Daytona Beach holidays

Deals from £790 per person

Holidays to Daytona Beach are a wonderful blend of easy beach life and world-class arts and entertainment. Found on Florida’s east coast, this seafront city is known for its spectator sports, that’s when you’re not slowing things down on the sand. Families will feel right at home thanks to the bustling boardwalk filled with amusements, while couples are in the perfect spot for partying with an Ale Trail made up of 18 local craft breweries.

Endless sands

Daytona’s sands are world-famous for good reason. With 23 miles of beautiful shoreline overlooking the azure Atlantic, you could easily spend your days relaxing under the sun. Daytona Beach is the first stop for most. Find all kinds of wet sports dotted along this 8 mile stretch, including fishing, surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking - and if you’re lucky, you might even spot dolphins leaping out from the waves.

Need a break from the heat? Take a stroll down the oceanfront boardwalk! Crammed with entertainment options, there’s so much to do whether you want a bite to eat, fancy a shopping spree or want to ride the amusements. You’ll discover plenty more beaches close by, too, from the family favourite, Sun Splash Park, to the surfing hotspot, New Smyrna Beach.

Feel the rush

Petrolheads will be in their element at Daytona Beach! Not only is it home to one of the world’s most famous racing tracks - Daytona International Speedway - but you can take a ride in a real NASCAR car. Don’t want to get behind the wheel? Then, you can hit the track with a professional instructor. You don’t have to be a racing fan to appreciate this amazing venue either! With behind-the-scenes tours and the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, you’re guaranteed a great day out. Those who come here in February shouldn’t miss out on a chance to witness all the trackside action at one of the biggest sporting events in the US, Daytona 500.

An entertainment mecca

You’ll never run out of fun things to do in Florida! And Daytona Beach holidays are definitely up there with Orlando when it comes to entertainment. Find cultural spots like the Museum of Arts & Sciences, with its state-of-the-art planetarium to Charles and Linda Williams Children’s Museum with its interactive exhibitions. Or there’s the Marine Science Center, where little animal lovers can see how sick seabirds and turtles are nursed back to health. You can’t beat a day at Daytona Lagoon water park on those warm Florida days. Kids will love the spray guns and wave pool, while parents can make the most of the relaxing lazy river.

Unspoilt beauty

There’s plenty of chance to wander off the beaten track on your holidays to Daytona Beach. Just a few short miles south of here, at the southernmost tip of the peninsula, is Ponce Inlet, home to the tallest lighthouse in Florida. Climb to the top and take in those glittering Atlantic panoramas. Want to spot wildlife in their natural setting? Make your way to Tomoka State Park (20 minutes’ north of Daytona). A resting spot for around 160 species of bird as well as alligator and the West Indian Manatee, it’s a must-visit for rare sightings.

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Map of Daytona Beach

15°C - 27°C

Thanks to Florida’s tropical climate, Daytona Beach stays warm all year with long, hot summers and short, mild winters.

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9 - 10 hours

Melbourne Orlando International, which takes just over 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach Daytona Beach by car.

Daytona Beach is best for…

Sporting fans: From experiencing the racing action at Daytona International Speedway to catching a game of baseball at the legendary Jackie Robinson Ballpark and teeing off in one of the 20 plus golf courses, getting your sporting fix has never been easier.

Party animals: Don’t be fooled by Daytona’s relaxing sands! As soon as the sun goes down, the place comes alive with live music venues, nightclubs, open-air shows and an amazing craft beer scene.

Beach bums: From its spring break crowds to its hard-packed sands, ideal for both driving on and trying out amazing watersports, it’sno wonder Daytona has been dubbed ‘the world’s most famous beach’.

Fast facts for Daytona Beach

Language: The language spoken in Daytona Beach is English.

Currency: The currency used in Daytona Beach is the US Dollar ($).

Local time: Daytona Beach is five hours behind GMT/UK time.

Fly to: Melbourne Orlando International Airport is 110 kilometres from Orlando city centre, on Florida’s Space Coast.

Flight time from UK: 9 - 10 hours

Tourist Information: Further tourist information can be found at the official tourism website for Daytona Beach.

Visa & Health: Before you travel, check the latest advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

Getting around Daytona Beach

By hire car: If you want to get the most out of your trip to Florida, hiring a car is the way to do it! Roads are well signposted and it’s a great way to hop from city to city, with Orlando just under an hour’s drive away. And did we mention you can drive on Daytona’s sands?

By bus: With bus stops dotted all over Daytona Beach, you won’t struggle getting from A to B. It’s also one of the cheapest options, with day and week passes offering fantastic value for money.

By bike: Eco-tourists will love just how cycle-friendly Daytona is! Whether you want to discover over 70 miles of showcase trails, or prefer to stick to the city, hiring a bike in Daytona is a fun way to soak up the sunshine.

Events in Daytona Beach

Bandshell Summer Concert Series & Fireworks: From May to September, you can catch a free concert every Friday and Saturday evening between 7:15pm to 9:30pm. And those who attend the Saturday night show, can also enjoy a firework display over the ocean at Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier.

Halifax Art Festival: Book your Daytona Beach holidays in early November and attend Florida’s 2nd oldest continual art festival. Taking place in the historic downtown area, you can look forward to everything from live entertainment, art competitions and children’s activities.

Daytona 500: Motorsport enthusiasts shouldn’t miss Daytona 500! Held every February, this high-speed event is one of the most prestigious NASCAR races in the world of racing.

Safety and security in Daytona Beach

For up-to-date advice on travelling to Daytona Beach, please visit the FCDO website.

Do I need a visa?

All British citizens will require a visa, or an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) visa waiver to enter the US. Please visit the US State Department website to find out which you need.

Do I need a passport?

All British citizens need a passport to travel to the US, which will need to be valid for the duration of your stay. No additional period of validity is required beyond this.

For the most up-to-date advice on entry requirements to the US, please visit the FCDO website.

Daytona Beach weather

Temperature: Average highs range from 21°C in January and 31°C in July.

Best time to visit: March to May is often considered the best time to visit Daytona Beach. The weather is often hot, but not unbearable and you can get some great early-summer deals.

However, if you want to avoid the spring break crowds, we suggest sticking to April and May when you can experience more laid-back beach days without the revellers. If you choose to book your holidays to Daytona in the summer, July is the hottest month, while September is the wettest. It’s also important to be aware of hurricane season (June to November).

Weather in Daytona Beach for