Florida : Safety by City
- Amelia Island
- Boca Raton
- Boynton Beach
- Bradenton
- Brandon
- Cape Coral
- Clearwater
- Cocoa Beach
- Coral Springs
- Daytona Beach
- Deerfield Beach
- Delray Beach
- Deltona
- Destin
- Everglades City
- Fort Lauderdale
- Fort Myers
- Fort Pierce
- Fort Walton Beach
- Gainesville
- Hialeah
- Homestead
- Jacksonville
- Jupiter
- Kendall
- Key Largo
- Key West
- Kissimmee
- Lake Buena Vista
- Lake City
- Lake Worth Beach
- Lakeland
- Lauderhill
- Marco Island
- Melbourne
- Miami
- Miami Beach
- Miami Gardens
- Miramar
- Mount Dora
- Naples
- New Smyrna Beach
- North Port
- Ocala
- Orlando
- Ormond Beach
- Palm Beach Gardens
- Palm Harbor
- Panama City Beach
- Pembroke Pines
- Pensacola
- Pompano Beach
- Port St. Lucie
- Punta Gorda
- Sarasota
- St. Augustine
- St. Petersburg
- Tallahassee
- Tampa
- Vero Beach
- West Palm Beach
- Winter Park
No trip to Florida would be complete without a visit to Daytona Beach.
“The World’s Most Famous Beach,” after all, boasts some of America’s most iconic places.
The city, known for being home to Daytona International Speedway, hosts the famous Daytona 500 NASCAR race every February, attracting tens of thousands of fans.
Characterized by hard-packed sand on which people can drive, Daytona’s beaches give visitors an array of things to see and do.
In addition to arcades and rides, the boardwalk has the Daytona Beach Bandshell stages, where people can catch year-round concerts.
Only a few steps away, Daytona Lagoon, the city’s water park, and family entertainment center, gives visitors the chance to compete at go-karting, laser tag, and mini-golf.
Tourists who visit Daytona in March or October might catch a glimpse of the semi-annual 500,000-people event known as Daytona Beach Bike Week — another event that makes Daytona charmingly unique.
During this 10-day event, bikers from all over the country gather for street festivals, motorcycle races, parties, and concerts.
Warnings & Dangers in Daytona Beach
OVERALL RISK: LOW
Daytona Beach is well known for being safe for visitors. The city is in the 64th percentile for safety, meaning it’s safer than 64% of cities in the US. Daytona Beach has a crime rate of 21.63 per 1,000 residents per year, and people who live in the metro area typically consider the north portion of the city to be the safest. Given these findings, Daytona Beach has a low overall risk for visitors.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
There’s not much information about transportation and taxi safety in Daytona Beach. However, according to King’s Transportation Group, one of the city’s largest taxi companies, this company offers a “no felon” policy, meaning all Yellow Cab drivers have a clean background history. They’re also licensed with the City of Daytona Beach. With this information, it can be concluded that Daytona Beach has a low transport and taxis risk.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
Although not much is known about pickpocket statistics in Daytona Beach, the city has a higher-than-average larceny rate, according to 24/7 Wall Street. Well-known examples of larceny include pickpocketing, bicycle theft, and shoplifting. In 2019, there were 2,213 larceny thefts in the city; this translates to 3,169 thefts for every 100,000 people. This bit of information indicates that Daytona Beach has a medium-to-high risk when it comes to pickpockets.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
With scores of hurricanes being reported in the city since 1930, Daytona Beach is considered a high-risk zone for hurricanes. The largest hurricane was Ginny in 1963, and the most recent one was Dorian in 2019. However, because casualties from these events are rare, Daytona Beach has a low-to-medium natural disasters risk.
MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
No information about mugging specifically is available, but Daytona Beach has a robbery rate of 1.06 per 1,000 residents. Compare this to the national average of 0.73 per 1,000 people. These statistics show that Daytona has a medium-to-high mugging risk.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
Terrorist threats have been made in Daytona Beach as they have in most other US cities. But no terrorist attacks have been carried out. The most recent threat was in December 2021 when an Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University student threatened to shoot up his university during finals week. A couple of his classmates alerted campus officials, thwarting his plans. Since no terrorist attacks have taken place in Daytona Beach, it can be deduced that the city has a low terrorism risk.
SCAMS RISK: LOW
No recent reports about scams involving tourists in Daytona Beach can be found; however, there have been scams against residents of Daytona Beach and its surrounding areas. The majority of scammers have targeted elderly residents, calling them over the phone for “help” and asking them to wire tens of thousands of dollars. In the majority of these cases, the scammers have been arrested and put in jail — or police have issued a “Be on the Lookout” alert for the scammers.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Because there’s no information about the safety of women travelers in Daytona Beach, in particular, we can only provide rape statistics, which might provide some helpful insight into women’s safety in the city. Daytona Beach has a rape incidence rate of 35.7 for every 100,000 people, which is comparable to Florida’s rate and slightly below the national average. Given this information, we can conclude that Daytona Beach has a low risk for women travelers.
