If you’re looking for things to do in Daytona Beach and Ponce Inlet, I’ve got you covered.
You’ll find a range of activities for all ages and interests including racing, outdoor adventure, the arts, hidden gems, and more!
The destination has “grown up” quite a bit if your previous memories are from its reputation during its “spring break era” in the late 80s/ early 90s. Those days are long gone.
In fact, Daytona Beach’s current spring break culture is very family-friendly, coming full circle with some former spring breakers, now parents, and very grateful social media didn’t exist back then.
Learn more about what Daytona Beach and Ponce Inlet offer for vacationers of all ages, year-round.
Thanks again to Visit Daytona Beach for hosting my visit. All opinions are my own. This article contains affiliate links.
1. Take a Track Tour at Daytona International Speedway
International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL
You don’t have to be a huge race fan to enjoy the Daytona International Speedway Track Tour.
The narrated one-hour tour in an open-air tram shares racing history and interesting facts about the track and sport today.
Highlights include riding through the infield on a covered tram, seeing the 31-degree bank turns up close, a closer look at Pit Row, a photo opp at Victory Lane, stopping at the start/finish line, and more!
Save on Your Daytona International Speedway Track Tour Here
2. Spend Time at the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America
Located in: Daytona International Speedway
Track tours include admission to the Motorsports Hall of Fame.
This museum is the only place in the world where you can view all the forms of motorsports under one roof.
Be on the lookout for the winning DAYTONA 500 car on display and exhibits showcasing Stock Cars, Sports Cars, Open Wheel, Motorcycles, Drag Racing, Off-Road, Land Speed Records, Powerboating, and Aviation.
3. Visit Where Beach Racing Began at Racing’s North Turn
4511 S. Atlantic Avenue, Ponce Inlet, FL
Dine where beach racing began at Racing’s North Turn. The beachside restaurant is next to the former North Turn for the beach race course.
One of my favorite nods to the historic site is the black and white overlay on the window to help you visualize the beach race course.
The restaurant also has a small museum with photographs, memorabilia, and more.
Learn About All of the Racing-Themed Stops in Daytona Beach Here
4. Memorable Mini Golf at PopStroke Daytona Beach
1283 Cornerstone Boulevard, Daytona Beach, FL 32114
PopStroke Daytona Beach has something for all ages and skill levels appealing to locals and tourists!
You could easily spend hours eating, drinking, and playing here.
It’s first come, first served. There are no reservations for the restaurant or the mini golf courses.
Two 18-hole mini-golf courses give players the challenges of a real golf course with bunkers, fairways, and roughs.
One of the courses is also ADA and stroller accessible.
How is PopStroke Different?
Admission is a different type of structure than a traditional mini golf course.
Guests purchase a Day Pass or a Monthly Membership Pass, and unlike other courses, you have unlimited play versus paying by the round. You can even play a round, leave, and return on the same day.
Day Pass pricing for adults varies by Midweek (Mon-Thurs.) vs. Weekend (Fri-Sun.) Discounted Passes are available for Kids, Seniors, and Military.
Be on the lookout for midweek-themed specials too.
The best value for locals or super fans is the monthly pass. It’s $25 per month and requires a 3-month commitment. It pays for itself if you visit 3 times in 1 month.
The additional perk is 25% off food and drinks including during happy hour! Kids can be added to an adult’s monthly pass for an extra fee.
Each time you play you also have the option to keep the golf ball.
There is a Challenge Hole warm-up to test your skills near the front of the courses. This venue appeals to golfers of all skill levels and non-golfers alike.
Both courses are challenging and the course that’s also ADA-accessible is a good course to start on for your first visit.
In addition to mini-golf at PopStroke the 11,166 complex has a full-service restaurant with TVs, three bars, and an ice cream parlor serving traditional and boozy milkshakes.
The food and drinks from their scratch kitchen exceeded my expectations. You don’t need a Day Pass if you only want to enjoy the food and drinks at the bar.
A few of my recommendations are the Pickle Margarita (don’t knock it til you try it), Ahi Tuna Nachos, and Sweet Heat Wings.
Be on the lookout for their fantastic Happy Hour from 3-6 PM Monday-Thursday.
The large garage doors can be opened on nice days allowing guests to enjoy elements of dining outside while enjoying the shade indoors.
Download their app where you can keep score and order food & drinks. (There are pencils and paper scorecards available if you want to keep it old school)
Drinks (soft drinks, beer, cocktails, and wine) can even be ordered from their mobile app and delivered on the course while you play!
