Daytona Beach Travel Guide 2025

From car racing to beach lounging, Daytona Beach offers a great mix of excitement and relaxation. This eastern Florida city puts you right on the Atlantic Coast for swimming and sunbathing. You’ll also be conveniently close to the famous Daytona International Speedway, home of the Daytona 500 and other racing events.

But that’s not all the city offers. You’ll also find museums, cultural shows and attractions, hiking/biking trails, and much more. Daytona Beach is also near several scenic areas for additional outdoor recreation and Orlando for theme park fun.

Our Daytona Beach travel guide helps you get started on making your vacation plans. It’s filled with tips, detailed information, and suggestions for putting together an unforgettable trip to the “World’s Most Famous Beach.” Our AAA team has years of experience helping vacationers make the most of their visits to this coastal city thanks to careful travel planning and preparation.

The city’s sprawling layout and coastline make having a car a must for exploring on your own. Traffic usually isn’t bad, but expect roadways to be packed if you’re in town while any racing events are happening. If you’re flying here, you can rent a vehicle at the airport to get around easily. Just note that many hotels in the area charge for parking, so budget accordingly.

If you don’t plan on driving, you do have other options. The city’s public transportation system, called Votran, runs dozens of bus routes in and around Daytona Beach. There’s even a route on Atlantic Avenue that runs right along the coast for beachgoers. Check out weekly passes or all-day passes to save on transportation costs during your stay. And don’t forget to double check Votran schedules and maps before setting out.

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The right time for traveling to Daytona Beach depends on what you want to see, how much you want to spend, and other factors. As a coastal city in Florida, you don’t have to worry about dealing with snow and bitter cold. But coming here at certain times means dealing with a lot of humidity and heat. Racing events can affect other factors, such as prices and crowds.

If you want to avoid the heat, crowds, and highest prices, aim for mid to late spring. That helps you miss the crowds that come here for spring break and racing events, such as Bike Week and the Daytona 200 in March. Temperatures are usually in the 70s and low 80s during spring.

If you’re looking for lower rates, visit during summer. Many people avoid visiting here at this time due to the heat, high humidity levels, and stormy weather. You’ll get plenty of beach time and better deals overall. Just note that hurricane season starts June 1st, so watch forecasts.

If you want to enjoy the area’s top racing events, plan a late winter trip. Speedweeks and the Daytona 500 take place in February. Prices can be higher around these times as tons of tourists come here for these events. Budget accordingly, and book accommodations early.

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The thrill of watching cars race at speeds of around 190 miles per hour or even higher makes Daytona Beach a top destination for racing enthusiasts. The city gives you multiple events and attractions to enjoy, no matter when you visit. Some of the top ones include:

The city might be known for car racing, but there’s more to do here than attend races or tour the International Speedway. Daytona Beach offers indoor fun to help you escape the heat. You’ll also find outdoor excitement, including tourist attractions and natural areas to explore. We recommend the following activities and attractions for your trip to Daytona Beach.

The boardwalk is filled with amusements for all ages, from an arcade featuring video game classics to thrill rides. Depending on when you go, you can see fireworks or attend concerts here. The boardwalk also has shops for souvenirs and eateries for catching a bite to eat. The pier gives you a great place to go for a stroll or do some fishing.

There’s no shortage of arts and culture in this racing/beach town. Visit the Museum of Arts and Sciences, a place that’s both a nature preserve and home to over 30,000 works of art. To see thousands of art pieces with Florida themes, head to the cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art. For exhibits featuring modern and historical photos, visit the Southeast Museum of Photography.

The Daytona Aquarium offers an interactive experience where you can check out sharks and handle stingrays and other marine creatures in touch pools. With nearly 40 exhibits, the aquarium gives you a chance to see several marine species, including alligators. An indoor rainforest with sloths and other tropical animals will be added in the near future.

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For a chance to experience one of the top shows in Daytona Beach, make plans to attend a Polynesia Fire and Dinner Show. This luau includes dancing and singing, great food, and, of course, fire displays. Dine on Polynesia dishes while watching performers, including the World Champion Samoan Fire Knife Team.

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For fun on the road, take a bike or motorcycle ride along the Loop. This route stretches for over 30 miles and includes Ormond Beach, Tomoka State Park, and a Live Oak canopy for some much needed shade on sunny days. Ride along the Loop while enjoying the sights around you. Stop and explore the park, beach, or other sites before heading back to Daytona Beach.

