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✦ Compare six Daytona Beach neighborhoods · Month-by-month NOAA climate table · Hotel room-tax calculator · Free Daytona Beach planning PDF · Verified fares, hours and event dates · ✦ Compare six Daytona Beach neighborhoods · Month-by-month NOAA climate table · Hotel room-tax calculator · Free Daytona Beach planning PDF · Verified fares, hours and event dates ·
Home › Guides › First-time visitor guide to Daytona Beach

First-time visitor guide to Daytona Beach

For a first trip to Daytona Beach, plan two to three days and expect warm weather all year: NOAA's normal highs range from 69.0°F in January to 90.2°F in July. Hotel and short-term rentals of six months or less carry a total 12.5% tax in Volusia County, Votran's regular bus fare is $2.00, and driving on the beach costs visitors $30 a day.

Quick plan (our recommendation)

This is an editorial plan from official sources, not a trip we took. See the weekend itinerary for a two-day version.

  1. Day 1 — Boardwalk and Pier: the pier, the beach and Main Street.
  2. Day 2 — Speedway and Ormond Beach: a Speedway Tour, then The Casements in Ormond Beach.

What it costs (verified figures only)

Verified cost points as of October 16, 2026
ItemFigureNotes
Lodging tax (rentals of 6 months or less)12.5% total6% to Volusia County and 6.5% to the Florida Department of Revenue. Source: Volusia County.
Votran bus$2.00 regular fare; $4.00 all-day passReduced fare $1.00 / $2.00. Source: Votran.
Beach driving (visitors)$30 per day; $150 annualOff-beach county lot parking $20 per day. Source: Volusia County.
Speedway Tour$31 adults; $25 ages 5–12Museum admission included. Source: Motorsports Hall of Fame of America.

Getting around

See transportation for Votran fares and beach driving rules.

When to go

NOAA's 1991–2020 normals for Daytona Beach International Airport show highs of 69.0–75.5°F from December to March and 87.3–90.2°F from June to September. June to September are also the wettest months (6.01–7.15 inches); February and December are the driest (2.34 inches). See the best-time guide and NOAA's hurricane guidance.

Safety and practical tips

Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen (American Academy of Dermatology) and see the National Weather Service's heat guidance. This guide publishes no crime statistics or neighborhood safety ratings.

What this guide does not cover

We do not rate hotels, restaurants or stores, or claim first-hand visits; see the editorial policy.

Sources

Facts on this page were read from the sources below on October 16, 2026. Hours, fares, prices and event dates change — confirm with the source before you travel. How we research and update.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need in Daytona Beach?

Two to three days covers the Boardwalk, the Speedway and Ormond Beach; this is our recommendation.

How much is the lodging tax?

A total of 12.5% on rentals of six months or less, per Volusia County.

Can I drive on the beach?

In designated areas, weather and tides permitting; visitors pay $30 a day.

How much is the bus?

Votran's regular fare is $2.00 and an all-day pass is $4.00.

Get the free Daytona Beach planning guide

A neighborhood comparison, a season-by-season planner and a two-day itinerary — as a free PDF.

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