Daytona Beach is a popular destination known for its 23 miles of hard packed, drivable, white sand beach and for being home to the Daytona International Speedway.
Now, I know the famous beach and the NASCAR races might be what brings you to Daytona Beach, with good reason, but there is so much more to do here.
At minimum, you’ll want a long weekend, but if you can swing it a week would be best.
Use this post as a guide to help you craft the perfect weekend or week-long getaway.
Big THANKS to Daytona Beach for hosting my visit!
The Ultimate Guide to The Best Things To Do At The Beach In Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach is broken into two main areas, beach side and mainland.
The beach side is exactly what it sounds like. It’s the strip of land between the Atlantic Ocean and the Halifax River.
The mainland is the area west of the Halifax River.
Additionally, the Daytona Beach area includes the communities of Ormond-By-The-Sea, Ormond Beach, Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Shores, Wilbur-By-The-Sea, Ponce Inlet, Holly Hill and South Daytona.
This post will focus on the beach side. More will be published soon about the mainland and other communities.
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DAYTONA BEACH BOARDWALK AND PIER
You absolutely must check out the boardwalk and pier at the beach. From adrenaline pumping rides to salt water candy to the clock tower and band shell.
This is iconic Daytona Beach and a must-see.
BIKE OR DRIVE THE BEACH
You can rent pedal bikes from Blue Coast Shop Bicycle Rentals, but if you have a car you’ll want to drive the beach as well.
The hard packed sand makes it easy to do either.
Biking is very popular activity on the beach and it’s easy to see why so many people enjoy it.
The only downside, the wind can be strong and make the ride a bit more of a struggle than you might like.
Be sure to check weather conditions before renting.
Plus, there is just something really memorable about biking along the Atlantic Ocean on one of the best beaches on the East Coast.
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To drive along the beach, there are a number of entrances where you’ll pay a small fee.
Be sure to follow the signs and obey traffic laws the same as if you were on the road.
BEACH DAYS
One of the best things to do in Daytona Beach is to enjoy the beach.
Grab a good book, cooler packed with your favorite drinks, a beach umbrella and your beach chairs and plan an afternoon of pure rest and relaxation.
If it’s warm enough you could play in the surf, take a swim in the ocean, or even enjoy a paddle board adventure for a bit.
Personally, we spent a lot of time walking for long stretches along the beach. It was so relaxing and we’d walked miles without even realizing it.
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SEE SEA TURTLES
From May – October is sea turtles season when these amazing animals head to the beach at night to lay their eggs in nests dug in the dry sand, then return to the sea.
Usually the nests are located up in the dune area of the beach and, most likely, have been roped off to save the nests.
There is still plenty of beach to enjoy even during turtle season and the chance of seeing a sea turtle is the perfect reason to visit during the season.
ENJOY THE SPA AT THE SHORES RESORT AND SPA
Because you always deserve to pamper yourself when you’re on vacation. Order some chocolate covered strawberries to enjoy during your spa experience.
We really liked the boutique spa at The Shores Resort and Spa. The entire staff was so friendly and accommodating. I would book another appointment here without hesitation.
If time allows plan an entire spa day with massage, facial and mani/pedi.
SIP AT SUNSET
Honestly, one of our favorite things to do is enjoy a cocktail while watching the sun kiss the horizon and say goodnight.
There are a couple great places to make this happen, Top of Daytona with 360 degree views from the 29th floor (the tallest buildings on the strip), Sky Rooftop Bar with incredible views and NASCAR history, The Roof above Joe’s Crab Shack on the Daytona Beach Pier.
Sips at Sunset at the Sky Rooftop Bar
Additionally, any place along the Halifax River on the beach side or in the Ponce Inlet area along the water.
WHERE TO STAY IN DAYTONA BEACH
I’ll be sharing a longer post shortly, but we loved our stay at The Shores Resort & Spa. It is towards the Ponce Inlet end of the beach and was a bit quieter which I loved.
The beach is gorgeous here and the pool deck at the resort is simply perfect with pools, swim up bar, fire pits and more.
At the resort they have everything you need. A full service restaurant, boutique spa, Starbucks coffee, great location, oceanfront rooms and weekly evening entertainment.
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