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The city offers accommodations close to the speedway, right at the beach, and everywhere in between. Where you stay in Daytona Beach depends on your budget and other factors, such as why you’re coming to town. Our AAA team put together the following list of some of the top places to stay in the city.

This hotel puts you right at Victory Circle across from Daytona International Speedway. That’s a big plus if you’re coming into town for the Daytona 500 or any other racing events here. The Daytona hotel itself adds to the ambience with racing themes and car displays. You’ll also be close to shopping and dining for added convenience while you’re visiting here.

If you’ve ever been to a Hard Rock Cafe, you can guess what to expect from this hotel. It’s full of music-themed decor and also features live musical performances. It also has tons of amenities for all ages, from spa treatments to kids’ activities. As an added benefit, the Hard Rock Hotel is also an oceanfront hotel, putting you steps away from the beach for swimming and strolling along the sand.

If you’re flying in and out of Daytona Beach Airport for a quick trip, this is a great option for accommodations. You’ll get a pool and hot tub to lounge in and an on-site restaurant for meals. It’s also right near Daytona International Speedway if you want to visit one of the city’s top attractions. Hilton Garden Inn is also a more budget-friendly option compared to oceanfront accommodations. It even has free on-site parking.

If you want easy access to the beach while you’re in town, you’ll get it here. But you can also enjoy swimming without leaving the resort, thanks to its on-site pool. With a few restaurants on the premises, you also don’t need to drive far for dining. Daytona Grande Oceanfront Resort is also just minutes from all of the city’s attractions.

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It’s not hard to find seafood places in this coastal city. But Daytona Beach offers many other cuisines to suit every taste. Whether you want casual places for the whole family to eat or elegant dining establishments for a romantic evening, the city won’t disappoint you. The following are some of top restaurants to enjoy during your stay in Daytona Beach.

Dine in a building dating back to 1907 at The Cellar Restaurant. In fact, it’s on the National Register of Historic Places. You’ll find pasta dishes and other Italian cuisine made with fresh ingredients here. Dine in the main dining area, or ask for seating in the upstairs section for a more intimate meal.

If you don’t enjoy at least one seafood meal during your stay here, you’re missing out. Crabby’s Oceanside offers waterfront dining for beautiful ocean views while you eat. Start off with some Florida alligator bites or Bourbon Street shrimp, or go right for the entrees, with selections such as coconut shrimp and stuffed founder to choose from. Crabby’s also has chicken, beef, and other non-seafood items available.

For views of the Halifax River and healthier fare, head to The Dancing Avocado Kitchen for breakfast or lunch. You’ll find many vegan and vegetarian options on the menu, along with burgers, quesadillas, omelets, breakfast sandwiches, and more. Visit the on-site market to pick up quirky souvenirs after enjoying your meal.

The short drive over to Ormond Beach is worth it for a meal at 63 Sovereign. The menu features cuisines from all over the globe, including charcuterie boards, filet mignon, a raw bar, and carnitas. If you’re going with a large group, check out the caviar tower or grand tower with oysters, shrimp cocktails, and caviar.

For Southern hospitality and cuisine, dine at Aunt Catfish’s on the River. You’ll get to watch the Halifax River flow by while dining on shrimp and grits, catfish, gator burgers, or other Southern dishes. It’s just a quick drive from Daytona Beach to get here. Make sure to save room for homemade desserts, such as key lime pie or cinnamon rolls.

With 23 miles of coastline, the city gives you plenty of places to take panoramic beach pictures featuring sun, sand, and the Atlantic Ocean. But Daytona Beach also has many other areas that make great photo settings. These are some of the best places to go for capturing memories with your camera or camera app.

1. Daytona Boardwalk and Pier

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Stroll along the pier for incredible images with the ocean behind you, especially if you go at sunset. Stop and snap photographs while exploring the boardwalk’s many sights and attractions, like the Daytona Beach Bandshell where many concerts take place. Both the pier and boardwalk are located on Main Street right next to each other.

2. Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse

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Ponce Inlet’s just a short drive from Daytona Beach. While you’re there, you’ll get a chance to take memorable pics with the state’s tallest lighthouse in the background. Or make the climb up 203 stairs to get to the top of the lighthouse for even more stunning photos and panoramic views.

3. Jackie Robinson Ballpark

Head to this historic ballpark at 105 East Orange Avenue for dugout pics. Catch a Daytona Tortugas game while you’re there for additional baseball-themed photographs from your trip. The painted dugout’s mural makes a colorful and eye-catching backdrop for your vacation pics.

