Things To Do In Daytona Beach

Area Attractions, Local Events and Resort Activities

Whether you’re planning a family vacation, beach wedding or corporate getaway, Daytona Beach, Florida offers something for every type of visitor. While the area boasts 23 miles of public access beach to explore, there’s plenty to do beyond the sand, too. Daytona Beach is one of Florida’s fastest growing golf destinations, recently dubbed one of the top 15 place to play in the nation by Golf Digest.

Many also visit Daytona Beach for its fishing and water sports. Opt for a deep-sea excursion or cast a line off the pier. Either way, you’ll find ample fishing opportunities such as the popular flats fishing in the estuaries of the Indian River Lagoon and the Tomoka Basin. Other water activities like jet skiing, parasailing, kayaking, surfing, and countless other pastimes lure ocean lovers daily. In addition to the plethora of attractions and exciting annual events in Daytona Beach, The Plaza Resort & Spa offers guests on-site activities that will keep you as busy or relaxed as you want during your stay.

Explore things to do in Daytona Beach and at The Plaza to start planning your visit.

DAYTONA LAGOON

Preferred Hotel Partner

Make a splash at this family-friendly water park and arcade – the perfect way to cool off on warm days.

OCEAN CENTER

The Ocean Center hosts everything from national conventions to local social events.

THE PEABODY

Home to the Daytona Beach Symphony Society for many decades, this venue also hosts opera, drama and other performances.

MARINE SCIENCE CENTER

Marine life in Volusia County is fascinating, and this informative center enables you to learn more about the ecosystems that make this region so unique.

BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1904, Bethune-Cookman University is a private historically black university with a student population of just over 4,000. It’s also home to the NCAA Division 1-FCS Wildcats. You can also find a National Historic Landmark on-site. The home of prominent civil rights leader and founder of the University, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune is open for guided tours.

EMBRY-RIDDLE AERONAUTICAL UNIVERSITY

This residential campus, which forms part of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, is home to over 6,000 students. It’s also home the NCAA Division II Eagles.

MUSEUM OF ARTS & SCIENCES (MOAS)

The Museum of Arts and Sciences in Daytona Beach is one of the region’s largest museums, with interactive exhibits, a planetarium and an extensive art collection. This family-friendly attraction in Daytona Beach will keep you cool and keep the kids entertained.

OCEAN WALK SHOPPES

Set on the Atlantic Ocean, this outdoor complex features dining, shopping and entertainment. It’s definitely worth exploring during your stay in Daytona Beach.

DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY

Fulfill your need for speed at this iconic race track in Daytona Beach. The Daytona International Speedway hosts thrilling racing events from the world-famous Daytona 500 to the Coke Zero Sugar 400. Take a tour of the stadium to learn about the history of racing and visit the Motorsports Hall of Fame.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER

Visitors of all ages are in for a treat at Kennedy Space Center, where you can check out the space shuttle Atlantis, get an exclusive look behind NASA gates or even see a rocket launch!

JACKIE ROBINSON BALLPARK

The Jackie Robinson Ballpark is home to the Daytona Tortugas and the Bethune–Cookman Wildcats baseball team. Take a tour of the stadium or catch a game. In 1946 Jackie Robinson made history at the stadium as the first African American to play in a Major League Baseball spring training game.

PONCE DE LEON LIGHTHOUSE

Rising 175 feet, the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse and Museum is the tallest lighthouse in the state, and is a National Historic Landmark. Be sure to visit the museum to learn more about the lighthouse’s legacy.

STETSON UNIVERSITY

This private college has a student population of roughly 4,300, and is home to the NCAA Division 1-FCS Hatters.

TANGER OUTLETS

This outlet mall boasts a variety of brand-name and designer stores.

DAYTONA FLEA & FARMERS MARKET

Listed as one of the top ten markets in the world by the Travel Channel, the Daytona Flea & Farmers Market features 600 vendors and over 1,000 booths.

DAYTONA BEACH BANDSHELL

This outdoor venue in Daytona Beach is known for the lively events hosted along the water. From the NCA & NDA Collegiate Championships to the highly anticipated summer concert series, the Daytona Beach Bandshell is sure to draw a crowd.

