Beach at Daytona Beach
Beach at Daytona Beach
4.5
About
This world-famous 23-mile long stretch of white sandy beach allows vehicle driving during daylight hours, and offers nearly every water sport imaginable as well as a lively boardwalk.
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4.5
4,754 reviews
Excellent
2,890
Very good
1,197
Average
431
Poor
143
Terrible
93
todd b
1 contribution
Aug 2021 • Family
lots of places to eat at, do try Chamo's Place you will not be disappointed because it is family ran with way better service and hot food for the $$$ compared to other restaurants. nice beach honestly but could be better. beach area in front of boardwalk is packed during the day because of brand name hotels of course; less packed to the south of boardwalk, even feels safer with less junkies. food trucks on the beach are as expensive as most eateries with little selection; deep fried foods of course. lots of sirens and flashing blue and red lights around boardwalk area after sunset. lots of unhappy people around this area so beware who you poke a question at.
Written 12 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheCovertCritic
Apex, North Carolina412 contributions
Jan 2020
Many years ago this was a really wide beach. Now if I were to even consider driving on it I would have to consider myself lacking common sense. More than a few beach loungers must have been killed by vehicles tooling along the narrow strip of sand that is now available to drive on for a $10 fee. Climate change? Hurricanes? What caused this massive beach to become so puny in a comparatively short period of time? I can't answer that, but I can say that maybe it might not be such a good idea to encourage vehicles and sunbathers to coexist at Daytona anymore. The beach (what there is of it) is still clean and beautiful, but unless you are willing to look both ways before stepping onto the sand you might consider an area more beach blanket friendly.
Written 14 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
traceyfxo
Schomberg, Canada74 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
If you like white sandy beaches with crystal clear water this beach is not for you. If you like walking, running, cycling and even driving on the beach you will love this. The beach and ocean are very clean, the swimming is fun, the fishing is plentiful, and walk is gorgeous. A large part of the beach can be driven on but you have to pay to do so, which is a good thing so it isn’t as busy. If you visit during high season it is way too crowded with vehicles on the beach to actually plop a towel, blanket, or chair down to enjoy being close to the ocean. Some areas don’t allow vehicles and that is nice (north shore). The attractions on the North Shore are awesome with a boardwalk full of sites and restaurants for all. I personally like a more sandy beach and less traffic so that is why I gave it a three. But some may give it a 5. It is a personal preference. It is very clean and very fun. Like I said you just have to watch for cars (there are specific lanes and speed) when walking or playing on the beach. Low tide obviously has more room for pedestrians. A 3 but a good solid 3 from me.
Written 6 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katie C
Athens, GA187 contributions
Jul 2021
Daytona Beach is my family’s favorite beach hands-down. You really cannot beat the freedom to drive your car onto the beach. The $20 a day for beach parking is well worth it to avoid dragging your gear through the sand, next year we plan on buying an annual pass for unlimited entry. Once on the beach you have the assurance of competent lifeguards nearby, the convenience of food trucks and ice cream trucks selling snacks and you are just a quick walk away from downtown shops and restaurants. We parked earlier in the day on the beach, locked our car and walked to Crabby’s Oceanside for a delicious patio lunch during our beach day. Best yet, I can lock my valuables inside my car when I head down to the water, a huge plus for me because I always worry about leaving unattended bags on the beach while swimming. Highly recommend this beach for the convince, value and fun.
Written 8 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark W
Port Orange, FL123 contributions
Aug 2022 • Solo
This is one of the better beaches in Florida. However, as of late there have been some issues.
Issues;
Soft sand has closed many ramps. They need to be groomed. Many people come just to drive on the beach and this has lowered the number of tourists.
There is a severe shortage of lifeguards. The ones they have are great but many have to run over a quarter of a mile for rescues.
There should be more shark patrols to provide security for beach goers.
The guards at entry booths have horrible conditions. Management is too strict with them and does not pay enough. The booths are not air conditioned and there is little communication.
Lightning safety procedures are not followed. When my lightning detector spotted lightning two miles away, nobody was told to get off the beach even after thunder and lightning was present.
Guards do respond fast when necessary and they take their job seriously. In the summer, they are fast. Not so much during the school year.
Issues;
Soft sand has closed many ramps. They need to be groomed. Many people come just to drive on the beach and this has lowered the number of tourists.
There is a severe shortage of lifeguards. The ones they have are great but many have to run over a quarter of a mile for rescues.
There should be more shark patrols to provide security for beach goers.
The guards at entry booths have horrible conditions. Management is too strict with them and does not pay enough. The booths are not air conditioned and there is little communication.
Lightning safety procedures are not followed. When my lightning detector spotted lightning two miles away, nobody was told to get off the beach even after thunder and lightning was present.
Guards do respond fast when necessary and they take their job seriously. In the summer, they are fast. Not so much during the school year.
Written 11 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Annie
House Springs, MO1 contribution
Jul 2022 • Couples
Here’s my honest opinion of Daytona Beach.
It’s difficult to ignore how dirty it is. The streets reek of the overfilling dumpsters, if someone dropped something they just seem to leave it where it lies and we passed a used condom on the sidewalk in the middle of the day on our first outing here. 🫤
Homeless people and addicts seem to be around every other corner, sleeping on benches and begging tourists for money. The city even has a kiosk to donate to their homeless community!
