The best things to do in Daytona Beach

“Round up the crew for Ormond Lanes, where you can bowl, battle it out in laser tag, and sneak a victory lap through the arcade, then drop by the pro shop. Good eats, cold drinks, and leagues for every skill level make it a fun, low-stress way to spice up your week.”

From the Ormond Beach newsletter, August 28, 2026

“Need a local golf refresh? Oceanside Golf Course brings classic links-style vibes to Ormond Beach, with a Bobby Weed renovation on a 1907 P. F.”

From the Ormond Beach newsletter, September 17, 2026

“For UCF folks in Deltona who want more than a treadmill, UCF Recreation and Wellness Center delivers intramural sports, group exercise, personal training, and aquatics, plus Outdoor Adventure trips with a climbing tower and challenge course, even certifications from CPR to lifeguard to SCUBA.”

From the Apopka newsletter, September 6, 2026

“3 All Star Jam on Sunday, August 23. It is also home court for UCF hoops and volleyball and the Orlando Valkyries... meaning your group chat finally has zero excuse to be bored.”

From the Oviedo newsletter, August 21, 2026

“Whether you’re chasing that perfect plushie, a rare figurine, or just the sweet thrill of the grab, Mirai Arcade brings the Japanese claw game vibe with rows of gachapon and prizes from plushies to figurines. Make it your midweek unwind, then flex your haul to the group chat.”

From the Winter Park newsletter, August 6, 2026

“Spruce Creek Country Club blends a Golf Digest-noted 18-hole track with lit Har-Tru tennis, lively pickleball, and a full-service clubhouse for post-round bites. Limited public tee times mean you can sneak in a nearby round this week... and maybe spot a plane on final approach.”

From the New Smyrna newsletter, September 5, 2026

“Need a quick reset without leaving Daytona? Wander the aquarium and Reptile Den at Daytona Aquarium & Rainforest Adventure, scope glowing jellyfish, and try their new VR experience with nine options. Perfect little hit of rainforest-meets-ocean wonder when the week feels aggressively average.”

From the Daytona Beach newsletter, August 3, 2026

“Peaceful scenic loop offering a drive, hiking, and kayaking, as well as fishing.”

“Adventure-themed mini-golf course with waterfalls, gator feedings, scavenger hunts & arcade games.”

“Place for kids, families and tourists featuring a fun way to create lasting memories, including colorful sand castings and plaques.”

“Since 1927, Art League of Daytona Beach has been the local hub to learn, create, and be inspired, with rotating exhibitions, classes for adults and kids, quick-hit workshops, and artist talks like Sunday with the Artist. Give your creative side some fresh air.”

From the Port Orange newsletter, September 9, 2026

“Family-friendly water park with go-karts, mini-golf, an arcade, laser tag & a climbing wall.”

“Paranormal tour company offering historical ghost tours led by passionate guides, featuring equipment and haunted buildings.”

“When you want a change from your usual loop, the Mike Dasher design at North Shore Golf Club winds through Orlando wetlands with two distinct nines, playable for newbies and sneaky tough for sticks. Solid practice options and lessons make it an easy day trip when the swing needs a reset.”

From the Port Orange newsletter, August 31, 2026

“Family-friendly golf locale with two 18-hole putting courses, a bar and an eatery.”

“When your group chat needs an easy win, AMF Sky Lanes delivers classic bowling energy, an arcade stacked with nostalgic favorites and new hits, plus a sports bar vibe for decompression between frames. A low-stress, high-fun hang that’s perfect for this week’s plans, no overthinking required.”

From the Apopka newsletter, August 11, 2026

“Cypress Head Golf Club in Port Orange is an 18-hole Arthur Hills/Mike Dasher design with wide fairways that’s fun without being a pushover. Warm up on the practice facility and grass-tee range, browse the shop, then debrief at Flagsticks Bar & Grill... leagues and lessons keep the routine fresh.”

From the Daytona Beach newsletter, September 16, 2026

“Pirate-themed mini-golf chain with 18-hole, landscaped courses set among waterfalls & caves.”

“Ventura Country Club Golf Course is a semi-private, guest-welcoming 18-hole Mark Mahanna design with Champion Bermuda greens and tour-quality roll, winding through natural wetlands where ospreys and the occasional bald eagle supervise. Sneak in a round this week, then toast it at the 19th Hole Restaurant.”

