Daytona Beach offers a warm and sunny escape from the cold, making it an ideal winter destination for Canadian snowbirds. The Daytona Beaches 23 miles of coastline provide endless opportunities for swimming, surfing, beach walking and sunbathing. A welcoming community and plenty of Canadian-friendly amenities make Daytona Beach feel like a home away from home.

Local Snowbird Community

Daytona Beach boasts a thriving snowbird community, with thousands of snowbirds flocking into the area. Local businesses such as Millie’s Restaurant cater specifically to snowbirds, offering locally sourced gourmet food. Many snowbirds reside in designated communities, such as Daytona Beach Shores and Ormond Beach, where they enjoy social activities, a golf tournament at the New Smyrna Club and community events. 

Getting Here

Arrival Airports

• Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB): Located 3 miles from downtown Daytona Beach.
• Orlando International Airport (MCO): Located 56 miles from Daytona Beach, offering more non-stop flight options & connections.

 Flight options

• WestJet: Connecting flights* from Toronto (YYZ)  to Daytona Beach *Please note Westjet has a codeshare agreement with Delta Airlines and Delta has many connecting flights from Toronto (YYZ) to Daytona Beach through Atlanta operated by Delta.
• Air Canada: Offers direct flights to Orlando.
• Porter: From Toronto Pearson (YYZ) -- Orlando (MCO) year-round; from Ottawa (YOW) -- Orlando year-round; from Halifax (YHZ) -Orlando seasonal starting in December

Driving Options 

• Route 1: From Montreal or Quebec City, Take I-95 south through Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia before reaching Florida.
• Route 2: From Toronto or Ottawa, take I-75 south through Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida.

Weather – October to April

October

Temperature: High 78, Low 64

Sunshine: 234 Sunny Hours

November

Temperature: High 68, Low 51

Sunshine: 227 Sunny Hours

December

Temperature: High 68, Low 51

Sunshine: 219 Sunny Hours

January

Temperature: High 66, Low 50

Sunshine: 223 Sunny Hours

February

Temperature: High 66, Low 50

Sunshine: 228 Sunny Hours

March 

Temperature: High 72, Low 56

Sunshine: 270 Sunny Hours

April

Temperature: High, 77, Low 62

Sunshine: 276 Sunny Hours

Terrain and Landscape

Daytona Beach is home to diverse natural landscapes and terrain, offering snowbirds stunning scenery and exciting outdoor activities and 23 miles of the beautiful Atlantic Coastline with sun-kissed beaches. 

Explore the Intracoastal Waterway, a 3,000-mile coastal route ideal for boating and fishing. The Halifax River invites kayaking and paddleboarding. 

Discover the beauty of Tomoka State Park’s 1,800 acres of mangrove and oak hammocks, marshes, and pine flatwoods. Tiger Bay State Forest’s 27,000 acres of pine flatwoods, cypress swamps, and oak hammocks are sacred for outdoor enthusiasts. 

The terrain’s flat coastal plains, gentle slopes, and low-lying areas make it perfect for walking, biking, or golfing. Ancient beach ridges, now covered in vegetation, add to the area’s unique charm. Marshes and wetlands are home to diverse wildlife. 

Accommodations & Where to Stay

The Daytona Beach area boasts more than 200 properties and 12,000 rooms. Daytona Beach offers a variety of accommodations to suit your style and budget: hotels, motels, bed & breakfasts, condo rentals, vacation rentals, pet-friendly hotels and campgrounds/RV parks. There are several hotels that offer full kitchens or kitchenettes. For more information on these different types of accommodation: 

• Hotels:  Choose from over 12,000 hotel rooms near the beach, or the speedway or Ormond Beach.  
• Motels: There are many affordable motel options in the Daytona Beach area. 
• Bed & Breakfasts: Along the Halifax River intracoastal waterway, you can find great bed and breakfast options in beautifully maintained historic estates, homes and villas. Conveniently located within minutes of area beaches, museums and galleries. 
• Condos: Snowbirds can find a great selection of condos and condo hotels and beach clubs for their winter getaway.  
• Vacation rentals: Snowbirds can choose from a variety of vacation homes to rent near golf, the beach or the shopping districts.  
• Pet-Friendly Hotels: Many Daytona Beach hotels and properties are pet-friendly. There are many great dog parks in the area and dogs are allowed on a section of the public beach.
• Campgrounds/RV Parks: In addition to state parks with hiking and paddling trails, there are many campgrounds and RV parks located along the oceanfront and rivers, and in the city near major points of interest.

Attractions & Sights

There are many great attractions and options for snowbirds in the greater Daytona Beach area.

