Visitors are discovering a new Daytona Beach – an exciting chapter in the destination’s history showcasing its racing heritage, idyllic East Coast oceanfront and impressive arts affiliation. In the midst of investing $2 billion in renovations and construction, an eclectic culinary scene, off-the-beaten-path attractions for thrill seekers and year-round cultural events offer unexpected delights and have led to Daytona Beach being named a USA TODAY Best Florida Attraction in the Best Readers’ Choice awards.
Top Activities
Daytona International Speedway, aka the ‘World Center of Racing’, hosts some of the area’s most popular races such as the Daytona 500, Coke Zero 400, Rolex 24 At Daytona and the Daytona 200, a 200-mile motorcycle race that occurs during Bike Week each year.
Open to the public every day.
African-American Heritage Trail: A must-see collection of African-American cultural and historical sites in the Daytona Beach area, including the home and gravesite of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, Bethune-Cookman University, Black Heritage Museum of Art, Howard Thurman Home, and Jackie Robinson Ballpark.
Museum of Arts & Sciences: The Smithsonian-affiliated Museum of Arts & Sciences (MOAS) offers a state-of-the-art planetarium, permanent collections of Cuban and African art, the Root Family’s largest collection of Coca-Cola memorabilia in Florida. On the 90-acre Tuscawilla Preserve, MOAS shares its campus with Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art, the largest collection of Florida art in the world.
Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse: Enjoy spectacular, 360-degree views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Intracoastal Waterway and more! Completed in 1887, the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse is a fascinating piece of Florida history. It towers above others as the tallest lighthouse in Florida. Climb the 203 steps to the top for truly breathtaking scenery and one-of-a-kind photo opportunities.
Southeast Museum of Photography: Florida’s only museum exclusively dedicated to photography, Southeast Museum of Photography offers intriguing changing exhibits as well as a permanent display. Admission is free. Located on the Daytona State College campus, please check the website for hours and exhibits.
Ideas for First Time Visitors:
- DaytonaBeachAleTrail.com
- DiscoverDaytonaBeachGolf.com
- Museum of Arts & Sciences
- Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse
- Riverfront Shops of Daytona Beach
Ideas for Repeat Visitors:
- Daytona International Speedway Tour
- Birthplace of Speed Park
- Sugar Mill Botanical Gardens
- Southeast Museum of Photography
- Victorian Tea at Lilian Place
Special Events
Departures 2017 Photography Exhibit
In its tenth year, Departures is a juried exhibition that showcases the work of Daytona State College’s recent graduates from the photography program.
Live Music at Bahama Breeze
Bahama Breeze features a full menu and nightly live music that keeps you in an island state of mind and moving to an easy beat. Check the website for the musical line-up.
Live Music at Grind Gastropub and Kona Tiki Bar
Home of the Kona Tiki Bar and serving a full menu with over 100 craft beers, Grind Gastropub features live music six nights a week. Check the website for the musical line-up.
Local Transportation
Daytona Orlando Airport Shuttle provides scheduled round trip daily shuttle service to and from Orlando International Airport and Orlando Sanford International Airport. Offers door-to-door service in new European styled vans with high ceilings and seat belts, 365 days a year. Please call our reservation line for schedule and fees.
Daytona Orlando Transit Service (DOTS): Voted #1 on TripAdvisor, Daytona Orlando Transit Service (DOTS) has served Central Florida since 1982. DOTS guarantees professional and reliable transportation, providing 22 daily shuttle trips to and from DeLand, Deltona, Orlando International, Daytona Beach International Airport, and Sanford International Airport. Offers charters and tours aboard deluxe European motor coaches, too.
Discover Daytona Tours provides safe and courteous services for up to 25 passengers. Also offers customized fun-filled tours for groups of 15-25 people to historic landmarks, arts and cultural treasures, Daytona International Speedway tours, eco tours, Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse and Marine Science Center. Call: 386.232.8707
Florida Blue Line Group Travel: Florida Blue Line can help you with tour ideas, whether its planning the day or days, or transporting clients to/from a destination. Florida Blue Line will also transport your group with luxury motor coach ground transportation to theme parks, restaurants, attractions, golf courses, and many more venues.
Vivo Tours & Travel offers many day trips and tours in the Daytona Beach area including tours to St. Augustine, Cocoa Beach, Orlando, and multiple central Florida locations. Classified and licensed as a State of Florida Seller of Travel (ST37808) and listed under Tour Operator Business.
Distance from Major Airports
- Daytona Beach International Airport (to downtown) – 3.8 miles