Your Ultimate Daytona Beach Itinerary: Things to Do, See, and Experience

Updated May 2026

Creating a Daytona Beach itinerary is both easy and difficult. I live right by Daytona Beach, so seeing it through a tourist lens is a different experience! Growing up in this part of Florida, I’ve certainly seen Daytona Beach through its spring break and party phase, hurricane destruction and even a recent glowup!

Most people come to Daytona Beach for the beach or NASCAR and those are definitely two of the main reasons to visit! However, Daytona Beach also makes a great launching pad for much of east central Florida, making it a perfect base for your vacation!

If you’re planning your full Daytona Beach trip, check out my complete Daytona Beach area guide for where to stay, getting around, and everything else you need to know.

In this post, we’ll discuss what to do in Daytona Beach so you can have an idea of how to create a Daytona Beach itinerary that is perfect for you!

When to Visit Daytona Beach

I want to talk about this up front, because it can really influence your Daytona Beach itinerary! The weather in east central Florida consists of two basic seasons. The longest season is summer, which also brings afternoon thunderstorms and possible hurricanes.

The second season is fall, winter and spring kind of combined. For instance, leaves will start falling once it’s cold enough, usually starting in December and continue through spring until new life breaks through. There can be a random cold front where it dips to freezing temperatures at night, or it can be sunny and 80 degrees! You just never know!

Living in this part of Florida, I check the weather app in the hot summer months to see when the rain is likely to happen. For the rest of year, I’m looking at the temperatures because they vary so much.

Best Time to Visit for Beach Days

So when is the best time of year for your Daytona Beach itinerary? It depends on what you plan to do! If you want beach days with a warm ocean and less crowds, visit in late August through September. The days are warm, but kids have returned to school so the crowds are less. The water temperature is still warm and pleasant for swimming!

The ocean starts warming up sometime in May or early June, and the busier beach days will start in early June. However, the beach is always much busier on the weekends, so if you do plan a trip over the summer, the crowds don’t tend to be as bad during the week.

Best Time to Visit for Cooler Weather

If you’re only looking to sit on the beach, then the options can be endless, but March through May and September through October are typically warm and sunny enough with less crowds!

In the spring months, the wind off the water keeps it cooler by acting like an air conditioner. If you’re used to cold weather, this probably won’t affect you. However, I’ve been cold on the beach too many times in the spring from the cold wind coming off the water, so I look for 80 degrees before hitting the beach in the spring.

The non-summer months offer beautiful weather for a lot of activities, but the water temperatures are cold, well to me anyway! I recommend visiting November through March if you want cooler temperatures for your Daytona Beach itinerary! As I write this post, it’s early March and a beautiful 72 degrees with clear, sunny skies!

Beach Day | Daytona Beach Itinerary

Considering the beach is one of the main reasons to visit Daytona Beach, let’s talk about how to have the best beach day! If you’re staying on the beach, this will be easiest for you, but I’ll also review some options if you’re not staying on the beach.

Time of Day & Time of Year

If you’re visiting in the summer months, try and avoid the 12PM to 3PM sun! You will still need sunscreen, hats, water and all the other beach day necessities, but that sun in the middle of the day can be brutal. If you choose to stay for the day, and I certainly did when I was younger, an umbrella or tent can be very useful!

If you’re visiting in the non-summer months and the day is expected to be warm and beautiful, you’ll want to head out for the warmest part of the day most likely, which will be that 1PM to 4PM window.

Beach Driving

Daytona Beach is known for the option to drive on the beach! Since the beach is getting smaller, the window to drive on the beach is also becoming more specific. You will want to ensure it’s low tide. In some parts, you can still drive on the beach during high tide, but you will need four wheel drive to do so!

The cost to drive on the beach is $30 for the day or $150 for an annual pass. Parking will be done on the soft sand, but don’t block any lanes designated for the lifeguard vehicles. Also, the turtle nests are marked and protected, so if you see a squared off area leave it alone.

There are ramps onto the beach at multiple points down A1A. If you don’t want to drive and wing it, there is a Volusia Beaches App app, but I have never used it so I can’t vouch for it.