From the St. Cloud newsletter, August 14, 2026

“Whether your swing is dialed or definitely not, PGA TOUR Superstore Orlando has PGA-certified instructors for lessons, precision club fittings, and indoor practice bays so you can groove it in perfect conditions. Drop into a clinic or a virtual 9-hole this week and keep the golf vibes rolling.”

From the Kissimmee newsletter, August 22, 2026

“Created by mosaic artists Jennifer Kuhns and Cherie Bosela, Diversity Mural Orlando is a vibrant memorial to the Pulse victims made from over 1,000 mosaic hearts sent from around the world. It’s a heartfelt community landmark that rewards a quick art detour when you need a reminder that love is louder.”

From the Port Orange newsletter, August 27, 2026

“When you want a goofy-night-out detour from Deltona, Hollywood Drive-In Golf turns putt-putt into a 1950s double feature with two 18-hole courses, The Haunting of Ghostly Greens and Invaders From Planet Putt, plus giant spiders, alien robots, space worms, and glow-y effects for true late-night play at Universal…”

From the Kissimmee newsletter, September 5, 2026

“Pirate-themed miniature golf complex with 2 outdoor courses featuring streams, caves & waterfalls.”

“This week, when you want a course that actually moves, MetroWest Golf Club delivers a Robert Trent Jones Sr. par-72 with elevation changes you don’t see much in Florida. It’s public, playable, and legit challenging, and you can celebrate the round at the onsite restaurant.”

From the Wesley Chapel newsletter, August 23, 2026

“Designed by the Arnold Palmer Design Company, Shingle Creek Golf Club brings 18 championship holes with rolling fairways by the headwaters of the Florida Everglades. Tee it up, practice your swing, then unwind at Rosen Shingle Creek’s spa if the putts misbehave.”

From the St. Cloud newsletter, September 11, 2026

“Indoor venue for trampoline jumping, laser tag, bowling and an arcade.”

“Chain of indoor trampoline parks featuring freestyle bouncing, dodgeball, fitness programs & more.”

“Step into an immersive blacklight 3D alien adventure at Daytona Glow Golf, an indoor mini golf trip through giant extraterrestrial worlds, neon planets, and UFOs that practically beg for photos. After your round, keep the fun rolling with arcade favorites and the interactive Pixel Floor that lights up with every move.”

“Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.”

“Some days you just need salty air and a straight walk over the water. The wooden Daytona Beach Main Street Pier shoots out from the boardwalk, ending at a seafood restaurant... ideal for a low-key sunset stroll, grabbing something tasty, and resetting your brain.”

From the Daytona Beach newsletter, September 2, 2026

“Whether you’re chasing a low round or just want to groove the swing after work, Rio Pinar Golf delivers a legit 18-hole parkland track plus a floodlit TrackMan range, indoor studios, and a lively racquet scene. Bonus bragging rights, the course’s tour pedigree goes back to the Florida Citrus Open.”

From the Alafaya newsletter, September 19, 2026

“Thrill ride on Daytona Beach boardwalk propelling riders more than 360 ft. at about 100 mph.”

“Beat the heat this week and step into Madame Tussauds Orlando, an interactive indoor playground where you can selfie it up with Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Lionel Messi, Dwayne Johnson, and 90+ eerily lifelike figures. Try Wax Hands and a Justice League scene, then humblebrag in the group chat.”

From the Orlando newsletter, August 25, 2026

“Golf club featuring an 18-hole course, plus a shop, a restaurant & GolfBoard rentals.”

“Open to the public and actually fun for every skill level, The Club at Pelican Bay packs 18 championship holes with elevated tees and loblolly pines, plus serious cred where Arnold Palmer once teed it up. Squeeze in a round this week, then refuel at the Bar & Grill like a local.”

From the Port Orange newsletter, August 29, 2026

“Need an easy weeknight plan that isn’t just scrolling? Boardwalk Bowl Entertainment Center packs classic lanes, an all-ages arcade, billiards, and that lights-down, music-up Cosmic Bowling that basically turns into a mini nightclub. Gather the crew, claim bragging rights, then refuel at the bar and grill.”

