For families craving sun, smiles, and easy adventures, Volusia County delivers the perfect staycation mix. From sandy toes in Daytona Beach to sharks, science, and speedways, this vibrant coastal destination offers something exciting for every age.
Day One: Beaches, Speedways & Sea Life 🏝️🏁🦈
Morning: Start at the Shore
Begin the day with classic beach fun 🌊—build sandcastles 🏰, splash in the surf, or try paddleboarding and parasailing for a dose of adventure. Daytona Beach offers endless ways to soak up the Florida sunshine.
Mid-Morning: Daytona International Speedway
After drying off, zoom over to the legendary Daytona International Speedway 🏎️ for a behind-the-scenes tour. Don’t miss the DAYTONA 500-winning car 🏆 inside the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America—a favorite for both kids and racing buffs.
Lunch: Waterfront Dining at Caribbean Jack’s
Enjoy a relaxed lunch 🍤 at Caribbean Jack’s, nestled along the Halifax River. The menu is full of seafood favorites and laid-back vibes perfect for families.
Afternoon: Museum of Arts & Sciences
Spend your afternoon exploring the Museum of Arts & Sciences 🧪—a Smithsonian-affiliated gem with interactive exhibits, a children’s museum, and a dazzling planetarium 🌌.
Evening: Dinner at Crabby Joe’s Deck & Grill
End the day at Crabby Joe’s 🦐, perched on the Sunglow Pier. Watch the sunset 🌅 while enjoying seafood classics and ocean breezes.
Day Two: Water Rides, Aquatic Encounters & Mini Golf 💦🐠⛳
Morning: Daytona Lagoon Waterpark
Kick off day two with wet and wild fun at Daytona Lagoon 💧. With splash zones for little ones, high-speed slides for thrill seekers, and dry activities like arcade games and go-karts 🎮, it’s a full morning of family entertainment.
Lunch: Eat & Putt at PopStroke
Grab lunch and a putter at PopStroke ⛳—Tiger Woods’ family-friendly venue. Enjoy outdoor dining 🍕, two 18-hole mini golf courses, and cool extras like an ice cream bar 🍨 and playground.
Afternoon: Daytona Aquarium & Rainforest Adventure
Continue the aquatic theme with a visit to the Daytona Aquarium & Rainforest Adventure 🐟. With nearly 40 exhibits, including a massive shark tank 🦈 and touch pools, this interactive space brings wildlife up close.
Evening: Dinner at Racing’s North Turn
Finish your staycation with dinner at Racing’s North Turn 🏁 in Ponce Inlet. Located on a historic racing site, this beachfront restaurant blends coastal cuisine with legendary Florida history.
🌅 Bonus Experience: Climb the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse
Don’t miss the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, Florida’s tallest at 175 feet. Climb 203 steps 🗼 for sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway and explore exhibits on the lives of lighthouse keepers.
🐚 What’s New This Summer
The Marine Science Center reopens in early June after a $4.2 million renovation 🐠. Check out the new living shoreline exhibit, reef aquarium, coral lab 🧫, and more—perfect for budding marine biologists.
From thrilling rides to hands-on learning, dolphin sightings to Daytona legends, Volusia County offers a staycation filled with adventure, exploration, and memory-making moments. No plane tickets needed—just sunscreen, curiosity, and a love for Florida fun! ☀️🌴
Visit daytonabeach.com for more information.
👉 Check out 48 Hours in Flagler County: A Coastal Escape
👉 Check out 48 Hours in St. Johns County: History & Beachside Fun for Families