There are holders for up to 4 drinks at each hole on the course.
Outdoor gaming at PopStroke includes table tennis, cornhole and foosball.
Younger guests will also enjoy spending time at the onsite playground.
After a visit, you’ll understand why it’s also a popular venue for birthday parties, graduation parties, holiday parties, and corporate team building.
5. Explore the Daytona Aquarium and Rainforest Adventure
1008 W International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL (Daytona Shopping Center)
You can explore 55,000 sq. ft of aquatic Daytona Aquarium and Rainforest Adventure featuring 40 exhibits.
Daytona Aquarium and Rainforest Adventure highlights include two touch pools, a 100,000-gallon shark exhibit, and an interactive sandbox.
Guests are encouraged to move around the sand and uncover different landscapes as they shift and form.
The 12,000-gallon stingray touch pool is a great opportunity for guests of all ages to interact with sea life.
I enjoyed the closer vantage point of the incredible marine life and learning fun facts during my time at the aquarium.
Educational Programs featuring animal ambassadors from land and sea are scheduled daily and included with your admission.
Animal feedings are on the weekends so make sure that you check the scheduled times before you go to see your preferred feeding.
The Undersea Explorer VR experience is definitely worth checking out. There are 8 different films to choose from for your virtual reality experience.
I opted for “Shark Dive” and it was incredible to feel immersed in the underwater adventure.
Daytona Aquarium and Rainforest Adventure is popular for birthday parties, special events, and field trips.
6. Explore MOAS (Museum of Arts & Sciences)
352 South Nova Road, Daytona Beach, FL
MOAS has multiple exhibits and museums on one campus between two buildings.
You may be surprised at how fast time goes during your visit.
Fun fact: MOAS is a Smithsonian Institution Affiliate and the museum is nationally accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.
There are two, one-hour self-guided tours available. One is for history lovers and the other for art lovers to help make the most of your visit.
Charles and Linda Williams Children’s Museum
(Closed on Mondays for regular cleaning and maintenance)
The 9,300-square-foot museum is the only hands-on science center between Jacksonville and Orlando.
L. Gale Lemerand Wing
The L. Gale Lemerand Wing features the Cuban Foundation Museum, the Prehistory of Florida Gallery with a giant ground sloth, exhibits on African Art, and antique weapons and firearms from around the world.
Root Family Museum
The Root Family Museum has one of the world’s largest collections of Coca-Cola memorabilia.
I really enjoyed seeing the evolution of the Coca-Cola bottles over the years.
The museum has one of the two original Coca-Cola bottles left in the world on display.
This museum is a must for any collector or fan of the brand. For many guests, it’s also a fun trip down memory lane.
The museum also has Indy Series race cars and a collection of 800+ Teddy Bears, Florida’s largest collection.
Train enthusiasts will enjoy viewing the two rare mid-century train cars.
Lowell & Nancy Lohman Planetarium
The Lowell & Nancy Lohman Planetarium hosts planetarium shows during the day exploring the night skies, “Second Saturday Laser Rock Concerts” in various music styles and special events.
Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art
352 South Nova Road, Daytona Beach, FL
The world’s largest collection of Florida art is found at The Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art.
A collection of 2600 Florida-themed watercolor and oil paintings is on rotation for guests to enjoy.
4. Drive on the World’s Most Famous Beach
You don’t want to pass up an opportunity to drive on a sandy beach during your visit.
Another perk for families is that you can park on the beach and have all of your beach gear within close proximity.
You’ll need to purchase a beach driving day pass which covers an entire day of beach driving and parking.
* Beach access may be limited by weather or tides. For real-time updates on open vehicular access ramps download the Volusia Beaches app.
There are 26 points of beach access at Daytona Beach for pedestrians/ and or vehicles within 5 miles. There are driving zones and traffic-free zones along the beach.
The speed limit on the beach for vehicles is 10mph and you need to have your windows down and headlights on.
Dine and Be Entertained at Polynesian Fire Luau
180 N Beach St, Daytona Beach, FL
Guests at the Polynesian Fire Show can experience the flavors and movements of the Pacific Islands.
The authentic Polynesian dinner show is owned and operated by a Samoan family from the village of Nu’uuli on the island of Tutuila, American Samoa.
The Polynesian luau and fire knife performance is led by Seanoa Lavatai, a world-champion fire knife dancer.
The dinner show is for all ages and the experience lasts 2 hours. Kids 2 and under are free and there is also free parking near the venue.
