Ease of Travel to Daytona Beach

Planning a family beach vacation has never been easier — especially when Daytona Beach is one of the best road trip destinations in Florida. Conveniently located only an hour away from Orlando, the Daytona Beach area is an ideal road trip destination for families across the Southeast. 

Where can you find the best beaches in Florida? Daytona Beach's World's Most Famous Beach is just a drive away! Whether you're located in Tampa, Miami, Jacksonville, or somewhere in between, the journey is packed with Florida scenery and fun things to do. With 23 miles of iconic coastline, welcoming accommodations and an endless list of family-friendly things to do, getting here is just the beginning of the adventure.

 

A family enjoys beach time together in Daytona Beach

What to Do in Daytona Beach, Florida

Beachside Adventures

If you're looking for things to do in Daytona Beach, your Florida vacation starts with 23 miles of white-sand beaches. It can be as simple as building a sandcastle or enjoying an ice cream to showing your more adventurous side with water activities like swimming, surfing, biking, parasailing, or paddle boarding. Either way, memories await on the area’s world-famous beaches.

Enjoy these additional beachfront parks and attractions found on or near the Daytona Beach Boardwalk & Pier. You won’t run out of wet, wild, and wacky things to do with the family.
 

The Daytona Aquarium & Rainforest Adventure is a fun-filled family attraction in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Mainland Adventures

A trip to Daytona Beach wouldn't be complete without visiting the world-famous Daytona International Speedway or the Smithsonian-affiliated Museum of Arts & Sciences. You must see the newest attraction to hit the area, the Daytona Aquarium & Rainforest Adventure. 

Check out these fun things to do and other Daytona Beach attractions to keep the family busy and having a blast. 

Workers preparing food in Buc-ee's Daytona Beach, FL

Buc-ee's Daytona Beach - Cool and Unusual Road Trip Activities

Stop at Buc-ee’s Daytona Beach, the larger-than-life convenience store for snacks, souvenirs, and quirky fun. Top off the tank for less and clean the car in Florida’s longest car wash!

Florida's tallest lighthouse, Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, is a must-see National Historic Landmark

Visit Nearby Ponce Inlet

During your family road trip to Daytona Beach, we recommend a visit to nearby Ponce Inlet. More than just an inlet, the quaint town of Ponce Inlet is home to the tallest lighthouse in Florida, the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse and Museum. 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. Here, you'll also find dog-friendly beaches!

View dolphins in Ponce Inlet on an eco-boat tour with Ponce Inlet Watersports

Eco & Sunset Cruises

And speaking of aquatic adventures, check out these additional sunset cruises or eco-boat tours where odds are, you'll see dolphins, a plethora of birds and maybe even a manatee. This is the perfect activity for the whole family to explore Daytona Beach's waterways.

The oceanfront Daytona Beach Bandshell draws large crowds for the summer concert series

Catch a Show at Daytona Beach Bandshell

The Daytona Beach Bandshell offers oceanfront concerts all summer long. This unique event venue in Florida draws large crowds for the popular summer concert series. At the Bandshell, you can enjoy live music performances during your road trip in Florida. Other performance venues include the Ocean Center, News-Journal Center,  Peabody Auditorium, Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center and the Polynesian Fire Luau.

There are so many things to do and see in Daytona Beach! Check out all the Events and Free Things to Do while you’re in the area.

A signature plate of foods from Daytona Beach restaurant Aunt Catfish's on the River

Places to Eat

There is no shortage of restaurants & eateries on the beachside or on the mainland. So, when you are looking for waterfront restaurants and outdoor dining options with picturesque views, fresh seafood, fine dining, or just a good old American cheeseburger, Daytona Beach has you covered.

Aerial of Daytona Beach hotels with river and ocean views

Where to Stay on Your Florida Vacation

Looking for a great place to stay? Head over to the Daytona Beach Hotel Deals page for the latest offers. From oceanfront cottages and resorts to cozy B&Bs, condo hotels, RV parks, and campgrounds — there’s great accommodations near Daytona Beach for every style and budget.

Start Planning Your Road Trip Today

From sun-soaked beach days to inland adventures, the Daytona Beach Area offers a full vacation experience for families hitting the road.

Start planning your Florida road trip todayand we’ll see you on the sand!