Restaurant: Winner, Joe’s Crab Shack; Runner-up, Crabby Joe’s on the Sunglow Pier
  • Best Locally Crafted: Winner, Ormond Brewing Company; Runner-up, World’s Most Famous Brewery
  • Best Local Sweets: Winner, Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory; Runner-up, Rosie’s Italian Bakery


About the Daytona Beach Area | #LoveDaytonaBeach
Often called home of the world’s most famous beaches, Daytona Beach, Florida, continues to delight and surprise visitors with its diverse and growing array of attractions. The Daytona Beach area includes several cities and towns including Ormond Beach, Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Shores, Ponce Inlet, Holly Hill and South Daytona. The destination has long been known for its iconic beaches and rich auto racing history but today a slate of exciting new attractions, upscale lodging, a vibrant arts scene and an amazing collection of parks, preserves and outdoor activities are all part of Daytona Beach’s year-round appeal.

To receive a complimentary Daytona Beach Destination Guide, find a place to stay, or book your next adventure, visit DaytonaBeach.com. #LoveDaytonaBeach.