Guests can choose between premium seating or general admission.
Seats for the dinner show are predetermined in advance based on when you bought your ticket.
They do not reassign seats upon early arrival to be fair to all guests because they often sell out.
The doors open for the bar at 5:30 PM, the showroom opens at 6, doors close at 6:30 and the experience is over around 8PM.
Highlights on the buffet include Polynesian chicken, Kalua pork, fried rice, steamed vegetables, assorted desserts, and more.
Gluten-free and vegetarian options are marked with signage on the buffet.
Tea, water, and Coca-Cola products are included Included with your buffet.
Alcoholic drinks are also available to be purchased onsite. Gratuity isn’t included in your admission so don’t forget to show your appreciation to your servers.
Guests will enjoy the live music and dancing. The highlight of the show is of course the fire-dancing.
The dinner show company also has locations in Myrtle Beach and Orlando.
Guests can take group pictures with the performers after the show.
Walk Along the Riverfront Esplanade
The Riverfront Esplanade is located along North Beach Street and South Beach Street between Orange Avenue and Main Street in downtown Daytona Beach, FL.
The Riverfront Esplanade is beautiful during the day and at night.
The park spans a mile of the Intracostal Waterway and has a running trail, a botanical garden, swings, benches, a dog park, and a splash pad for kids.
The park also hosts special events throughout the year.
Wild Florida Statue
221 North Beach Street, Daytona Beach, FL
The Wild Florida statue by Paul Baliker is along the Riverfront Esplanade and features 12 animals. ( A pelican, ibis, spoonbill, blue heron, osprey, egret, Florida panther, manatee, dolphin, sea turtle, alligator, and mullet)
To truly appreciate the statue you need to check out the detail from every angle.
Visit the Jackie Robinson Ballpark and Statue
105 East Orange Ave, Daytona Beach, FL
The Jackie Robinson Ballpark is the oldest operating Minor League ballpark within Minor League Ballball.
The ballpark opened on June 4, 1914, and was renamed after Jackie Robinson in 1989 and honored with a statue outside the ballpark.
In 1946, Jackie Robinson played in the first integrated Major League Baseball spring training game at this ballpark.
The ballpark is home to the Daytona Tortugas, a Class Affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Discover the Daytona Beach Mural Trail
If you love street art you’ll want to check out the Daytona Beach Mural Trail with murals throughout Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach, and Daytona Beach Shores.
There are 30+ murals to discover in a range of artistic themes.
Explore ONE DAYTONA
One Daytona Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL
The mixed-use complex has dining, shopping, and entertainment and it’s conveniently located across the street from Daytona International Speedway.
ONE DAYTONA hosts special events at Victory Circle throughout the year. Kids will also enjoy cooling off while running through the splash pad on a warm day.
Families of all ages will love playing at Game Time Daytona featuring a mega arcade, bowling alley, and restaurant/bar.
For the best value visit on Tuesday. There are also special promotions and happy hour specials Monday-Friday from 4-8PM
You may also recognize the Jantzen Diving Girl sculpture previously suspended above Ocean Avenue since the 1960s at Stamie’s Smart Beachwear shop.
Explore Ponce Lighthouse & Museum
4931, 4928 S Peninsula Dr, Ponce Inlet, FL
Ponce Inlet Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in Florida and third highest lighthouse in the country.
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in the Outer Banks in North Carolina is the tallest lighthouse followed by Cape Charles Light in Virginia.
The Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse is 175 ft tall with 203 stairs to the balcony.
The spiral staircase will get your heart pumping but the views, on the way up and down and at the top are worth it.
Guests are treated to 360-degree views of the area from the observation tower.
It can get windy at the top so be prepared and you may want to bring a hair tie.
Fun Fact: Every lighthouse has flash pattern night characteristics and there are lighthouses every 50 miles along the eastern coast.
The specific pattern for The Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse is 6 flashes over 15 seconds and 15 seconds of darkness. With that knowledge, it’s fun to watch it flash at night.
Ponce Inlet had a reputation as one of the most dangerous waterways in America due to the shifting sandbars that resulted in shipwrecks.
As you walk around the Ponce Inlet Light Station grounds structures within the picket fence date back to 1887.
You can take a self-guided tour or free public guided tours, included with admission, are available on specific advertised days of the year without reservations or you can make a request in advance.
During your visit make sure that you check out the Lens Exhibit Building. It houses one of the largest collections of Fresnel lenses in the world.
The additional buildings on the grounds of the light station will give you insight into what life was like for the lighthouse keepers and their families.
