5 Best Things to Do in Daytona Beach on a Rainy Day
Daytona Beach is known for its beautiful beaches, incredible boardwalk full of shops and restaurants, poolside resorts, and its sunny weather. But what do you do if the clouds roll in? Head to Daytona’s great indoors to have unique experiences you might’ve missed if you stayed on the beach. Here are the top five indoor activities to do in Daytona Beach when it’s raining.
Explore the Museum of Arts & Sciences
Home to a wildly interactive children’s museum, the largest Coca Cola memorabilia collection in Florida, restored railway cars, impressive fine arts galleries, and a planetarium, this Smithsonian-affiliated museum is the place to be on a rainy day in Daytona. It literally has something for everyone. Located in the heart of downtown on a 90-acre nature preserve, you’ll find American decorative and fine arts, as well as African, Cuban, and Chineses collections. Don’t miss the giant ground sloth skeleton that was found three miles from the museum. It’s in the Prehistory of Florida Gallery and is the best-preserved giant ground sloth skeleton in North America.
See a Show at Daytona Playhouse or Peabody Auditorium
Don’t let the rain steal the show. Daytona’s vibrant performing arts scene will keep you entertained with its Broadway musicals, music concerts, comedy acts, and family-friendly shows. The historic Peabody Auditorium offers plays like Legally Blonde the Musical, performance acts like the Blue Man Group and ballets and symphonies. The Daytona Playhouse offers comedies, dramas, and family-friendly performances.
Visit the Daytona Flea & Farmers Market
With 90 percent of the Daytona Flea & Farmers Market under a roof, this is a good indoor activity when it’s raining in Daytona. Open Friday, Saturday, and Sundays, this market sells everything from locally produced fruit and vegetables to jewelry, clothing, antiques, and just about anything under the Florida sun. You can spend hours here and still not see everything. Take a break and fuel up at the market’s two restaurants, a brewhouse, and nine snack bars. Two of the market’s malls have air-conditioning.
See the Past at Lilian Place Heritage Center
Once the home of the Thompson family, a founding family of Daytona, this historic home built in 1884 is open for tours and even paranormal events. It’s the oldest beachside house in Daytona, and touring it is a fun way to see what life was like nearly 150 years ago in Florida. The center also owns the historic Hotchkiss House built in 1905, which offers afternoon teas.
Relax at the Best Daytona Beach Hotel
Enjoy a leisurely meal indoors at Don Ricos Sports Bar & Grill or Doc Bales’ Grill at our oceanfront hotel. At Don Ricos, you can pass away the rainy day by watching a professional sports game while enjoying small bites like grilled calamari fries or blackened shrimp tacos. At Doc Bales’, savor a wonderful breakfast buffet or a gourmet lunch or dinner in a beautifully appointed dining room.