On the East coast of Florida there many budget friendly and free things to do in Daytona, Daytona Beach, Oak Hill, Port Orange, and New Symerna Beach.
There are beaches to visit, but be aware that driving on the beach is allowed. (not FREE, costs $20). Pedestrians and Bicyclist are free. This map will show you where you can go to the beach without worrying about traffic. Other free attractions listed below include historical sugar mill ruins, lighthouse, science centers, and a chocolate factory!
1) Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens– FREE
This is a beautiful free garden (pictured above) with small trails all around it and gorgeous trees. There is a large sugar mill runs to look at and walk through, with information about the old sugar plantation. The trails are shaded and there is a restroom on site.
2) Angel and Phelps Chocolate Factory – Free
This cute family owned and operated chocolate factory right in downtown, is one of my favorite free things to do in Daytona Beach. This factory offers free tours and samples Mon-Sat at 10,11,1,2,3, and 4. The tour takes place right in the back of the shop. They have great samples of chocolate covered potato chips and chocolate covered nuts. All made fresh on site.
3) Magic Forest Playground – FREE
Bring the kids to Magic Forest Playground aka “Rainbow Park.” This is a classic castle style playground, and honestly hard to find in this area of Florida, as many playground are now built out of metal to last longer in our climate. Kids and adults alike can enjoy this park, as they also have a fitness trail, basketball court, and a skateboard park. All free!
4) Ponce Inlet Lighthouse & Museum $7 adults, $2 kids
@brooke.ontherun
The Ponce Inlet Lighthouse is a great historical site in Florida. It is a bit of a drive from the highway, but worth it! The lighthouse is Florida’s tallest lighthouse. If you want to climb it, be aware that it is a big leg workout! It has over 100 steps.
5) Marine Science Center– $5 Adults, $2 kids.
The Marine Science Center is a small animal discovery center where you can learn about turtle rehabilitation and see other sea life and birds. There is also a touch tank where you can pet sting rays!
6) Marine Discovery Center- Free
This is a small indoor and outdoor facility with a touch tank and with a small aquarium of critters and a gift shop. You can watch feedings for $2. The personnel in the small area were very helpful and knowledgeable about the animals. Outside, there is a tiny trail and a butterfly garden.
7) Old Sugar Mill Ruins– FREE
This is a tiny park that is great for a quick stop and to stretch your legs. The park is the site of another sugar mill ruins, with a short trail (about a 10 min walk) behind it through the woods. Restroom is on site. The park is usually quiet, not many crowds.
8) Buschman Park – FREE
Looking for a nice place to take a walk and see some wildlife? Walk this path around the lake and take a look at the birds and the turtles at Buschman Park in Port Orange. They have a paved and an unpaved trail. The park also has a fitness area and a playground for kids.
Run out of things to do here? Don’t miss out page on nearby Deland!