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20 Things to Do at Daytona Beach in the Fall

20 Things to Do at Daytona Beach in the Fall Featured Image

Cover photo by Mikhail Nilov

With 23 miles of stunning Atlantic shoreline, Daytona Beach is not only known as the world’s most famous beach, it’s also popular for its museums, events, restaurants, and festivals. There’s a wide spectrum of things to do at Daytona Beach which makes it an excellent choice if you’re planning a vacation.

Unique Things to Do in Daytona Beach in the Fall

Daytona Beach is a fantastic destination for sailing and a sailing tour is an amazing way to enjoy the breathtaking coastline on a relaxing catamaran, the sights of Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, dolphins leaping in the waves, and manatees swimming in the shallows. Choose from half-day trips to full-day adventures, there’s a sailing tour to suit everyone and every budget.

The Ponce Inlet’s Marine Science Center is one of Daytona Beach’s best family-friendly attractions. Some of the activities to look forward to include talks by local experts, paddle-boarding in the ocean, nature walks, and field trips. This is definitely one of the best family things to do in Daytona Beach.

Fancy being Sherlock Holmes? Get locked in a room with your friends and muster up all your wit, brainpower, and teamwork to get out before the clock strikes zero. The New Smyrna Beach Escape Room features awesome games like Alien Autopsy, Houdini’s Secrets, Safe Cracker, and Warden’s Office.

Escape in Nature at the Bulow Creek State Park

Photo by PNW Production

Spanning 5,600 acres, Bulow Creek State Park is located about 5 miles above Ormond Beach. This lush park is home to trails teeming with nature and is a great spot to go birdwatching, hiking, biking, kayaking, and canoeing.

Fun Things to Do in Daytona Beach for Couples

Daytona Beach is an excellent destination for couples who want to unwind and enjoy time together. If you’re visiting with your significant other and looking for things to do in Daytona Beach, here are some of our recommendations.

Just a 20-minute drive from Daytona proper, the 2000-acre Tomoka State Park is a quiet, serene spot that is perfect for spending time appreciating wildlife, hiking, boating, bird watching, paddling, picnicking, and camping. This is one of the best things to do in Daytona Beach this weekend for couples.

Once the site of the ruins of a 19th-century colonial sugar mill, Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens features 12 acres of lush, beautiful flora. You’ll love strolling along the rose gardens in this lovely oasis. Admission is free, and donations are much appreciated.

Admire the Views at Halifax Harbor Marina

Photo by Dana Tentis

The Halifax Harbor Marina is the perfect place to experience a little bit of luxury and a whole lot of waterfront views. This full-service marina caters to boaters of all types, as well as locals and visitors who simply want to enjoy the sea breeze, admire the expensive yachts on display, and check out the wide selection of waterfront shops, restaurants, and bars.

Enjoy Great Food, Drinks, and Views in the City’s Best Rooftop Bars

Photo by Tolga Aslantürk

The Roof Daytona Beach Pier, located right above Joe’s Crab Shack on the Daytona Beach Pier, is popular for its breathtaking ocean views, the Daytona Beach cityscape, delicious food and drinks, and live music. You should also check out Finn’s Beachside Pub down at Flagger Beach, Dimitri’s Bar Deck & Grill, and Streamline Hotel’s Sky Lounge.

Things to Do in Daytona Beach in February

February is the busiest month for tourism in Daytona Beach, FL, followed by March and June, so brace yourself as tourists flock to the city. Visitors love the cooler weather this time of year in Daytona Beach, too.

If you’re a chocolate lover, you’ll have a wonderful time at Angell & Phelps. Take a guided tour to see and bask in the aroma of chocolates being crafted the old-fashioned way. The highlight of the tour – indulging in free samples in their on-site shop.

Check Out the Local Breweries

Photo by cottonbro studio

Take a brew tour of the Ale Trail! First off, the Ormond Brewing Company, the first in the region with live music and food trucks galore. Next, is the Daytona Beach Brewing Co., which boasts 11 rotating beers on tap. And a must-try: the Trekker Bier at the dog-friendly Central 28 Beer Company.

The Museum of Arts & Sciences (MOAS) is Daytona Beach’s premier cultural attraction. This cultural powerhouse is home to a world-renowned collection of art, archaeological treasures, and mechanical marvels.

