Daytona Beach, Florida Unveils New Hotels, Attractions, and Experiences Boosting Coastal Travel in 2026

Published on December 16, 2025

Daytona Beach, long celebrated for its pristine coastline, storied motorsports legacy, and family-friendly environment, is set to welcome a wave of new developments in 2026. From luxury hotels to immersive museum exhibits, the destination is enhancing its offerings to provide both first-time and returning visitors with fresh ways to explore its vibrant culture and scenic shores. Here’s a comprehensive look at what travelers can expect in the coming year.

New Hotel Openings Bring Coastal Comfort

Ormond Beach and Daytona Beach will see two major hotel openings that combine convenience, style, and oceanfront appeal.

The Residence Inn by Marriott Ormond Beach, slated for summer 2026, will feature 137 extended-stay guestrooms in a five-story building overlooking the Atlantic. Amenities will include an elevated outdoor pool with ocean views, a lobby pool bar, meeting facilities, a business center, fitness area, guest self-laundry, and a sundry shop, along with complimentary breakfast for all guests.

Meanwhile, the TownePlace Suites by Marriott Daytona Beach Oceanfront, projected to open in spring 2026, will cater to travelers seeking spacious, fully equipped suites for extended stays. Guests can enjoy oceanfront event space, a bar and lounge, and a seamless blend of comfort and convenience. These new hotels mark a significant boost to Daytona Beach’s hospitality landscape.

Dining Gets a Historic Revival

Culinary enthusiasts can look forward to the reopening of Billy’s Tap Room, a historic restaurant originally established in 1922. Located along Granada Boulevard in Ormond Beach, the revitalized eatery will preserve its classic charm while introducing a refreshed atmosphere. Visitors can expect a menu filled with seafood, steaks, and an array of craft beers and wines, all complemented by live entertainment. This reopening promises to merge local tradition with contemporary flair, creating a must-visit destination for food lovers.

Daytona Beach Dog Beach Opens for Pet-Friendly Fun

Animal lovers have a new destination to explore with their furry companions. The newly established Daytona Beach Dog Beach spans 1.7 miles of shoreline between Williams Avenue and Seabreeze Boulevard. The area welcomes leashed dogs during daylight hours, encouraging safe and enjoyable play while preserving local wildlife and dune vegetation. Dog-friendly beaches are also accessible nearby at Lighthouse Point Park in Ponce Inlet, Smyrna Dunes Park in New Smyrna Beach, and the Ormond Beach Dog Beach, offering multiple options for pet-friendly seaside fun.

Major Renovations Elevate Key Attractions

Significant investments are underway to modernize some of Daytona Beach’s most iconic venues. The Ocean Center Convention Complex is undergoing a $40 million renovation to mark its 40th anniversary. Upgrades include new arena seating, an improved arena floor, LED lighting, enhanced sound systems, and refreshed backstage areas. The arena floor is set for completion by December 2025, with seating installation concluding in April 2026. A community celebration will unveil the improvements in early spring, ensuring the complex remains a premier venue for events and entertainment.

Meanwhile, the Main Street Arch, a historic landmark built in 1936 under President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, has been fully restored. The arch, a long-standing symbol of Daytona Beach’s coastal charm, continues to serve as a popular photo backdrop and a welcoming gateway to the beach.

Jackie Robinson Ballpark Transforms with State-of-the-Art Facilities

The legendary Jackie Robinson Ballpark, home to the Daytona Tortugas, is undergoing a comprehensive renovation expected to be completed by early 2026. The project honors the ballpark’s history as the site of the first integrated Major League Baseball spring training game in 1946 while modernizing facilities for today’s athletes and fans. Key upgrades include a 30,000-square-foot player development facility, upgraded home and away clubhouses, indoor batting cages, enhanced dugouts, accessible parking, new team stores, offices, and expanded club seating. Recognized as a National Commemorative Site, the ballpark combines historical significance with contemporary functionality.

Expedition: Dinosaur Brings Prehistory to Life

The Museum of Arts & Sciences is captivating visitors with Expedition: Dinosaur, an immersive exhibit featuring lifelike animatronic dinosaurs, interactive stations, and hands-on educational activities. The exhibit brings the prehistoric world vividly to life, offering a unique experience for families and school groups alike. While Expedition: Dinosaur runs through March 29, the museum will temporarily close for the construction of a new $150 million, 90,000-square-foot facility scheduled to open in fall 2028, promising an even more expansive cultural and educational destination for visitors.

Enhanced Air Connectivity at Daytona Beach International Airport

Travelers can now reach Daytona Beach more easily than ever. Named Commercial Service Airport of the Year 2024 by the Florida Department of Transportation, Daytona Beach International Airport continues to expand its routes and airline options. JetBlue Airways has returned with two daily nonstop flights to New York City (JFK) and Boston (BOS). Other carriers serving the airport include American Airlines, Avelo Airlines, Breeze Airways, and Delta, making travel to this coastal destination convenient and accessible.

A Year of Unforgettable Experiences Awaits

With new hotels, revitalized dining, pet-friendly beaches, enhanced cultural attractions, and improved airport connectivity, Daytona Beach is positioning itself as a premier destination for 2026. Whether visitors are drawn by the sandy shores, the motorsports legacy, or immersive educational experiences, the city offers a diverse array of activities and amenities to create lasting memories. The upcoming year promises to elevate the Daytona Beach experience, blending history, innovation, and coastal charm for travelers of all ages.