When you think of Daytona Beach, you probably think of its famous International Speedway. But did you know that it is home to the largest collection of Florida art in the world? Or that there is a state forest within the city? Or that it has one of the largest flea markets in the state? This city on Florida’s east coast is full of surprises, in addition to about 23 miles of coastline with exquisite beaches. 

This roundup of attractions just scratches the surface of things to do in Daytona Beach. If you’re planning a trip, the beginning of the year is the busiest season for visitors. Between the Daytona 500 in February, Daytona Beach Bike Week in late February to March, and spring break, hotel rooms are in demand (and more expensive) and the roads and beaches will be more crowded. To save money and beat the crowds, opt for a summer or early fall trip. 

Dubbed “the world’s most famous beach,” it’s easy to access the surf and sand in Daytona through the city’s numerous beachfront parks, like University Boulevard Beach Park, Frank Rendon Park, and Sun Splash Park, which has a fun splash pad for kids. The shores here are known for being wide and flat; in some areas you can even drive right onto the sand. 

At more than 28,000 acres, this massive state forest is home to trails, swamps, pine islands, and numerous species of birds and wildlife, like Florida black bears and bald eagles. There are hiking trails, fishing spots, and picnic areas throughout the forest. At the Indian Lake Recreation Area and Tiger Bay Office Site, you can find all three (and restrooms). 

This lovely outdoor gathering place along the Intracoastal Waterway contains a splash pad, dog park, picnic pavilions, a walking trail, and a riverfront market with local vendors on certain days of the month. Check its calendar of events for seasonal festivals and concerts.

Whether you’re interested in a solo trip or getting the whole family out on the water, Kayak Atlantic Waters offers guided tours and all the equipment you need to paddle around the coast of Daytona Beach. The company can take kayakers on fishing trips as well.

More than just a retail strip, this stretch of downtown Daytona is also home to several restaurants plus a movie theater, the Halifax Historical Museum, the Esplanade, and more. But if you are in the mood to shop, you’ll find several galleries and stores selling books, records, jewelry, and home decor.

One of the largest flea markets in Florida, this massive shopping complex is open Friday through Sunday. With about 100 vendors, there is a little bit of everything here, from jewelry to pickles and hot sauce to collectible items like coins and comic books. You’ll also find fresh produce and two on-site restaurants.

You could spend hours browsing this eclectic assortment of 50 vendors under one roof. The space is filled with handmade, antique, and secondhand items including dishes, furniture, jewelry, and art.  

The Museum of Arts and Sciences (MOAS) is Central Florida’s largest museum, encompassing art, science, and history in several different wings. The Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art has the largest collection of Florida art, including 2,600 oil and watercolor paintings of the state. Kids will love exploring the Charles and Linda Williams Children's Museum, which is filled with hands-on educational exhibits. They’ll also enjoy The Root Museum with its vintage Coca-Cola memorabilia, race cars, and collection of more than 800 teddy bears. 

Learn about space at the Lowell & Nancy Lohman Planetarium, and view traveling exhibits and other works of art in the North Wing and L. Gale Lemerand Wing.

This old-fashioned beach boardwalk has everything you would expect: classic arcade and carnival games, gift shops filled with souvenir t-shirts, and even a ferris wheel. In the evening, you’ll see street performers and in the summer months, there’s a nightly fireworks show.

Even if you’re not a “car person,” you shouldn’t leave Daytona without visiting its most famous attraction. The 500-acre motorsports complex includes the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, where you can check out vehicles of all kinds and learn about the history of racing. There are daily speedway tours (tickets are required) and a calendar filled with racing events if you want to see the action for yourself.