Top Daytona Beach Day Trip Destinations

While many people come from across the country, and even from around the world, to visit the white sands of the World’s Most Famous Beach or to experience the Great American Race at Daytona International Speedway, many locals often times find themselves looking for a change of pace. This is why living in the Daytona Beach area is so great; as the heart of Central Florida you are always just a short day trip away from a historical, cultural, or just plain beautiful change of scenery. Here are a few of our favorite Day Trip Destinations:

Orlando

Of course this is an obvious choice with the “Mouse House” and array of other theme parks ready to thrill you with days full of rides and shows. There are also many other exciting things to do in the Orlando area, like visiting the Orlando Science Center, which has many fun and educational hands-on exhibits for children, and can be a much more affordable option than the theme parks referenced above. There is also a regular schedule of Orlando Magic games, award-winning musical performances, and much more on a daily basis at the Amway Center. Whatever you decide, this day trip destination is only about an hour drive down Interstate 4 from the Daytona Beach area.

St. Augustine

The beauty, excitement and old-world charm of the nation’s oldest city is just a 45 minute drive north on Interstate 95. St. Augustine is rich in history and there are many opportunities at every corner to explore this great city, including a tour for nearly any interest. Discover the beautiful Castillo de San Marcos and revel in the sheer brilliance and strength of the original walls, which survived the struggles of colonization some 400+ years ago. Take a ghost tour, pub crawl, pirate ship adventure, experience “Ripley’s Believe it or Not” or simply peruse the local shops and eateries; whatever you decide, you are sure to have a great time in St. Augustine.

Cape Canaveral

The space shuttle program may be shut down but there is still a great deal to see and experience at the Cape! Visit Kennedy Space Center and have the opportunity to view exquisite pieces of space history as well as tour the Launch Control Center and even the Launch Pad. Never have you been able to get this close to space history, and you may even get to meet an astronaut. This is a great destination for families, with many exciting things for the kids like the Angry Birds Space Encounter, as well as a 3D IMAX theater for the kid in all of us. Cape Canaveral has beautiful beach areas and lovely shopping and dining options as well, making this a perfect day trip getaway.

Historic Downtowns

We have several historic downtowns within an hour of the Daytona Beach area which offer great local eateries, shops, and a general charm from days gone by. In fact, Downtown Deland, located just 20 miles from Daytona Beach, was recently named “Central Florida’s Other Best Downtown” by the Orlando Sentinel. Downtown’s like this one receive their notoriety for the patriotic fervor, selection of excellent antique stores, and generally friendly atmosphere. Many downtowns hold art shows, cook-offs, car shows and much more, ensuring their is always an exciting downtown event for any interest. This is the type of day trip that doesn’t have to cost a lot, but can provide a very fun and relaxing day for you and the family.