New Attractions & Must-Try Activities Near Daytona Beach (2026 Guide)

Daytona Beach has always been known for its sun-soaked shores and legendary racing culture — but in recent years, the area has exploded with brand-new attractions, updated experiences, and exciting entertainment options for travelers of every age. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a couples’ weekend, or a fun-filled trip with friends, there’s no shortage of fresh things to explore just minutes from New Smyrna Beach.

Staying with New Smyrna Stays gives you the best of both worlds:
✔️ Quick access to Daytona’s newest attractions
✔️ A peaceful, relaxing beach town to retreat to afterward

From waterparks and museums to breweries and escape rooms, here are the newest and most unforgettable experiences to add to your travel itinerary.

Daytona Lagoon Waterpark & Family Entertainment Center

If you’re looking for a full day of fun, Daytona Lagoon delivers big. This waterpark and entertainment complex has undergone several exciting updates, making it one of the top family attractions in the Daytona Beach area.

Kids and adults alike will love the:

• Upgraded waterslides with faster, smoother runs

• Giant wave pool perfect for cooling off

• Interactive splash zones for younger kids

• Dry-side activities, including laser tag, mini golf, go-karts, and a huge arcade

Whether you’re escaping the Florida heat or filling a cloudy day with fun, Daytona Lagoon is a guaranteed hit with families and groups. It’s conveniently located near the beach, making it easy to pair with dinner, shopping, or a scenic walk afterward.

Daytona Brewery Trail – A Craft Beer Adventure

One of the coolest new additions to the Daytona area is the Daytona Brewery Trail, a growing collection of locally owned craft breweries that offer a fun, flavorful way to explore the city. It’s perfect for adults looking to experience Daytona Beach beyond the typical tourist spots.

Popular stops along the trail include:

• Daytona Beach Brewing Co. – Known for creative seasonal brews and taproom vibes

• Ormond Brewing Company – A relaxed indoor/outdoor brewery with live music and food trucks

• Copper Bottom Craft Distillery (Holly Hill) – Family-owned spot offering small-batch rum, vodka, and whiskey tastings

Many of these breweries host events such as trivia nights, live music, tours, and limited-release tasting events. Whether you’re a craft beer fan or just looking for a fun afternoon activity, the Daytona Brewery Trail is a refreshing way to sip your way through the area.

Daytona Escape Rooms – Immersive Group Challenges

If you’re searching for a thrilling indoor activity or a fun group experience, Daytona’s escape rooms offer some of the most immersive entertainment in the area. These real-life puzzle adventures are perfect for families, friends, couples, and even team-building challenges.

Top-rated options include:

• Daytona Escape Room Experience – Featuring themes like spy missions, treasure hunts, and mystery laboratories

• Mind Games Escape Room – Known for cinematic storytelling, intricate puzzles, and high-quality room design

Each room is designed with unique clues, hidden surprises, and timed challenges that keep everyone engaged from start to finish. Escape rooms are also a fantastic rainy-day option, giving you something exciting and memorable to do indoors. Whether you escape in time is up to you — but either way, it’s an unforgettable experience just minutes from the beach.

Museum of Arts & Sciences (MOAS)

For a destination filled with culture, creativity, and hands-on learning, the Museum of Arts & Sciences is one of the most impressive attractions in Volusia County. With beautifully curated exhibits and newly updated galleries, MOAS is a perfect choice for families and adults seeking a meaningful, educational outing.

Highlights include:

• The Planetarium — immersive shows exploring space, stars, and the universe

• The Root Family Museum — featuring vintage Coca-Cola memorabilia, antique vehicles, and Americana art

• The Children’s Museum — an interactive wing full of imaginative play and hands-on science displays

• Fine Art & Natural History Galleries — from contemporary pieces to prehistoric fossils

MOAS offers a perfect balance of entertainment and education, making it an excellent day trip for visitors of all ages.

Daytona International Speedway Tours

You don’t have to be a racing fan to appreciate the excitement of the Daytona International Speedway. This iconic motorsports destination offers behind-the-scenes tours that bring the history and energy of NASCAR to life.

Guests can experience:

• Guided tram tours around the track

• Pit road and victory lane access for unforgettable photos

• The Motorsports Hall of Fame of America

• VIP tours with exclusive areas and insider stories

Even if you’ve visited Daytona before, the Speedway’s updated tour experiences offer something new and exciting — especially for anyone who loves adrenaline, history, and one-of-a-kind attractions.

Daytona Beach Zipline Adventure at Tuscawilla Park

For visitors craving a little adrenaline, the Daytona Beach Zipline Adventure at Tuscawilla Park delivers an outdoor experience unlike anywhere else in the area. This multi-level aerial course weaves through the treetops with suspended bridges, swinging obstacles, and fast-paced ziplines that challenge your balance — and your bravery.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned adventurer, the courses are designed with varying difficulty levels, making it fun for teens, adults, and active families. The towering oak trees and peaceful lakes surrounding the park create a beautiful backdrop for your adventure, turning this high-flying challenge into a scenic outdoor escape.

It’s a perfect way to switch up your beach routine and experience Daytona Beach from a whole new perspective.

The Daytona Aquarium & Rainforest Adventure

As one of the newest attractions in the area, The Daytona Aquarium & Rainforest Adventure has quickly become a favorite among families and animal lovers. This interactive experience brings the wonders of the ocean and rainforest to life through colorful exhibits and hands-on activities.

Inside, you’ll find:

• Touch tanks with stingrays and sea creatures

• Reptile encounters featuring turtles, snakes, and tropical species

• Beautifully designed rainforest habitats

• Educational presentations ideal for kids and curious adults

It’s an engaging way to spend a morning or afternoon — especially on cloudy or cooler days when you want a break from the beach.

Your Perfect Home Base: Stay in Peaceful New Smyrna Beach

With so many exciting new attractions and activities just a short drive away, Daytona Beach is bursting with fresh reasons to visit. But after a day of racing thrills, waterpark fun, brewery hopping, or museum exploring, there’s nothing better than returning to the calm, uncrowded shores of New Smyrna Beach.

That’s where New Smyrna Stays makes your vacation unforgettable.

Our beautifully curated New Smyrna Beach condo rentals provide the comfort, privacy, and coastal charm you want — all while keeping you close to the action. Enjoy Daytona’s newest attractions by day, then unwind in your peaceful, modern retreat by night.

Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or someone special, New Smyrna Beach is the perfect balance of excitement and relaxation.
Your next adventure starts here.