Beyond the Beach: 6 Great Ways to Have Fun in Greater Daytona

iStock/Sergey-And-Marina

Nature lovers have a lot to take in when exploring Greater Daytona. Sure, the 23 miles of pristine sandy shoreline are a draw, but trade in your flip-flops for hiking shoes, and you’ll discover a surprisingly wide variety of flora, fauna and outdoor recreation beyond the beach. Here’s a look at some of the many ways you can have fun in Greater Daytona.

Gateways to the River 

The majestic Atlantic Ocean isn’t the only body of water gracing the coastal horizon. The St. Johns, Tomoka and Spruce Creek fresh-water rivers run through Greater Daytona, as do intracoastal waterways like the Halifax and Indian rivers. 

Take a guided kayak tour after dark to see bioluminescence, a natural phenomenon that lights up the Indian River in summer. Area parks, like the new kayak launch at Sunrise Park in Holly Hill, are gateways to explore the water, and local guides can lend a hand to show you the way when you need it. 

Six State Parks to Explore 

Florida’s state parks combine rugged nature with recreational amenities, and Greater Daytona is lucky enough to have six of them. 

De Leon Springs State Park and Blue Spring State Park are the most famous – the former for the make-your-own flapjacks at the Old Sugar Mill Pancake House and the latter for the hundreds of manatees that flock here in winter. 

Other can’t-miss spots include Tomoka State Park, which is an ideal destination for fishing, camping and paddling (with kayaks, canoes and paddleboards available for rent). 

North Peninsula State Park is better known for its beach but also features a gem of a hiking trail through maritime hammocks and dunes. 

Bulow Creek State Park is home to the 400-year-old Fairchild Oak and a 7-mile trail to Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park. 

For an even more remote excursion, Hontoon Island State Park is a river island accessible only by boat, featuring a picnic area and playground. 

Multiuse Trail Systems 

For fresh air and exercise, hit the trails. Most are paved, making them perfect for bikes, roller blades, wheelchairs, skateboards and strollers. 

When it comes to trails, you might say wider is better. The 12-foot-wide East Central Regional Rail Trail provides plenty of elbow room, plus scenic stops at parks and two pedestrian bridges. 

As the name suggests, the Spring-to-Spring Trail runs from De Leon Springs, through Blue Spring, to Gemini Springs and Green Springs. 

From St. Petersburg on the west to Titusville on the east, the Coast-To-Coast Trail is 250 miles long, including a stunning stretch in Greater Daytona along Lake Monroe and Hickory Bluff Preserve. Meanwhile, the St. Johns River-to-Sea Loop is 260 miles, including a riverside path from Ormond Beach to Daytona Beach and the curving inland trail from Edgewater to DeLeon Springs. 

The Heart of Florida Loop trail passes through DeBary and into Central Florida.

Marine Life Encounters 

You don’t have to dip your toes in the water to experience up-close encounters with marine life. At the Marine Science Center in Ponce Inlet, see rehabilitated turtles, pet stingrays in the touch tank and meet pelicans and raptors on the Bird Boardwalk. 

In New Smyrna Beach, enjoy free admission to the Marine Discovery Center, where you’ll get to know the urchins, crabs and other tiny creatures in the aquariums. Then, book an eco-tour to see marine life like manatees and dolphins in their natural habitat. 

Untamed Open Spaces 

Volusia County’s nature preserves span over thousands of acres, offering equestrian trails, mountain biking and wildlife watching for gopher tortoises, deer, otters and even bobcats. 

Roam the wetlands of Wiregrass Prairie Preserve in the St. Johns River valley. Climb the 15-foot observation tower at Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve in Port Orange for a view over the marshes. For birding, head to Lake George, which has the second-largest population of bald eagles in the Lower 48. 

The Riverfront Esplanade 

The Riverfront Esplanade is a different kind of landscape – less untamed open spaces, more manicured lawns and gardens. Running along a mile of intracoastal waterway, it’s the place to lounge on swings overlooking the river, let the kids play on the new splash pad or watch Fido take on the dog park’s agility course. 

The waterfront park often hosts events, from markets to concerts to holiday festivities, inviting everyone to gather in Daytona Beach’s outdoor living room.