About Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach, a city on Florida’s east coast, is renowned for its stunning shoreline, vibrant atmosphere, and rich history. It draws tourists looking for adventure and relaxation worldwide with its distinctive combination of sunny beaches and exciting events. The city is well-known for its passion for motorsports. It is a center for various leisure pursuits, making it a perfect vacation spot for thrill-seekers, families, and anyone hoping to laze around and enjoy the coastal lifestyle.
Top Tourist Attractions in Daytona Beach
Here are some of the best places to visit in the Daytona Beach
1. Daytona International Speedway – Racetrack
Daytona International Speedway is a world-famous motorsports complex in Daytona Beach, Florida. Known for its rich history and association with NASCAR, it hosts some of the most prestigious racing events in the country, including the iconic Daytona 500. With a seating capacity of over 100,000, it’s a hub of excitement for racing enthusiasts and casual fans alike.
Location:
Daytona International Speedway is at 1801 W International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114. The stunning beaches of Daytona Beach are only a short drive away, and it is near major roads.
Key Attractions:
- The Daytona 500: The most esteemed race in NASCAR, conducted annually in February, attracts thousands of fans and provides a thrilling experience.
- Speedway Tours: Guided tours provide an inside look at the track, including the pit road, grandstands, and the infield, allowing fans to learn about the history and operations of the speedway.
- NASCAR Hall of Fame: A tribute to the legends of NASCAR, showcasing memorabilia, interactive exhibits, and a timeline of the sport’s evolution.
Things to Do:
- Attend a Race: Experience the thrill of live racing events, from NASCAR races to sports car competitions and special events throughout the year.
- Explore the Fan Zone: Enjoy the interactive fan experiences before races, featuring live entertainment, displays, and opportunities to meet drivers.
- Take a Driving Experience: For adrenaline junkies, the speedway offers opportunities to drive a race car around the track, providing a taste of what it’s like to be a NASCAR driver.
2. Museum of Arts & Sciences – Art Museum
The Museum of Arts & Sciences (MOAS) in Daytona Beach, Florida, is the region’s most significant art, science, and history museum. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, MOAS offers diverse exhibits that cover fine arts, cultural artifacts, and natural history, making it a cultural hub for learning and discovery. With rotating exhibitions and interactive experiences, the museum appeals to visitors of all ages.
Location:
MOAS is at 352 S Nova Rd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, in a beautiful natural setting within the Tuscawilla Preserve. It’s accessible from downtown and just a short drive from Daytona Beach’s main attractions.
Key Attractions:
- Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art: The world’s most extensive collection of Florida art, featuring landscapes, portraits, and depictions of Florida’s history through the eyes of artists.
- Root Family Museum: This exhibit showcases a vast collection of Coca-Cola memorabilia, rare teddy bears, and vintage train cars, offering a glimpse into America.
- Planetarium: A state-of-the-art planetarium offering educational programs and breathtaking night sky views.
Things to Do:
- Explore the Permanent Collections: View American and European art masterpieces, including pieces from the Renaissance to the modern era and the extensive Florida art collection.
- Attend Special Exhibitions: MOAS hosts rotating exhibitions featuring various art forms, scientific discoveries, and cultural topics, providing something new every visit.
- Stroll through the Tuscawilla Preserve: Enjoy a peaceful walk in this 90-acre nature preserve adjacent to the museum, which offers trails and wildlife observation.
3. Tanger Outlets Daytona Beach – Shopping Outlet
Tanger Outlets Daytona Beach is a premier shopping destination featuring various brand-name and designer outlet stores. Tanger Outlets offers significant discounts on high-end products, attracting shoppers looking for fashion, home goods, and accessories deals. With its modern, open-air layout and convenient amenities, Tanger Outlets provides a relaxed and enjoyable shopping experience for both locals and tourists.
Location:
Tanger Outlets is located at 1100 Cornerstone Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32117, just off I-95 and minutes away from Daytona Beach’s main attractions, making it easily accessible for visitors.
Key Attractions:
- Brand-Name Stores: Explore outlets for top brands such as Nike, Coach, Michael Kors, Calvin Klein, and Under Armour, offering discounted apparel, accessories, footwear, and more.
- Food Court and Dining Options: After a day of shopping, visitors can grab a meal or snack from the various dining options, ranging from quick bites to sit-down restaurants.
- Outdoor Plaza: This beautifully designed open-air shopping center allows visitors to enjoy Florida’s weather while shopping. It features comfortable seating areas and landscaping throughout.
Things to Do:
- Shop for Bargains: Explore over 70 outlet stores offering significant savings on clothing, shoes, accessories, and more from top designers and brands.
- Join the TangerClub: Shoppers can join the TangerClub for exclusive members-only deals, coupons, and special events throughout the year.
- Enjoy Family-Friendly Amenities: The center provides family-friendly amenities such as stroller rentals, a play area for kids, and spacious walkways, making it a comfortable outing for all ages.
4. Daytona Lagoon – Amusement Park
Daytona Lagoon is a popular, family-friendly amusement park and waterpark in Daytona Beach, Florida. Water slides, go-karts, mini-golf, laser tag, and an arcade are just a few of the attractions it offers, making it the ideal place for people of all ages to have fun. The park offers something for everyone, combining land-based activities with exhilarating water thrills.
Location:
Daytona Lagoon is at 601 Earl St, Daytona Beach, FL 32118. It is near the Daytona Beach Boardwalk and just a short walk from the oceanfront, making it easily accessible for visitors to the beach.