Get Your Culture Fix at the Cici & Hyatt Brown Museum of Art

Photo by Negative Space

Cici & Hyatt Brown Museum of Art is famous for its collection of Florida-themed paintings, the largest collection of Florida art in the world consisting of 2,600 oil and watercolor paintings that highlight the natural beauty of the state. If you visit on the first Tuesday of the month, you get in for free!

Things to Do in Daytona Beach in June

June is the start of summer in this part of the country and, as previously mentioned, it is one of the busiest months of the year. The warmer weather is perfect for enjoying the beach and so many fun activities in the sun!

With endless stretches of golden coastline, white sand, and warm weather, Daytona Beach is one of the best places in Florida to learn how to surf. There are classes for beginner-friendly beaches like New Smyrna as well as experienced-only spots like Ponce Inlet.

Crabby Joe’s is a local staple popular for its breakfast menu. This laid-back eatery offers everything from classic bacon and eggs to towering Crab Cake Benedicts. A must-try – the crispy, fluffy, deep-fried hush puppies.

Have Fun with the Family at the Boardwalk

Photo by mhafetrey

The Daytona Beach Boardwalk & Pier should be on every tourist’s list. There are endless fun things to do in Daytona Beach for families, such as fireworks, live music, street performers, and thrill rides. The boardwalk is also lined with souvenir shops, arcades, and restaurants.

Things to Do in Daytona Beach in October

One of the things to look forward to in Daytona Beach in autumn is the fall festivals. This year, the fall festival Daytona Beach lineup from October all the way to December includes:

  • Biketoberfest
  • One Daytona Art Festival
  • Halifax Art Festival
  • Greek Festival
  • DeLand Fall Festival of the Arts
  • Riverfest Seafood Festival
  • Daytona Turkey Run Car Show
  • Clash Daytona Triathlon Festival

Aside from these festivals, below are some of the best ways to enjoy Daytona Beach in the fall.

Enjoy a Meal and the Views at Off the Hook

Photo by Denys Gromov

Celebrated by Florida locals for years, this bar and grill is a fresh seafood staple popular for its breathtaking waterfront views. It’s a great place to watch boats go by as you enjoy local craft brews and delicious seafood.

This family-owned eatery has been serving burgers and casual seafood classics since 1940 in its iconic location right on the sands, but it’s best known for its Italian-style coffee. Enjoy the laidback vibe and views. And, after the sun goes down, enjoy food and drinks while listening to live music.

Go to a Spa and Get Pampered – You Deserve It!

Photo by GaPeppy1

Daytona Beach is home to numerous excellent spas, from high-end establishments to budget-friendly day spas offering facials, full-body wraps, Ayurvedic treatments, and Thai, remedial, or couples’ massages. Get some well-deserved pampering!

One of the oldest structures in Daytona Beach, built in 1884, the Lilian Place Heritage Center was originally constructed by one of the city’s inaugural settlers. The tour will take you back in the Victorian age and show you how people lived more than 100 years ago.

One of the highlights at the New Smyrna Museum of History is the large exhibit dedicated to the Turnbull Settlement 1768-1777. It also features an exhibit about the development of surfing culture in the local area.

20 Things to Do at Daytona Beach in the Fall

Frequently Asked Questions

There are tons of great things to do in Daytona Beach during this season, including taking a hike, going on a boat ride, kayaking, biking the trails, visiting the lighthouse, learning to surf, visiting the racetrack, or dining at restaurants with a view.

Fall festivals are quite popular in Daytona Beach. The lineup this year includes Biketoberfest, the ONE DAYTONA Art Festival, the Halifax Art Festival, the Greek Festival, the DeLand Fall Festival of the Arts, the Riverfest Seafood Festival, the Daytona Turkey Run car show, and the CLASH DAYTONA triathlon festival.

Yes. In fact, the cooler temperatures of the fall make for a great time to visit Daytona Beach and relax on the beach. Some of the best fall beach activities include surfing, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing.

The average fall temperatures in Daytona Beach are highs of around 90°F in September, 84°F in October, 77°F in November, and 72°F in December. As for the ocean water, the average temperatures are around 84°F in September, 81°F in October, 76°F in November, and 71°F in December.