Best of Volusia County
A visitor guide to the beaches, racing, rivers and small towns between Ormond Beach and the St. Johns River.
See things to do »Volusia County at a Glance
Volusia County covers a wide slice of northeast Central Florida, from roughly 47 miles of Atlantic beach on the east to the St. Johns River on the west. Most people know it for one name, Daytona Beach, and for the two things that made that name famous: hard-packed sand you can still drive on, and the speedway that grew out of the old beach races. Spend a few days here and you find a county with several distinct personalities, linked by Interstate 4, Interstate 95 and the Halifax and Indian rivers.
The coast is the busiest part. Daytona Beach has the boardwalk, the Main Street Pier, oceanfront hotels in every price range and Daytona International Speedway a few miles inland. Ormond Beach, just to the north, is quieter and greener, with John D. Rockefeller’s former winter home and a scenic loop through oak hammocks and state parks. To the south, the Halifax River leads past Port Orange and Ponce Inlet, where a red brick lighthouse stands over the inlet.
New Smyrna Beach, farther south, has a surf culture of its own, two walkable shopping streets and the northern gate to Canaveral National Seashore, one of the longest undeveloped beaches on the Florida Atlantic coast. Behind it, Mosquito Lagoon and the Indian River are shallow, warm and full of dolphins, wading birds and manatees, which makes kayaking and small-boat tours the standard way to spend a morning.
West Volusia feels like another state. DeLand, the county seat, is a college town with a restored brick downtown, a skydiving center and easy access to Hontoon Island and De Leon Springs. Orange City and DeBary sit on the St. Johns River, where Blue Spring State Park becomes a winter refuge for hundreds of manatees. The drive from the beach to Blue Spring takes under an hour.
The county is also a good choice for travelers who want Central Florida without the theme-park crowds. Orlando’s attractions are about an hour away by Interstate 4, and Kennedy Space Center is a similar drive to the south, so many visitors split a trip between the coast and a few days inland. Hotel rates on the beach are generally lower than in South Florida, and the mix of oceanfront high-rises, small motels and vacation rentals covers every budget. Outside the big event weeks, the beaches are rarely crowded, and the rivers and springs inland are quieter still.
This guide covers five areas, each with its own page of highlights and bookable tours where they exist, plus a dining guide built from restaurants we checked are operating and a list of the events that return every year. Note that the busiest weeks are tied to racing and motorcycle rallies, not school holidays, so check the event calendar before you book a room.
Explore Volusia County by Area
Top-Rated Things to Do in Volusia County
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ViatorTours, tickets, prices and reviews from Viator (a Tripadvisor company) and Tiqets — prices are per person, from, and were checked October 27, 2026. Best of Volusia County may earn a commission when you book, at no extra cost to you.
Where to Eat in Volusia County
Fish houses on the Halifax River, a treehouse bar in New Smyrna Beach, a beach bar on the old racing turn and griddle pancakes at De Leon Springs: our dining guide lists 19 restaurants we checked are operating, grouped by area.
Races, Rallies and Festivals
The year starts with the Rolex 24 and the Daytona 500, then Bike Week fills the streets in March and Biketoberfest returns in October. In between come art festivals in New Smyrna Beach, Daytona and DeLand, a manatee festival in Orange City and the Thanksgiving car show at the Speedway.
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Get free trip quotes »Volusia County — FAQ
Can you still drive on Daytona Beach?
Yes, on marked sections of beach in Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Shores, New Smyrna Beach and parts of Ormond Beach. The speed limit is 10 mph, headlights must be on, and some stretches are closed to cars as conservation zones. Non-residents pay a daily access fee at the ramps; check ParkVolusia for current rules and ramp closures.
When is the best time to visit Volusia County?
Spring and fall bring the best beach weather. Winter is cooler but is the season to see manatees at Blue Spring. Hotels fill and prices jump during Speedweeks in February, Bike Week in March and Biketoberfest in October, so plan around those dates if you want a quiet stay.
What is the nearest airport?
Daytona Beach International Airport is a few minutes from the beach and the Speedway and has service from several airlines. Orlando Sanford is roughly 45 minutes from DeLand and the St. Johns River towns, and Orlando International is about an hour from Daytona Beach.
Do I need a car?
For most trips, yes. Votran buses serve the county, and SunRail commuter trains stop in DeBary and DeLand on weekdays, but beaches, springs and parks are spread out. The Daytona boardwalk area, Flagler Avenue in New Smyrna Beach and downtown DeLand are each easy to walk once you arrive.
Which beach town should I stay in?
Daytona Beach has the most hotels and nightlife. Ormond Beach and Daytona Beach Shores are calmer but still close to everything. New Smyrna Beach suits surfers and travelers who want a smaller town feel and access to Canaveral National Seashore.
Is Volusia County good for families?
Yes. Wide beaches, the boardwalk rides, the sea turtle hospital at the Marine Science Center, the Ponce Inlet lighthouse climb and the manatees at Blue Spring all work well for children, and Speedway tours are popular with older kids.