Free Things to Do in Daytona Beach

There's a lot to do in the Daytona Beach area that won't bust your budget. Whether it's simply a day at the beach, taking a selfie, or an action attraction, the destination offers value after value. Check out this handy list of FREE things to do during your stay!

1) Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory Tour

154 South Beach Street, Daytona Beach, (800) 969-2634

Located in the historic Riverfront Shops in downtown Daytona Beach, Angell & Phelps Chocolates has been a Daytona Beach tradition since 1925. Watch the chocolate-making process anytime during regular operating hours and enjoy a free sample! You’ll be amazed at the selection of unique chocolates and other confectionary treats.

2) The Casements

25 Riverside Drive, Ormond Beach, FL, (386) 676-3216

Formerly the winter home of multi-millionaire John D. Rockefeller, The Casements now serves as the City of Ormond Beach's cultural center and museum containing art and historical exhibits. Free tours of the Rockefeller period rooms and other exhibits are offered from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday and 10 -11:30 a.m., Saturday.

3)  Mary McLeod Bethune Foundation Home & Gravesite

640 Mary McLeod-Bethune Boulevard, Daytona Beach, (386) 481-2122

Bethune-Cookman University is one of the richest resources of African-American historical and cultural exhibits in Florida. Bethune's home, located on the university's campus, serves as the headquarters of the Mary McLeod Bethune Foundation. Free, guided tours are available by appointment.

Watch video: Visit the National Historic Landmark home of world changer Mary McLeod Bethune.  

4) North Peninsula State Recreation Area

5 miles north of Granada Blvd. on Hwy. A1A, Ormond Beach

This 900-acre park offers over two miles of sandy beaches for recreational use. The area, which is open daily with free admission, features palmetto dunes and sea turtles, as well as some of the best surf fishing in the area.

5) Ponce Preserve

4401 South Peninsula Drive, Ponce Inlet

This scenic park, which is also an excellent site for bird watching, features approximately 41 acres stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Halifax River. At its heart is the Green Mound State Archaeological Site, an ancient Indian midden. At the base of the Green Mound is a live oak estimated to be more than 350 years old. The preserve's terrain is varied, from the ocean dunes, through terraced palmetto patches and maritime hammock to the wetlands adjacent to the Halifax River. 

6) Riverfront Esplanade

Magnolia Avenue & Beach Street, Daytona Beach

Spanning a mile of Intracoastal waterway, the Riverfront Esplanade is a premier gathering space and botanical garden in the heart of Daytona Beach. Composed of more than a mile of waterfront running trail with comfortable benches and swings overlooking the Halifax River. The Riverfront Esplanade also features a dog park with an agility course and a start-of-the art splash pad.

7) Southeast Museum of Photography

Daytona State College, 1200 West International Speedway Boulevard, Daytona Beach, (386) 506-4475

The Southeast Museum of Photography is one of only 12 specialized museums of its kind in the United States and one of fewer than 30 throughout the world. The museum is Florida's official museum of photography. Free admission. Check the website for hours.

8) Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens

950 Old Sugar Mill Road (U.S. 1 to Herbert Street), Port Orange

Set amid 12 acres of lush botanical gardens stands the remains of an English sugar mill. The gardens were once home to the 1950s theme park, Bongoland. Life-size dinosaur statues remain in the tropical setting and are still a favorite with children. The gardens also house a human sundial. The facility is open daily from dawn to dusk, and admission is free and donation boxes are available for contributions.

9) Daytona Beach Mural Trail 

Located throughout the Daytona Beach area

Explore the Daytona Beach area's unique street art such as murals and public artwork. While the Daytona Beach area offers plenty of museums and galleries that provide opportunities to see and experience a variety of artistic styles, you can also take in outdoor artworks too — because in Daytona Beach and some of the surrounding cities and towns, there are a number of beautiful murals that line the streets. Check out the Daytona Beach Mural Trail, which will help you find some creative and off-the-beaten path street art to discover. 

10) World's Most Famous Beach Sign

A1A and East International Speedway Boulevard, Daytona Beach, FL 32118

The iconic “World’s Most Famous Beach” sign is a popular selfie spot at the International Speedway Blvd.