Off Beach Parking

Off beach parking rates are $20 per day. This has been implemented only in the last couple of years, so gone are the days of free parking. Of course, if you’re reading this and happen to be a Volusia County resident, be sure to apply for free parking permits.

Not all parking will have bathrooms and showers, but one really good one is Andy Romano Beachfront Park. They have bathrooms, showers, and a splash pad for kids! It will reach capacity before 11AM on the weekend. I’ve never had issues when arriving between 9AM and 10AM, but the earlier the better.

Another option on the other end of Daytona is 2655 S Atlantic Ave Parking or Dahlia Avenue Park.

What You Need for a Great Daytona Beach Day

I recommend grabbing some drinks, ice, a cooler, and some subs and snacks if you want to make a day of it. Don’t forget an umbrella and sunscreen to stay protected and a bit cooler in the hot summer sun.

Publix grocery store has great subs (known as a pub sub) and you’ll be able to grab snacks and drinks at the same time! You’ll most likely be able to find a styrofoam cooler there or somewhere near the beach. Of course, if you’re driving to Daytona you may want to just pack your favorite cooler for the road trip!

Consider a boogie board or a float as well. In both cases, make sure there’s a rope or leash of some kind as that is required. If you have kids, sand toys like buckets and shovels are worth bringing as well.

Beach Day List:

• Beach Towel
• Beach Umbrella or Tent
• Cooler or cooler backpack
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Sunshirt/rashguard
• Boogie board or float with rope
• Sand Toys
• Beach Bag (more useful if you plan to park off beach)
• Book
• Bluetooth Speaker

NASCAR & History Day | Daytona Beach Itinerary

NASCAR | Daytona International Speedway

My sister, her husband and son visited the Daytona Speedway when here from Australia and really enjoyed it! That planted a seed, so after driving by this massive speedway throughout my life, I finally did the Daytona Speedway Tour!

The speedway tours are inexpensive, just be sure to check their site as they host events often and that may impact tour availability! Right now, bike week is happening and only a few weeks ago, the Daytona 500 was the main event.

Read My Review to decide if the Daytona Speedway Tour is worth it for you!

NASCAR Experience

The experience I’ll probably spring for one of these days is the NASCAR experience. You can choose the drive yourself option or hop in the passenger seat and let a professional driver reach top speeds!

Ride alongs don’t require reservations, but it’s recommended you arrive early to avoid the long wait. If you want to drive, be sure to make a reservation!

Motorsports Hall of Fame

Daytona is the birthplace of NASCAR and if you’re a fan of this popular sport, you probably already know as much. While at the Speedway, take some time explore the Motorsports Hall of Fame. This was included with the tour ticket, and I spent about 30 minutes enjoying the museum.

To visit or see the actual birthplace of NASCAR, head over to South Atlantic Avenue by the beach. The Streamline Hotel, with it’s art deco already stands out, but it is the place where NASCAR was founded on December 14, 1947. It was a popular place among racecar drivers, as well as celebrities and moonshine gangsters!

Dining Nearby

If you want to have lunch in the area, the relatively newly built ONE DAYTONA has some shops and restaurants and it’s right across the street. You’ll find P.F. Changs, Tiano’s Cucina Italiana, a central Florida barbecue chain called 4 Rivers Smokehouse, a burger place and poke bowl spot!

For coffee, Foxtail is a local coffee shop chain originating in Winter Park, Florida. Speaking of local chains originating in Winter Park, Jeremiah’s Italian Ice is a favorite spot combining ice cream and Italian ice which is perfect for cooling off on a hot day.

There are some stores in the area as well, though I’ve only been to the running store called The Running Elements and Bass Pro Shops. Of course, if you’re a Costco Member, you can wander into there for a quick bite!

Daytona also has plenty of chain restaurants along International Speedway Blvd. Bahama Breeze, First Watch and Cheddar’s to name a few.