MARINELAND DOLPHIN ADVENTURE

Marineland Dolphin Adventure is one of the first oceanariums of its kind, not only in Daytona but throughout the world. Swim with dolphins, visit the tortoises or check out one of the many workshops and events taking place in the park.

Receive 10% off any program or admission at Marineland when you mention the promo code THEPLAZA!

Top Events in Daytona Beach

Attend Races, Festivals & More in Volusia County

For the foodie, racing enthusiast and biker alike, Daytona Beach offers a full array of exciting events to attend. With well-known waterfront venues like the Daytona Beach Bandshell and iconic sporting stadiums including Daytona International Speedway, the events and festivals in Daytona Beach are truly one-of-a-kind. To help you plan your next trip to the “World’s Most Famous Beach,” discover some of the top annual events in the area.

Rolex 24 at Daytona

JANUARY

The Rolex 24 at Daytona marks the unofficial start of racing season in Daytona Beach. Some of the top drivers in the world compete in this 24-hour sports car endurance event held over the course of two days at Daytona International Speedway. Approximately 60 sports cars compete, falling under five different classes and teams are comprised of three to five drivers who trade shifts throughout the 24-hour race. Winning drivers in each class receive the highly coveted, engraved Rolex Cosmograph Daytona.

Daytona 500

FEBRUARY

Arguably one of the most well-known and prestigious races around, the Daytona 500 is an annual event held at the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida each February. The thrilling 500-mile race is part of the NASCAR Cup Series and has opened each season since 1982. Racing fans from across the country visit Daytona Beach to attend this iconic event.

Daytona Bike Week

MARCH

For more than 80 years, Daytona Beach Bike Week has been held each March. With numerous scenic rides and coastal trails and Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach is the ideal location for this 10-day motorcycle rally. Bike Week includes a full schedule of events including bike swaps, motorcycle races, concerts and contests at venues throughout Daytona Beach.

Jeep BEACH

APRIL

With hundreds of thousands of attendees from around the world, Jeep Beach is one of the largest events of its kind in the country. Each April, the week-long festival in Daytona Beach offers attendees a variety of scheduled events ranging from the classic Jeep Beach Parade to scavenger hunts, obstacle courses and live entertainment.

Bandshell Summer Concert Series

MAY – SEPTEMBER

The Daytona Beach Bandshell is an outdoor venue along the beach known for its summer concert series featuring some of the best tribute bands around. From the end of May through mid-September, visitors and locals alike can enjoy live concerts every Saturday night at the Bandshell followed by a fireworks show at the pier.

Coke Zero Sugar 400

AUGUST

The annual Coke Zero Sugar 400 takes places each August at the Daytona International Speedway. The 400-mile race is the regular season finale and offers drivers one last chance to qualify for one of 16 NASCAR playoff spots—win and you’re in. Expect drama and adrenaline at this high-intensity racing event in Daytona Beach.

Biketoberfest

OCTOBER

Each October, another motorcycle rally is held in Daytona Beach. Biketoberfest is a series of programs and activities held at venues throughout Volusia County. Motorcycle enthusiasts can partake in scenic motorcycle rides, races at Daytona International Speedway and more during this four-day event. Many local businesses and restaurants offer Biketoberfest specials as well.

Daytona Turkey Run

MARCH & NOVEMBER

Car collectors and automobile enthusiasts from across the country attend the biannual Daytona Turkey Run in Daytona Beach, the largest car show and swap in the U.S. Held at Daytona International Speedway the last weekend in March and Thanksgiving weekend, the event features thousands of vintage cars and trucks on display for both buyers and spectators. The Daytona Turkey Run also has a variety of vendors on-site selling artwork, crafts and more.

Halifax Art Festival

NOVEMBER

Stroll along the picturesque Beach Street in Daytona Beach for the annual Halifax Art Festival. Taking place each November, the riverfront art festival showcases a juried selection of 250 artists and artisans from across the country selling everything from artwork and antiques to handcrafted jewelry and clothing.

Riverfest Seafood FestiVal

NOVEMBER

The two-day Ormond Beach Riverfest Seafood Festival is held each November along the Halifax River and north of Daytona Beach. In addition to fresh Florida seafood and other delicious food vendors, attendees can expect live entertainment, kids’ activities, water sports and much more!