Daytona Beach is one of the most famous beach destinations in the world! Famous amongst motorsports enthusiasts, bikers, and spring-breakers alike. You envision spending all your time in Daytona Beach lounging in the sand and soaking up the sun. But if you’re like us, you want to explore more of the area and get to know what Daytona Beach is all about!
We also know that exploring a new town can add up costs quickly! We put together this list of things to do and for two people to do all six of them would cost under $100, depending how much you order at Ocean Front Restaurant. And if you ask us – getting to explore an entire city, learn the history, and see the sights, all within $100 is an AMAZING deal!
So we are here to share 6 things to do in Daytona Beach that will get you out and about! If you come to town for the infamous Daytona 500, the popular Bike Week, or just happen to be passing through – check out this list and find out that Daytona Beach has so much to offer!
DAYTONA BEACH MURAL TRAIL
First up on our list, and one of our favorites, is the Daytona Beach Mural Trail. There is so much to love about the Daytona Beach Mural Trail! First of all – it’s free! Local artists have painted murals that are public works of art all over town. We love how each is unique both in the artwork as well as how it is displayed. Some are art you can become part of, like the angel wings on the Daytona Hardcore Tattoo shop!
Which leads to the second thing to love – it’s like a scavenger hunt! This is such a fun and unique way to explore a new (or familiar!) town. Check out different areas of town, pop in to the shops and restaurants, all while getting your steps in! Walk the streets and try to spot them or even follow the map locations. But keep your eyes open – they might be up high, down low, or (hint!) on a water tower!
VISIT TOMOKA STATE PARK
Picnic by the river, run the trails, maybe spot a Bald Eagle or two. No matter how you choose to spend your time – Tomoka State Park is worth a visit! For just $5 per vehicle for a day-pass you have access to tons of activities like hiking, birding (over 160 species!), fishing, and more. The waters are also a manatee sanctuary – so maybe you’ll spot one!
For additional fees you can reserve a campground or rent a canoe to take out on the Tomoka River. This is a perfect oasis for Daytona Beach – just enough to feel like you’re out of the city but close enough that it’s easy to get to!
SHARE THE HERITAGE TRAIL
If there’s one thing we love about visiting new places, it’s learning the histories! Daytona Beach has a rich African American history that is showcased on a trail of historical sites and landmarks. Visit where Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier and pick up a copy of the Daytona Times, a news publication for the African American community – and so much more!
You can tour the HBCU Bethune-Cookman University, founded in 1904 by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, as well as visit her gravesite on campus. The Heritage Trail is another free activity and you can gain so much knowledge about the cultural legends that built the Daytona Beach we see today.
HIKING & BIKING TRAILS IN DAYTONA BEACH
Obviously Daytona Beach is an outdoor beach paradise with near-perfect weather – but we didn’t expect to find tree covered hiking and biking trails. There are many parks where you can find lush wooded areas for walking, hiking, biking, picnics, disc golf – or whatever your heart desires! And what we love is that many of them are dog-friendly! Especially since dogs are not always allowed on beaches, it’s great to be able to include them in other parts of your adventures.
Check out Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve for dog-friendly hikes, or the Sweetheart Trail which is a paved path for walking, inline skating, and leads right through historic Daytona Beach along the Halifax River.
VISIT THE MUSEUM OF ARTS & SCIENCES
Unless you count the restaurant mentioned next, this is the most expensive thing to do in Daytona Beach on our list. An adult ticket to enter the Museum of Arts & Sciences is $19.00 (as of January 2024), and an additional $7.00 for a planetarium show.
With rotating exhibits, you are bound to find something that interests you AND something you didn’t even know would interest you! We loved exploring the Wings of History: World War II Aviation Art of John D. Shaw. Especially on one of those hot Daytona Beach days this is a perfect place to spend a few hours seeing and learning!
STOP BY OCEAN DECK RESTAURANT & BEACH BAR
Enter from street level and you’re met with an unassuming tiki bar and restaurant. Walk in and find the door that says “2 da beach” and descend downstairs to a huge open air ocean front bar and restaurant! Sit out on the deck and enjoy one of the many delicious cocktails, all whilst listening to daily live music! And of course taking in the picturesque ocean views.
Once you are done enjoying your time, be sure hit the gift shop! The Reggae Republic Gift shop has your quintessential Daytona Beach gifts for everyone back home. From shot glasses to hot sauces – you’ll find one or two things to bring you memories of your amazing trip to Daytona Beach!
DAYTONA BEACH: 6 THINGS TO DO THAT AREN’T GOING TO THE BEACH
Well, there you have it! We hope these things to do in Daytona Beach inspired you to check out new areas and activities. We love that everything on this list is a super soft adventure and great for anyone visiting! And, there’s nothing wrong with spending your vacation on the beach. But if you’re looking for a more well-rounded trip, be sure to do these 6 things to do in Daytona Beach that aren’t going to the beach!
MORE EAST COAST INSPIRATION:
- 7 WAYS TO EXPERIENCE FLORIDA KEYS MARINE LIFE
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