Daytona Beach is the nearest large Atlantic beach city to Orlando and is famous for hard-packed sand where cars can drive on designated stretches. Visitors come for the Main Street Pier, the boardwalk with its amusements and the Daytona International Speedway just inland. It is more crowded and commercial than Cocoa Beach but easy to reach by I-4. The trip is about 55 miles (88 km) northeast from Orlando, roughly 1 hour by car. Take I-4 east to Daytona Beach, exit toward International Speedway Blvd or Main St, then follow signs to the Main Street Pier; about 1 hour. Costs: Beach is free for walkers; vehicle beach access about $20 per car; Daytona International Speedway tours about $25-$60 per person; boardwalk rides priced per ticket. Before going, confirm hours and any closures with the operator at 386-255-0415 or www.daytonabeach.com.
| Distance | About 55 miles (88 km) northeast |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 1 hour by car |
| Cost | Beach is free for walkers; vehicle beach access about $20 per car; Daytona International Speedway tours about $25-$60 per person; boardwalk rides priced per ticket |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | 1200 Main St, Daytona Beach, FL 32118 |
How to get there
- Mode
- Rental car
- Cost
- Gas; beach driving access about $20 per vehicle on open days; boardwalk lots are paid
- Frequency
- Any time; leave early to beat I-4 traffic
- Operator
- Rental agencies at MCO or Orlando hotels
- Departure point
- Anywhere in Orlando
- Mode
- Guided tour or coach
- Cost
- Day tours to Daytona Beach and the Speedway cost about $80-$150 per person
- Frequency
- Daily departures where available
- Operator
- Orlando tour operators (book via Viator or GetYourGuide)
- Departure point
- Selected Orlando, I-Drive and Disney area hotels
- Mode
- Rideshare one way
- Cost
- About $85-$125 each way
- Frequency
- Any time
- Operator
- Uber / Lyft
- Departure point
- Anywhere in Orlando
Location
1200 Main St, Daytona Beach, FL 32118
29.2276, -81.0039 View on map
Highlights
- Drive or walk on the wide packed sand of the beach
- Ride the Sky Ride over the boardwalk and pier
- Tour Daytona International Speedway at 1801 W International Speedway Blvd
- Watch the sunrise from the Main Street Pier
Tips for visiting
- Check beach driving hours and speed limits before entering
- Avoid event weekends unless planning ahead; hotels fill and I-4 backs up
- Lock valuables out of sight in parked cars
- Swim near a lifeguard tower and obey flag colors
When to visit
Year-round; busiest during Speedweeks, Bike Week and Spring Break. Arrive in the morning to avoid afternoon thunderstorms in summer.
Accessibility
The boardwalk and pier are flat and accessible; some beach access ramps have mats. Phone 386-255-0415 for the visitor bureau.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How far is Daytona Beach from Orlando?
About 55 miles, roughly 1 hour via I-4 east.
Can I drive on the beach?
Yes, on designated sections during posted hours, with a vehicle fee.
Is it good for families?
Yes, the boardwalk and wide beach suit families, though weekends are crowded.