10 Things to Do in Daytona Beach That Aren’t the Beach

When most people think of Daytona Beach, one thing immediately comes to mind: the beach. And understandably so. With miles of beautiful Atlantic coastline, Daytona Beach has earned its reputation as one of Florida’s favorite beach destinations.

But there’s much more to Daytona Beach than sitting on the sand. From spotting wild dolphins on the Intracoastal Waterway to exploring one of Florida’s most famous lighthouses, there is plenty to experience once you put away the beach towel.

If you’re planning a visit, here are 10 things to do in Daytona Beach that aren’t the beach.

1. Take a Boat Cruise on the Intracoastal Waterway

You can spend your entire holiday looking at the water — or you can get out on it. A small-group boat cruise offers an entirely different perspective of Daytona Beach.

Florida’s Intracoastal Waterway winds past waterfront homes, tropical islands, mangroves, and wonderfully undeveloped stretches of coastline. Along the way, keep your eyes open for dolphins, pelicans, and other local wildlife — perhaps even an occasional manatee.

At Florida Boat Vacations, our cruises carry no more than nine passengers aboard a comfortable Sea Ray, allowing guests to relax and actually enjoy being on the water. Choose a daytime sightseeing cruise or head out later for a Champagne Sunset Cruise and watch the Florida sky change color from the water.

Local tip: If you only have time for one cruise, sunset is rather difficult to beat.

2. Climb the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse

Just south of Daytona Beach stands one of the area’s most recognizable landmarks: the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse. At 175 feet tall, it is the tallest lighthouse in Florida and one of the tallest in the United States.

If you’re willing to tackle the 203 steps to the top, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views across the Atlantic Ocean, Ponce Inlet, and the surrounding waterways. Even if you don’t fancy the climb, the lighthouse grounds and museum are well worth exploring. You can also catch wonderful views of the lighthouse from the water.

3. Visit Daytona International Speedway

You don’t have to be a die-hard NASCAR fan to appreciate Daytona International Speedway. The enormous motorsports complex is one of the landmarks that made Daytona Beach famous around the world and is home to the legendary Daytona 500.

Depending on when you visit, you may be able to take a speedway tour, explore exhibits, or experience one of the many racing events held throughout the year. Standing beside the track also gives you a completely different appreciation for just how steep those famous banked turns really are.

4. Explore the Museum of Arts & Sciences

Need an escape from the Florida heat — or one of those occasional afternoon thunderstorms? Head to the Museum of Arts & Sciences, known locally as MOAS.

The museum has an unexpectedly diverse collection, including American art, Cuban art, historic automobiles, a planetarium, and exhibits covering science and regional history. It’s an especially good option for families looking for something educational that doesn’t feel like school.

5. Walk Through Historic Downtown Daytona Beach

Cross over the bridges from the beachside and you’ll discover another side of Daytona. Historic Beach Street runs alongside the Halifax River and offers shops, restaurants, parks, and lovely waterfront views.

It’s an enjoyable area for a relaxed afternoon stroll and a good opportunity to see a part of Daytona Beach that many visitors overlook. Grab a coffee, wander along the riverfront, and enjoy Daytona at a slightly slower pace.

6. Look for Dolphins in the Halifax River

One of the best things about Daytona Beach is that you don’t have to visit an aquarium to see dolphins. They’re already here.

Bottlenose dolphins regularly travel through the Halifax River and Intracoastal Waterway, sometimes appearing surprisingly close to boats. There’s never a guarantee with wild animals — which is precisely what makes seeing them so special — but spotting a dolphin surfacing beside the boat often becomes one of those unexpected holiday moments people remember for years.

Keep your camera ready. They rarely send an appointment request before appearing.

7. Discover Tomoka State Park

Just north of Daytona Beach you’ll find a quieter side of Florida at Tomoka State Park. The park sits along the Tomoka River beneath a canopy of live oaks and palms and provides opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching.

It’s particularly good for visitors who want to experience some of Florida’s natural landscape away from the busier tourist areas. Bring insect repellent. Trust us on that one.

8. Have Dinner on the Water

There’s something about eating seafood while actually looking at the water that makes it taste approximately 37% better. We can’t scientifically prove that, but we’re sticking with it.

Daytona Beach and the surrounding area have several waterfront restaurants where you can watch boats cruise along the Intracoastal while enjoying fresh seafood, drinks, and a Florida sunset. For a particularly memorable evening, combine dinner with a sunset boat cruise.

Boat. Champagne. Sunset. Dinner. That’s a pretty good Daytona evening.

9. Explore the Marine Science Center

Located in nearby Ponce Inlet, the Marine Science Center is a terrific stop for families and anyone interested in Florida’s marine wildlife. The center is particularly known for its work rehabilitating sea turtles and seabirds.

Visitors can learn about the area’s marine ecosystems while getting a closer look at some of the animals that call this part of Florida home. It’s also easy to combine with a visit to the nearby Ponce Inlet Lighthouse.

10. Watch a Florida Sunset From the Water

Yes, we’re mentioning boats twice. We make no apologies.

Watching the sun disappear from the beach is beautiful. Watching it from a boat while gently cruising along the Intracoastal is something else entirely. As the afternoon heat fades, the water often becomes calmer and the sky begins changing from blue to gold, orange, pink, and purple.

Waterfront homes light up along the shoreline. Pelicans make their final flights overhead. Dolphins occasionally make an appearance. And suddenly everyone becomes a professional sunset photographer.

Our Champagne Sunset Cruise at Florida Boat Vacations was created around precisely this experience — a relaxed, small-group evening on the water with no crowds and no rush. Just Daytona Beach, a boat, and one rather spectacular Florida sky.

There’s More to Daytona Beach Than the Beach

Don’t get us wrong. We love the beach. But if you spend your entire Daytona Beach holiday sitting on the sand, you’ll miss some of the experiences that make this part of Florida so special.

Climb the lighthouse. Explore the Speedway. Wander along the river. Discover Florida’s wildlife. And at least once during your visit, get out on the water.

You may discover that your favorite Daytona Beach memory didn’t happen on the beach at all.

Ready to See Daytona Beach From the Water?

Join Florida Boat Vacations for a relaxed small-group cruise along Daytona Beach’s beautiful Intracoastal Waterway. With a maximum of nine passengers, our cruises offer a more personal way to experience the waterways, wildlife, waterfront homes, and spectacular sunsets that most Daytona visitors never get to see.

Explore our sightseeing cruises and Champagne Sunset Cruises and reserve your seats today.