A popular way to get some beach time when visiting Orlando is to head northeast to Daytona Beach. Interstates 4 and 95 make this a quick drive of less than two hours.
Along the way, you may want to explore a few interesting side stops.
Side Trips on the Way
Sanford & Central Florida Zoo
Start by heading northeast on I‑4. Consider a visit to historic Sanford and the nearby Central Florida Zoo, located just off I‑4 on Route 17/92.
Cassadaga
Hop back on I‑4 for twelve miles to Cassadaga, a small town famous for its spiritualist community.
Stop in for a palm reading while you’re there.
Daytona International Speedway
If your day includes some beach time—though not quite the glamour of Miami Beach—continue toward Daytona. Take I‑95 north for just over a mile from the I‑4 interchange. Before reaching the shoreline, you’ll pass Daytona International Speedway on International Speedway Boulevard (Highway 92), exit 87.
Home of the Daytona 500 and Daytona USA, an interactive race-themed attraction, the Speedway is worth a stop. Tram tours are available when races aren’t scheduled, and you can snap photos from the high bank on turn four. Don’t miss the movie at Daytona USA—kids don’t need to be racing fans to enjoy it.
Museum of Arts and Sciences
The Museum of Arts and Sciences, a hidden gem, fascinates children with its 13-foot-tall skeleton of a 130,000-year-old giant ground sloth and a Volkswagen-sized armadillo skeleton.
Downtown Daytona & Boardwalk
If you turn off Highway 92 south on Beach Street, explore the spruced-up downtown. Kids will love a visit to Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory, where you can take a free 30-minute tour and enjoy samples. The Halifax Historical Museum is housed in a historic bank building, including a wood-carved model of how the beach boardwalk once looked.
Daytona Beach’s boardwalk and pier area are the highlights of the beach. Cross to the beach via Highway 92 or Orange Avenue and turn on Ocean Avenue (Route A1A).
The boardwalk lies north of the two bridges.
Daytona Beach is famous for its hard-packed, wide sands that people can drive on.
Recently, the boardwalk area has been designated pedestrian-only, similar to the beach in front of Ocean Drive in Miami. The area is like a fairgrounds on the beach, with rides, games, and beach toy rentals. Try boogie boarding in the waves.
Nearby Attractions
Nearby Adventure Landing is a water amusement park (spin-off of the one in Jacksonville Beach). Families will find plenty of miniature golf and go-cart attractions. The lighthouse at Ponce Inlet, south along Route A1A, is fun to climb and has a historic village around its base.
Stop at Lighthouse Landing for a casual lunch or sodas.
Trip Summary
This tour: about 55 miles.
