When taking a vacation getaway to Daytona Beach, make sure your to-do list includes a visit to one of the many sites that are listed as a National Historic Landmark or National Register of Historic Places.
There is a plethora of sites listed as either a National Historic Landmark or National Register of Historic Places in the Daytona Beach area. From the tallest lighthouse in Florida, the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, to the ballpark where Jackie Robinson played the first integrated spring training baseball game, there’s endless opportunities to explore our nation’s history right here in Daytona Beach.
Here’s a look at just some of the National Historic Landmarks and National Register of Historic Places in Daytona Beach that you can explore on your next Daytona Beach vacation:
Ponce Inlet Lighthouse
Located in the quaint town of Ponce Inlet just a few short miles south of Daytona Beach is the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse. At 175 feet tall and 203 steps, Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, a National Historic Landmark, is one of the area’s hidden gems and quite a standout.
Rich in history, the lighthouse was built in 1887 and was first lit by a kerosene lamp on November 1 of that year. The first order fixed Fresnel lens was made in Paris in 1867 and is now part of the museum's permanent display of one of the finest collections of restored Fresnel lenses in the world. The pristine lighthouse museum grounds offer a rare glimpse into the lives of former lighthouse keepers as well as humble Cuban rafts found washed ashore.
Constance D. Hunter Historic Pacetti Hotel Museum
Located right next door to the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse is the Constance D. Hunter Historic Pacetti Museum, which has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in the 1880s, this storied hotel stands as one of Volusia County’s oldest surviving structures, offering a glimpse into the past with its well-preserved rooms and grounds. Originally a lively boarding house and fishing resort, the hotel has been meticulously restored to showcase its rich history and significance to the local community.
Mary McLeod Bethune Home & Gravesite
This National Historic Landmark is the former home of civil rights leader, educator and founder of Bethune-Cookman University, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune. While temporarily closed to visitors, it’s worth driving by this historic home that is situated on the scenic grounds of Bethune-Cookman University and filled with fascinating artifacts and photos of famous visitors and U.S. presidents.
Howard Thurman Home
The childhood home of Rev. Dr. Howard Thurman, a mentor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King and one of the most influential theologians of the 20th century, is situated in one of Daytona Beach’s oldest residential sections.
A native son of Daytona Beach, Dr. Howard Thurman went on to become an important author and religious thinker and one of the most influential early voices shaping the nonviolent philosophy of the Modern Civil Rights Movement in America.
Tours are available by appointment to view the home.
The Casements
Discover what life looked like for millionaire philanthropist John D. Rockefeller at his former winter home in Ormond Beach. At The Casements, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and open for tours, you can enjoy the fine architecture, historical memorabilia, and peaceful gardens. In fact, Rockefeller Gardens frequently hosts family-friendly events and serves as the scenic backdrop for various festivals throughout the year.
Jackie Robinson Ballpark and Statue
Jackie Robinson Ballpark and Statue is where ground-breaking African American baseball player Jackie Robinson played in the first integrated Major League Baseball spring training game in 1946. The stadium, a National Commemorative Site and part of the African American Civil Rights Network, is also listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.
Visitors can still enjoy professional baseball at the ballpark when the Daytona Tortugas, the Class A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds, compete between April through September at the venue, which is the oldest operating ballpark in the minor league baseball system.
Daytona Beach Bandshell
Built of coquina in 1937, the Daytona Beach Bandshell and Oceanfront Park Complex, a site on the National Registry of Historic Places, has a long history as a unique gathering space for open-air concerts and community events in Daytona Beach. The Bandshell can host up to 5,000 people and traditionally features summer concerts on Friday and Saturday nights.
To learn more about Daytona Beach’s historic offerings, request an Arts and Culture Map or Share The Heritage brochure.
View a complete list of locations in the Daytona Beach area that are National Historic Landmarks or on the National Register of Historic Places.
Start planning your next vacation to Daytona Beach today! Check out all the hotels and specials available for your getaway! We’ll be looking forward to seeing you soon.