History

Daytona has a lot of history that is absolutely worth learning about and adding to your Daytona Beach itinerary. There is sign entering Daytona Beach that claims it as the “World’s Most Famous Beach.” I have been baffled by this claim my entire life, but as I am reminded of its history, I am understanding that phrase in a new light.

Daytona might be the birthplace of NASCAR, but it has even more significant and admirable historical figures and moments worth celebrating!

Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune

As you head back toward the beach on International Speedway Boulevard from the ONE DAYTONA, you will pass Bethune-Cookman University. Make a stop here to see the Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Statue. This amazing woman was an educator, civil rights leader, and presidential advisor who founded Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach in 1904.

Her home is also nearby, but I recommend reaching out if you want to visit. I tried showing up one day and it was closed. She is an important figure and a lot is proudly named after Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, including a beach in New Smyrna area.

Accomplishments

Some of her accomplishments include a school to educate young, black women which later merged with a school for black men and became Bethune-Cookman College.

She worked to end segregated education, to improve healthcare for black children, and to champion women voting! A savvy businesswoman and passionate educator, she also served as an advisor for Presidents Franklin Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman.

Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune was the first person in her family born free and the first one in her family to receive a formal education and she turned that into a life of passionate service for others!

An inspiration to all and an advocate for many, it’s no wonder she became the first black American to represent a state (Florida) specifically in the National Statuary Hall at the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C.

“Faith is the first factor in a life devoted to service. Without it, nothing is possible. With it, nothing is impossible.”
– Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune

Jackie Robinson & Daytona Beach’s Role in Baseball Integration

Jackie Robinson made history by breaking racial barriers in baseball and he did it in Daytona Beach! On March 17, 1946, the Brooklyn Dodgers played Jackie’s team, the Montreal Royals, in a spring training game. While Jackie Robinson played second base in an integrated game, the fans remained segregated.

Though the Dodgers won that game, they later called up Jackie Robinson to the majors, thereby integrating professional baseball. Jackie Robinson became the first black baseball player in major league baseball just over a year later on April 15, 1947.

Daytona Beach’s City Island Ballpark was renamed in 1990 to Jackie Robinson Ballpark. There is a commemorative statue located just outside the entrance. The stadium is still used for minor league and college games to this day, and is home to the Daytona Tortugas and the Bethune-Cookman University Wildcats.

Halifax Historical Museum

A block from the Jackie Robinson stadium is the Halifax Museum. While I have been to museums on occasion, it’s not something I prioritize. However, if you enjoy museums, this will illustrate the history of the Halifax River. It’s a small museum and there is a cost to enter, so just keep that in mind.

Beach Street

If the museum isn’t for you or you have some time after, consider strolling along Beach Street. You can stop for coffee at Copperline, one of my favorite local coffee shops. They have a delicious chicken biscuit and the vibe is cabin cozy.

Or you can visit the chocolate shop Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory and see them making the chocolate while you decide what you want! Of course, if you’re hungry by this time, you can enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants in this area.

For a peaceful stroll head to the other side of Beach Street from the shops and restaurants. Walk along the Halifax River and through the Riverfront Park with gardens and peaceful water features.

Nature & Boardwalk | Daytona Beach Itinerary

Catch the Sunrise

This could be any or all days of your Daytona Beach itinerary, but I have never regretted catching the sunrise and I’m not really a morning person! The sunrise on the east coast is beautiful and watching the sun peak over the horizon is something worth waking up for at least once during your trip!

Breakfast

After the sunrise, head to breakfast. There are two places that are on the way to the next stop, if you stay in Daytona Beach or Daytona Beach Shores. One option is High Tide Kitchen. It’s an adorable breakfast and coffee spot along South Atlantic Avenue. The breakfast and coffee were good and I’m a sucker for cute decor.

The other option I frequent more is around the corner on Dunlawton Blvd, but before the bridge. It’s called Casualbird and they have delicious breakfast and lunch options. Good coffee or lattes, and pastries as well! It also has a cute design and includes both indoor and outdoor seating. If you go for lunch, the salads are delicious, but I’ve enjoyed other things I’ve ordered there as well.

