The Ultimate Travel Guide To Daytona Beach & Things To Do There

The words Daytona Beach can spark a plethora of mental images. Known for the Daytona 500, Bike Week, and national cheerleading and dance competition, this coastal city brings a wealth of travelers to its golden shores each year. It’s also home to 23 miles of shoreline that’s perfect for rest, relaxation, and epic celebrations. From family beach getaways to spring break partiers, this vibrant Florida hotspot knows no bounds when it comes to offering an array of vacation options for travelers of all kinds.

What’s important to know before traveling to Daytona is the reason for the trip itself. This area hosts a variety of annual events and activities, which can cause issues with booking and relaxation. Knowing the Daytona Beach calendar is a must before booking a trip, and knowing what type of trip travelers crave is the first step in creating a memorable travel experience.

Best Time To Go

Daytona Beach is located on Florida’s Atlantic coastline, offering warm weather for most of the year. May through October bring perfect beach weather, with temperatures in the mid to high 80s during the day and low 70s at night.

December through March is the area’s cooler season, with temperatures dipping down into the low 50s at night.

However, travelers will still enjoy sunny skies and 70-degree temps during the day, making this a great time of year to enjoy the many activities in and around the city.

Related: Daytona Beach: A Guide To Fun, Sun, Cars, & Food

Peak travel season for Daytona Beach is mid-February through March, along with summer fun from June through August.

Late February, March, and early April bring an array of annual festivals and events, such as the Daytona 500, Bike Week, the National Cheerleading Association’s collegiate competition, and college Spring Break.

For those who plan on traveling to Florida for any of these events, be sure to book a room early! The summer months of June through August bring another swarm of beach-goers, as summer break provides families the perfect opportunity to enjoy the coastline.

However, these months offer the best weather with clear skies and high temps for water sports and swimming.

Best Ways To Get Around

Staying on the main strip makes getting around a breeze, as most restaurants, bars, shopping options, and nightclubs are easily walkable. However, any other activities will most likely render the use of a car, but services such as taxis, Uber, and Lyft all operate in the area.

One cool thing about Daytona Beach is that motorists can actually drive on the beach itself! Renting a jeep and putting the top down is a unique way to immerse oneself in the local culture and enjoy the shoreline.

Travelers can also rent bikes or motorcycles to stay connected to the warm Florida sunshine.

Where To Eat

Situated on the Atlantic coast, seafood treats abound in Daytona Beach with a variety of other local and international favorites at every turn.

From BBQ to Italian, visitors can have it all on a trip to Daytona.

Breakfast and brunch

For breakfast fans, Daytona is filled with classic and modern diners, complete with everyone’s morning favorites.

Starlite Diner: 1940s retro diner with all the classics — food and decor

• Hours: Monday – Thursday & Sunday, 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Friday & Saturday, 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
• Cost: $ – $$
• Address: 401 N Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32118

The Cracked Egg: Great for dine-in or take-out with cocktail options & classic diner fare

• Hours: Sunday – Saturday, 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Cost: $ – $$
• Address: 3280 S Atlantic Ave D, Daytona Beach Shores, FL 32118

Rossi’s Diner: Big family feel with diner classics & big plates

• Hours: Monday – Saturday, 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Sunday, 7:00 AM – 1:30 PM
• Cost: $ – $$
• Address: 2240 S Ridgewood Ave, South Daytona, FL 32119

The Red Bud Cafe: Serving delicious crêpes & international favorites in an artsy space

• Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM | Closed Monday
• Cost: $$
• Address: 317 Seabreeze Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32118

Lunch

Steve’s Famous Diner: American classics & Greek favorites in a cozy environment

• Hours: Sunday – Saturday, 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Cost: $ – $$
• Address: 2011 N Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32118

Hog Heaven Bar-B-Q: Sumptuous southern BBQ in a rustic setting

• Hours: Sunday – Saturday, 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Cost: $$
• Address: 37 N Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32118

Dancing Avocado Kitchen (daK): Healthy treats with ample vegetarian options

• Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Closed Sunday
• Cost: $$
• Address: 110 S Beach St, Daytona Beach, FL 32114

Joe’s Crab Shack: Seafood favorites right on the pier

• Hours: Sunday – Thursday, 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM | Friday & Saturday, 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Cost: $$
• Address: 1200 Main St Bridge, Daytona Beach, FL 32118

