A Complete Guide To Daytona Beach, Florida (Updated 2026)

Daytona Beach is located on Florida east coast just one hour northeast of Orlando. The beach town is home to race cars, picturesque beaches, old Florida charm, and is built for vacationers. Daytona is a fabulous spot for a family vacation in Florida. This complete guide to Daytona Beach, Florida has everything you need to plan the perfect trip!

This post is all about a complete guide to Daytona Beach, Florida.

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About Daytona Beach

Safety - Daytona Beach is not the safest city in the United States. However if you are in the tourist areas you will be fine. It's only when you go more inland when you will notice some sketchy people.

History - Daytona Beach was founded in 1870 by Matthias D. Day. Daytona was first used as a sugar plantation and a citrus farm. Today Daytona's economy mainly runs on tourism.

Best Daytona Beach Hotels

Luxury Daytona Beach Hotels

Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach - The Hard Rock Hotel is the perfect place for a perfect Florida beach vacation. At the Hard Rock Hotel you will find beach access, ocean views, an outdoor pool, two restaurants, a spa, and more.

Hilton Daytona Beach Resort - The Daytona Hilton Resort is a great upscale option on the water in Daytona Beach. At The Hilton you will find seven restaurants, two pools, a spa, a gym, beach access, views of the ocean, and much more.

Middle Range Daytona Beach Hotels

The Daytona - The Daytona is a Marriott Hotel by the autograph collection. I stayed at an autograph hotel in Richmond and thought it was lovely. At The Daytona hotel you will be met with an outdoor pool, two restaurants, a gym, a bar, and more. The Daytona is a great place to stay if you are visiting the International Speedway.

Ocean Walk Hotel - The Ocean Walk Hotel by Club Wyndham is a great place to stay in Daytona Beach for families. At the Ocean Walk Hotel you will have beach access, four swimming pools with water slides, a bar, three restaurants, a gym, and more.

Budget Daytona Beach Hotels

The Shores - The Shores hotel feels like luxury. At the Shores Hotel you will find views of the ocean, a pool, a gym, a bar, an more.

Fountain Beach Resort - The Fountain Beach Resort is a great place to stay if you are on a budget in Daytona Beach. At the Fountain Beach Resort you will find everything you need for the best Florida Beach vacation.

What To Do In Daytona Beach, Florida

Daytona International Speedway

The Daytona International Speedway is one of the top attractions in Daytona Beach. The 2.5 mile speedway is is the biggest NASCAR track. I honestly do not have any interest in car racing, but seeing the Daytona International Speedway was actually pretty cool.

🏁Book Here - Daytona International Speedway Tickets

Daytona Beach and Boardwalk

The Daytona Beach and Boardwalk is a must visit. This exciting part of Daytona is lined with hotels, beach volleyball, impressive monuments, and food trucks on the beach. It is unlike any beach! Make sure to visit the Daytona Beach Clock Tower, it reminds my a lot of the one in Palm Beach.

Ocean Walk Shops

The Ocean Walk Shops are located right next to Daytona Beach and the Hilton Hotel. At the Ocean Walk Shops you will find restaurants and shopping. The indoor / outdoor mall has everything you need to enjoy a rainy day in Daytona Beach. Make sure to stop by Bubba Gump Shrimp Co and The Beach Mart.

Andy Romano Beachfront Park

Just five minutes up the road from Daytona Beach is the less touristy Andy Romano Beachfront Park. At The Andy Romano Beachfront Park you can park your car on the beach! It is so weird seeing speed limit signs next to the water. You can also find recreational facilities at the Andy Romano Beachfront Park such as a playground and a gazebo. Andy Romano Beachfront Park is definitely one of the best beaches in Florida because of how unique it is!

South Beach Street

South Beach Street is an adorable street on the mainland that is home to adorable boutique, cafes, restaurants, and museums. The colorful South Beach Street is a great place to visit if you want to experience the old Florida charm. While on South Beach Street be sure to visit Angell and Phelps Chocolate Factory, The Halifax Museum, and The Kress Building.

Angell and Phelps Chocolate Factory

Located on South Beach Street you will find the iconic Angell and Phelps Chocolate Factory. This impressive chocolate factory is a lovely place to visit if you want to see how chocolate is made or if you want to try all different kinds of sweets. We even saw chocolate covered bacon! You can order Angell and Phelps Chocolate online too.

The Halifax Museum

Situated in an old bank building, The Halifax Museum is displays all the Daytona Beach history you could find. You can find information and historical objects dating back to 5000 BC at the Halifax Museum. There is a heavy focus on native indians at the Halifax Museum, so if you are at all interested in that you will love this museum.

Riverfront Esplanade

Located right next to the South Beach Shops is Riverfront Esplanade. At Riverfront Esplanade you will find fountains, walking a biking trails, perfectly maintained gardens, a playground, bathrooms, and more. Make sure to stop by the Brownie Statute in Riverfront Esplanade. Brownie was a beloved stray dog who lived in Daytona in the 1950s. Read more about Brownies story here.

