There is a surprising variety of outstanding off-the-beach attractions to enjoy
DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA–SEPTEMBER 2026–Daytona Beach combines a history of being one of the world’s most popular beach destinations with a dynamic atmosphere filled with new and expanding ways to enjoy a visit, both on and off the beach. This year alone, there are diverse new lodging options coming online and more than a half-dozen new restaurants offering variety that includes Korean, Bavarian, Italian and Mexican cuisine. Visitors will also find updates and new experiences at Daytona Beach’s host of outstanding attractions.
Located between St. Augustine and the Kennedy Space Center, Daytona Beach is just an hour east of Orlando. It is easily accessible via Interstates 95 and 4 and arriving by air is convenient, too, via flights to the Daytona Beach International Airport (700 Catalina Drive, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114; 386-248-8030).
This is a destination known for family beach fun. Those who choose to enjoy the beach with their four-legged family will want to check out the new Daytona Beach Dog Beach (Williams Avenue to Seabreeze Boulevard, Daytona Beach, Florida 32118), the newest dog-friendly beach area in Daytona Beach. The 1.7-mile stretch of shoreline welcomes leashed dogs during daylight hours. Dogs must stay within designated boundaries and not disturb wildlife or dune vegetation. There are also additional locations along the shoreline of the “World’s Most Famous Beach” for visitors to enjoy the white sand beaches with their dogs.
Off the beach, the Jackie Robinson Ballpark (105 East Orange Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114; 386-257-3172) blends baseball history with enhanced fan experiences following a major modernization project. The park is the home of the Daytona Tortugas, a Cincinnati Reds affiliated minor league team, offering family fun each summer season. Recent improvements include indoor batting cages, upgraded dugouts, accessible parking, club seating and team stores, along with updated player facilities. The historic ballpark is where Jackie Robinson played in the first integrated Major League Baseball spring training game in 1946. The venue is designated as a National Commemorative Site and is part of the African American Civil Rights Network.
The Ocean Center (101 North Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida 32118; 386-254-4500), an outstanding multi-purpose entertainment venue, is undergoing a $40 million renovation. It is one of the largest beachfront convention centers in Florida and is located just 400 feet from the Atlantic Ocean. Upgrades include new arena seating, a new arena floor, LED lighting, sound system enhancements, refreshed greenroom and backstage areas and new interior and exterior paint. Upon completion the center will be an even more inviting venue for concerts, performances and sports events throughout the year.
The Daytona Aquarium & Rainforest Adventure (1008 West International Speedway Boulevard, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114; 386-241-3144), which opened in 2024, offers visitors an interactive educational experience with animals from both land and sea. In 2025, the attraction opened phase two, which includes an indoor rainforest, filled with species including primates, sloths and tropical birds. The 55,000-square-foot facility is home to nearly 60 exhibits, including alligator habitats, a 100,000-gallon shark tank and two touch pools, one, a 12,000-gallon stingray pool.
Cultuvue Photography Exhibition 2026 continues through February 2027 at the Southeast Museum of Photography (1200 West International Speedway Boulevard, Building 1200, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114; 386-506-3894). The exhibition is returning for its sixth annual showcase and will feature more than 70 portraits and artworks by James Carey, Adam Allen and Shank Henry. Through powerful portraiture and visual storytelling, the exhibition, entitled “Art Becomes Us,” explores identity, resilience, beauty, culture and the stories behind the people we encounter. It aims to challenge stereotypes and invites audiences to look beyond the surface.
No discussion of art in Daytona Beach is complete without shining a light on the Cici & Hyatt Brown Museum of Arts, Science & History (352 South Nova Road, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114; 386-255-0285). This popular area attraction has closed to prepare for the construction of a new 90,000-square-foot, $203 million museum, to be known as The Brown.
The Brown CEO Tabitha Schmidt says, “As our vision unfolds, The Brown will stand as a beacon of creativity, discovery and cultural expression, a place where art is not only preserved, but celebrated, expanded, and made accessible to all.” The Brown will continue to expand Daytona Beach’s diverse appeal. “This growing focus on the arts will bring greater depth and diversity to Daytona Beach as a tourism destination, drawing visitors from across the nation and around the world who seek meaningful, inspiring and transformative cultural experiences.” Construction on the new museum complex will extend through 2027.
Where to stay
The full list of lodging options in Daytona Beach includes a surprising variety, from classic beachfront motels to luxury hotels and a host of vacation rentals. The destination is also adding new options to be available by the end of 2026:
The Residence Inn by Marriott Ormond Beach (251 South Atlantic Avenue, Ormond Beach, Florida 32176; 386-287-3080) is a 137-room, five-story oceanfront property that is projected to open before the end of the year. Amenities include a lobby pool bar, meeting space, complimentary breakfast area, elevated outdoor pool with ocean views and a sundry shop.
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Daytona Beach Oceanfront (1000 North Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida 32118; 386-317-0969), located directly on the Atlantic, is also expected to open before the end of the year. The property will feature home-like extended-stay suites with full kitchens.
Casa Del Mar, a Hilton Vacation Club (621 South Atlantic Avenue, Ormond Beach, Florida, 32176; 855-256-0288), is scheduled to reopen before the end of 2026 under the Hilton Grand Vacations umbrella following a complete interior renovation. The oceanfront property offers studios and spacious one- and two-bedroom villas, most with full kitchens, and private balconies overlooking the Atlantic. Guests have direct beach access, an Olympic-sized beachfront pool and outdoor hot tub. On-site amenities include a poolside bar and lounge, grilling stations, a 24-hour fitness center and a game room.