Daytona Beach is more than just a popular racing and summer destination. It has a rich history and culture that is showcased in museums and historic sites throughout the city. History and art buffs won’t be disappointed with what Daytona Beach has to offer. Check out the Dayton Beach travel guide below to help you located the some of the best arts and cultural destinations in Daytona Beach.
Museum of Arts & Sciences
One of the best art, history and science museums in Central Florida, the Museum of Arts & Sciences boasts more than 30,000 items in their collection. These include one of the most comprehensive collections of American Art in the Southeast, the largest collection of Cuban art outside of Cuba and a noteworthy collection of Chinese art. Other interesting and significant items on display are a noteworthy Coca-Cola entrepreneur’s lifetime collection of Americana, which includes two private rail cars and the rehistoric Giant Ground Slot of Florida. The museum’s 100,000 square foot facility houses a theater, planetarium, children’s center and the Charles and Linda Williams Children's Museum. The Museum of Arts & Sciences also owns and operates the Dow Museum of Historic houses, formerly Old St. Augustine Village. The Dow Museum is located in the center of the country’s oldest city and is the ideal place to start your discovery of the city of St. Augustine. Gamble Place is another off-site location that is owned and operated by the Museum of Arts & Sciences. Gamble Place is located in the Spruce Creek Preserve and serves as a natural haven for visitors. The property showcases Florida’s natural resources and also features three historic houses which offer a glimpse into the region’s past. The 175-acre park has trails that cover five different ecosystems and provides a home to many endangered species.
Halifax Historical Museum
Halifax Historical Museum aims to collect and preserve the history of the Halifax River and make it known to the public. Visitors consider the museum’s remarkable collection as one of region's best kept secrets. Their permanent exhibit showcases items from different periods and themes - from the Spanish and British Plantation Eras, Native American Timucuans, The Civil War, World Wars I & II, to the Rhodes Family and Jackie Robinson.
Turnbull Ruins/Old Fort Park
Located in New Smyrna Beach, the Turnbull Ruins features coquina shell wall ruins built by European immigrants who migrated with Turnbull from Greece, Italy and other European colonies. The wall was created to protect them from the waters of the Indian River along with a system of canals to the right of the coquina wall ruins – now known as Canal Street, the town’s main shopping destination. You can still see the structure’s interesting design. The site also has a nice trail that is shaded by tall old trees, making it ideal for walking and other outdoor recreation. The Turnbull Ruins is home to the annual Art Fiesta which is held every February.