Of course if neither interest you, but you need your Starbucks, there is one across the street from Casualbird.

Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum

Once your breakfast settles, head over to Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse. I have climbed the 203 steps making up the spiral staircase and I can assure it’s a doozy, but it’s worth it! If you’re able to make it to the top, you have now climbed the tallest lighthouse in the state of Florida!

Stay a while and enjoy the views of both the Atlantic Ocean and the intracoastal! Once you’re finished at the lighthouse, there is a museum as well if that’s of interest. There is a cost to the Lighthouse, but at the time of writing this post it’s only $7.

If you want to get in more steps, walk down the street and head to the Ponce Inlet pier. Watch the surfers, pass the people fishing and you might get lucky and see a shark. If not a shark, you may see some dolphins swimming by!

Curious about what the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse offers? I visited recently and share about the climb and museums: Ponce Inlet Lighthouse Day Trip: Everything You Need to Know.

Lunch Options

Another local chain that started in Winter Park is Jimmy Hulas. It’s one of my favorite taco spots, but my nephew loved their burgers! So if you are in the mood for tacos or burgers at a casual place, head to Jimmy Hulas!

If you want a seafood restaurant on the intracoastal consider Down the Hatch Seafood Company. The food is fairly good, but I wouldn’t say it’s amazing. However, the setting on the water is nice.

Another option on the water is Hidden Treasure Rum Bar & Grill. I haven’t tried this restaurant, so I can’t vouch for it, but the reviews are decent and about the same as Down the Hatch.

Racing’s North Turn is on the beach. I’ve never been impressed by the food any time I’ve gone, but I haven’t been in recent years, so it could have improved!

Aunt Catfish’s On the River is a local favorite. Again, it’s on the intracoastal, and I’ve enjoyed eating here, though it’s been a while since my last visit!

Near Aunt Catfish is Farm Social. It’s great if you want to enjoy their salad bar or get a burger. I like both and usually get the salad bar as a side!

If you wanted a higher concentration of restaurant options head to the Boardwalk or Ocean Walk Shoppes. I haven’t been to either in a while, mainly because I avoid touristy areas, but they both offer restaurants, shops and other entertainment options.

If there’s no events going on at the Daytona Beach Bandshell, then you could also grab something to go and enjoy the views and people watching from there or head to the beach.

Daytona Beach Boardwalk

Daytona Boardwalk has amusements, it’s on the beach, but it’s definitely more touristy. It’s WAY cleaner than Santa Monica in California, but also way smaller. You can do a slingshot here or wander down the pier.

While I don’t think it’s that great, it is part of seeing Daytona Beach. Could be fun to check out for an hour or two and maybe you’d enjoy it! The Ocean Walk Shoppes aren’t far so you can do both without having to figure out parking twice.

Tomoka State Park

If you decide to skip the boardwalk or have time for more nature, then consider heading to Tomoka State Park in Ormond Beach. There is plenty of nature here, whether you walk along the shores of the intracoastal or rent a canoe.

Drive to the end to see the Chief Tomokie Sculpture or visit the outpost for souvenirs or canoe and kayak rentals.

Dinner Dining Options

On the beach there is a Crabby’s Oceanside. I ate here recently and was actually surprised that the food was good! While I wouldn’t say it was tops, it was surprisingly good for a restaurant with a stellar location!

My friend and I sat outside and it was beautiful. The stringed lights are probably cute, but during turtle season they have to remain off so they weren’t lit while we were there. It is a chain, but I was pleasantly surprised.

Mama Foo Foo is another good one to consider! Enjoy handcrafted cocktails and scenic waterfront views of the marina, making it a popular spot for both dining and nightlife.

For an upscale dining experience, consider Chart House. I have yet to try it, but I do remember my uncle going there often during my childhood. It’s been around a very long time and has good reviews!

More Things to Do in the Daytona Beach Area

Shopping

If you want to do some shopping, there are two main options. One is the Volusia Mall which has been around for my entire life. It’s a one story mall with some decent options. While I don’t recall the last time I went to this mall, I do visit the outlets more often!