4. Jantzen Diving Girl at Victory Circle

Some cities are known for having iconic statutes, and Daytona Beach is one of them. Stop by Victory Circle at 1 Daytona Boulevard for photos with this famous figure beside you or in the background. If you’re staying at the Daytona Autograph Collection Hotel, the Jantzen Diving Girl is right out front.

5. Daytona International Speedway Photo Pad

No trip to Daytona Beach is complete without pics of Daytona International Speedway. You can stop by the photo pad at Fentress Boulevard and International Speedway Boulevard for shots with the stadium right behind you. If you’re visiting the speedway, you’ll have plenty of other spots to capture vacation images.

The city’s location in eastern Florida means you have tons of options for day trips. Whether you want to explore the outdoors or spend a day at Walt Disney World, some of the state’s best destinations are an hour or less away. The following are some of our top picks for day trips from Daytona Beach.

1. Canaveral National Seashore

Take US-1 South to reach Canaveral National Seashore. This isn’t your usual national park. You can spend the day fishing in Mosquito Lagoon or hiking along Castle Windy Trail. But you might also have a chance to watch a rocket launch from nearby Kennedy Space Center, depending on when you visit. Check the launch schedule before planning your trip.

2. Orlando

Courtesy of Walt Disney World Resort

Heading along I-4 West brings you to this Central Florida city for tons of adventures. You’ve got multiple theme parks to choose from for your day trip, including Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld. Orlando has many other attractions, too, including Lake Eola Park, Orlando Science Center, and Orlando Museum of Art.

3. Ponce Inlet

Take a short drive along South Atlantic Avenue to get to this small town. Watch for sea turtles on the beach or in the water here. Head to Lighthouse Point Park to stroll along boardwalks, visit the museum, and take tons of eye-catching pics. For even more excitement, go parasailing or kayaking.

4. Ocala National Forest

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Drive along FL-40 West to get to Ocala National Forest in about an hour. Go swimming in Juniper Springs or Alexander Springs if it’s warm enough. Explore the waters while paddling along Salt Springs Run, or hike one of the forest’s may trails, like the Juniper Springs Nature Trail or Clearwater Lake Trail.

5. Ormond Beach

Take local roads to reach Ormond Beach in less than 15 minutes. Visit Romano Beachfront Park for picnics, playground fun, and walks along the beach. Explore the Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens for indoor and outdoor beauty. Enjoy culture at The Casements, a mansion featuring beautifully crafted windows. Ormond Beach also has many shopping and dining options.

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It’s easy to end up spending more money than you planned on souvenirs, attractions, and other expenses when you visit here, especially if you’re coming to town for major events. But our guide to Daytona Beach includes helpful tips for a more budget-friendly vacation. Note the following tips when planning your trip here.

1. Avoid visiting around big race times or beach times. If you’re not planning a spring break trip or racing-related vacation, you can save money right off the bat. Prices tend to be higher when lots of people come here for beach fun or racing events, like the Daytona 500 or Bike Week. Visiting at other times helps you enjoy lower rates on accommodations and other expenses.

2. Use your AAA membership to access discounts for your trip. These deals can add up to big savings that keep trip expenses on the lower end overall. As a AAA member, you can explore discounts on all of the following for your Daytona Beach trip:

3. Check for low airfare options at Orlando International Airport. If you’re catching a flight into town, compare airfare on different days and times from Orlando. You may be able to find better airfare deals flying in and out of Orlando International Airport compared to Daytona Beach Airport or Orlando-Sanford International Airport.

4. Check out low-cost or free things to do in Daytona Beach. Visiting the beach itself is free if you’re planning an ocean getaway. But the city also has many other options. The Casements offers free tours on certain days and times. The Southeast Museum of Photography also has free admission.

5. Book a hotel closer to the airport or speedway instead of on the coast, except around race event times. Staying in a waterfront hotel is going to cost more thanks to ocean views and easy access to the beach. You can save money with accommodations that aren’t on or close to the coast. But note that hotel prices near the speedway and airport tend to go up when events are going on.

Once you’ve gathered inspiration for your dream Daytona Beach trip on Trip Canvas, contact one of AAA’s Travel Agents today to start making your dream a reality, using your AAA membership to access exclusive deals. No matter your budget, they can help you simplify the planning process with prepackaged trips or a la carte options.