Discover the 10 Best Small Towns Near Daytona Beach FL – Charming Coastal Life
We found the best small towns near Daytona Beach FL so that you can plan a nice little day trip from (or even relocate to) the beautiful shores of Daytona Beach.
We’ve carefully curated this list of the best small cities near Daytona Beach FL to offer you a unique escape from the bustling beach scene. Whether you’re after hidden gems brimming with local charm or spots with quirky attractions, these towns won’t disappoint.
Table of Contents
Methodology
In putting together this list of the best small towns near Daytona Beach Florida, we considered a few key factors.
First, each town has a population of no more than 30,000 residents, keeping things small and intimate. We also ensured that each town is within an hour’s drive of Daytona Beach, providing easy access for day trips or quick getaways.
Livability is critical, so we focused on towns with good amenities and plenty of things to do, whether it’s exploring local parks, historical sites, or unique attractions. Each place is packed with personality, and there’s always something interesting waiting to be discovered.
The 10 Best Small Towns Near Daytona Beach Florida
10. Ormond Beach
Minutes from Daytona Beach, Florida: 10 Minutes
Population: 43,601
Location: Check on Google Maps
A stone’s throw from Daytona Beach but miles apart in pace, Ormond Beach is where tranquility thrives. It’s got an easygoing beach vibe, historic estates like The Casements (John D. Rockefeller’s winter home), and Tomoka State Park for the nature-seekers.
This is the best small town near Daytona Beach, FL, if you’re craving a laid-back coastal charm with proximity to everything.
9. Port Orange
Minutes from Daytona Beach, Florida: 15 Minutes
Population: 64,842
Location: Check on Google Maps
Port Orange hums with activity, a suburban escape with a little more oomph than you’d expect. Sugar Mill Gardens offers an enchanting botanical experience, while the nearby riverside parks set the stage for sunsets you’ll wish to trap in a jar.
A short drive to Daytona Beach, but an even shorter drive into a peaceful mind.
8. Edgewater
Minutes from Daytona Beach, Florida: 30 Minutes
Population: 25,188
Location: Check on Google Maps
Edgewater might be your small-town dream if you seek riverside moments and shady streets. The Indian River is the lifeblood of this town, where fishing, boating, and kayaking reign supreme.
Historic ruins like the old sugar mill add a touch of mystery to the quiet surroundings. Small towns near Daytona Beach Florida don’t get much more picturesque.
7. Ponce Inlet
Minutes from Daytona Beach, Florida: 20 Minutes
Population: 3,286
Location: Check on Google Maps
If lighthouses could talk, the one in Ponce Inlet would have plenty to say. It’s Florida’s tallest lighthouse and a beacon for history buffs. But it’s not just about the light; the beaches are untouched, and the Marine Science Center adds a layer of educational fun.
Ponce Inlet is for those who want their small town to feel like a secluded island.
6. Holly Hill
Minutes from Daytona Beach, Florida: 15 Minutes
Population: 12,281
Location: Check on Google Maps
Nestled between Ormond Beach and Daytona Beach, Holly Hill is the understated jewel in Volusia County’s crown. Its riverfront parks, like Riviera Oaks Dog Park and Sunrise Park, attract both families and furry friends.
Its proximity to the Intracoastal Waterway makes it a must-see for anyone who enjoys a splash of water in their day.
5. Bunnell
Minutes from Daytona Beach, Florida: 40 Minutes
Population: 3,072
Location: Check on Google Maps
Bunnell, where history lingers in every brick of the courthouse and nature hums in the nearby forests, feels like a secret you’ve been let in on. There’s a rustic allure to this place, and its quiet, slow-paced atmosphere is a welcome contrast to Daytona’s high-energy vibe.
It’s for those who want to feel time slow down.
4. South Daytona
Minutes from Daytona Beach, Florida: 10 Minutes
Population: 13,155
Location: Check on Google Maps
South Daytona might share part of its name with the world-famous Daytona Beach, but it has a calmer demeanor altogether. Riverfront parks, a slew of cozy restaurants, and a family-oriented vibe make this one of the best cities near Daytona Beach FL.
With all the conveniences of a larger city but the friendliness of a small town, South Daytona quietly charms its way onto this list.
3. New Smyrna Beach
Minutes from Daytona Beach, Florida: 25 Minutes
Population: 31,283
Location: Check on Google Maps
A funky beach town where art meets surfboards, New Smyrna Beach stands as a vibrant coastal getaway. The Atlantic roars nearby, and art galleries dot the town’s downtown strip.
And let’s not forget the Canal Street Historic District. As far as small towns near Daytona Beach, Florida go, New Smyrna Beach hits the sweet spot for sun, surf, and community vibes.
2. Flagler Beach
Minutes from Daytona Beach, Florida: 40 Minutes
Population: 5,034
Location: Check on Google Maps
Flagler Beach feels like the town that time forgot, but in the best possible way. With its retro beach vibe, vibrant pier, and pristine coastline, it’s hard not to fall in love.
Surf’s always up, and the local restaurants keep things fresh and funky. As the best small town near Daytona Beach FL, it delivers charm on a silver platter, with a side of ocean breezes.
1. Mount Dora
Minutes from Daytona Beach, Florida: 60 Minutes
Population: 16,341
Location: Check on Google Maps
Mount Dora feels like a postcard brought to life, with its tree-lined streets and quirky antique shops radiating vintage charm. Nestled along the shores of Lake Dora, the town is known for its art festivals and unique downtown district.
The annual Mount Dora Arts Festival draws creatives and collectors from all over, while the Renninger’s Antique Center offers endless treasure hunts through timeworn curiosities.
If the waves of Daytona feel too loud, Mount Dora’s peaceful hills and cool lake breezes offer a perfect getaway.
Honorable Mentions: The 4 Best Small Towns More Than 1 Hour from Daytona Beach
For those with a bit more time on their hands and a thirst for adventure beyond the one-hour mark, these small towns offer captivating experiences that are well worth the extra miles. Here are four of the best small towns more than one hour away from Daytona Beach, FL.
1. Winter Garden
Minutes from Daytona Beach, Florida: 75 Minutes
Population: 46,051
Location: Check on Google Maps
Winter Garden is an enchanting town that strikes the perfect balance between historic charm and modern excitement. Its revitalized downtown is brimming with eclectic restaurants, craft breweries, and unique shops.
Don’t miss the Winter Garden Farmers Market, one of the best in the state. The West Orange Trail is a must for cyclists and walkers who want to explore Florida’s natural beauty while staying close to a town filled with energy.
2. Mount Plymouth
Minutes from Daytona Beach, Florida: 70 Minutes
Population: 4,409
Location: Check on Google Maps
Mount Plymouth is a small but intriguing spot, with its roots as an old resort town. Tucked among the green rolling hills, it has a secluded feel that makes it a serene escape from busier cities.
Explore Wekiwa Springs State Park just a short drive away, offering crystal-clear waters for swimming and a wilderness perfect for hiking or canoeing. Mount Plymouth’s rustic vibe appeals to those seeking a hidden gem far from the beaten path.
3. Cedar Key
Minutes from Daytona Beach, Florida: 120 Minutes
Population: 700
Location: Check on Google Maps
Cedar Key, perched on the Gulf of Mexico, feels worlds away from the Atlantic shores of Daytona Beach. Known for its incredible sunsets, seafood, and an offbeat art scene, this tiny island town has a laid-back feel that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Kayak through mangroves, stroll along the quiet streets, and indulge in fresh clams while the breeze rolls in off the Gulf.
4. Micanopy
Minutes from Daytona Beach, Florida: 100 Minutes
Population: 600
Location: Check on Google Maps
Micanopy is often described as “the town that time forgot,” and for good reason. With its historic architecture, towering oaks, and a main street lined with antique stores, this tiny town oozes old-world charm.
It’s a favorite spot for film buffs—movies like *Doc Hollywood* were filmed here. If you love quaint towns where every corner has a story to tell, Micanopy is the perfect choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best small towns near Daytona Beach FL?
We’ve chosen ten charming towns with a population of no more than 30,000 and all within an hour’s drive of Daytona Beach. Whether you’re into history, nature, or the beach, these towns have something unique to offer.
Why are small towns near Daytona Beach, FL, so popular?
The mix of history, nature, and easy access to the Atlantic Ocean makes these small towns stand out. Many of them have lower populations, making them feel intimate yet full of character, perfect for a day away from Daytona Beach.
