A Perfect (and Mostly Free) Day Trip in Daytona Beach
Planning a visit to the Daytona area? Have friends or family coming into town and want to show them a good time? You’re in luck! I’ve put together the perfect day trip—at least, according to me, Kat from Florida. Best of all? Nearly everything on this list is free! Plus, most of these spots are a bit off the beaten path, so you can feel extra special and unique when you tell your friends what you were up to.
Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens
We’re kicking off the day with a morning walk in the park! This public garden, with free admission, sits on the site of a historic 1800s sugar mill. But perhaps even more intriguingly, it was once home to Bongoland—a quirky 1950s theme park.
Stroll through quiet garden trails, meditate at the gazebo (this is your sign to finally start that breathwork routine), and read about the mill’s history and its connection to the Second Seminole War. But let’s be honest—the real highlight? Snapping a photo with the remaining concrete dinosaur statues from Bongoland’s past.
📍 Location: 950 Old Sugar Mill Rd, Port Orange, FL
⏳ Time Needed: 30-45 minutes
💰 Cost: Free!
Last Resort Bar
Next stop: a bar? Before 5 o’clock?? I know, I know. But hear me out—there’s no hard liquor, just good vibes and a totally respectable pre-lunch Smirnoff Ice.
This biker-friendly spot is a great place to let go of any stereotypes about leather-clad motorcycle enthusiasts. They’re a welcoming, talkative bunch.
And for true crime buffs, this is also where Aileen Wuornos had her last beer before her arrest for multiple murders. The bar leans into this history with a somewhat questionable shrine to the infamous serial killer out back.
📍 Location: 5812 S Ridgewood Ave, Port Orange, FL
⏳ Time Needed: 30 minutes
💰 Cost: Varies, but a Smirnoff Ice is a solid choice 😉
Halifax Historical Museum
Need a break from the heat? This next stop is a museum, and it’s the perfect spot to soak up some air conditioning while diving into the history of the Daytona area. Admission is $10 for ages 12 and up, and the friendly staff love answering questions.
While you’re here, you might also get a preview of our next stop—Brownie.
📍 Location: 252 S Beach St, Daytona Beach, FL
⏳ Time Needed: 45 minutes – 1 hour
💰 Cost: $10 (Ages 12+), Free for Kids
Brownie the Town Dog Memorial
Across the street from the museum is our next stop. In the 1950s, Daytona had a local celebrity—a dog named Brownie. This beloved stray was embraced by the entire town, and when he passed, the community came together to honor him with a grave and memorial statue along the Halifax River. Over 100 people attended his funeral, including the mayor, who delivered a eulogy.
Want the full story? Check out my blog post: Brownie: Daytona’s Only Dog With A Bank Account.
📍 Location: Riverfront Park, Daytona Beach, FL
⏳ Time Needed: 15 minutes
💰 Cost: Free!
Angel and Phelps Chocolate Factory
More air conditioning—and free chocolate! Drop by for a complimentary sample and browse an impressive selection of chocolate in every shape imaginable. Angel & Phelps is the perfect place to pick up a sweet souvenir to bring back to your family—if you can resist eating it on the drive home.
They also offer free factory tours, where you can watch the chocolate-making process in action. Be sure to call ahead to confirm their current tour schedule.
📍 Location: 154 South Beach St, Daytona Beach, FL
⏳ Time Needed: 30 minutes
💰 Cost: Free! (Unless you buy a treat… which you should.)
Brownie the Post Office Dog
Yep, Daytona had two famous Brownies. About 20 years after the original Brownie’s passing, another pup by the same name became a cherished figure in the community. This lesser-known but equally lovable dog loyally kept watch over the mailroom, cared for by the post office employees.
His grave can be found on the right side of the Beach Street USPS building.
📍 Location: 220 N Beach St, Daytona Beach, FL
⏳ Time Needed: 10 minutes
💰 Cost: Free!
Daytona Beach Main Street Pier
To wrap up the day, we’re heading to the beach! Before dinner, take time to wander the nearby shops, soak up the ocean breeze, and listen to the waves. The Main Street Pier may not be the fanciest pier around, but it’s a Daytona classic and the perfect way to end this adventure.
📍 Location: 1200 Main St, Daytona Beach, FL
⏳ Time Needed: However long you want!
💰 Cost: Free!
📸 Highlights from this Day Trip
Final Thoughts
I followed this itinerary during Bike Week, which added an extra layer of fun and chaos to the mix. Now, this is my ideal day in Daytona, but I know everyone has different tastes.
👉 Is there something you’d add or remove from the itinerary? Have you visited any of these spots? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