Key Attractions:
- Waterpark: Equipped with a wave pool, a lazy river, and an assortment of water slides. Adventure Mountain, Blackbeard’s Revenge, and Kraken’s Revenge are a few of the well-liked attractions.
- Go-Karts: Test your driving skills on the multi-level go-kart track, offering fast-paced fun for kids and adults.
- Laser Tag: An action-packed laser tag arena where players can compete in a thrilling, high-energy game.
Things to Do:
- Play Mini-Golf: Challenge yourself to a game of mini-golf while enjoying the scenic, tropical-themed course.
- Visit the Arcade: You can win tickets and exchange them for prizes by playing various garcade games including video games and redemption games.
- Bumper Cars: Experience the classic fun of bumper cars in a safe and exciting setting.
5. Daytona Flea & Farmers Market – Fleamarket
One of Florida’s biggest and most well-liked flea markets is the Daytona Flea & Farmers Market. Offering hundreds of vendors, it provides a distinctive shopping experience. The market has about 1,000 stalls and many goods, including clothing, crafts, fresh fruit, antiques, and collectibles. Open year-round, it’s a genuine gold mine for those looking for unique products and those on a budget.
Location:
The Daytona Flea & Farmers Market is at 1425 Tomoka Farms Rd, Daytona Beach, FL 32124. It is conveniently situated just off I-95 and a short drive from Daytona’s famous beaches and attractions.
Key Attractions:
- Hundreds of Vendors: There are more than 1,000 vendor booths where customers may purchase anything from electronics, apparel, jewelry, and antiques to fresh food and baked goodies.
- Farmers Market: A dedicated area that offers fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, honey, and other homemade products, supporting local agriculture and providing farm-fresh goods.
- Antiques and Collectibles: For those looking to find hidden treasures, a large assortment of unusual antiques, vintage goods, and uncommon collectibles are available.
Things to Do:
- Shop for Bargains: Discover deals on various products, including clothing, accessories, home goods, toys, tools, and more.
- Browse Fresh Produce: Visit the farmers market section to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and locally produced goods like honey and homemade jams.
- Attend Special Events: Check the market’s calendar for special events like car shows, craft fairs, and live entertainment, which add extra excitement to your visit.
6. Congo River Golf – Miniature Golf Course
Congo River Golf in Daytona Beach is an adventurous miniature golf course that takes players through lush landscapes, waterfalls, and caves inspired by African jungle exploration. Known for its immersive themes and challenging holes, it offers fun for the whole family. In addition to mini-golf, visitors can enjoy other attractions such as arcade games, alligator feeding, and scavenger hunts.
Location:
Congo River Golf is located at 2100 S Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32118, just a short distance from the beach. It is a convenient stop for locals and tourists enjoying Daytona Beach.
Key Attractions:
- Themed Miniature Golf Course: The 18-hole course is designed with adventurous African jungle themes, including waterfalls, caves, and exotic landscapes, creating a fun and challenging experience.
- Alligator Feeding: Visitors can interact with live alligators and even feed them, making the experience more exciting and educational for families and kids.
- Waterfalls and Caves: The course features beautifully designed waterfalls and caves, adding to the immersive and adventurous atmosphere.
Things to Do:
- Explore with the Scavenger Hunt: Add an extra layer of fun by completing the scavenger hunt while you play mini-golf, searching for hidden treasures throughout the course.
- Play Arcade Games: After golfing, play various arcade games to keep the fun going and win exciting prizes.
- Take Photos: Capture memorable moments at various photo-worthy spots throughout the course, including the waterfalls, caves, and jungle-themed structures.
Culinary Delights
Daytona Beach offers a rich and diverse culinary scene, catering to various tastes with fresh seafood, Southern comfort food, and international cuisine. Whether you’re craving casual beachfront dining or fine dining experiences, the city offers plenty for food lovers.
- Seafood at Chart House: Chart House offers stunning waterfront views and fresh seafood dishes like macadamia-crusted mahi-mahi, ahi tuna, and lobster bisque. Its elegant setting and gourmet menu make it a must-visit for seafood lovers.
- Oysters at Oyster Pub: For a casual seafood experience, Oyster Pub is known for its fresh oysters, served raw or steamed. Pair them with favorites like crab legs, shrimp, or fried fish to taste the coast.
- Beachside Tacos at Crabby Joe’s Deck & Grill: Located on a pier, Crabby Joe’s is a perfect spot for beachside dining. Their fish tacos, featuring freshly caught fish, tangy slaw, and house-made sauces, are a crowd favorite.
- Southern Comfort Food at The Cellar: Housed in a historic mansion, The Cellar is known for its fine Italian cuisine and southern-inspired dishes. Don’t miss the rich lobster ravioli or filet mignon, known for their bold flavors and exemplary preparation.
- Gourmet Pizza at Starlite Diner: Starlite Diner is known for its eclectic menu, but its gourmet pizzas stand out. They offer unique combinations of ingredients, from truffle oil to prosciutto, cooked in a stone oven for a crispy, authentic crust.
- Key Lime Pie at Donnie’s Donuts: A local favorite for sweets, Donnie’s Donuts offers a variety of artisan doughnuts, but their take on the classic Key Lime Pie doughnut, topped with lime zest and glaze, is a Daytona Beach specialty.
- Craft Beer and BBQ at Hog Heaven Bar-B-Q: If you’re craving smoky, tender barbecue, Hog Heaven Bar-B-Q offers mouthwatering pulled pork, ribs, and brisket paired perfectly with a variety of locally brewed craft beers for an authentic Southern experience.
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