What Is the Most Popular Beach in Daytona Beach?
Daytona Beach is more than just a single famous beach. The city boasts numerous stretches of sun, sand, and surf that cater to a diverse range of visitors, from young spring breakers to families seeking a memorable vacation.
Whether you’re yearning for relaxation on soft sand and in the soothing surf, eager to partake in exciting water sports, or simply looking for a place to splash and play all day, Daytona Beach has something to offer. Let’s explore some of the best beaches in the area, each providing a unique experience for your group, family, or romantic getaway.
1. Daytona Beach Known as “The World’s Most Famous Beach,” Daytona Beach delivers an iconic coastal experience just 5 minutes west of the city center. With a plethora of activities and attractions, as well as an array of shops and restaurants lining the shore, visitors can enjoy beach volleyball, body-boarding in the surf, or simply lounging under the sun. As a result of its popularity, this beach can get crowded during peak seasons, so early visits are recommended to fully savor the beach ambiance before exploring the nearby dining and shopping options.
2. Sun Splash Park Located 5 minutes east of the city center, Sun Splash Park is a family-friendly beach beloved by locals for its immaculately maintained shoreline and flat terrain, making it one of the safest in the region. With lifeguards on duty, families can enjoy a worry-free day at the beach. Kids can run and play in the seasonal splash park, while the powder white sand invites the creation of sandcastles. For couples seeking a romantic escape, Sun Splash Park is a perfect spot for a long, sunset stroll.
3. Bicentennial Park Beach Situated 20 minutes north of the city center, Bicentennial Park Beach offers a long expanse of sandy shore with breathtaking views of the North Atlantic. Located within the Michael Crotty Bicentennial Park (not to be confused with Bicentennial Beach Park an hour south), this beach is an excellent destination for making sand sculptures, picnicking, swimming, and sunbathing. Beyond the beach, visitors can explore the park’s abundant amenities, including kayaking, fishing, canoeing, tennis, racquetball, shuffleboard, and more.
4. Al Weeks Sr. North Shore Park Located at Ormond-by-the-Sea and just an 18-minute drive north of the city center, Al Weeks Sr. North Shore Park is a popular coastline known for its accessibility and range of amenities. ADA-accessible facilities make it a preferred choice among those with disabilities, while picnic areas, clean showers, and numerous lifeguard stations ensure a safe and enjoyable swimming experience. However, parking can be a challenge, so arriving early or using the overflow car park across the street from Ocean Shore Boulevard is advisable.
5. Daytona Beach Shores Distinct from the main Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Shores offers a secluded 5.5-mile stretch of beach popular among NASCAR racing enthusiasts. Just a few minutes south of the city center, this area features attractions commemorating the racing industry’s history. Adjacent to the shoreline, Frank Rendon Park provides sheltered picnic areas, a playground, showers, a beach walkway, bathrooms, and an observation deck, making it an enticing destination for various interests.
6. Mary McLeod Bethune Beach Park Though approximately a 34-minute drive from the city center, Mary McLeod Bethune Beach Park rewards visitors with a pristine and budget-friendly experience. This sandy shoreline, easily accessible with parking available, also offers a grassy lawn area for picnics and relaxation. Unlike some other beaches in Daytona that charge a fee, this one is free and boasts essential amenities such as changing areas, showers, and bathrooms. Families on a budget-friendly holiday can revel in the sun and sand, build sandcastles, and enjoy a delightful escape without breaking the bank.
7. New Smyrna Beach About 25 minutes south of the city center, New Smyrna Beach charms visitors with its unspoiled coastline stretching roughly 17 miles, offering sparkling waters, powdery white sand, and breathtaking sunset views. It’s a surfer’s paradise, attracting those who love the thrill of strong waves and pipes. Boogie boarding, paddle boarding, and skimboarding are other popular sports here. After a day of watersports, a variety of nearby restaurants await to satisfy your appetite.
8. Smyrna Dunes Park Beach Situated at the junction of the North Atlantic and an inlet, Smyrna Dunes Park Beach provides calm waters and stunning sunset views on the horizon. About 35 minutes south of the city center, this beach is an excellent choice for couples seeking a romantic getaway. Walking hand-in-hand along the shore during a brilliant sunset creates unforgettable memories. It’s also a family-friendly beach, with relatively calm surf ideal for boogie boarding, body surfing, kite surfing, and surf fishing. Moreover, the beach allows pets, making it a welcoming spot for four-legged family members.
9. Lighthouse Point Park Beach Offering a stunning expanse of coastline with diamond-white sand and glimmering waters, Lighthouse Point Park Beach is a family-friendly destination with calm waters for swimming, thanks to a protective jetty. The presence of numerous professional lifeguards ensures a safe experience. Visitors may also spot dolphins and manatees passing by, providing additional entertainment. The open area of the park makes it popular for bicycle riding, and climbing the observation tower rewards visitors with breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean and shoreline.
These are just some of the fantastic beaches in Daytona Beach, each offering its own unique charm and experiences for visitors to enjoy.
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