Home to 47 miles of pristine Atlantic coastline, Volusia County is the only place in the United States where you can legally drive your car on the beach—a tradition dating back to the early 1900s when the hard-packed sand served as a racing venue for automotive pioneers. While over 10 million visitors flock to this Florida gem annually, fewer than 5% venture beyond the famous Daytona Beach to discover the county’s hidden treasures, from crystal-clear springs teeming with manatees to charming historic downtowns.
Getting to Volusia County
Volusia County is conveniently accessible by air and road. Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) offers direct flights from major cities, while Orlando International Airport (MCO) provides more options just an hour’s drive away. If you’re planning a Florida adventure, now is the perfect time to book your journey.
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For road travelers, Volusia County sits at the crossroads of Interstate 95 (running north-south) and Interstate 4 (running east-west), making it easily accessible from anywhere in Florida. The county’s central location puts it just an hour from Orlando and its world-famous theme parks.
Best Time to Visit Volusia County
Volusia County enjoys a subtropical climate with distinct seasons. Winter (December-February) brings mild temperatures (65-75°F) and low humidity—perfect for exploring outdoor attractions without the summer crowds. Spring (March-May) offers warm days and cool evenings, though be prepared for the famous events that draw crowds, including Bike Week and the Daytona 500.
Summer (June-August) delivers classic Florida beach weather with temperatures in the high 80s and afternoon thunderstorms. Fall (September-November) sees gradually cooling temperatures and fewer tourists, though hurricane season peaks in September, so monitor weather forecasts if traveling then.
Local Tip: For the perfect balance of good weather and smaller crowds, plan your visit during May or October when temperatures are pleasant and most attractions are less crowded.
Top Attractions in Volusia County
Daytona Beach: The World’s Most Famous Beach
Daytona Beach’s 23 miles of hard-packed sand created the perfect natural racetrack that eventually gave birth to NASCAR. Today, you can still drive your vehicle on designated areas of the beach for a uniquely Floridian experience (daily passes available for $20). Beyond driving on the sand, explore the historic Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier, featuring classic arcade games, rides, and fresh seafood restaurants.
Blue Spring State Park: Manatee Sanctuary
From November through March, hundreds of West Indian manatees seek refuge in the constant 72°F waters of Blue Spring. The park’s boardwalk offers perfect viewing opportunities to observe these gentle giants in the crystal-clear spring. During warmer months, visitors can swim, snorkel, and tube in the spring run (when manatees aren’t present). The park also offers kayak rentals and guided eco-tours.
Ponce Inlet Lighthouse & Museum
Standing at 175 feet, the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse is Florida’s tallest lighthouse and offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and inland waterways. Climb the 203 steps to the top for breathtaking vistas, then explore the meticulously preserved keeper’s dwellings and museum exhibits that tell the story of this National Historic Landmark built in 1887.
DeLeon Springs State Park
At DeLeon Springs, visitors can swim in the refreshing 72°F spring waters before enjoying the park’s most famous attraction: the Old Spanish Sugar Mill Restaurant where you can cook your own pancakes right at your table. The park also offers boat tours of the spring and adjoining Woodruff Creek, where visitors learn about the area’s natural and cultural history while spotting wildlife.
New Smyrna Beach
Known for its laid-back atmosphere and excellent surfing conditions, New Smyrna Beach offers a more relaxed alternative to Daytona. The charming Flagler Avenue is lined with unique shops, galleries, and restaurants leading directly to the beach. Don’t miss the New Smyrna Beach Arts District, home to the Atlantic Center for the Arts and numerous galleries showcasing local talent.
Outdoor Activities in Volusia County
Water Adventures
Beyond the beaches, Volusia County offers exceptional water-based activities. Kayak through the pristine Mosquito Lagoon, part of the Indian River Lagoon system—North America’s most diverse estuary. Local outfitters offer guided eco-tours where you might spot dolphins, manatees, and over 400 bird species in this unique ecosystem.
Hiking and Biking
Explore Volusia’s natural beauty on foot or by bike at Tomoka State Park, where trails wind through ancient oak hammocks and along the Tomoka River. The 36-mile Spring-to-Spring Trail connects several of the county’s crystal-clear springs, offering a scenic route for cyclists and hikers alike.
