How To Spend a Weekend in Daytona Beach and Volusia County, Florida
From beaches to springs, gardens to art galleries, museums and more, there are far more things to do than you can fit into a weekend in Daytona Beach and Volusia County, Florida. But if you want to hit the highlights by Monday, this itinerary has you covered with expert tips from locals in the Greater Daytona Region.
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Friday: Evening Excursions
Begin in charming Ormond Beach, home to the 9,000-square-foot Casements, John D. Rockefeller’s former residence, which overlooks riverfront gardens and trails. The mansion offers free tours during the day, but save time to stroll Granada Boulevard as dusk sets in. Enjoy the shops, galleries, a wine bar with live music and even the lush grounds of the Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens. Andrew Booth, director of communications at the Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, says an evening here is at the top of his must-do list for visitors.
“Dining, entertainment, a walk along the main street, a beautiful view of the Intracoastal Waterway — there’s just a wealth of opportunities,” Booth says.
For dinner, Booth recommends the Victorian-era Rose Villa Restaurant or the speakeasy-themed 31 Supper Club.
Looking to keep the evening casual? Savor fresh-off-the-boat fare at Hull’s Seafood.
Saturday: From Breakfast to the Sunny Beaches
Rise and shine for breakfast at Cast & Crew, run by a James Beard Award-nominated restaurant group inside the stylish new Renaissance Daytona Beach Oceanfront Hotel.
After indulging in scrumptious eggs Benedict or French toast with lemon curd, hit the beach. You have miles of sandy shoreline to enjoy along with bustling Beach Street and the flower-filled Riverfront Esplanade.
The beach is certainly the region’s No. 1 attraction, but the Daytona Beach area has much more to offer, Booth says. He reels off attractions such as the Smithsonian-affiliated Museum of Arts and Sciences, Jackie Robinson Ballpark, and the Marine Science Center that’s currently undergoing a multimillion-dollar renovation.
If you’re not feeling beachy, tour the world-famous Daytona International Speedway or hang out with sharks and stingrays at the Daytona Aquarium & Rainforest Adventure.
In the afternoon, drive down to Port Orange for a laid-back lunch at the cozy Cinnamon Tree Café or island vibes at Tiki Docks.
Fill up, because next you’re climbing over 200 steps up to spectacular views in the town of Ponce Inlet. Built in 1887, the brick-red Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in Florida.
Saturday: Downtown and Dinner Plans
Just a little farther south, New Smyrna Beach boasts a walkable historic district with a thriving arts community. The Hub on Canal, where you can often spy artists at work, is a must. If you’re there on the first Saturday of the month, the Sip & Stroll runs until 6 p.m. with galleries like the Artists’ Workshop and Jane’s Art Center showcasing their treasures.
There’s another gem downtown you can’t miss: the mysterious coquina ruins that date to circa 1770 in a scenic waterfront park.
For dinner, follow the crowds to The Garlic, a taste of Tuscany with eclectic decor, or indulge in the healthy, elevated eats and extensive wine list at SoNapa Grille. End your night at Riverside Park, watching the sailboats, maybe sipping a cortado from the nearby cafe. Keep your eye peeled for dolphins, frequently spotted here.
Sunday: Morning Pancakes at the Park
Hit the road early to visit De León Springs State Park. What about breakfast, you ask? There’s none better than unlimited make-your-own pancakes at the Old Sugar Mill Pancake House inside the park.
“Thousands of people come to the Pancake House each year,” says Georgia Turner, executive director of the West Volusia Tourism Bureau.
“Many return to find the same experience they’ve had since it opened in 1961. Always delicious — and fun!”
Sunday: An Afternoon in West Volusia
For lunch, pull up a chair at The Table on Main Street in DeLand for a weekend menu that includes mahi-mahi tacos, mimosas and bloody marys. Afterward, wander downtown, admiring the cute shops, murals and historic architecture.
A short drive from downtown is Blue Spring State Park.
“It’s the most popular attraction in West Volusia,” Turner says. “Whether you’re watching the manatees frolic in the spring or kayaking out in the river, it’s a beautiful, relaxing experience.”
Or, a little farther south, the 31-acre Green Springs Park is a trailhead for the Spring-to-Spring Trail and East Central Regional Rail Trail.
If you have time, grab dinner at Swamp House Riverfront Grill on the historic St. Johns River in DeBary — and be sure to try the gator nuggets!
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