Dinner

Ocean Deck Restaurant & Beach Bar: 3-floor, waterfront spot with live reggae music & killer burgers

• Hours: Sunday – Saturday, 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM
• Cost: $$
• Address: 127 S Ocean Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32118

Blue Flame: Elevated comfort food with posh indoor & outdoor spaces

• Hours: Sunday – Saturday, 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
• Cost: $$
• Address: 1870 Victory Cir, Daytona Beach, FL 32114

Chucherias Fine Dining: Latin American/Caribbean fusion with wine & outdoor seating

• Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Cost: $$$
• Address: 101 2nd St #500, Holly Hill, FL 32117

Caribbean Jack’s: Live music & fresh seafood on the water

• Hours: Sunday – Thursday, 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM | Friday & Saturday, 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
• Cost: $$
• Address: 721 Ballough Rd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114

Bars & Clubs

Never forget that Daytona Beach was one of the original Spring Break destinations in the US, and that reputation still stands with an array of bars and clubbing options.

Razzles Nightclub: Spacious local staple with DJs, VIP tables & dance floors

• Hours: Wednesday – Saturday, 9:00 PM – 2:00 AM | Closed Sunday – Tuesday
• Cost: $ – $$
• Address: 611 Seabreeze Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32118

The Bank & Blues Club: Historic 1920s bank turned music venue

• Hours: Sunday – Friday, varies | Saturday, 7:00 PM – 1:00 AM
• Cost: $$
• Address: 701 Main St Bridge, Daytona Beach, FL 32118

Dirty Harry’s Pub & Package: BBQ, live music & friendly staff

• Hours: Monday, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Tuesday & Wednesday, 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM | Thursday, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Friday, 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM | Saturday, 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Sunday, 11:00 AM – 3:00 AM
• Cost: $
• Address: 705 Main St Bridge, Daytona Beach, FL 32118

Full Moon Saloon: Great cocktails, music & billiards

• Hours: Monday, Wednesday – Saturday, 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM | Closed Sunday & Tuesday
• Cost: $
• Address: 700 Main St Bridge, Daytona Beach, FL 32118

Related: 10 Things To Do In Daytona Beach (You Haven’t Thought Of)

Top Things To Do

From beach days to party nights, Daytona Beach has activities for all its visitors. Check out a few of the top options for fun, sun, and lasting memories.

See a race at the Daytona International Speedway

While the Daytona 500 brings thousands of race fans to Florida each year, the speedway has more to offer its guests.

There are a variety of races throughout the year, along with tours, seasonal and interactive exhibits, and the new One Daytona complex located across the street from the speedway.

Filled with shopping, food, and family activities, everyone in the group will find joy on site.

Visit this coastal gem during Daytona Bike Week

The Daytona Bike Week event is hosted each year around the first full week of March. The city fills with motorcycles of all kinds and avid lovers of the lifestyle.

Visitors will find an array of activities, events, and vendors all geared towards bikes, music, and a good time.

Whether they’re bike fanatics or just want to have fun in Daytona, Bike Week is a non-stop party for everyone that promises a memorable experience in Florida.

Play on the Daytona Pier & Boardwalk

The Boardwalk and Pier are two must-see locations, as they’re home to an array of food options and activities for all ages.

The Boardwalk features a world of fun with the Joyland Amusement Center equipped with exciting rides, bumper cars, and a Ferris wheel, the Mardi Gras Fun Center with carnival games and arcades, Pizza King, Lisa’s Gift Shop, Michael’s on the Beach, Zeno’s Boardwalk Sweet Shop, and Phillip’s Gift Shop.

At The Pier, do some fishing, hang in the sun, and grab a stellar seaside snack at the famous Joe’s Crab Shack.

Bring it on at the Daytona Bandshell

The giant Daytona Bandshell is an open-air amphitheater that sits on the shoreline. The venue offers an array of music and entertainment options throughout the summer months, most notably the NCA Collegiate Cheerleading Championship which takes place every April.

From concerts to annual festivities, visitors can partake in an array of family-friendly options to fill their time in Florida.

Spend the day on the golf course

Home to more than 20 golf courses, Daytona is a wealth of stellar options when it comes to golfing. The city hosts a variety of course types that can fit any age and ability level.

From ocean views to Florida’s palms, master one course during a stay or try and few over time.