The food is expensive ($60+/per couple), but decent I guess. We went to a small shop for some phillys which were pretty good, Hog Heaven and Cruisin Cafe was phenomenal food and service. Joe’s Crab Shack on the pier sat us in a corner booth and forgot to even get our drinks for 20 minutes and the shrimp and crab was over cooked. We can get better seafood back in Columbia, Mo.
However, if you’re looking for a place to just lay on the beach for some sun and waves with a constant breeze, this is a good start. Their beach is CLEAN! Find a condo on the beach with a kitchen and enjoy a fairly cheap week!
It’s difficult to ignore how dirty it is. The streets reek of the overfilling dumpsters, if someone dropped something they just seem to leave it where it lies and we passed a used condom on the sidewalk in the middle of the day on our first outing here. 🫤
Homeless people and addicts seem to be around every other corner, sleeping on benches and begging tourists for money. The city even has a kiosk to donate to their homeless community!
The food is expensive ($60+/per couple), but decent I guess. We went to a small shop for some phillys which were pretty good, Hog Heaven and Cruisin Cafe was phenomenal food and service. Joe’s Crab Shack on the pier sat us in a corner booth and forgot to even get our drinks for 20 minutes and the shrimp and crab was over cooked. We can get better seafood back in Columbia, Mo.
However, if you’re looking for a place to just lay on the beach for some sun and waves with a constant breeze, this is a good start. Their beach is CLEAN! Find a condo on the beach with a kitchen and enjoy a fairly cheap week!
Written 29 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
screw you
Westover, MD1,607 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
The beach is open to the public. Very clean and popular during the beach season. Bring your own chairs or rent two chairs, table and umbrella until 5 pm for $40 per day. Vehicles are allowed on the beach and they offer life guards and monitor the beach conditions for your safety. Very limited parking near the beach.
Written 14 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike W
3 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
I stayed at the Hilton Ocean front hotel. No balcony’s in any of the rooms. Rooms are dirty and the amusement park is torn down. Self parking you need a uber to get to and Homeless everywhere and run down to the point you think your in a third world country. This is a billion dollar beach and boy do they have problems. Customer service non existent in my hotel and parking is $40 or $ 30 for self parking. Go to a motel 6 and drive to the beach. There no nice restaurant and where near the Hilton. There nothing here except for a average beach.
Written 26 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sup102
Lake Linden, MI14 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Not busy in February. Very clean and flat which makes walking very easy. Very few shells so you don’t have to be watching for sharp shell fragments all of the time. Traffic on the beach was extremely light. Really enjoyed the walks.
Written 17 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marlene M
Mississauga, Canada117 contributions
Feb 2022
Driving on the beach was a very cool experience for $20 daily beach pass.
We went just to do this so entered in one end and drive for about Five miles, just a neat experience.
Beach itself was nice but would not stay, area is really run down. Went to Crabbys Oceanside which has an amazing location and only one of the few choices to eat on the beach. Beautiful location but food is basic, margaritas are awful and very expensive for quality. Lunch was 78 bucks so not worth it.
We went just to do this so entered in one end and drive for about Five miles, just a neat experience.
Beach itself was nice but would not stay, area is really run down. Went to Crabbys Oceanside which has an amazing location and only one of the few choices to eat on the beach. Beautiful location but food is basic, margaritas are awful and very expensive for quality. Lunch was 78 bucks so not worth it.
Written 7 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What time of day do the beach toll booths stop charging??
Written 10 August 2024
We are in Orlando and have a week left. We are considering whether to go to Clearwater or Daytona - what do people think?
We are a family of 5 youngest child is 11 oldest 16
Written 12 August 2019
I think with the kids Daytona would be the best bang for the buck .like others have said the boardwalk has so much across the street is a nice waterpark /arcade large parking deck and restaurants.HOG HEAVEN is also across the street one of my favorites.
Written 12 August 2019
gabm16
Cooper City, Florida
So I have never been to Daytona Beach. Trying to figure out which part of the beach to go to. Ideally, we want easy access to a good beachfront restaurant and ability to rent chairs and umbrellas. Being able to park on the beach would be nice too since we have never done that before and we will have a heavily pregnant person with us. Is it possible to have all three?
Written 4 June 2019
Sexymel818
Boston, Massachusetts
Do you find the area to be kid friendly? What is there to do with kids? Planning a trip in April thank you
Written 20 March 2019
Play in the pool. Play on the beach.
Written 21 September 2019
Oui sans problème !
Written 27 October 2018
Do they still Rent the Buggies to drive on the sand.They used to do it ears ago,I have no idea now.
Written 21 August 2018
Yes they do! I’m not sure of the company name though.
Written 21 August 2018
BEST PLACE TO COLLECT SHELLS?
Any tips?
My 9yr old has planned her whole trip around she’ll collecting.
Any spots good?
Written 3 August 2018
Any nighttime fireworks shows in the area?
Written 3 August 2018
Did not see any scheduled displays while we were there
Written 4 August 2018
What is the best place to park my car to access this beach?
Written 23 May 2018
It is one of the few beaches you can still drive on and park. Just look for the arch Wonderful Daytona Beach, a little guard shack is there to collect your admission. Sorry I don't know how much it is. I was with a local with a season pass. Real nice gig! Have fun and don't forget the suntan lotion . . .you will burn especially on a cloudy day!
Written 2 June 2018
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