Recreational and Leisure Services

Beaches and Water Activities

• Popular Beaches

  Daytona is renowned for its beautiful stretches of sandy beaches, attracting visitors from all over the world. Daytona Beach is perhaps the most famous, known for its expansive shoreline and hard-packed sand, which accommodates a variety of activities from sunbathing and beach volleyball to unique events like car racing on the beach. The Daytona Beach Boardwalk offers a lively atmosphere with its amusement rides, shops, and dining options. Another must-visit is Ormond Beach, offering a more tranquil setting with equally stunning ocean views and exceptional sunrise watching opportunities.

• Surfing and Water Sports

  The vibrant surf culture in Daytona makes it a hotspot for water sports enthusiasts. Ponce Inlet is a favorite among surfers due to its consistent waves and less crowded beaches. For those new to the sport, numerous local surf schools offer lessons suitable for all ages. In addition to surfing, Daytona provides ample opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing. Adventure seekers can explore guided parasailing tours, giving a bird’s-eye view of the stunning Atlantic coastline. The Intracoastal Waterway also offers a serene environment for sailing and fishing excursions.

Parks and Nature Trails

• State Parks

  Daytona boasts several state parks offering breathtaking natural landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Tomoka State Park, located just north of Daytona Beach, is a pristine area where the Tomoka River winds through a marshy landscape rich with wildlife, offering impressive birdwatching opportunities. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, canoeing, and camping amid ancient oak trees. Another gem is Bulow Creek State Park, home to the Fairchild Oak, one of the largest and oldest live oak trees in the South. This park is ideal for those who appreciate quiet walkways surrounded by lush forested areas.

• Walking and Hiking Trails

  Nature lovers and hikers will find much to explore in Daytona's trail offerings. Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve features a network of trails that meander through dense forests and alongside peaceful waterways. The Spruce Creek Trail here offers paths for both walking and mountain biking, catering to a range of outdoor enthusiasts. For a different scenery, the East Coast Greenway, part of a larger trail system along the Atlantic seaboard, offers a scenic route for biking and walking, connecting various parks and ecological sites.

Entertainment Venues

• Movie Theaters

  For those looking to unwind with a great film, Daytona offers several excellent cinema experiences. The Cinemark at Ocean Walk features the latest blockbuster hits, offering a comfortable and modern movie-going experience with reclining seating and a wide selection of concessions. Another local favorite is the Daytona Drive-In Theater, a nostalgic throwback to the classic American pastime, where you can enjoy double features under the stars.

• Performing Arts Centers

  Culture enthusiasts will appreciate Daytona’s vibrant performing arts scene. The Peabody Auditorium is a premier venue downtown known for hosting an array of performances ranging from Broadway shows and concerts to ballet and opera. Its rich history and acoustically praised hall make every performance memorable. Another venue, the News-Journal Center, situated along the Halifax River, offers performances by the University’s music and theater programs along with professional guest artists, providing a variety of high-quality cultural experiences.