Daytona Beach Free Things to Do: Save Money, Feel Inspired

From the world’s most famous beach to historical sites, Daytona Beach free things to do offer families an inexpensive way to play, learn and have fun. Whether looking to join beach fun or looking for remote places, the Daytona Beach area makes it easy to do that and more. Take a look at our list to find the top Daytona Beach free things to do.

Daytona Beach Free Things to Do That Help Save Money

Visit Daytona Beach

No beach vacation would feel complete without a day on the beach. Daytona Beach welcomes guests to drive, play and relax on 23 miles of sandy beaches. Daytona Beach is an American original as it has been a top family vacation destination for decades. Home to festivals, events and its famous hard-packed sand, Daytona Beach is open 24/7 and free of charge.

Attend Free Concerts

The summer concerts at Friends of the Bandshell Concert Series is a must for those looking for Daytona Beach free things to do. Free shows celebrate the best in rock, jazz, blues and more at the historic beach-side bandshell. Families can rent chairs or bring their own, have a rockin’ good time, and meet other tourists and locals. Each show begins at 7:15 p.m. and usually ends before 10 p.m.

Tour a Chocolate Factory

It may not be Willy Wonka’s, but it’s just as sweet. Located in downtown Daytona, Angell and Phelps has been making homemade treats since 1925. The whole family will inhale aromas during a free 20-minute factory tour. Suitable for all ages, tours run six times a day, include free chocolate samples, and the factory accommodates strollers and wheelchairs. After the tour, don’t forget to build a box full of your favorites.

Splash at the Park

Open sunrise to sunset, Sun Splash Park features decorated walkways, a playground, volleyball courts, picnic areas, outdoor showers and more. Take the family to the park for a day of memories, beach access as well as restrooms. The 4-acre area offers free off-beach parking and is located less than 1 mile from popular restaurants and shops.

Enjoy Nature and Gardens

North Peninsula State Park provides guests a quiet retreat from the hustle-and-bustle of more populated areas. Located 4 miles from Flagler Beach, this recreation area is home to Florida scrub-jays, indigo snakes and gopher tortoises. In addition to wildlife viewing, visitors swim and sunbathe. This 2-mile stretch of beaches also offers one of the best spots for surf fishing.

Another top spot for nature lovers is Michael Crotty Bicentennial Park. Measuring 40 acres, the park has sports amenities, a fishing dock, canoeing and kayaking launches, and swimming areas. This free park also welcomes four-legged friends to play and refresh at the 4-acre dog park. Make sure to bring a picnic lunch and spend the day.

Among the Daytona Beach free things to do sits a historic paradise. Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens welcomes all ages to experience the beauty of Old Florida. The attraction doubles as a historic site and botanical garden, as it was the site of Battle of Dunlawton Plantation, which took place during the second Seminole War in 1836. The gardens encompass azaleas, camellias, ivies, magnolias, native plants, palms, and succulents, as well as an Asian garden and tropical collection.

See The Casements

In nearby Ormond Beach, guests can tour the late John D. Rockefeller’s winter home. The historic mansion features hand-cut casement windows and special displays of Hungarian festival costumes and artifacts. Indoors visitors will see art and décor, while the grounds offer a scenic walk with a river, pond and gardens.

Honor Greatness

Make an appointment to tour Mary McLeod Bethune Foundation Home and Gravesite, a historic site dedicated to Civil Rights leader and educator Mary McLeod Bethune. Located at Bethune-Cookman University – which she founded – the home showcases artifacts and photographs. The site is also part of the Bethune Trail, which stretches from New York City to Daytona Beach.

More Daytona Beach Free Things to Do

See changing art exhibits at Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens. The museum features original pieces from artists all over and honors military veterans. Visitors will find outdoor sculptures and plaques that honor those in WWI, WWII, and the Korean and Vietnam wars. Tours last an hour with free admission, however a $2 donation is appreciated.

Admire local photography at Southeast Museum of Photography located at Daytona State College Campus. The museum is one of a few museums of its kind in the U.S. and showcases changing exhibits. Visitors can see two to five exhibits per season that educate as well as entertain. View a full list of upcoming photographers.

Read about one of Daytona’s top attractions, the International Speedway. Start planning a trip and search Daytona vacation rentals.