Explore the Area
Beaches Near Daytona Beach Shores & Ponce Inlet
Discover expansive Atlantic shorelines, peaceful inlet views, waterfront parks, accessible beach entrances, and memorable coastal scenery throughout southern Volusia County.
Atlantic sunrises, ocean breezes, and miles of shoreline make every stay feel closer to the coast.
Florida's Atlantic Coast
Find Your Place Beside the Ocean
The beaches of Daytona Beach Shores and Ponce Inlet offer a relaxing way to experience Florida's Atlantic coast. Visitors can watch the sunrise, walk along the shoreline, swim, search for shells, or unwind beside the ocean.
Daytona Beach Shores provides convenient access to a broad stretch of Atlantic shoreline near oceanfront condominiums, beachfront vacation rentals, parks, restaurants, and area attractions. Farther south, Ponce Inlet is known for its quieter coastal atmosphere, natural areas, inlet scenery, fishing opportunities, and waterfront parks.
Whether you are planning a family beach vacation, romantic oceanfront getaway, seasonal escape, or future move to the coast, the area offers convenient public walkovers, beachfront parks, nature preserves, and scenic locations near the southern end of the barrier island.
Beaches & Coastal Parks
Places to Experience the Local Shoreline
Each beach area offers a different coastal experience, from convenient ocean access in Daytona Beach Shores to the natural landscapes and inlet views found in Ponce Inlet.
Central Beach Access
Daytona Beach Shores
Daytona Beach Shores offers convenient Atlantic Ocean access along South Atlantic Avenue, making it one of the easiest places to enjoy a classic Daytona Beach vacation near the water. Guests staying nearby can enjoy sunrise walks, swimming, sunbathing, and long stretches of shoreline within easy reach of beachfront accommodations, restaurants, parks, and local amenities.
Sunrise Views
Enjoy early-morning views over the Atlantic Ocean.
Shoreline Walks
Explore the coast at a comfortable pace.
Beach Access
Multiple public access points make Daytona Beach Shores beaches easy to enjoy for a full day on the sand.
Local Conveniences
Stay close to casual restaurants, cafes, shops, grocery stops, and beach conveniences along South Atlantic Avenue.
Scenic Streets
Ideal for biking, morning walks, or a leisurely drive along the scenic Daytona Beach Shores coastline.
Natural Coastal Setting
Ponce Inlet
Ponce Inlet combines Atlantic beach access with inlet, river, dune, and maritime hammock environments. Its southern location appeals to visitors looking for a relaxed atmosphere, natural scenery, fishing, birdwatching, and time near the water.
Nature Viewing
Look for shorebirds and coastal wildlife.
Inlet Recreation
Discover fishing and waterfront scenery.
Ponce Inlet Lighthouse
A historic landmark with beautiful grounds and rich history.
Waterway Access
Launch a kayak or paddleboard and explore the inlet.
Peaceful Surroundings
Natural beauty, quiet beaches, and breathtaking sunsets.
Local Tip
Start Your Beach Day Early
Arriving early can make it easier to find parking during holidays, summer weekends, and popular event dates. Sunrise is also one of the most scenic times to experience Daytona Beach Shores and Ponce Inlet, with cooler temperatures and a quieter shoreline.
Ponce Inlet Beach Parks
More Than Sand & Surf
Local parks provide access to beaches, trails, picnic areas, waterways, and coastal habitats. Amenities, fees, hours, and access conditions can change, so review the linked official pages before visiting.
Inlet, Ocean & River Views
Lighthouse Point Park
Located at the southern end of Ponce Inlet, Lighthouse Point Park encompasses approximately 52 acres along the northern shoreline of Ponce de Leon Inlet. The park includes elevated boardwalks, nature trails, picnic facilities, restrooms, an observation tower overlooking the Halifax River, and an 800-foot jetty deck.
A designated dog-friendly swimming area is available along the park's inlet shoreline. Dogs must remain within approved areas and follow all posted county rules.
Convenient Beachfront Access
Winterhaven Park
Winterhaven Park is a beachfront park in Ponce Inlet with Atlantic Ocean access, restroom facilities, accessible beach access, and off-beach parking. It is a convenient option for visitors planning a traditional beach day with nearby facilities.
