Find things to do in Daytona Beach for family and couples
Boasting thrilling motorsports culture, fantastic beaches, and exciting family attractions, Daytona Beach is a diverse vacation destination with a lot to see and do. You could visit historic museums to learn about Florida’s seafaring heritage and local cultural influences, tour art galleries to see native artwork, climb to the top of a historic lighthouse, or relax on the sand with your kids or a good book. There’s no shortage of attractions in Daytona Beach for a fun and memorable vacation. Whether you want a family trip, couple’s retreat, or solo excursion, find out all about the things to do in Daytona Beach to plan your trip.
Visit the Daytona International Speedway
One of the most popular attractions in Daytona Beach is the Daytona International Speedway. The renowned motorsports attraction features international racing and small race events throughout the year. The Daytona 500 is the biggest race and takes place in late winter, but you can check the schedule to see what races are on the schedule for your trip for an adrenaline-fueled experience.
Bring the kids to Daytona’s beaches
Daytona Beach has long stretches of coastline with white sand and Florida sunshine. You’ll not only have opportunities to relax on the sand and swim in the water with the kids, but it’s also popular for watersports like kayaking and surfing. Nearby, you’ll find a boardwalk with eateries, attractions, boutiques, shops, and beachfront bars. Plenty of accommodation is available on the beachfront if you want to stay close to the water, ranging from budget-friendly to upscale resorts.
Discover local history at the Halifax Historical Museum
Located on the Halifax River, the Halifax Historical Museum is a family-friendly museum that chronicles local history in the area. Much of the museum is focused on Native American culture and the Civil War, but you’ll find all kinds of unique artefacts and local memorabilia.
Find thrills on the Boardwalk
Once the sun goes down, you can head to the Boardwalk for fun activities after dark. In addition to seafood dining and exciting nightlife, you’ll find a lot of free concerts, fireworks displays, and live entertainment venues. For kids, the Boardwalk has theme park rides like bumper cars, a Ferris wheel, and roller coasters. You could also visit arcades and kitschy attractions.
Tour the Museum of Arts and Science
The Museum of Arts and Science is a spectacular museum on nearly 40 hectares of preserved land. You’ll find a mix of everything in the museum, from vintage rail cars to historic Coca-Cola memorabilia to classic automobiles. The museum has a huge collection of arts and culture exhibits, all themed according to cultures like Asian, Cuban, and African cultures that influenced the area.
Take the family to Daytona Lagoon
The Daytona Lagoon is a great place for a family trip in Daytona Beach. You’ll find endless opportunities for fun with the kids, including a mini-golf course, amusement rides, laser tag, and a waterpark with water rides and slides. Some of the ride highlights include the Kraken’s Revenge mat racer slide, the Shaka Half-Pipe pendulum slide, the Sky Maze, and the Sky Rail zipline. Kids will also like go-kart racing, rock climbing, and aerial ropes courses.
Explore the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum
The Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum is a stunning 19th-century lighthouse that once guided mariners on the coast. Now, the lighthouse is home to a fascinating museum with a stairway to the top of the lighthouse’s 200 steps to see sweeping coastal views. The museum also holds artefacts of past lighthouse features and technology.
Have a romantic afternoon at Cici & Hyatt Brown Museum of Art
The Cici & Hyatt Brown Museum of Art is an intriguing museum with vaulted ceilings, dramatic mezzanines, and thousands of tropical-themed artwork on display. You’ll find works from local and regional artists that highlight the beauty of Florida and the coast, as well as works that showcase recreational activities like boating and fishing.