Daytona Beach holidays
The birthplace of NASCAR, Daytona Beach is an all-American coastal town that delivers big on sun-soaked adventures and heart-pounding fun. It’s famous for Daytona International Speedway and miles of family-friendly beaches. In between the speed and sand, a holiday to Daytona Beach blends sumptuous seafood with specialty shopping and spring breaker–loving nightlife. Whatever’s on your itinerary, gear up for a good time.
Daytona Beach holiday highlights
Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
Beaches, watersports and wildlife
A holiday to Daytona Beach will inevitably involve more than a couple of beach days. That’s because there are 23 miles of hard-packed Atlantic shoreline to enjoy. In true Florida style, grab a surfboard or kayak and hit the water. Or spot the nesting sea turtles that come ashore between May and October. For classic seaside entertainment, Daytona Beach Boardwalk won’t disappoint.
High-speed racing
Get revved up for high-octane action at Daytona International Speedway. When you aren’t watching world-renowned events like the Daytona 500, take the wheel of a NASCAR and race around this iconic track. Make a pit stop at the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, then see where the city’s racing heritage began at Ormond Beach’s Birthplace of Speed Park.
Where to stay
For quick access to the beach and family-friendly activities, pick from chain and independent hotels in the Daytona Beach Boardwalk District and Seabreeze Historic District. Stay on the doorstep of galleries, museums and the speedway in the Speedway Gateway District. Or head to Daytona Beach Shores for laidback beachside vibes.
Daytona Beach: Know before you go
Language
English
Currency
United States dollar ($)
Time zone
UTC-5 (EST) and UTC-4 (EDT)
High season
February – March
Low season
April – May
/
Caption
Photographer name
Things to do in Daytona Beach
CycleHere Media
Places to eat
Boasting a seemingly endless supply of fresh seafood from the Atlantic Ocean and Halifax River, finding places to feast on crab buckets and shrimp platters is easy. Whether your taste is surf or turf, Daytona Beach’s casual and fine-dining waterfront restaurants deliver. Don’t miss the Daytona Beach Flea and Farmers Market open Friday, Saturday and Sunday to grab baked treats and fresh fruit for a beachside picnic.
Nightlife
After sundown, Daytona Beach slips into another gear of entertainment. Areas like Highway A1A, International Speedway Boulevard and Seabreeze Boulevard are buzzing with dive bars, themed pubs and live music venues. Come March, they fill up with the raucous Spring Break crowd. With over 20 stops showcasing the best of the city’s craft brewing scene, Daytona Beach Ale Trail is a delight for beer connoisseurs.
Shopping
Make a move for downtown’s historic Beach Street to browse for one-of-a-kind artwork, jewellery and footwear at the Riverfront Shops of Daytona. Then check out speedway-themed ONE DAYTONA for speciality stores and family entertainment. And if your idea of shopping heaven is brand-name fashion at discounted prices, there are over 75 outlets at Tanger.
FAQs about Daytona Beach holidays
January is the coolest time of year to visit. Organise your Daytona Beach trip then and you can anticipate lows of 8ºC (46ºF).
The warmest month in Daytona Beach is August, with maximum temperatures of 33ºC (91ºF).
For a destination that brings together beach activities, great shopping and a pulsating nightlife scene, Daytona Beach fits the bill. Add in turbo-charged racing and a flourishing arts scene for a memorable holiday to Daytona Beach.
During your city break in Daytona Beach, you'll hear the locals talking mostly in English.
The United States dollar (USD) is the official currency. From shopping at local markets to tipping, keeping a little cash handy during your trip to Daytona Beach can be useful.
Daytona Beach is generally considered a safe place to visit, but like any destination, it's best to exercise caution. Limit the amount of cash you carry, store emergency numbers in your phone and only use licensed ride-share services or cabs. Additionally, stick to well-lit areas if you're out and about at night during your holiday to Daytona Beach.
Daytona Beach is a year-round destination with consistently balmy sea temperatures, making it ideal for watersport lovers. Motorsports fans should come in February for Daytona Speedweek. If rock music is more your thing, book your holiday to Daytona Beach in May for Welcome to Rockville.
Accommodation costs in Daytona Beach typically spike due to increased demand around popular events like February’s Daytona 500, Spring Break and the NASCAR Cup Series races. Plan your holiday to Daytona Beach outside of peak times for more budget-friendly hotel options.
If your trip to Daytona Beach is mainly about exploring the highlights, three to five days should do the trick. Plan for at least a week if you don't want to feel rushed. Longer visits provide the chance to relax and explore without any time pressure, especially after a long-distance trip.
The rainiest month is August, which gets an average rainfall of 21 cm. But don't let that put a damper on your Daytona Beach trip — there's still plenty to do indoors like shopping, wandering through museums, or hanging out in cafes.
More holiday inspiration
Do I need a visa travelling from Australia?
5 best premium economy airlines worth paying for