From the Alafaya newsletter, August 19, 2026

“Need a quick reset between errands? Oceans Golf Club is a short-game favorite of all par 3s, with open-to-all scrambles and skins plus club rentals if your sticks live in the garage, perfect for a fast walk that still scratches the golf itch.”

From the Port Orange newsletter, September 20, 2026

“Adventure-themed mini-golf course with waterfalls, gator feedings, scavenger hunts & arcade games.”

“Swap the same-old weekend for neon putts and playful bragging rights at Orlando Putting Edge. Their glow-in-the-dark mini golf and arcade turn chill hangs into low-stress competition that’s actually fun, perfect for after-work friend nights, kid energy burn, or a quirky date this week.”

From the Celebration newsletter, August 25, 2026

“Chain of theaters known for stadium seating and recliner chairs (some leather), with some locations featuring 3D screens.”

“Two story-driven courses wind through lush tropical trails and caves, complete with artifact hunts for the lavender diamond and golden idol. Lost Caverns Adventure Golf keeps locals entertained with legit challenges, playful theming, and yes, gator feedings if you want bragging rights.”

“Two classic 18s, a full range and putting green, lessons if your fade turned into a lifestyle, plus a stocked pro shop and an on-site restaurant make Daytona Beach Golf Club an easy local go-to for a quick practice session or a full round with friends.”

From the Daytona Beach newsletter, August 27, 2026

“Weekend market with fruit & veg, clothing, jewelry & snack foods, plus a monthly classic car show.”

“Dial in your swing on a double-ended range and then take on two distinct 18s by Arthur Hills and Rees Jones at LPGA International. Home to LPGA history and the final stage of the LPGA Tour Qualifying School, plus Malcolm's Bar & Grill for the victory sandwich, it's a worthy upgrade this week.”

From the New Smyrna newsletter, August 15, 2026

“Ventura Country Club is a Mark Mahanna designed 18 hole course with Champion Bermuda greens that roll true, over 50 sand traps, and canals or wetlands guarding 15 holes. Three tee locations keep it playable, and the natural setting means you might share a fairway with an osprey or a bald eagle.”

From the Alafaya newsletter, September 2, 2026

“Craving a quick midweek reset? Ripley's Crazy Golf delivers playful, Ripley’s-weird energy in an easy, low-stakes round that’s more giggles than grinding. Grab a couple friends, settle a friendly bet, and turn a random Tuesday into bragging rights.”

“Museum with kitschy oddities on display, including shrunken human heads & rare animal skeletons.”

“Adventure-themed mini-golf course with waterfalls, gator feedings, scavenger hunts & arcade games.”

“Pirate-themed outdoor miniature golf course with waterfalls & lush tropical landscaping.”

“Orange Tree Golf Club is a family owned and operated, membership-only club with Joe Lee pedigree, excellent greens, and “The Loop” final three holes many call Florida’s best, so bring your nerve. S. Open Local qualifying site.”

From the Orlando newsletter, September 3, 2026

“Expansive operation offering American-style pub grub, plus ax throwing, karaoke & darts facilities.”

“The Escape Ventures Orlando - Waterford Lakes builds movie-quality, story-driven escape rooms that actually make you forget you’re in East Orlando. Pick your chaos this week...”

From the Alafaya newsletter, August 28, 2026

“Need a quick reset that doesn’t involve I-95? Crane Lakes Golf & Country Club serves up meticulously kept greens, friendly vibes, and an easy excuse to book a tee time, then linger at Crane’s Roost Restaurant. Perfect for sneaking in nine after work or making Saturday feel like vacation.”

From the Port Orange newsletter, September 17, 2026

“Gator Golf Adventure Park keeps things classic with an 18-hole course that loops around Gator Lagoon, home to over two hundred alligators, plus animal exhibits. You can feed the gators, catch a live show, and settle bragging rights with friends in one unexpectedly wild round.”

From the Alafaya newsletter, September 14, 2026

“Chain of indoor racing centers featuring electric go-karting for all skill levels, plus food.”

“When the Florida sun starts pickin' fights, Splash Pad at Fun Spot is the perfect mid-day pit stop, with interactive sprays, soft slip-resistant flooring and no height requirement, so little ones can go wild while big kids cool off then jump back to go-karts, coasters and games.”

From the Sanford newsletter, September 8, 2026