County parking fees, operating conditions, and access policies are subject to change. Review the official park page before your visit.
Ocean-to-River Nature Preserve
Ponce Preserve
Ponce Preserve covers approximately 41 acres and extends from the Atlantic Ocean to the Halifax River. Visitors can experience dunes, maritime hammock, wetlands, nature trails, boardwalks, wildlife-viewing opportunities, picnic facilities, and accessible park features.
The preserve also contains the Green Mound State Archaeological Site and offers visitors a look at the natural and cultural history of the Ponce Inlet area.
Know Before You Go
Plan a Safe & Relaxing Day at the Beach
Beach access, driving zones, parking availability, tides, surf conditions, and lifeguard coverage may vary. Review current county information and posted signs before heading onto the sand.
Swim Near a Lifeguard
Choose a guarded area when possible and follow instructions from beach-safety personnel.
View beach-safety rules
Check Driving Zones
Vehicle access is permitted only in designated areas and may change with tides, weather, construction, or seasonal conditions.
Check driving and parking
Know the Pet Rules
Dogs are permitted only in designated beach areas and must comply with current county rules.
View dog beach rules
Protect the Dunes
Use marked walkovers and avoid walking, driving, or placing belongings on protected dune vegetation.
Review county beach rulesCurrent Information
Beach parking and access policies can change
Fees, passes, ramp availability, off-beach parking, inlet-park admission, and vehicle access are administered by Volusia County. Confirm current details before your visit.
Accessible Coastal Experiences
Beach Access for More Visitors
Accessible beach features are available at several locations throughout Volusia County. Beach wheelchairs are available in limited quantities from designated lifeguard stations and control towers on a first-come, first-served basis.
Availability, staffing, equipment procedures, parking, and access conditions may change. Review the county's current accessibility information before traveling.
View Official Beach Accessibility InformationBeach Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you drive on beaches near Daytona Beach Shores and Ponce Inlet? 
Vehicle access is allowed only in designated Volusia County beach-driving zones. Ramp openings and driving areas may change because of tides, weather, construction, wildlife protections, or other conditions.
Check current beach driving and parking information Are dogs allowed on the beach in Ponce Inlet?
Dogs are allowed only in designated beach areas. Lighthouse Point Park includes an approved dog-friendly swimming area along its inlet shoreline. Follow all leash, cleanup, access, and posted park rules.
Review current dog beach rules Where can visitors find off-beach parking?
County-operated off-beach parking is available at numerous coastal locations, including Winterhaven Park. Fees, permits, space availability, and park-specific admission requirements are subject to change.
View current parking information Which local area is best for nature and wildlife?
Ponce Preserve and Lighthouse Point Park are strong choices for visitors interested in coastal environments. Together, they offer combinations of trails, dunes, maritime habitat, boardwalks, waterways, birdwatching, and scenic observation areas.
Are accessible beach services available?
Yes. Volusia County provides accessible parking and a limited supply of beach wheelchairs at designated lifeguard stations and control towers. Availability is first come, first served and may vary.
View current beach accessibility informationPlan With Confidence
Official Beach Resources
Use these official Volusia County and Town of Ponce Inlet pages for current rules, accessibility information, parking policies, park amenities, and other details that may change after this guide is published.
Beach Driving & Parking
Check driving zones, ramp access, off-beach parking, permits, and current policies.
Beach Rules & Safety
Review swimming, driving, alcohol, glass, dune, and general beach-safety rules.
Accessible Beach Information
Find beach-wheelchair, accessible parking, and designated station information.
Dogs on the Beach
Review designated dog-friendly shoreline areas and current pet requirements.
Lighthouse Point Park
Verify current hours, fees, amenities, access, and park notices.
Winterhaven Park
Check parking, restroom hours, beachfront access, and current park information.
Ponce Preserve
View current Town of Ponce Inlet information about the preserve, its natural environments, trails, boardwalk, facilities, hours, and amenities.
This guide is provided for general trip-planning purposes. Government pages should be treated as the source for current fees, hours, rules, closures, accessibility, parking, and beach conditions.
Stay Near the Shore
Find Your Daytona Beach Shores or Ponce Inlet Getaway
Browse professionally managed vacation rentals near the beaches, parks, waterways, and coastal attractions that make this area such a memorable place to visit.