Daytona Beach is a wide Atlantic-facing shore famous for its firm, packed sand — historically allowing cars to drive on the beach. Atlantic tidal range here is moderate; low tide exposes a broad, hard-packed sand surface, while high tide concentrates activity near the Main Street Pier area.
Atlantic tidal range of 3–4 ft is clearly noticeable here; low tide exposes the famous hard-packed sand surface that made the beach historically drivable and remains the best time for walking, jogging, and beach driving on the permitted sections. Swimming is most comfortable at mid tide; modest shore break is best for bodyboarding at mid tide; shelling and surf fishing from the Main Street Pier area are both most productive at low to mid tide. Local note: beach driving is allowed with a permit (~$20/day) on designated sections with a 10 mph speed limit; parking concentrations are near the pier and along A1A; Bike Week and Spring Break bring major crowds in March.
Nearby Beaches