Racing Experiences
Experience Volusia’s racing heritage at the Daytona International Speedway. Even outside major race events, visitors can take track tours, try the NASCAR Racing Experience (where you can drive an actual NASCAR race car), or visit the immersive Motorsports Hall of Fame of America located at the Speedway.
Where to Eat in Volusia County
Volusia County’s dining scene celebrates fresh seafood and Florida’s agricultural bounty. In Daytona Beach, don’t miss Hull’s Seafood Market & Restaurant, where the catch goes from boat to plate daily. For waterfront dining, The Garlic in New Smyrna Beach offers Mediterranean cuisine in a magical garden setting.
For a taste of Old Florida, visit the family-owned Hidden Treasure restaurants in Ponce Inlet or Port Orange, where you can enjoy fresh seafood while watching dolphins play in the Halifax River. Plant-based visitors will appreciate The Dancing Avocado Kitchen in downtown Daytona Beach, offering creative vegetarian and vegan options in a funky, artistic space.
Local Delicacy: Try the Minorcan Clam Chowder, a spicy tomato-based chowder featuring datil peppers—a regional specialty brought to Florida by settlers from Minorca, Spain.
Where to Stay in Volusia County
Volusia County offers accommodations for every preference and budget. Daytona Beach features oceanfront resorts like The Hard Rock Hotel and The Shores Resort & Spa, offering luxury amenities and stunning views. For a more intimate experience, consider historic bed and breakfasts in DeLand’s downtown district, such as the Artisan Downtown or the Stetson Mansion.
New Smyrna Beach provides charming beachside cottages and condo rentals perfect for families, while nature enthusiasts might prefer cabins at Blue Spring State Park for an immersive outdoor experience.
Find Your Perfect Stay
Browse accommodations in Volusia County for every budget and preference:
Practical Tips for Visiting Volusia County
Beach Driving Rules
If you plan to drive on the beaches, note that beach driving is permitted from sunrise to sunset (tide permitting) in designated areas only. The speed limit is 10 mph, and vehicles must park perpendicular to the ocean with the front of the vehicle facing the water or dunes. Daily passes cost $20, or you can purchase an annual pass for $100 if you’re staying longer.
Sun Protection
Florida’s sun is intense year-round. Pack broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+), UV-protective sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat. Consider UV-protective clothing for extended outdoor activities, especially for children.
Wildlife Encounters
Volusia’s beaches are important nesting grounds for sea turtles from May through October. If you encounter a nesting turtle or hatchlings, maintain distance and never use flash photography. At springs and waterways, observe manatees from a distance and never touch or feed them—it’s harmful and illegal.
Annual Events in Volusia County
Winter (December-February)
- Daytona 500 (February) – NASCAR’s most prestigious race
- Rolex 24 at Daytona (January) – 24-hour endurance race
- DeLand Festival of the Arts (January)
Spring (March-May)
- Bike Week (March) – One of the largest motorcycle events in the world
- New Smyrna Beach Food Festival (April)
- DeLand Craft Beer Festival (May)
Summer (June-August)
- Coke Zero Sugar 400 (August) – NASCAR Cup Series race
- Daytona Beach Bandshell Summer Concert Series (June-August)
- National Night Out Block Party (August)
Fall (September-November)
- Biketoberfest (October) – Motorcycle rally and festival
- Halifax Art Festival (November) – Florida’s second-oldest continuous art festival
- DeLand Fall Festival of the Arts (November)
Getting Around Volusia County
A rental car is the most convenient way to explore Volusia County’s diverse attractions. Major highways I-95 and I-4 connect the county’s communities, with scenic A1A running along the coast. For those without a car, Votran provides public bus service throughout the county, though routes and frequency are limited in some areas.
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft operate throughout the county, particularly in Daytona Beach and other tourist areas. For exploring downtown areas like DeLand and New Smyrna Beach, walking or renting bicycles are pleasant options.
Why Volusia County Should Be Your Next Florida Destination
Volusia County offers the perfect blend of Florida’s natural beauty, cultural richness, and adventure without the overwhelming crowds of the state’s more famous destinations. From the thrill of driving on world-famous beaches to peaceful encounters with manatees in crystal-clear springs, this diverse county delivers authentic Florida experiences that create lasting memories.
Ready to Explore Volusia County?
Start planning your perfect Florida getaway today:
