When you come all the way to Orlando, you don’t want to miss the other places Florida has awaiting your discovery. Daytona Beach is one of the most famous beaches on the planet. But how far is Daytona Beach from Orlando? It’s only 55 miles away, which means it will take you less than an hour to get there.

Before you pile into the car and set off on an adventure along I-4 toward Daytona Beach from Orlando though, check out these wonderful attractions along the way that will help you get the most out of your drive from Orlando to Daytona Beach!

Stop in Winter Park

Just 7 miles into your drive, pull over to see the thriving Winter Park area. While you can surely shop and dine in this charming slice of Florida, one of the best things to see are the gardens. Mead Garden is a stunning oasis with nature trails and freshwater ponds while Kraft Azalea Garden borders Lake Maitland, the perfect place to sit for a picnic lunch break while driving to Daytona. Or grab your sea legs and hop aboard the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour, a tranquil experience for all ages.

Tap into Natural Florida at Wekiwa Springs

This National Park is just 13 miles from Orlando on your way up to Daytona Beach. Located in Apopka, it offers the chance to swim in pristine springs that stay 72 degrees year-round. There are picnic spots and nature trails too, making it the ideal way to see the real and natural side of Florida.

Pop by Sanford’s Historic Downtown

After many adventures under your hat, pull off I-4 in Sanford and head to the historic downtown district. Just 27 miles from Orlando, it’s a quaint suburban town that has brick-paved roads, antique shops, and plenty of delicious dining options. One of the town’s favorites is Hollerbach’s, a German restaurant with live entertainment and a bounty of food that the whole family will love. Local tip: Try getting seated in the upstairs outdoor Biergarten for a better view!

See the Manatees

In the cooler months, if you don’t feel like taking a swim at Wekiwa Springs, you can head to Orange City just past Sanford to Blue Spring State Park. It’s about 33 miles from Orlando heading east on I-4. This is where the gentle creatures known as manatees congregate. Since the water here stays warmer, in the winter you’ll find them all clustered together by the hundreds. Plan on arriving early though to avoid a long wait.

Discover DeLand’s Award-Winning Downtown

At just 41 miles from Orlando, Downtown DeLand is a spectacular place to stop on your way to Daytona Beach. You’ll find restaurants and shops that make it worth pulling off I-4 to see. Grab a cupcake from the bakery and wander around the shops and museums in this little historic enclave before you shift into gear again.

Hit Buc-ee’s for a Rest Stop Unlike Any Other

Gas stations have a bad reputation as places to stop for a bathroom break and refreshments. But people in Daytona Beach and the surrounding area will drive for miles and miles just to get to Buc-ee’s. It’s 55 miles from Orlando so you’ll be almost done with your drive, but it’s worth the stop. Why? It has the cleanest restrooms in the country! And it also has hot, freshly made foods 24/7. You can grab and go all kinds of things to munch in the car and in your hotel room like the fudge, something from the bakery, or jerky too. You’ll even find Dippin Dots!

What to See in Daytona Beach

Once you arrive in Daytona Beach from Orlando, you’ll have no shortage of things to see and do. There’s the Daytona International Speedway with the NASCAR Experience, the famous beach you can drive upon, the boardwalk and pier, Daytona Lagoon water park, countless museums, and golf (both professional golf courses and the mini-golf type).

Choose a hotel room here, we have the perfect Daytona Beach hotels , or head back to your room in Orlando after a day of exploring Florida from Orlando to Daytona Beach and back again. With so much to do and see, you can make the perfect itinerary with memories to last a lifetime from your I-4 driving adventures!