Get wet and wild in or on the water

For those who don’t like to sit in one place, Daytona has a wealth of water sports options to keep travelers entertained.

Take a surf lesson, rent a jet ski, watch the sunrise from a paddle board, kayak along the shore, or charter a boat and spend the day fishing and cruising around the coastline.

Travelers can even go parasailing over the water and enjoy a new perspective from high up in the sky!

Relax on the shoreline

While there is a lot to do in Daytona Beach, relaxing on the actual beach is one of the main reasons visitors come here every year. This city is home to some of the best beaches on the East Coast.

Enjoy the sun, the warm weather, the golden sand beaches, and the turquoise waves for the duration of the stay. Pedestrian access is free and allowed all day and night.

Cars are able to drive on the sand in certain locations based on the weather and the tides.

For more adventure near the beach, check out the local shipwreck from the 1800s.

Take a hike

Believe it or not, Daytona features an array of nature trails that will take hikers all around the city. Enjoy a long walk in nature or consider a themed tour, such as an ale trail hike, mural tour, heritage trail tour, and more.

From family fun to beer-based walks, choose from many adventures in Daytona.

Where to Stay

Daytona Beach is home to a variety of accommodation types, including big-name hotels on the beach, noteworthy all-inclusive resorts, smaller chains along the main strip, and rentals that can accommodate groups large and small. Here are a few options right in the heart of this coastal gem.

Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort

• Price Range: Starting at $135/night
• Why You Should Book: Located right on the beach next to the iconic Daytona Bandshell, travelers can’t get any closer to the action than at the Hilton. Its position within Ocean Walk Village allows guests to enjoy easy access to the beach, food, and fun! On site, enjoy a spacious pool, multiple restaurants/bars, and all the comforts of home for a memorable stay.

Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach

• Price Range: Starting at $179/night
• Why You Should Book: A well-known name right on the beach, staying at the Hard Rock is a great choice. From its prime location to its brand-name restaurant, family groups and partiers can find everything they’re looking for. Their posh decor, outdoor pool terrace, restaurants, and spa, along with live events and stylish rooms will keep the energy up for the duration of a trip.

The Daytona, Autograph Collection

• Price Range: Starting at $249/night
• Why You Should Book: Looking to stay near the speedway? Look no further than Marriott’s unique homage to racing history. Situated in the brand new One Daytona entertainment district, guests will have food, fun, and race car excitement at their fingertips. The property itself features racing-themed decor, an outdoor pool, a restaurant, and a hot tub. With a quick drive to the shoreline, guests can have the best of both worlds in Daytona.

Tips To Know

This is a friendly reminder that Daytona Beach is home to a few national events which may affect travel plans. Be sure to check the dates and plan around the major events that happen in Daytona Beach every year.

• Mid-February: The Daytona 500 at the Daytona International Speedway
• Early April: NCA College Cheer Competition at the Daytona Bandshell
• Early March: Daytona Bike Week
• Mid-March: College Spring Break

Another noteworthy attraction is the Kennedy Space Center; plan a trip to Florida just right to catch a space rocket launch.

To attend one or more of these events, be sure to book accommodations and flights early, as they are known to sell out high-traffic areas in and around the city.

Also consider popular activities in Orlando; it’s a short drive away, and full of plenty of activities and attractions apart from Disney.

How To Spend The Perfect Day In Daytona Beach

Start the day with a stellar breakfast, hit the beach for some sun, and see where the day takes you.

Whether it’s an afternoon filled with amusement park rides and water sports, or a nice leisurely walk on a nature trail, visitors of all walks of life will enjoy the chill Florida vibes of Daytona Beach.

From golfing to party nights, this city offers it all and will make every vacationer want to come back for more!

FAQ

Q: What’s the best time to visit Daytona Beach?

Daytona’s weather is warm year-round, like the rest of Florida’s winter escapes, but the best months to enjoy the beaches are from May through October. However, July and August are the busiest months, with many families traveling to the area to enjoy summer freedom.

Q: What Daytona Beach is known for?

Daytona Beach’s primary claim to fame is the Daytona 500 NASCAR race, but it’s also home to history, beaches, and outdoor adventures.

Q: Does Daytona Beach have a strip?

Daytona Beach does have a main “strip” that features restaurants, shops, and plenty of cars and motorcycles to check out. It’s worth checking out, but there are plenty of other activities off the beaten path that charm visitors, too.