Day Trips from Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach sits in the sweet spot of Florida’s east coast — Orlando’s theme parks are an hour west, the oldest city in America is an hour north, and Kennedy Space Center is an hour south. Here are the best day trips.

St. Augustine — 1 Hour North

The oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the United States, founded by the Spanish in 1565. St. Augustine’s colonial-era architecture, cobblestone streets, and bayfront setting make it one of the most walkable historic districts in the country.

Must-see: Castillo de San Marcos (the oldest masonry fort in the US, $15 admission), St. George Street (pedestrian shopping and dining), Flagler College (stunning Spanish Renaissance architecture, free to view the exterior), and the Bridge of Lions.

Eat: Columbia Restaurant (the oldest restaurant in Florida), The Floridian (farm-to-table Southern), and ice cream at The Hyppo (gourmet popsicles).

Best approach from Daytona: Take A1A north along the coast for the scenic route (1.5 hours) or I-95 for speed (1 hour).

Orlando Theme Parks — 1 Hour West

Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando (including Epic Universe), SeaWorld, LEGOLAND, and dozens of smaller attractions are all about 60-75 minutes from Daytona Beach via I-4.

Pro tip: Staying at a Daytona Beach timeshare resort and day-tripping to Orlando gives you resort accommodations at a fraction of Orlando hotel prices, plus beach access when you’re not at the parks.

→ Orlando Fun Things To Do

Kennedy Space Center — 1 Hour South

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex at Cape Canaveral is one of the best museums/attractions in Florida. Saturn V rockets, Space Shuttle Atlantis, launch simulators, and often the opportunity to meet real astronauts.

Rocket launches: SpaceX, ULA, and NASA launch from Cape Canaveral regularly. Check the launch schedule before your visit — watching a launch from the beach at Canaveral National Seashore or from the KSC viewing area is a bucket-list experience. Launches are visible from Daytona Beach itself on clear days.

→ Cocoa Beach & Cape Canaveral Fun Things To Do

New Smyrna Beach — 20 Minutes South

The laid-back neighbor. New Smyrna Beach has a more independent, artsy vibe than Daytona — local restaurants on Canal Street (the main downtown strip), excellent surfing (considered one of the best breaks in Florida), and a less touristy beach atmosphere.

Also known for: The shark bite capital of the world. The inlet attracts baitfish, which attract sharks, which occasionally encounter surfers. The bites are almost always minor (blacktip sharks), but it’s become part of NSB’s identity. Don’t let it scare you — millions swim here safely every year.

Blue Spring State Park — 45 Minutes West

One of the best places in Florida to see manatees in the wild. During winter months (November-March), hundreds of manatees congregate in the 73°F spring water. The spring run is crystal clear and you can watch them from the elevated boardwalk.

Swimming: The spring is open for swimming when manatees are not present (typically April-October). The water is a constant 73°F and gin-clear. Kayak and canoe rentals available.

Admission: $6 per vehicle.

Ponce Inlet — 15 Minutes South

Technically still Daytona Beach area, but worth a separate trip. The Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in Florida (175 feet, 203 steps to the top). The views from the top span from Daytona to Cape Canaveral.

The inlet itself has fishing charter boats, waterfront restaurants (Inlet Harbor, Down the Hatch, Racing’s North Turn), and the Marine Science Center — a sea turtle rehabilitation center and bird sanctuary.

Ocala National Forest — 1.5 Hours West

Silver Springs (glass-bottom boat tours over crystal-clear springs), Alexander Springs (swimming and kayaking in a spring-fed pool), and Juniper Springs (one of the most beautiful kayak runs in Florida). Old Florida at its best.

→ Daytona Beach Fun Things To Do — Complete Guide → Daytona Beach Timeshare Promotions