Daytona Beach: New Hotels, Historic Renovations, and Family Fun for 2026

Published on December 17, 2025

The Daytona Beach area is ready to captivate travelers in 2026 with an exciting array of new experiences, renovated landmarks, and enhanced facilities. Known for its stunning beaches, rich motorsport history, and family-friendly attractions, Daytona Beach continues to evolve as a must-visit destination. Visitors can look forward to a variety of fresh, engaging activities, alongside new accommodations and enhanced venues that promise unforgettable experiences.

New Accommodations for a Comfortable Stay

Daytona Beach is expanding its accommodation offerings in 2026 with two exciting hotel openings that cater to both short-term visitors and extended stays.

The Residence Inn by Marriott Ormond Beach, set to open in the summer of 2026, will offer guests a relaxing stay in a 137-room oceanfront property. Located in the scenic Ormond Beach, this hotel will feature an elevated outdoor pool with stunning ocean views, a lobby bar, a fitness centre, and convenient amenities such as complimentary breakfast and a business centre. Perfect for travellers looking for a longer stay, the Residence Inn promises a home-away-from-home atmosphere.

Similarly, the TownePlace Suites by Marriott Daytona Beach Oceanfront is set to open in spring 2026. This hotel will provide spacious suites with full kitchens, an oceanfront event space, and a bar/lounge, catering to both business and leisure visitors seeking a comfortable and relaxing getaway by the beach.

New Dining Experience: Billy’s Tap Room Reopens

A classic piece of Daytona Beach’s dining history is returning in 2026. Billy’s Tap Room, a beloved beachside restaurant in Ormond Beach, is reopening under new ownership. Originally established in 1922, this iconic venue will retain its historic charm while offering a refreshed atmosphere for diners. Guests can expect a menu full of seafood and steak, complemented by live entertainment and a selection of beer and wine on tap. For both locals and visitors, this is an exciting addition to the Daytona Beach culinary scene.

New Dog-Friendly Beach Area

Daytona Beach continues to cater to all types of travellers, including those with furry companions. The newly opened Daytona Beach Dog Beach provides a 1.7-mile stretch of coastline where leashed dogs can roam freely during daylight hours. This dog-friendly area, situated between Williams Avenue and Seabreeze Boulevard, is just one of several spots in Daytona Beach that allow pets. Other dog-friendly beaches in the region include Lighthouse Point Park in Ponce Inlet and Smyrna Dunes Park in New Smyrna Beach, ensuring that visitors can enjoy the “World’s Most Famous Beach” with their four-legged friends.

Ocean Center Renovation Enhances Convention Space

The Ocean Center Convention Complex is undergoing a major $40 million renovation to mark its 40th anniversary. The enhancements, scheduled for completion in 2026, will include new arena seating, a state-of-the-art sound system, and improved backstage areas. With these upgrades, the Ocean Center will continue to attract large events and conventions, providing a modern and versatile space for both business and leisure events. The community will be able to celebrate the renovations in early spring 2026, ushering in a new era for this key venue.

Historic Renovation: The Main Street Arch

One of Daytona Beach’s most iconic landmarks, the Main Street Arch, has recently undergone a renovation. Originally constructed in 1936, the arch was part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal and is a cherished piece of Daytona Beach’s history. After extensive restoration work, the Main Street Arch is now ready to welcome visitors as an iconic photo spot once again. This revitalization ensures that future generations can continue to enjoy one of the most recognisable landmarks along Daytona Beach’s shoreline.

Jackie Robinson Ballpark Renovation

The Jackie Robinson Ballpark is another historical site undergoing significant transformation. Famous for being the venue of Jackie Robinson’s first integrated spring training game in 1946, this ballpark is being renovated as part of a major modernization project. Slated for completion in early 2026, the upgrades will include a new 30,000-square-foot player development facility, improved clubhouses, and upgraded seating. The ballpark, which also serves as the home of the Daytona Tortugas, is part of the National Commemorative Sites and represents a powerful piece of American civil rights history.

Dinosaur Exhibit at the Museum of Arts & Sciences

For families and young adventurers, Expedition: Dinosaur at the Museum of Arts & Sciences is set to provide an immersive journey into the prehistoric world. This exhibit features lifelike animatronic dinosaurs that move and roar, creating an unforgettable experience for visitors. With interactive displays and hands-on educational activities, Expedition: Dinosaur allows visitors to step back in time and learn about paleontology in a fun and engaging way. The exhibit is open until March 29, 2026, after which the museum will prepare for the construction of a new $150 million museum set to open in 2028.

Easy Access with New Flights at Daytona Beach International Airport

Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB), named the Commercial Service Airport of the Year for 2024 by the Florida Department of Transportation, continues to improve air access to the destination. In 2026, travellers will benefit from the return of JetBlue Airways, which will offer two daily nonstop flights to New York City and Boston. Other airlines such as American Airlines, Avelo Airlines, Breeze Airways, and Delta also provide air service to Daytona Beach, making it easier for visitors to reach this vibrant coastal destination.

A Year of New Adventures in Daytona Beach

As 2026 approaches, Daytona Beach is brimming with new attractions and experiences that will elevate the destination for both new and returning visitors. From new hotels and dining experiences to exciting historical renovations and family-friendly exhibits, there’s something for everyone in Daytona Beach. Whether it’s enjoying a stay at a new oceanfront hotel, exploring the new dog-friendly beach, or immersing in the wonders of the Expedition: Dinosaur exhibit, Daytona Beach is ready to offer a memorable and dynamic vacation in 2026.