Free things to do in Daytona Beach: the beach and Boardwalk, the Riverfront Esplanade, two free museums, library programs and free community events.

Last checked Oct. 8, 2026. Facts on this page come from the City of Daytona Beach, Volusia County and each venue’s own site, linked. Free means no admission; parking and food may cost extra.

You can fill a week in Daytona Beach without paying admission anywhere: the beach and the Boardwalk, more than a mile of riverfront gardens downtown, two free museums, free library programs every weekday and a calendar of free community events.

Good to know

Outdoors

  • The beach. Free to walk onto. Volusia County manages beach access and driving; county residents who register with ParkVolusia drive and park on the beach free. See getting around.
  • The Boardwalk. The oceanfront promenade from the Main Street Pier past the Coquina Clock Tower to the Bandshell. See our Boardwalk and pier guide.
  • The Riverfront Esplanade. More than a mile of riverfront path, gardens, benches and swings along Beach Street; north side sunrise to sunset, south side until 9 p.m. (Esplanade). Brownie the Town Dog’s statue and grave are on the south side.
  • The Sweetheart Trail. The city’s stretch of the East Coast Greenway along the Halifax River; see walking and biking trails.
  • Splash pads. The Esplanade splash pad, 179 S. Beach St., March 16 to Oct. 31, and the splash fountain at Breakers Oceanfront Park by the pier.
  • Boat ramps and fishing piers. Free public boat ramps at Halifax Harbor Marina, 401 S. Beach St., and Bethune Point Park, both with fishing piers; see parks and trails.
  • Disc golf. An 18-hole course in Tuscawilla Park, 1000 Orange Ave. (city).

Free museums and history

Place Address Hours
Southeast Museum of Photography 1200 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona State College, Building 1200 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Friday; noon to 5 p.m. Saturday
Veterans Museum & Education Center 302 Vermont Ave. 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday
Breakers Environmental Learning Center Breakers Oceanfront Park, 13 S. Atlantic Ave. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays
Black Heritage Trail 18 sites across the city Self-guided

The Southeast Museum of Photography says entry is free to all, and most of its programs and events are free too. Its sixth annual Cultuvue Photography Exhibition runs through Feb. 27, 2027, according to its listing with the Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. The Veterans Museum has thousands of artifacts, personal stories and exhibits. The Black Heritage Trail links sites from Mary McLeod Bethune’s home and grave to Jackie Robinson Ballpark; see our history and landmarks page.

Free programs

  • Library story times and STEAM programs at the Daytona Beach Regional Library, 105 Jackie Robinson Parkway, and the Dickerson and Hope Place branches. See our kids’ activities page for the weekly schedule.
  • Inner Acting, free acting classes for children, teens and adults at the Dickerson Community Center and the Yvonne Scarlett-Golden Center through Dec. 18 (city).
  • Coffee with the Mayor and commissioners’ community meetings, listed on the city calendar.

Free events

When What Where
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17 Halloween Bash & Trunk-or-Treat Jackie Robinson Ballpark
5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31 Beachside Boo Bash Ocean Walk to the Bandshell
3 to 8 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 8 and Dec. 13 Midtown Sundayz: DJ, games, free food while it lasts Daisy Stocking Park, 555 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd.
6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12 Christmas Parade Beach Street
6 p.m. Dec. 31 New Year’s Eve on Main Street Main Street, A1A to Peninsula Drive
Fridays, 5 to 9 p.m. Riverfront Market, free to browse Riverfront Esplanade

In summer, the city’s free programs include the Sounds of Summer concerts at the Bandshell (free general admission in 2025) and Thursday games at Breakers Oceanfront Park; see summer camps and pools.

What this means for you

  • The photography museum and the veterans museum are free and open Tuesday through Saturday.
  • Downtown, park free behind Beach Street and walk the Esplanade.
  • Check the city calendar for the next Midtown Sundayz.

Related: kids’ activities, parks and trails and things to do this weekend.

Frequently asked questions

Are there free museums in Daytona Beach?

Yes. The Southeast Museum of Photography at Daytona State College is free, open Tuesday through Saturday, and the Veterans Museum & Education Center, 302 Vermont Ave., is free, open 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Is it free to go on the beach in Daytona Beach?

Walking onto the beach is free. Volusia County lets residents drive and park on the beach free once they register their vehicle with ParkVolusia; visitors pay a fee.

What free events are in Daytona Beach this fall?

Midtown Sundayz brings a DJ and free food to Daisy Stocking Park on second Sundays, with Nov. 8 and Dec. 13 left in 2026. The Halloween Bash on Oct. 17 and the Beachside Boo Bash on Oct. 31 are free, and the Christmas Parade is Dec. 12.

Where can I walk for free in downtown Daytona Beach?

The Riverfront Esplanade has more than a mile of riverfront path along Beach Street, with gardens, swings and the Brownie the Town Dog memorial.