Tanger Outlets Daytona Beach has some good options including Adidas, Nike, H&M and the Gap. Unlike the Volusia Mall, you will need to go outside to get from store to store, so it’s not ideal if it’s raining. While it’s not as big as Orlando’s outlets, it’s way less crowded, which is a win in my book!

The Casements

The winter home of John D. Rockefeller, an American businessman and philanthropist. I just did The Casements tour in Ormond Beach, and loved it! The tour is free and you can also grab lunch or coffee in the area before or after!

If you enjoy history or find Rockefeller fascinating, this tour is worth doing! I loved the tour guide I had, but they may not all be as good as she was. In addition to a free guided tour, they also have a free self-guided option.

Read more The Casements Tour here:
The Casements Tour: A Surprisingly Charming Look at Rockefeller’s Florida Life

Water Sports

With the Atlantic Ocean, intracoastal, lakes and rivers, central Florida has just about any water activity on offer. In Daytona area you can go parasailing, paddle boarding, and more! Take a boat tour or simply walk at a park along the water.

Bonfire

If you wanted to a do a bonfire on the beach during your Daytona Beach itinerary, you can do so from November 1 to April 30. Once the turtle nesting season starts you cannot do bonfires on the beach.

There are two ways to go about it. One way will cost $150, but it will be setup for you! All you have to do is book it on online, and everything will be done for you!

If you’re more self sufficient, just reserve a bonfire spot online. Just know that you will need to bring wood, chairs and any other needed supplies.

Sea Turtles

Sea Turtle season is from May 1 through October 31. The turtles come onshore, lay their eggs, and a couple months later baby turtles make their way to the water! I stumbled across baby turtles trying to get to the water one night while walking on the beach and it was definitely a bucket list moment!

If you do walk on the beach at night during these months, don’t use a flashlight or shine your light on them as it could confuse them. However, if you are blessed enough to see them, it’s a magical moment! Click here more information on the sea turtles in Daytona Beach.

Day Trips from Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach makes a great base for exploring east central Florida. From St. Augustine’s historic streets to Kennedy Space Center, Florida springs, and cute beach towns, there’s plenty within an hour’s drive.

Check out my complete guide to day trips from Daytona Beach for ideas organized by distance and activity type. It’s perfect for adding to your Daytona Beach itinerary!

Sample Daytona Beach Itineraries

1 Day in Daytona Beach

• Morning: Sunrise + breakfast at High Tide Kitchen
• Mid-morning: Ponce Inlet Lighthouse
• Afternoon: Beach time (Andy Romano Park or drive-on beach)
• Evening: Dinner at Crabby’s Oceanside + sunset

2-3 Days in Daytona Beach

• Day 1: Beach day + Ponce Inlet Lighthouse
• Day 2: Daytona Speedway Tour + ONE DAYTONA lunch + Beach Street sunset stroll
• Day 3: Day trip to St. Augustine OR DeLand + Blue Spring State Park

Want more day trip ideas? Check out my guide to 20+ day trips from Daytona Beach.

FAQ

Daytona Beach Itinerary

I hope this Daytona Beach itinerary was helpful! It’s a great destination for a more budget friendly beach vacation and it’s a great base for exploring east central Florida! St. Augustine to the north, Cape Canaveral to the south, Orlando to the southwest and plenty of cute towns to explore around it. Plus some of the best paddle board spots in Florida!

Ready to keep planning? Check out my complete Daytona Beach area guide for where to stay and more detailed trip planning. For nearby adventures, browse my day trips from Daytona Beach guide, or if the oldest city caught your eye, see my St. Augustine travel guide to explore Florida’s oldest city.

While you can easily spend four days in Miami or more, Daytona is a much smaller city, but that comes with its own less pretentious charms! If you want a less intimidating and more chill destination, Daytona Beach is one of the best Florida beaches for solo travelers if you’re on a budget.

With a rich history, sprinkled with some art deco which I love, and surrounded with plenty of areas in Florida to explore, Daytona Beach offers more than you might think!

Whatever is bringing you to Daytona Beach, I hope you have a great time!