Daytona Beach Shores

Just south of the Daytona Beach Boardwalk you will find Daytona Beach Shores. Daytona Beach Shores is a bit less touristy than the rest of the city. So if you are looking for a peaceful beach day then Daytona Beach Shore is perfect for you. Visit the Daytona Beach Shores website for surf conditions and events.

Daytona Beach Bandshell & Clock

The Daytona Beach Bandshell & Clock is a must visit while in Daytona. The Bandshell & Clock themself is super cool, they are made of stone and they look like something that could be found in Europe. The Bandshell is situated right next to the Ocean Shops and offers concerts throughout the year. To find a concert during your stay check out this website.

Best Tours To Take In Daytona Beach, Florida

🚗Polynesian Fire and Dinner Show Ticket in Daytona Beach - If you are looking for an exciting night out, this Polynesian Fire and Dinner Show is perfect for you! Enjoy a beachside dinner with a fire show in this experience.

🚗Dolphin and Manatee Kayaking Tour - There is nothing like seeing a wild dolphin and manatee. These magnificent animals are easily seen on this kayaking tour in Daytona!

🚗Small Group Sailing Tour - This affordable small group small group sailing tour is a great thing to do in Daytona Beach! On this catamaran tour you will sail through the Halifax River, have the opportunity to swim, and you may even see a dolphin or two!

🚗Zipline Adventure through Tuscawilla Park - This zipline adventure through the stunning Tuscawilla Park is perfect for anyone who wants a break from the beach and to get into nature!

🚗3 Hour Coastal Fun Cruise - This 3 hour coastal cruise is super affordable and will show you the best of the Daytona area on the water. On this tour you will see the Intercoastal waterway, the Ponce Inlet, New Smyrna Beach, and the Halifax River.

Best Daytona Beach Restaurants

Best Daytona Beach Coffee Shops

☕Sweet Marlays Coffee - Sweet Marlays Coffee is situated on South Beach Street and offers european style coffee and breakfast. At Sweet Marlays you will also find tons of seating if you need to do any work.

☕Foxtail - You will find Foxtail locations all over Florida. The one in Daytona Beach is located right by the airport. Foxtail serves quality coffee, food, and is known to be a great place to do any work.

☕Gold Leaf Coffee - Gold Leaf Coffee is a cozy cafe situated in Ormond Beach. You will find amazing coffee and breakfast food served until 11am.

Best Daytona Beach Restaurants

🍴Ocean Deck Restaurant & Beach Bar - The Ocean Deck Restaurant & Beach Bar is a fun and festive restaurant in Daytona. Located right on the water you will find Carribean vibes at this family friendly restaurant.

🍴Caribbean Jack's - Caribbean Jack's is a great place for a fun night out in Daytona. Serving up fun drinks and Carribean style food, the beachside Caribbean Jack's is a great dinner option!

🍴Crabby's Oceanside - Honestly a lot of the restaurants in Daytona Beach are pretty similar (beachy and casual). But there is nothing wrong with that! At Crabby's Oceanside enjoy seafood by the beach.

🍴The Porch Health Bar - If you are craving something healthy, checkout The Porch Health Bar. Located on South Beach Street, The Porch Health Bar offers lovely smoothies, acai bowls, and more!

How To Get To Daytona Beach

I drove to Daytona Beach from Orlando (one hour drive). I didn't realize until I got to Daytona that they have an airport. You can find flights on Delta, Avelo, and American Airlines at The Daytona Beach International Airport. You can find direct flights to Charlotte, Atlanta, and New Haven at the Daytona Beach Airport.

Daytona Beach FAQs

Is Daytona Beach safe?

Overall Daytona Beach, Florida is a safe place to visit. However, there are reports of petty crimes such as pickpocketing and theft. So just be vigilant.

Is Daytona Beach safe to swim?

Yes. You will find the occasional rip current or shark in the area, but overall Daytona Beach is a safe place to swim.

What county is Daytona Beach, FL?

Daytona Beach is located in Volusia County on Florida's East Coast.

How far is Daytona Beach from Orlando?

Daytona Beach is about an hour northeast of Orlando.

Is Daytona Beach dog friendly?

Yes! You will find plenty of dog friendly establishments throughout Daytona Beach.

Is Daytona Beach a city?

Technically Daytona Beach is a city, but it feels more like a large town rather a city.

Where is Daytona Beach?

Daytona Beach is a city located on Florida's east coast (about an hour northeast of Orlando).

Is Daytona Beach nice?

I think that for a family vacation Daytona Beach is perfect. They definitely need to improve in a few things, but overall it's pretty nice.

A Complete Guide To Daytona Beach, Florida Wrap Up

Daytona Beach, Florida is a wonderful place for a beach vacation, especially if you are on a budget. I hope that this complete guide to Daytona Beach, Florida helps you plan an unforgettable vacation and pick up a few Daytona Beach travel tips. If you liked this post we think you will love our perfect guide to Palm Beach, out ultimate guide to Miami, our guide to Orlando, our guide to Coral Gables, and our best guide to Delray Beach.