Enjoy endless days of sunshine and 23 miles of white-sand beaches in Daytona Beach, Florida—home to adventures, cultural experiences, and plenty of local flavors to keep you and the family coming back for more. From splashing around and soaking up the sun to hitting the links and exploring the culinary scene and boutiques, Daytona Beach is a great destination to create new memories with the family this summer along the “World’s Most Famous Beach.” Here are our Top 5 family-friendly things to do in Daytona Beach.
Soak Up the Sunshine on Daytona Beach
Explore the 10 beachfront parks along 23 miles of beaches, where you’ll find a variety of options and activities to have an amazing beach day. Spend an afternoon looking for shells, or grab a bite to eat and take a walk along the beautiful shoreline as you enjoy the tranquil sounds of the waves. Let the kids run around and have fun at the oceanfront splash parks and enjoy lunch with the family at one of the many pavilions overlooking the ocean.
At the Daytona Beach Pier, you can reel in a big one from this iconic location or grab a bite to eat and stroll along the famous pier as you enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. At 1,000 feet long, the pier is along the Boardwalk with a nearby amusement area featuring rides and games.
Experience the Culture and Arts
When you want a break from soaking up the sunshine, explore the rich history and arts scene in Daytona Beach area. Visit the grounds of Bethune-Cookman University and tour the former home of Civil Rights leader and founder of the university, Mary McLeod Bethune. This home is a National Historic Landmark and includes artifacts and photos of her life and time in the area.
Standing tall at 175 feet, the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in Florida. Completed in 1887, the lighthouse has 203 steps that you can climb to see magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean. Tour exhibits of shipwrecks and artifacts from lighthouse life when you visit this mesmerizing National Historic Landmark.
As the primary art, science and history museum, the Museum of Arts & Sciences is a wonderland of collections and exhibits that the whole family will love exploring. The Smithsonian-affiliated museum has 90 acres of a pristine ecosystem, a children’s museum, and a state-of-the-art planetarium. It’s also home to the Cuban Foundation Museum collection, a large American art collection, and Coca-Cola® and the Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art.
For a more detailed look at planning your itinerary, check out the Daytona Beach Cultural Arts map.
Wine, Dine, and Retail Therapy
The popular Tanger Outlet Center is home to more than 75 designer and brand-name stores, such as Wilsons Leather, Nike Factory Store, Haggar and more. At the new ONE DAYTONA, shoppers will find a variety of stores, dining and nightlife options, with Daytona International Speedway just across the street. From the Bass Pro Shop to Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream, you’ll have a great shopping adventure here.
If you prefer to shop small, head over to the Beach Street area where you’ll find locally owned stores alongside vintage and antique shops. From used book shops like Abraxas Books to vintage clothes like Moxie Vintage to Nicole’s Beach Street Antique Mall, this is a shopping hot spot. Be sure to visit Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory for a sample of delicious chocolate and pick up a souvenir to take home, too.
In Downtown Daytona Beach, the Riverfront Shops are home to more local shops along with the weekly farmers market each Saturday, featuring fresh and organic fruits and vegetables, locally caught seafood and baked goods. Jackie Robinson Ballpark is located next to the Riverfront shops, so make a day out of it and catch a baseball game as you cheer on the Daytona Tortugas, a Class A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds.
Hit the Links
Take advantage of the 20 courses in the area. The prestigious LPGA International proves to be challenging for even the most advanced golfer with 36 holes designed by Rees Jones and Arthur Hills. Home to the annual Daytona Beach Open, the Daytona Beach Golf Club has two Florida-style courses lined with oak and palm trees, making for a tight fairway with little room for errors. The club’s south course, designed by Donald Ross, is recognized as part of the Florida Historic Golf Trail.
Go for a Splash
Whether it’s a relaxing day kayaking along the waterways, catching waves in the ocean or touring the area on a historic river cruise, you’ll find plenty of water adventures to discover in Daytona Beach.
Take to the skies and have the ultimate water excursion parasailing high above the Atlantic Ocean with Daytona Beach Parasail. Soaring 1,200 feet in the air, you’ll have a bird’s-eye view of Daytona Beach as you float along with the wind in your hair. Or test your skills and explore the waterways by renting a stand-up paddleboard. Board rentals are available from local outfitters where you can choose between a guided tour or explore the backwater estuaries on your own. New to stand-up paddleboarding? Three Brothers Boards offers both lessons and rentals, so you’ll be comfortable during your time in the water. With dozens of launch spots around the area, it’s easy to set off for a day of kayaking and canoeing. As you make your way through the waters, be on the lookout for local wildlife and maybe even a manatee. No matter the adventures you choose, your family will have a blast creating great memories together in Daytona Beach.
Join the fun in Daytona Beach and explore the year-round beaches and adventures. Ready to start planning your beach vacation? Here are places to stay and the Daytona Beach calendar of events filled with activities perfect for families. Start with the Top 5 family-friendly things to do in Daytona Beach and you are one your way to an amazing vacation.