Shopping, art, dining, nightlife and watersports combine for variety second to none
DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA–JULY 2025–Its 23 miles of Atlantic shoreline have earned Daytona Beach the title of World’s Most Famous Beach. Visitors find the fun here extends far beyond the famed stretch of surf and sand. There are neighborhoods, downtown streetscapes and entertainment districts that offer a variety of activities to complement the toes-in-the-sand time everyone loves.
Daytona Beach is known for its easy access and broad appeal. Located between St. Augustine and the Kennedy Space Center, the destination is just an hour east of Orlando, with easy access via Interstates 95 and 4. New flight options into Daytona Beach International Airport (700 Catalina Drive, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114; 386-248-8030) make arriving by air convenient and affordable, also.
There are Entertainment Districts and neighborhoods throughout Daytona Beach, each with a personality of its own and a host of ways to enjoy time in this diverse destination.
Daytona Beach’s historic Beach Street (between Bay Street and Orange Avenue) is a vibrant retail area with the Riverfront Esplanade (Magnolia Avenue & Beach Street, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114) as a centerpiece. It spans a mile of the Intracoastal Waterway and offers the perfect setting for waterfront shopping and dining. The Halifax Historical Museum (252 South Beach Street, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114; 386-255-6976) takes a look at the area’s history with a treasure trove of displays on topics ranging from Native American history to handmade surfboards.
There are used and antique books at Abraxas Book Store (262 South Beach Street, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114; 386-258-8060) and vinyl records and CDs at Atlantic Sounds (138 West International Speedway Boulevard, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114; 386-258-1420). Galerie Elan (248 South Beach Street, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114; 386-871-9906) is a co-op gallery featuring dozens of artists representing an eclectic mix of styles and Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory (154 South Beach Street, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114; 386-252-6531) is known for fresh, homemade chocolates.
Madeline’s Wine Bar (200 North Beach Street, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114; 386-492-7914) is a great place to relax and enjoy the neighborhood vibe. The curated wine selection is paired with made-to-order charcuterie and small plates. An evening at Polynesian Fire Luau (180 North Beach Street, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114; 843-424-1978) offers a memorable dinner theatre experience complete with captivating fire dancers and knife performances.
This is also where visitors will find the Jackie Robinson Ballpark and Statue (105 East Orange Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114; 386-257-3172) and museum. This is the spot where Jackie Robinson played in the first integrated Major League Baseball spring training game in 1946 and is now the home of the Class A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds, the Daytona Tortugas.
The Ormond Beach Mainstreet Arts District is known for its eclectic mix of shops and galleries as well as its vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene. The atmosphere at 31 Supper Club (31 West Granada Boulevard, Ormond Beach, Florida 32174; 386-275-1625) takes diners back to the Prohibition era and the food takes them on an amazing culinary journey. The entertainment schedule includes Broadway-style performances, comedy acts and live music. From the innovative menus at casual spots like Soraya Café (156 East Granada Boulevard, Ormond Beach, Florida 32176; 386-265-0137) to the elegant Southern charm of noted neighborhood favorite Rose Villa Southern Table & Bar (43 West Granada Boulevard, Ormond Beach, Florida 32176; 386-615-7673) the culinary scene here is tops. The menu at (111 West Granada Boulevard, Ormond Beach, Florida 32174; 386-673-8888) is a seafood lover’s dream. Sandwiches and platters feature shrimp, fish, scallops, oysters and more. Rosie’s Café (136 West Granada Boulevard, Ormond Beach, Florida 32174; 386-673-0044) is tucked inside Dunn’s Attic and Auction House, which has more than 3,000 items in stock. Breakfast at Rosie’s includes homemade classics and there’s light lunch fare of fresh salads, soups and sandwiches. The historic (25 Riverside Drive, Ormond Beach, Florida 32176; 386-676-3216) intrigues history buffs with Rockefeller memorabilia and more while Art Spotlight (67 West Granada Boulevard, Ormond Beach, Florida 32174; 386-871-4991), an artist-initiative fine art gallery, appeals to art lovers and the open spaces of Birthplace of Speed Park (12 Ocean Shore Boulevard, Ormond Beach, Florida 32176; 386-676-3216) celebrate the beachfront racing culture so cherished here.
Ponce Inlet is a favorite place to go for those who love the area’s back bays, waterways and the creatures who inhabit them. A visit to the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse (4931 South Peninsula Drive, Ponce Inlet, Florida 32127; 386-761-1821), Florida’s tallest, combines fascinating history, coastal fun and a beautiful setting. Climbing to the top of this National Historic Landmark is an adventure and the payoff is a spectacular view. At the Marine Science Center (100 Lighthouse Drive, Ponce Inlet, Florida 32127; 386-304-5545) visitors can learn about the area’s abundant marine life and the ecosystems that make this area unique. There are opportunities for those who want to get out and enjoy the water themselves, too. Ponce Inlet Watersports (4958 South Peninsula Drive, Ponce Inlet, Florida 32127; 386-405-3445) has guided fishing excursions, dolphin and manatee boat tours, kayak/stand-up paddle board rentals and more. Or, enjoy a guided three-hour scenic cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway with Fun Cat Sailing (4877 Front Street, Ponce Inlet, Florida 32127; 386-871-7778). After the adventure, there are plenty of waterfront dining options to enjoy, with menus ranging from seafood to pizza, along with great views and a good-time atmosphere.
Of course the beachfront Boardwalk District is home to the famous Daytona Beach Boardwalk (12 South Ocean Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida, 32118; 386-253-0254) and Pier (200 Main Street, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114) and has a variety of activities for beach lovers of all ages to enjoy, including restaurants, shops, arcade games and amusement park rides. Nearby, the famous Daytona Beach Bandshell (70 Boardwalk Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida 32118; 386-671-8250) is a favorite spot for concerts and events.
Where to stay
The full list of lodging options in Daytona Beach includes variety few other destinations can match. The array of hotels ranges from nostalgic options like Tropical Manor on the Ocean (2237 South Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach Shores, Florida 32118; 386-252-4920), a tropically themed oceanfront oasis, and The Streamline Hotel (140 South Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida 32118; 386-947-7470), said to be the birthplace of NASCAR, to the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach (918 North Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida 32118; 386-947-7300), with its 200 guest rooms and four-star service, and The Daytona, Autograph Collection at ONE DAYTONA (1870 Victory Circle, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114; 386-323-9777), where 144 custom, luxury guest rooms feature balconies with views of Victory Circle. There are also a host of vacation rental options offering just the right space and amenities for any size group.