Planning the Perfect Winter Getaway in Daytona Beach, FL
Situated on Florida's Atlantic coast about 55 miles north of Orlando and 90 miles south of Jacksonville, Daytona Beach is one of those destinations that truly has a little something for everyone.
There are miles of broad white sand beaches, fascinating historical sites to explore, theme parks, an abundance of outdoor recreation, a vibrant NASCAR racing scene, a fantastic array of dining and shopping options, and so much more.
Best of all, Daytona Beach experiences over 230 days of sunshine every year, so there's plenty of opportunity to get out and enjoy it all.
Are you interested in experiencing winter in Daytona Beach yourself? Learn everything you need to know about planning the perfect winter getaway here.
Things to Do in Daytona Beach During Winter
Whatever your vacation style, you'll find there's no shortage of things to do in Daytona Beach during winter.
Beaches
Daytona Beach itself is spectacular — there's a good reason its nickname is the "World's Most Famous Beach." It's far from the only beach in town, so depending on what you're looking for, here are some others to consider.
Sun Splash Park Beach: Ideal for children, with a splash park and wide, flat shoreline
Apollo Beach: A secluded, quiet beach on a barrier island on the protected Canaveral National Seashore
Mary McLeod Bethune Beach Park: A fantastic option for those seeking a free beach (not all in the area are!) with tons of amenities, including a playground and grassy lawn
Spend Time on the Water
Between soaking up the sun on the beach and swimming, one of the best things to do in Daytona Beach during winter is to explore the water from the surface.
Head out on a group fishing charter, rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard (SUP), or hone your surfing skills with a lesson or board rental. Daytona Beach is an ideal place to learn to surf for beginners, as the swells are generally gentle.
Explore Ponce Inlet
Just south of Daytona Beach, Ponce Inlet is a hub of adventure. Climb the 223 steps up to the top of the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, the tallest in Florida, then visit the Marine Science Center just around the corner.
Winter Festivals
From holiday boat parades to food and music festivals, regular live music throughout the city, and NASCAR Speedweek, winter means plenty of fun events in Daytona Beach.
Explore Natural Springs (And See Manatees!)
One of the biggest reasons to visit Daytona Beach during winter is the possibility of seeing manatees. The fascinating creatures seek a warm refuge from the chilly seas, and the area's natural springs provide precisely that. Blue Spring State Park is the closest to Daytona, 20-25 minutes from town.
Manatees technically may be spotted year-round, but the best chances are from December through March.
Experience the Thrill of NASCAR
One of NASCAR's most iconic races takes place here every February: the Daytona 500. Just before that, Speedweeks kicks off the season with smaller races and several events.
And even if you're not in town during race season, you can have the once-in-a-lifetime experience of driving a real NASCAR race car on the track with the NASCAR Racing Experience.
Take a Day Trip
Daytona is ideally located between several Florida hot spots, making it easy to explore other areas during your visit. Consider mixing it up and venturing out for a day or two, then spending the rest of the time catching up on some R&R on the beach!
Orlando: About one hour from Daytona, Orlando is a hub of amusement and theme parks.
St. Augustine: Just over an hour north, head to St. Augustine to feel like you stepped back in time. The oldest city in the country still has a distinct European vibe and brick streets.
Jacksonville: Approximately one hour and 30 minutes north of Daytona Beach, Jacksonville is home to excellent sport fishing, a thriving craft beer scene, and vibrant sports culture.
Enjoy Daytona Beach This Winter!
While it's a beautiful area to visit year-round, many people think Daytona Beach is best during winter.
Daily high temperatures hover in the upper 60s and low 70s, while it cools down into the 50s at night. It's right on the coast, so the area's humidity keeps it warm enough to enjoy the beaches, numerous winter festivals, and other fun events.
Explore Florida's tropical paradise by visiting Daytona Beach this winter and enjoy everything this incredible city offers.