1. Daytona Beach Pier, an iconic landmark, stretches 1,000 feet into the Atlantic, perfect for fishing, beautiful sunset-views, and unforgettable dining.  
2. Race fans, rev up your engines at Daytona International Speedway where guided tours and heart-pumping racing events await.  
3. Ocean Deck Beach Club, a historic beachfront hangout with live music, mouthwatering seafood and those scenic ocean views. 
4. Tomoka State Park is perfect for nature lovers. Explore 1,800 acres of wilderness, featuring hiking trails with a striking wildlife viewing.  
5. The Marine Science Center - discover marine life with interactive aquariums and a sea turtle rehabilitation. 
6. Ponce Inlet Lighthouse - climb 175 steps for awe-inspiring views. 
7. Daytona Aquarium & Rainforest Adventure - is an aquarium offering an interactive educational experience featuring animals from both land and sea. 
8. Daytona Beach Boardwalk, a classic seaside walkway with shops, restaurants, and amusement parks. 
9. Daytona Lagoon Premier Water Park and Family Fun Entertainment Center is for the whole family to enjoy. Exciting features include state-of-the-art laser tag, Grand Prix go-kart racing, miniature golf, rock wall, island hopper, bumper cards, and more! 
10. Daytona beach area tours offer snowbirds a wide variety of attractions and historical sites to experience. Partake in one of the many tours offered to get a glimpse into the history of Daytona Beach. 

Culture and Entertainment

There are a variety of cultural and entertainment sites where Snowbirds can learn about the area – or just have fun!

1. Halifax Historical Museum -- located in the beautiful 1910 Merchants Bank Building on historic Beach Street, the museum's permanent exhibits showcase the history of the greater Daytona Beach area.  
2. Museum of Arts & Sciences -- The Smithsonian-affiliated Museum of Arts & Sciences (MOAS), is Central Florida’s primary art, science and history museum. The 100,000-square-foot facility located on a 90-acre Florida nature preserve is host to over 30,000 objects including one of the finest collections of American art in the Southeast, Sub-Saharan African artifacts and Chinese art. It houses the Cuban Foundation Museum, with one of the most significant collections of Cuban paintings in the United States.
3. Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art -- home to the largest collection of Florida art in the world and features a rotating collection of 2,600 Florida-themed oil and watercolor paintings. 
4. Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier -- features Ocean Walk Shoppes and the Daytona Beach Bandshell, gift shops, snack bars, restaurants, and a classic arcade - with ever popular Skee Ball and video game favorites - day or night! 
5. Daytona Beach Bandshell is an historic outdoor amphitheater on Ocean Avenue where you can watch live performances. 
6. Ponce Inlet Lighthouse and Museum -- Steeped in history, the lighthouse was built in 1887 and was first lit by a kerosene lamp on November 1 of that year. It is the tallest lighthouse in Florida.  
7. Daytona Aquarium & Rainforest Adventure -- Visitors will discover close to 40 separate exhibits including a 100,000-gallon shark exhibit and two touch pools including a 12,000-gallon stingray touch pool. There are also habitats for alligators, frogs, and lizards. The indoor rainforest will be coming in phase 2 in 2025.  

Food & Dining

Daytona Beach has plenty to offer snowbirds who are foodies!  The area is home to food festivals and events as well as some great local eateries.  Here are just a few suggestions:

• Don’t miss Daytona Beach’s food festivals and events, like the Daytona Beach Food Fest, Taste of Daytona, and weekly Farmers’ Markets offering fresh produce. 
• Daytona Beach serves up fresh seafood at waterfront hotspots like the Oyster Pub, Joe’s Crab Shack, and Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse. 
• International flavors flourish! Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine at La Bella Vita, traditional Greek dishes at Santorini Greek Cuisine and Latin American flavors at Casa Maya.  Casual eats include Ocean Deck Beach Club’s beachfront burgers.

Festivals & Events

There’s always something going on in the Daytona Beach area.  Here are some of the events that are bound to be of interest to snowbirds.

1. October brings the thrill of Biketoberfest, where motorcycle enthusiasts from around the world gather to celebrate the joy of the ride. Enjoy live music, savor delicious food, and explore vendor exhibits showcasing the latest biking gear. 
2. As November rolls around, gear up or the Daytona Beach Turkey Run, a classic car show extravaganza featuring over 6,000 vehicles. Take in the sights, sounds, and aromas of this amazing event. 
3. December brings the magic of the holiday season, with the Daytona Beach Christmas Parade kicking off the festivities. Watch the wonder as floats, marching bands, and of course, Santa Clause, make their way through the streets. And for a truly unique experience, head to the Speedway Christmas, a dazzling holiday light display at the Daytona International Speedway.
4. January brings the roar of engines with the 24 Hours of Daytona, the ultimate endurance racing event. Witness the world’s top drivers push their machines to the limit, and enjoy the electric atmosphere that comes with it. 
5. In February, the Daytona International Speedway will host the 67^th Daytona 500.
6. March Brings the excitement of Bike Week, a 10-day celebration of all things motorcycle. Enjoy live music, delicious food, and vendor exhibits galore.

