Daytona Beach Activities for Social Distancing
Experience the Great Outdoors While Physical Distancing in the Daytona Beach Area
Tired of being stuck indoors and in desperate need of a breath of fresh air? Fear not, we've got you covered! Daytona Beach has plenty of outdoor activities that you can enjoy while avoiding the crowds and maintaining safe social distance.
If you're an eco-adventurer, there are many natural treasures just waiting to be discovered around the Daytona Beach area. With over 33 miles of hiking and biking trails taking you through lush landscapes featuring incredible botanical and tropical diversity, this is the perfect spot to explore the wonders of the great outdoors. Usually, October through April is considered to be the best time for hiking and biking. However, if you are visiting during summer, then an early morning adventure is a nice way to beat the heat. With amazing fishing spots and numerous options available for water activities and boat rentals, this vibrant city and its surroundings on Florida's stunning Atlantic coast is unparalleled when it comes to outdoor adventures.
Daytona Lagoon Water & Adventure Park
With over one million gallons of rushing water and exciting high-speed slides, Daytona Lagoon has all the ingredients for an incredible family-friendly experience. Located right across the street from Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort, this water park features go-karts, mini golf, arcade games, laser tag, and more!
Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve
Sprawling across 2,479 picturesque acres between Port Orange and New Smyrna Beach, the Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve is home to more than three miles of nature trails that lead to the observation tower, before continuing all the way to Rose Bay. In addition to hiking and biking, horseback rides are also an option here. The preserve is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Tomoka State Park
Enjoy a stroll on the scenic one-half mile nature trail winding its way through a hardwood hammock that was once an indigo field for an 18th-century British landowner. Take in the views and grab a bite when you make your way to The Tomoka Outpost. This popular spot also offers camping supplies and canoe rentals. Click here for more information.
Ponce Preserve
Stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Halifax River, the Ponce Preserve is spread across approximately 41 acres and is home to the Green Mound State Archaeological Site. Here, at the base of the site, you'll find a live oak that is estimated to be over 350 years old. The preserve is a part of the East Section of the Great Florida Birding Trail and features diverse local flora.
Michael Crotty Bicentennial Park
Located north of Ormond Beach, the 40-acre Michael Crotty Bicentennial Park is a great place to enjoy outdoor activities near the sand and surf. Along with hiking trails, the park also features a dog park, baseball field, basketball court, fishing dock, soccer field, picnic area, tennis courts, and restrooms.
Blue Springs State Park
Crystal clear, with a temperature of 73 degrees, Blue Springs is the winter home of a growing population of West Indian Manatees. The largest spring on the St. Johns River is perfect for those looking to make a slash during their outdoor adventure. The park features walking trails, along with seasonal swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, canoe rentals, narrated river cruises, kayak tours and rental, a snack bar, picnic pavilions, outdoor grills, and more.
Gemini Springs Park
Featuring a ¾-mile nature trail, a 1-mile bike trail loop, a walking trail, and a short bridge loop, Gemini Springs Park is the perfect choice for a diverse array of outdoor activities. The park also offers canoe rentals and if you have a valid freshwater fishing permit, you can enjoy fishing on the dock. The Gemini Springs Dog Park is a 4.5-acre fenced area that includes shaded areas, dog wash stations, water fountains for dogs, benches, and picnic tables.
Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail
Enjoy some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the Daytona Beach Area along the 30 miles of this double-loop of roadways that make up the Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail. Some of the popular activities are hiking, bicycling, birding, boating, fishing, swimming, and beach walking to name a few. The loop also offers easy access to the Atlantic Ocean, North Peninsula, Tomoka State Park, and Bulow Creek State Park.
North Peninsula State Park
Home to many native and migratory species of birds, the North Peninsula State Park is popular among bird-watchers. Enjoy a picnic or take a breather after a hike on the 2-mile Coastal Strand Trail, where you can spot rare creatures such as indigo snakes and gopher tortoises. If you want to enjoy a quiet moment while fishing, you can head over to Smith Creek Landing, which offers access to the Intracoastal Waterway.
Daytona Beach Pier
Centrally located on the Daytona Beach Boardwalk, the Daytona Beach Pier is an iconic landmark. Also known as the Main Street Pier, this is a great spot for casting a line. Visitors can enjoy fishing for free on the east end of the pier every day of the week. Ordering a temporary fishing license online is as easy as it gets, and it's always a good idea to become acquainted with local requirements. Fishing licenses can also be purchased at nearby Walmart locations, bait and tackle shops, and sporting goods stores.
Sunglow Pier
Having been around since 1960, the Sunglow Pier is a great place for fishing and having a fun time with loved ones. Anglers often catch a diverse variety of fish here, including Whiting, Kings, Pompanos, Flounder, Trout, Spanish Mackerel, Sheep's Head, Blues, Sail Cat, and Tarpon, along with different kinds of shark species. The pier amenities include a bait shack, fish cleaning areas, lighted bench seats, pole rentals, and frozen bait.
Lighthouse Point Park
For those seeking a family-friendly escape amidst nature's wild beauty, there's no better place than Lighthouse Point Park, one of the most scenic beachfront parks in the Daytona Beach area. Located on the north side of Ponce De Leon Inlet, just a short drive from the city, this 52-acre preserve is home to a fascinating variety of wildlife. From swimming and fishing to nature trails and picnic spots – this park has it all.
Blue Diamond Boat Rentals
A luxury jet boat experience from Blue Diamond Boat Rental might just be the best way to enjoy your Daytona Beach getaway in style. Family fun, crystal clear waters, and warmth of the sun on your skin – it all comes together to set the stage for countless fond memories. Make a splash with a variety of water activities such as tubing, wakeboarding, diving, and snorkeling, to name a few. You can also sail with a professional seafarer, who will be your guide as you chart a course for adventure.
Exploring the great outdoors is an integral part of a Daytona Beach vacation, and these are the best places to have a great time while staying safe and following social distancing guidelines.