Best Things To Do In Daytona Beach
1. Three Brothers Dolphin and Manatee Adventure Tour
Of course we may be bias, but we are not the only ones that feel this way! Our Dolphin & Manatee Adventure Tour has been featured on many nationally televised shows, including the Travel Channel, and it is also ranked the number one thing to do in Daytona on Tripadvisor. As Florida natives, we have been offering the tour for over 14 years and it is truly one of the best ways to see Florida’s true wildlife.
There are only a few places on earth to see the West Indian Manatees and Daytona is one of them. On this tour we get tons of wildlife! We see tons of dolphins, manatees, bald eagles, sea turtles and much more. Some people are alarmed when they hear “Florida’s Wildlife”, but rest assured, in over 14 years of offering this tour we have never seen any sharks or alligators! We offer this tour in the heart of Downtown Daytona so it is less than 5 minute drive from where most of the visitors stay (Hilton and Wyndham OceanWalk) and we are far enough away from Ponce inlet to avoid the strong currents, tide changes, and boat traffic.
2. Climb the Lighthouse at Sunset
Our Daytona lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in Florida and the views are breathtaking. If you climb to the top at sunset you can see all the rivers that cut the landscape light up orange or gold. Climbing to the top is less strenuous than it seems however, if you are claustrophobic, the stairway does get a little tighter as you get to the top.
3. Take a Tour of International Speedway
Besides our 26 miles of beaches, Daytona is best know for the International Speedway. Daytona was the birthplace of NASCAR in fact, the first races were held right on our beaches. The International Speedway hosts many races throughout the year, including the Daytona 500 ( the Super Bowl of Nascar). The Speedway offers many different experiences from tours through their museum of Nascar’s History to and actual on-track racing experience. You can find more about their tours here.
Top Restaurants In Daytona Beach
There are many good restaurants in Daytona but here are our best recommendations for the best atmosphere and food.
1. Our Deck Down Under
Our Deck Down Under is right on the river and it gets amazing sunsets on the water every evening. They are also located right next to our Local Seafood Market (Two Jerks Seafood) so they get some of the freshest seafood around. A personal favorite is the Crabtrap Sandwich, it’s blackened fish (whatever is fresh) with a homemade crab cake on top. This place is somewhat of a local spot as it is hidden under the Dunlawnton bridge.
2. Caribbean Jack’s
Caribbean Jack’s is another restaurant with a great atmosphere. It’s right on the water and has live music almost every day. The restaurant was named after Caribbean Jack’s, an infamous local booze smuggler during the prohibition area. This place is know for their seafood and huge deserts however, a personal favorite here is the Voodoo Burger!
3. Racing’s North Turn
Racing’s North Turn is located right on the beach and has beautiful beach and ocean views. This place is famous because it is located where the north turn of the old race way was, where the first NASCAR races took place. There are a ton of old photos and memorabilia from the old race days to help understand its significance. They also have live music and a great atmosphere. A personal favorite here is their oysters – they offer 6 different types!