The Light station is open 363 days a year and draws 125,000 visitors annually.
Constance D. Hunter Pacetti Hotel Museum
4931 South Peninsula Drive, Ponce Inlet, FL
The former hotel was constructed in the 1880s and is Volusia County’s oldest surviving structure.
Don’t miss the short educational film near the room at the entry which provides a great overview of the property’s history and the area.
The previous fishing resort was a popular destination for wealthy families escaping harsh winters up north.
The Pacetti Hotel founders, Bartola and Martha Pacetti operated the hotel from 1881- 1920.
The last private owners of the property, Louis and Louise Nippert were from Cincinnati.
Louis was the great-grandson of the founder of Procter & Gamble and majority owner of the Cincinnati Reds MLB team from January 1973 to February 1981.
That explains why you’ll see memorabilia from Cincinnati Reds baseball players displayed in one of the museum rooms.
A Sweet Treat at Lighthouse Ice Cream & Snacks
4958 South Peninsula Drive, Suite 1, Ponce Inlet, FL
While in the area you might as well treat yourself to a sweet treat at Lighthouse Ice Cream & Snacks.
They serve snacks, Hershey’s Ice Cream, sundaes, shaved ice, and more!
Their extreme shakes are themed, photo-worthy, and over the top. I tried the Sea Turtle Shake with mint flavors and candy pieces.
Dolphin and Manatee Tour With Ponce Inlet Watersports
4958 South Peninsula Drive, Suite 1, Ponce Inlet, FL
We took an eco boat tour with Ponce Inlet Water Sports and nature showed up!
I’ve never seen so many dolphins on a boat tour before!
The baby dolphins were an additional joy to witness.
The fully narrated, 90-minute cruise goes along the Intracoastal Waterways between Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach, Florida.
During the tour, you’ll learn about the local history and wildlife in the area.
Fun fact: Did you know that dolphins can remain submerged on average for 8-10 minutes?
You may see birds, dolphins, and more from the shaded boat.
Guests also have the opportunity to get off the boat to explore spoil Islands along the Intracoastal waterways to collect shells.
This is a great eco-tour for all ages and the views of Ponce Inlet Lighthouse from the water are also incredible.
Dine By the Lighthouse at Hidden Treasure Rum Bar & Grill
4940 South Peninsula Drive, Ponce Inlet, FL
If you worked up a thirst or an appetite Hidden Treasure Rum Bar & Grill is a great spot on the waterfront with scenic views of Ponce Inlet.
A few appetizer recommendations are their award-winning Cheesy Crab Fritters, Smoked Fish Dip, and Coconut Shrimp.
The ancient oak tree is also worth mentioning because it’s part of the outdoor dining experience.
Explore Lighthouse Point Park
500 South Atlantic Avenue Ponce Inlet, FL
*Admission fee charged per vehicle
The 52-acre inlet park along the northern shore of Ponce de Leon Inlet has elevated wooden boardwalks that take you to scenic overlooks.
The wooden boardwalk is also handicapped accessible.
There are picnic pavilions and restroom facilities on sight.
Check out the nature trail if you’re feeling extra adventurous.
The .9 out-and-back Ponce Preserve Trail in the forested area takes around 16 minutes. It will lead you to an observation tower that overlooks the Halifax River.
Guests visiting with dogs will want to check out the dog-friendly swimming beach area along the park’s inlet shoreline.
There is also a historical marker on site sharing about the ruins of the Inlet Terrace Hotel.
The terra cotta tiles near the sign are all that remains of the 1920s hotel project impacted by hurricane flooding.
Stay at The Shores Resort & Spa
2637 South Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach Shores, FL 32118
The Shores Resort & Spa is a luxury boutique resort with 212 rooms on the oceanfront of Daytona Beach Shores.
Guests can dine at Azure Oceanfront American Kitchen open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, or enjoy a drink at Oceanfront Lounge or poolside at Tiki Hut Barefoot Beach Bar.
Daytona Shores Resort has a heated outdoor pool, kiddie pool, fitness center, conference room, bike rentals,
The resort has outdoor games on the patio for guests and a complimentary yoga class in the morning.
If you luck out and happen to stay during a shuttle launch you can watch the rocket take off from Port Canaveral from the beach in front of the resort.
Complimentary s’more kits are available for the beachside firepits.
Guests can book an appointment at the resort’s Indulge Spa on-site. The spa has five treatment rooms including a custom-designed Vichy shower and a nail salon.
