Daytona Beach is a great central starting point for all things beach-related! Whether you head north to St. Augustine or south to Cocoa and beyond, there is a beach experience along the Atlantic perfect for you! Florida's Atlantic coastline boasts varying experiences from inlets and mangroves to turquoise waters and sandy beaches.
Living in Daytona, you are steps away from “The World's Most Famous Beach.” With 23 miles of sandy, white beaches, Daytona Beach offers free access to the ocean. A plus? Cars are permitted in designated areas of the beach during certain times of the day, making it a lot easier to get your cooler and gear down to the sand. With over 16 beachfront parks, Daytona Beach makes it easy to enjoy the sun, sand and water.
Interested in Florida wildlife? Sea turtle season runs from May 15 through October 31 in Daytona Beach. The animals leave the ocean at night to lay their eggs in nests they dig in the sand on the beach. About two months later, hundreds of baby turtles emerge from these nests and crawl to the ocean. There are certain rules when it comes to watching the turtles so check ahead of time, but it's definitely an experience you won't soon forget.
Just south of Daytona are the Space Coast beaches. Cocoa, Melbourne, Titusville – Brevard County offers 72 miles of sandy beaches each with their own unique features. Check out scheduled rocket launches from Cape Canaveral, and head to the beach for a great view!
Featuring fairly constant waves and some of the warmest year-round surf temperatures in the United States, the Space Coast is often referred to as the “East Coast surfing capital of the country.” For more information, and to find a beachfront park, visit the Space Coast visitors website.
Looking for a bit quieter, low key beach experience? Head north to Flagler Beach in the Palm Coast area. Coquina shells contribute to its unique pink-tinged sand beach. In the cooler months, the beaches tend to “self-clean” themselves and deposit extra seaweed. It won't hurt you of course, but leaves less sand for you to play in! The summer months you'll find retirees and families dotting the coastline just enjoying the cool, ocean breezes.
A drive along A1A, the beachfront highway in Daytona and the Space Coast, and you'll encounter a melting pot of Florida experiences. Finding “Old Florida” is easy with shell-filled gift shops, side-of-the-road produce stands, and mom and pop eateries. If “modern Florida” is more your thing, you'll be happy with the latest ice cream or yogurt stops, beachfront bars and nearby shopping plazas. And if you love “Natural Florida,” the numerous beachfront parks, marine experiences, and wildlife refuges can entertain you for days on end.
Head inland a bit and enjoy wildlife along the Intracoastal waterway. Take a day cruise along the waterway, and you may be surprised with a friendly dolphin swimming alongside. The bird watching is fabulous too along the Intracoastal, so remember your binoculars!
All roads lead to the beach when it comes to Daytona – enjoy and remember your sunscreen!