Things to do in Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach’s biggest draw card is its vast stretches of golden sandy shoreline where relaxation and a variety of water sports are ideal ways of filling the days. For those looking to get out and about however, the city offers a modest selection of attractions with tours of various natures coming in top of the list. The city’s annual racing events are of course another major reason why many people head to this part of Florida.

Daytona Beach Ghost Walks

For lovers of all things spooky and spectral, the Daytona Beach Ghost Walks lead participants around the city to sites famously associated with ghostly and supernatural sightings. At each designated stop, tour leaders provide commentary on the background of the site and its alleged supernatural occurrences. A total of three different tours are available during which visitors are given ample opportunity to take photographs.

Daytona Beach River Cruises and TrolleyBoat Tours

Take a trip down the Halifax River on a cruiser or trolleyboat and you’ll be offered the chance to see an eclectic mix of the historic and natural sights of Daytona Beach. Old buildings and the scenic Beach Street can be viewed, while indigenous wildlife species such as manatees and dolphins make regular appearances, much to the delight of visitors.

Daytona International Speedway

After the city’s beaches, the Daytona International Speedway is perhaps its biggest attraction. The facility features a 2.5 mile tri-oval race track which is the setting for the races with a variety of vehicles such as go-karts, modified pickup trucks, dirt bikes, sports cars, stock cars and motorcycles. With seating for 168,000 spectators, the Speedway is a great place to head to enjoy the thrills of live racing.

Daytona USA

Ideal for lovers of motor sports and equally appealing to those indifferent to them, Daytona USA is a popular attraction located adjacent to the Speedway and offering interactive experiences based around the city’s all important relationship with car racing. A variety of attractions can be found at the facility and include an IMAX theatre showing motor sport related movies and documentaries, the 'STP's Daytona Time Trials' and the 'You Call the Race' attraction. Guided tours of the facility are available and last 30 minutes.

Angell and Phelps Chocolate Factory

Cooking up some of Florida’s finest sweet treats, Angell and Phelps Chocolate Factory has been part of Daytona Beach since 1925. Still a working facility, the factory also opens to visitors giving 30 minute guided tours which give an in-depth look into the entire chocolate making process as well as offering ample opportunity to sample some of the factory’s creations.

Daytona Parasail

Visitors with a head for heights and those in search of thrills and an entirely different perspective of the city can book a parasailing experience (+1 386 547 6067) from Silver Beach. Choose from five different routes and prepare yourself for reaching heights of up to 2,000 feet. Disposable cameras are available for those wanting to get snaps of the city from above.

Daytona Beach Kennel Club

If you’re keen on a spot of greyhound racing then head to the Daytona Beach Kennel Club where the dogs race regularly and you’ve every opportunity to win or lose vast sums of money betting on the outcomes. A games room also offers card players the chance to play a little poker or several other card games with stakes involved.

Museums

Daytona Beach is a little lacking when it comes to museums and it’s probably fair to say that it’s the wrong city to visit if you’re looking for a holiday with historic and heritage based attractions. The city is not entirely bereft of museums however and those looking to immerse themselves in a little history and culture will find something of interest.

The Halifax Historical Museum

This museum is home to a decent sized collection of artefacts and exhibits which give visitors some background on the Halifax area and a taste of what life was like before the invasion of hotels and other big businesses.

The Museum of Arts and Sciences
This museum houses an impressive selection of American fine and decorative arts as well as African, Chinese and Cuban artefacts. There are many interactive displays and the fascinating mix of science with art is sure to keep the entire family occupied for a while.

The Klassix Auto Attraction
This is a museum perfect for car lovers everywhere. It offers a variety of vehicle and racing related memorabilia including some genuine vintage motorcycles and cars.