Top Rated Attractions in Daytona Beach

A one-of-a-kind educational destination in Daytona Beach, the Marine Science Center is where kids and adults alike can go to learn about nature conservation efforts in the Volusia County area. The center offers many programs throughout the year, as well as a full array of year-round educational exhibits, including a 5,000-gallon aquarium. But perhaps most noticeably, the center is dedicated to the conservation and rehabilitation of native seabirds and giant sea turtles, serving as a sanctuary that educates the public about these beautiful animals.

Located in the heart of the historic district, the New Smyrna Museum of History helps visitors explore the Smyrna Beach's history with a chronological perimeter gallery, a permanent displays of Smyrna's founders and historical artifacts upstairs in the Sweet Room. The North Room displays new exhibits every three months. The museum also hosts a variety of events and contains a museum store and library that may be of interest to researchers.

Dating back to 1887, the Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1998. One of the most well preserved and complete light stations in the country, as well as one of the tallest, over 125,000 people, visit the 175-foot (53 meters) tower every year. Visitors are invited to climb the 203 steps to the top, where views of the Ponce Inlet and surrounding area await. Round off your trip by and learn more by visiting the museum. Group tours can be arranged but must be made in advance.

Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory is more than your typical candy store. Spend the day at the beach working up an appetite for some delicious handmade chocolate delights. Established in 1925 by two pioneering ladies, Riddell Angell and Cora Phelps, this business has changed owners twice but retains its excellent quality of chocolates, specialty items and gifts. Stop by this Daytona Beach landmark for a tour of the factory to witness in person how all of the tasty treats are created the old-fashioned way. Learn interesting details and the history of the factory during the tour and enjoy samples of freshly made chocolate after the tour.

Daytona Playhouse is a non-profit organization devoted to promoting the arts in Daytona Beach. Open since 1946, this theater company has been entertaining local audiences and exposing them to quality community theater productions. The theater itself is well-appointed and each seat provides a great view of the stage. The theater offers a discount for groups, as well as season subscriptions. Matinee shows are performed on Sundays.

This serpentine course encompassing Lake Lloyd has set many a race aficionado's hearts aflutter with adrenaline as speedsters zoom through the tracks. Daytona International Speedway is among the US' most coveted racetracks and was built between 1957 through 1959 by William "Bill" France, Sr, the founder of NASCAR. This outdoor sports facility features asphalt and dirt tracks with varying difficulty levels and is planned in such a way that spectators get a fine view from almost any angle. Home to major motorsports events such as the Daytona 500, Coke Zero 400 and Coca-Cola Firecracker 250, it is also known as the World Center of Racing. Touted to be the only one of its kind in the world, it hosts thrilling motor races alongside hosting several gaming events.