Ponce Inlet Lighthouse & Museum
Standing 175 feet tall, the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in Florida and one of the most unique attractions in Daytona Beach. The grounds also include the Lens Exhibit Building, featuring Fresnel lenses from other lighthouses, and a museum with exhibits on the history of the lighthouse and the keepers who operated it. Climb to the top of the lighthouse for panoramic views of Ponce Inlet, Daytona Beach, and the Atlantic Ocean. The lighthouse keeper’s home next door has been restored to its original 1909 appearance. Walk through the home to see what life was like for the keepers and their families. The Ponce Inlet Lighthouse is located south of Daytona Beach in the town of Ponce Inlet. The lighthouse is just off South Atlantic Avenue on Lighthouse Circle. Ponce Inlet Lighthouse & Museum 4931 S Peninsula Dr, Ponce Inlet, FL 32127 (386) 761-1821
Blue Spring State Park
Blue Spring State Park is a must-visit to see one of Florida’s most amazing natural sights. Each winter, hundreds of manatees migrate to the clear 72-degree waters of Blue Spring Run. This is one of the largest congregations of manatees in the world! The best viewing area is near the spring boil, where you can walk out on a boardwalk and look down into the crystal clear water. You’re almost guaranteed to spot several of these gentle giants swimming below. The park has informative signs to teach visitors all about the manatees. From November to March, the park offers free ranger-led programs and tours daily. Or rent a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard to see the manatees from the water. There are also hiking trails through sand pine scrub and hardwood hammocks. Blue Spring State Park is located west of Orange City, about 30 minutes from Daytona Beach. The park address is 2100 W French Ave, Orange City, FL 32763. The phone number is (386) 775-3663.
Ormond Memorial Art Museum
This small but excellent art museum is located just north of Daytona in Ormond Beach. The Ormond Memorial Art Museum features American art from the 19th to 21st centuries. Artists represented include Thomas Moran, Norman Rockwell, and James Audubon. One standout is their collection of 12 original Audubon prints. These intricate illustrations of North American birds were created in the early 1800s for Audubon’s famous book, Birds of America. Seeing the incredible detail in person is an unforgettable experience. The museum also hosts rotating exhibits by contemporary Florida artists. Outside, the sculpture garden displays large-scale works among the oaks, palms, and flowers. Admission to the museum is free, making this a great option for art lovers. The Ormond Memorial Art Museum is located in Ormond Beach at 78 E Granada Blvd. It’s open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm, and Sunday from 1 pm to 4 pm. The phone number is (386) 676-3347.
Marine Science Center
The Marine Science Center in Ponce Inlet is the perfect place to learn about the marine life found along Florida’s coast. This nonprofit center rescues and rehabilitates sick or injured sea turtles, seabirds, and other animals. Visit the Sea Turtle Hospital to see turtles being treated and rehabilitated. The center has floor-to-ceiling viewing windows looking into the turtle tanks, so you can get a close-up view of these special creatures. There are also touch tanks where kids can get hands-on and interact with marine animals like horseshoe crabs, sea stars, and conch shells. Outside, walk the nature trail through a coastal hammock habitat. The Marine Science Center is located at 100 Lighthouse Drive in Ponce Inlet, right next to the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse. It’s open daily from 10 am to 4 pm. The phone number is (386) 304-5545.
Daytona Lagoon Water Park
Cool off from the Florida heat at Daytona Lagoon, the area’s top water park. This lagoon-themed park has everything from high-speed water slides to a lazy river. Little ones will love the Kiddie Zone with mini slides and fountains. For those wanting an adrenaline rush, try the centerpiece attraction, the Death Drop Proslide. You step into an enclosed capsule where the floor drops out beneath your feet, sending you plunging down the steep, nearly vertical slide. The park also has fun extras like mini golf, go-karts, arcade games, and laser tag. Daytona Lagoon is located at 601 Earl St, Daytona Beach, FL 32118. The water park is open year-round, with daily hours that vary by season. Get discounted group rates for parties of 15 or more by booking online. The phone number is (386) 267-3979.
The Casements
History buffs will love touring the Casements, a beautiful mansion turned museum in Ormond Beach. The home was built in the early 1900s by John Anderson, an influential local businessman. Anderson was enamored with European castles and modeled the home after a casement window style seen in medieval architecture. The Casements has been restored to its original grandeur. Take a guided tour to admire the ornate woodwork, imported chandeliers, and charming period details. The surrounding gardens are also lovely. The home is just across the street from Rockefeller Park and the beach. The Casements is located at 25 Riverside Drive in Ormond Beach. It’s open Monday through Friday from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, and Saturday from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm. Guided tours are available on the hour. The phone number is (386) 676-3216.
Plan Your Trip With Charter Bus Company Daytona Beach
Now that you know about some of Daytona Beach’s hidden gems, start planning your group trip to explore them all! At Charter Bus Company Daytona Beach, we make group travel easy with comfortable, private buses for any size group. Keep your group together as you discover Daytona’s secret attractions. Our team handles the driving so you can focus on having fun. Call us at 386-888-9446 or request a fast quote online to reserve your bus!