Should You Visit Daytona Beach?

Are you thinking about visiting Daytona Beach, Florida? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.


Is Daytona Beach worth visiting?

Yes, it's worth visiting this beach city for seven days because of the many great activities. Daytona Beach has long been at the heart of Florida's Spring Break culture. There are long beaches of hard packed sand that are perfect for playing or sunbathing. The beaches are lined with hotels and the energy is all consuming. There are also many summer concerts, waterparks, family-friendly activities, and wild bars and clubs. We first visited in the spring of 2005 and have returned several times. During our time here, we fell in love with its long beaches and laid back, but high energy atmosphere.

Daytona Beach, Florida Daytona Beach, Florida

Reasons to Visit Daytona Beach

Nightlife
Spring break is when the parties are at their peak. For the most active nightlife head to A1A from Ormond-by-the-Sea to Ponce Inlet, Main and Beach Streets, and Seabreeze Boulevard, ONE DAYTONA and International Speedway Boulevard in Daytona Beach, and Granada Boulevard in Ormond Beach.

Music
You can see live music at the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Bandshell and The Roof.

Beaches
The city's beaches are lively and festive, so if you're looking for a beach with music, drinking, and partying, then this is your place. In the surrounding areas you'll find some quieter, more family-friendly beaches. It's also best to avoid the Spring Break crowds if you're hoping for a quieter and more family-friendly vacation.




Is Daytona Beach worth visiting in the Summer?

Summer is the shoulder season for travel in Daytona Beach. As a very touristy destination, even in the shoulder season you'll see plenty of tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found at this time of year. Daytona is hot but fun during the summer months.

The weather in Daytona Beach is fairly warm during summer, and stays around 27°C (81°F). But it can get as warm as 32°C (90°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.

You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to lounge on the beach, discover the big city activities, and enjoy an evening out.


Summer Weather in Daytona Beach
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
July 27°C (81°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)
August 27°C (81°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)
September 26°C (80°F) 161 mm (6.3 in)

Is Daytona Beach worth visiting in the Autumn?

This is the shoulder season for travel in Daytona Beach. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the shoulder season you'll still see plenty of other tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found on hotels and tours.

The weather in Daytona Beach is fairly warm during autumn, and stays around 23°C (74°F). But it can get as warm as 28°C (82°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.

During this season it's fun to experience the big city activities and the live music scene.


Autumn Weather in Daytona Beach
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
October 23°C (74°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
November 19°C (66°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
December 16°C (60°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)

Is Daytona Beach worth visiting in the Winter?

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during winter with average temperatures around 14°C (58°F).

Winter is the shoulder season for travel in Daytona Beach, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. As a very touristy destination, even in the shoulder season you'll see plenty of tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found at this time of year. It may be a bit too cool to swim during the winter months.

This is a great time of year to dance the night away, listen to some live music, and enjoy the city's energy.


Winter Weather in Daytona Beach
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
January 14°C (58°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
February 15°C (59°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
March 18°C (65°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)

Is Daytona Beach worth visiting in the Spring?

Spring is the high season for travel in Daytona Beach, so expect more visitors and higher prices. This is an extremely popular destination, and in the high season it's busier than usual as this is when most people are able to travel. Expect large crowds of tourists, longer lines, and higher prices for hotels. On the other hand, you'll find that everything is open and you'll have a wide array of activities, things to do, and places to eat.

The warm weather in spring is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 21°C (69°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 27°C (80°F).

You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to enjoy the live music scene and enjoy the evening activities.


Spring Weather in Daytona Beach
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
April 21°C (69°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 24°C (75°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
June 26°C (80°F) 152 mm (6 in)

Things to Consider Before Visiting Daytona Beach

Food: Daytona Beach doesn't top the list for most foodies. This beach is more about the parties and drinks than it is about the food.

Shopping: Daytona Beach isn't exactly a shopper's destination. Souvenir shops and t-shirt shops are the main shopping you'll find in this area. The boardwalk is lined with gimmicky shops where you can pick up magnets or beach paraphernalia.

Lots of Tourists
Daytona Beach sees a high number of visitors every year, which means you might have to wait in line and deal with large crowds during your visit.

Not As Family-Friendly
While there are some family activities, it's not as child-friendly as other destinations.

Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.

The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Daytona Beach might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Daytona Beach here or see if Daytona Beach is expensive here.

Related

What is Daytona Beach most famous for?

Daytona Beach is most famous for its spring break culture, wild parties, and the Daytona 500 NASCAR race. The beach city is very popular for its nightlife. Many people love the music and beaches, too. It is often described as fun, party-hard, energetic, and lively.

What is the most famous sight in Daytona Beach?

The most popular sight in Daytona Beach is The Daytona International Speedway. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Daytona Beach on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for The Daytona International Speedway and other attractions here.

How touristy is Daytona Beach? Is it a popular beach city to visit?

Daytona Beach is a very touristy beach city that attracts travelers from around the globe. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

  • The Great Daytona Wine Bar Tour: $40
  • 2-Hour Glass Bottom Guided Eco Tour in Flagler County-Small-group: $85
  • New Smyrna Dolphin and Manatee Kayak and SUP Adventure Tour: $65
  • Dolphin and Manatee Stand Up Paddleboard Tour in Daytona Beach: $65
  • Wildlife Tour of Indian River Lagoon with Experienced Captain: $32
  • Guided Wildlife Eco Kayak Tour in New Smyrna Beach: $45
  • St. Johns River Nature Cruise at Blue Spring State Park: $28
  • Orlando Manatee and Natural Spring Adventure Tour at Blue Springs: $65

How long should I spend in Daytona Beach?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Daytona Beach is seven days. Since Daytona Beach has a variety of activities such as nightlife, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Daytona Beach?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Daytona Beach?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Daytona Beach?.