As the snowbird season winds down in April, be sure to catch the Daytona Beach Music Festival, featuring an incredible lineup of local and national music talent. 

Shopping

Whether you love to browse shops and stroll while enjoying a fresh cup of coffee -- or shop with a mission, you'll want to sample the distinctive collection of gift stores, antique shops, shopping centers and clothing boutiques. Enjoy a leisurely stroll on historic Beach Street to walk off a fabulous lunch or dinner you enjoyed at the Riverfront Shops of Daytona Beach. Peruse the  shopping districts, Volusia Mall, Tanger Outlets and ONE DAYTONA to zero in on what will fulfill your shopping list.

• Riverfront Shops of Daytona Beach: Downtown Daytona Beach you will find Riverfront Shops of Daytona Beach with more than 60 shops, restaurants and attractions, plus a great Farmers' Market - all along the waterfront. 
• Shopping Districts: Daytona Beach is becoming a retail destination in Florida. Snowbirds will find malls and shopping districts, boutiques and specialty stores. 
• Volusia Mall: Daytona Beach’s largest shopping mall featuring; Dillard's, H&M, JC Penney, Books-A-Million, Bath & Body Works plus 100 specialty stores, restaurants and a food court. 
• Tanger Outlets: Shop over 75 designers and brands and enjoy affordable prices in a relaxed, lush and modern oasis.   
• ONE DAYTONA: ONE DAYTONA is a new dining and entertainment center located across from the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach.  

Fitness and Outdoor Recreation

There are plenty of opportunities to stay fit in Daytona Beach with great trails and miles of beach.  You will find 20 golf courses and there’s also a large Pickleball club. 

• Riverfront Esplanade offers over a mile of running trail, walking trail and a dog park.
• Tomoka State Park has lots of hiking trails where you can stay fit and also check out the wildlife. Home to over 160 species of birds, this is a bird watcher’s paradise. This is also a great spot to canoe.
• There are several pickleball courts available for snowbirds to enjoy.
•  Daytona Beach is home to over 20 golf courses, including LPGA International, a highly-acclaimed 36-hole facility with a pair of layouts designed by Rees Jones and Arthur Hills.
• Hike or bike the nature trails in the greater area, explore the lush botanical and tropical diversity each trail offers or bicycle on the beach. (October through April is the ideal time for hiking and biking).

Local Excursions

• Just a few short miles south of Daytona Beach, at the southernmost tip of the peninsula, is the off-the-beaten-path area of Ponce Inlet and the home of the tallest lighthouse in Florida. At 175 feet tall and 203 steps, Ponce Inlet Lighthouse is at once one of the area’s hidden gems and quite a standout. 
• Native Americans once dwelled in the Tomoka State Park area, living off fish-filled lagoons. Today, the waters surrounding the park are popular for canoeing, boating, and fishing. Tomoka State Park protects a variety of wildlife habitats and endangered species, such as the West Indian manatee, and is a bird watcher’s paradise with over 160 species sighted, especially during the spring and fall migrations. 
• Daytona international Speedway, home to the Daytona 500, Coke Zero Sugar 400, and Rolex 24, is a spectacle for al audiences to witness. Take a 60-minute Speedway Tour and discover what makes Daytona international Speedway the World Center of Racing. While there, visit the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, which is included in your tour admission. 
• Museum of Arts & Sciences - This 100,000-square-foot facility sits on a 90-acre Florida nature preserve and is host to over 300,000 objects including one of the finest collections of American art in the Southeast, Sub-Saharan African artifacts, Chinese art, and the largest and most comprehensive collection of decorative arts in the South. 
• The Loop – Marvel at the variety of wild animals and birds on ‘The loop’, a 34-mile scenic route that’s a must-see for motorcyclists, motorists and bicyclists alike. This amazing journey will take you back in time, combining tree-lined, canopied roads with the acres of Florida’s wild, untouched natural beauty.  

Deals & Offers for Canadians

Canadian snowbirds can find great savings with our Canadian Sun & Sand Deals. Check out these hotels deals, special offers and discounts especially for our Canadian neighbors to the north. 

Cost of Living

Daytona Beach is a very affordable destination for snowbirds. From hotels and motels to bed & breakfasts and vacation rentals, Daytona Beach offers a variety of accommodations to suit your style and budget.

The Daytona Beach area -- Ormond Beach, Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Shores and Ponce Inlet -- has some of the most accessible beaches in Florida. 

Whether it’s simply a day at the beach or an action attraction, the destination offers value after value. Check out this list of FREE things to do during your stay.

See why Canadian snowbirds love Daytona Beach: