Daytona Beach, Florida: Ultimate Weekend Trip Guide

Dreaming of a laid-back beach weekend packed with sun, fun, and a dash of adventure? Daytona Beach, Florida, is the perfect spot for a weekend getaway.

daytona beach sunset amazing weekend trip guide and tips
Daytona Beach has amazing sunsets and is perfect for a weekend trip!

Whether you’re into scenic lighthouses, iconic boardwalks, or waterfront dining, this coastal gem has something for everyone. Plus, it’s just a short drive from St. Augustine and Cape Canaveral, so you can easily extend  or add to the fun!

Here’s how to make the most of your trip to the Daytona Beach Coast.

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hotel view where to stay in daytona beach trip guide
There are great hotel options in Daytona Beach with amazing views!

🌊 Where to Stay in Daytona Beach

Want oceanfront views and easy access to the beach? These top-rated Daytona Beach hotels will have you checking in and chilling out in no time.

  • Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort – Located directly on the beach and steps from the boardwalk, this is a favorite for beachfront convenience and on-site dining. Read Reviews and Check Rates
  • Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach – With a sleek vibe, ocean view rooms, and live music events, it’s perfect for couples or a girls’ weekend trip. Read Reviews and Check Rates
  • The Shores Resort & Spa – This upscale boutique hotel sits just south of Daytona Beach Shores and offers a serene spa and poolside fire pits. Read Reviews and Check Rates
  • Daytona Grande Oceanfront Resort – One of the newer luxury hotels on the strip, offering stunning views and modern amenities. Read Reviews and Check Rates

💡 Tip: Book early during race season or spring break or travel off-season—rooms go fast!

🍷🌴Find the best stylish resort wear outfits for your Daytona trip that are still budget-friendly on Amazon!

daytona beach boardwalk pier what to do on a trip
We loved the Daytona Beach boardwalk and pier on our trip!

🎡 What to Do in Daytona Beach

Whether you’re looking for beach relaxation or action-packed adventures, here are some of the best things to do in Daytona Beach on a weekend trip:

  • Walk the Daytona Beach Boardwalk & Pier – Ride the Ferris wheel, play arcade games, and enjoy oceanfront snacks while soaking in the classic boardwalk vibes.
  • Tour the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse & Museum – Just 20 minutes south, this historic lighthouse is Florida’s tallest. Climb to the top for panoramic views and photos. (we got our first Lighthouse Passport stamp here!)
  • Go beach e-biking – Take an e-bike tour along the hard-packed sand—it’s a signature Daytona experience!
  • Catch a sunrise or sunset – Take a sunset champagne boat tour! The beach is wide and open here, offering spectacular sunrise/sunset views right over the ocean.
  • Daytona International Speedway – Even if you’re not a racing fan, the tours and museum are super cool.

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daytona beach crabby's seafood on pier where to eat
A delicious seafood boil is the perfect Daytona Beach food to enjoy!

🍴 Best Places to Eat in Daytona Beach

Daytona is full of tasty local spots! Here are a few must-try places:

  • Crabby’s Oceanside – Casual dining right on the beach with great seafood and cocktails.
  • Chart House – Upscale waterfront dining with fresh seafood and a killer happy hour.
  • The Oyster Pub – Fun, lively atmosphere with great wings, oysters, and big screens if you want to catch a game.
  • Donnie’s Donuts – Don’t leave without grabbing a gourmet donut here (try the maple bacon or fruity pebbles!).
Daytona Beach unique clock tower on beach near hilton
There are many unique things to see in Daytona Beach

🌴 Favorite Trusted Tours & Day Trips

Want to explore more or see Daytona from a different angle? These highly-rated tours are popular with visitors:


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daytona beach rocks trip guide hilton view
This amazing beach rocks view is just behind the Hilton Garden Inn on the beach.

🌟 Unique and Fun Facts About Daytona Beach

  • 🚗 You Can Drive on the Beach!
    Daytona Beach is one of the few places in the U.S. where you can legally drive your car right on the sand. There are designated driving zones along the hard-packed beach, and it’s a fun novelty for first-time visitors. Just be sure to follow the speed limit (10 mph) and keep an eye out for pedestrians!
  • 🏁 Birthplace of Speed
    Before the Daytona International Speedway was built, races were held right on the beach in the early 1900s. The packed sand and wide shore made it ideal for testing fast cars—hence Daytona’s nickname, “The Birthplace of Speed.”
  • 🎸 Hard Rock Hotel with a Music Vibe
    Daytona Beach is home to one of only a few beachfront Hard Rock Hotels, offering live music, rock memorabilia, and a luxury experience with a fun twist.
  • 🎡 Historic Boardwalk Since the 1930s
    The Daytona Beach Boardwalk has been a seaside attraction for nearly a century. It still has an old-school vibe with arcades, rides, funnel cakes, and live music during summer months.
  • 🚦 Famous for Bike Week and Biketoberfest
    Daytona isn’t just about cars—it’s also home to Bike Week in March and Biketoberfest in October, drawing motorcycle enthusiasts from around the country. If you want to avoid huge crowds, steer clear of those weekends.
  • 🌞 Over 230 Days of Sunshine a Year
    On average, Daytona Beach enjoys more than 230 sunny days a year, making it a great year-round destination for beach lovers.
best sunsets daytona beach trip guide
Daytona Beach has some of the most beautiful sunsets that we’ve seen!

❓FAQs About Visiting Daytona Beach for a Weekend

1. When is the best time to visit Daytona Beach to avoid big crowds

The best time to visit Daytona Beach with fewer crowds is late spring (May to early June) or early fall (September to mid-October). Avoid Spring Break (mid-March to early April) and Daytona 500 week in February, when hotels sell out and the beach and boardwalk are packed. Weekdays are also more relaxed than weekends if you can swing a Friday arrival.

2. Is Daytona Beach family-friendly for a weekend getaway?

Yes! Daytona Beach offers a mix of kid-friendly activities and grown-up fun. Families love the Daytona Lagoon Water Parkmini golfbike rentals on the beach, and educational visits to Ponce Inlet Lighthouse. The boardwalk area has arcades and casual eats that are fun for all ages. Just be mindful of the party vibe during peak Spring Break weeks if you’re traveling with little ones.

3. How far is Daytona Beach from other top Florida destinations like St. Augustine or Cape Canaveral?

Daytona Beach is in a prime spot for short day trips! It’s just about 1 hour north of Cape Canaveral and 1 hour south of St. Augustine by car. This makes it easy to add a day exploring NASA’s Kennedy Space Center or wandering historic streets and ghost tours in the nation’s oldest city.

daytona beach ocean view stroll
The shallow entry to the Atlantic Ocean makes Daytona Beach unique.

✨ Why Daytona Beach is a Perfect Weekend Getaway

Daytona Beach isn’t just a spring break destination—it’s a year-round beach town with charm, history, and endless entertainment. From relaxing on the sand to climbing historic lighthouses and sipping sunset cocktails, this Florida gem delivers a perfect mix of chill and thrill.

So pack your weekend bag (don’t forget sunscreen and your beach hat!), and get ready to soak up the sun in Daytona.

Save this guide for your next coastal escape and don’t forget to check out our other Florida adventures in St. Augustine and Cape Canaveral for even more road trip inspiration!

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