TAP WATER RISK: LOW
According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ECHO database (July 30, 2018 to Sept. 30, 2021), Daytona Beach had no violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. Its last violation was resolved in January 2014. Therefore, Daytona Beach’s tap water risk is low, meaning that the city’s tap water is safe for drinking and usage.
Safest Places to Visit in Daytona Beach
Residents of Daytona Beach generally consider the north part of the city to be the safest.
A person’s chance of being a crime victim in the north can be as low as 1 in 76.
By and large, the city is considered safe for tourists and residents alike.
Since tourists usually frequent the city’s beaches (along with its boardwalk and the nearby Daytona Lagoon), NASCAR race track, and shopping centers, it can be concluded that these places are safe for tourists too.
Spring break in March and April does tend to bring large crowds to the city.
Although spring breakers do generally abide by the law, they have been known to get loud and rowdy at times, which can be a source of concern for tourists with young children.
Tourists who have young children with them should be aware of the nature of the crowds and events during the March and October Bike Weeks.
Although visitors arriving in Daytona Beach for Bike Week are generally respectful, law-abiding people, the heavy drinking during this event can lead to behavior that might be inappropriate for children.
Places to Avoid in Daytona Beach
According to residents of Daytona Beach, the south part of the city (i.e, South Daytona) is the least safe.
A person has a 1 in 11 chance of being a crime victim there, a statistic which suggests that tourists would be better off avoiding this particular area.
Many people like to fish at the Daytona Beach Pier, and sharks are often attracted to the bait that people use for fishing.
The notably high volume of sharks, coupled with people’s careless behavior while swimming, has resulted in dozens of shark attacks.
With 39 listed shark attacks, Daytona Beach has seen more attacks than most other beaches in the US.
But again, these attacks usually only take place at the Pier.
As long as people swim away from the Pier and practice safety measures, such as scanning the water for predators, swimming in groups, and not wearing shiny watches or jewelry, they should be able to swim with little concern for their safety.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Daytona Beach
- Keep your valuables locked. This is important in any major city in the US, and Daytona Beach is no exception. Theft is more common in the south part of the city, so try to stay in the north parts of the more touristy areas.
- Watch the crowds during large events. Daytona Beach is a popular place for tourists year-round, but the largest crowds can be seen in March, April, and October for spring break and Bike Week (known as Biketoberfest in October). Although people visiting during these events are generally respectful and law-abiding, you must be aware of the risks of being in large crowds of people.
- Swim away from the Pier. Shark attacks can happen, but when they do, they typically take place at or near the Pier, where people like to fish. If you swim near the boardwalk or closer to shore, you’ll be much better off.
- Keep track of the currents. Daytona Beach is known for its strong currents. Avoid swimming far off into the ocean. When the waves are strong, they can buckle your knees, making it difficult to swim back to shore. As long as you’re vigilant and keep close to the shore, you should be fine.
- Stay in the safer parts. Again, Daytona is mostly safe for tourists, but visitors would be even safer if they stayed in the less crime-ridden parts of the city, which include the north part and the touristy areas (e.g., the boardwalk).
- Party responsibly. Daytona Beach has an active nightlife and is an ideal place to party with all of its bars and clubs. That being said, you should avoid drinking too much and be aware of the large spring break and Bike Week crowds.
- Avoid walking alone at night. Almost no major city in the US is safe for walking alone at night, and this also applies to Daytona Beach. If you do have to go out at night, be sure to walk in groups or, even better, take a taxi or Uber.
- Protect your kids. Crowds can get a little rowdy during the large events, sometimes drinking a bit too excessively. Occasionally, their behavior might be considered appropriate for children, so it’s best to keep your kids away from these drinking crowds, which are common during spring break and Bike Week.
- Put on sunglasses. Although Daytona Beach sees all four seasons throughout the year, it gets a lot more sunshine than many other US cities. Because of that, it’s wise to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays.
- Wear sunscreen. For a similar reason, you should lather on some sunscreen to protect your skin from the potentially harmful ultraviolet rays.
- Practice health safety measures. With Daytona Beach being a tourist hotspot, tourists might be vulnerable to COVID-19 infections. Do your best to practice social distancing, and try getting tested for COVID-19 before making your trip.
So... How Safe Is Daytona Beach Really?
Daytona Beach is very safe for visitors.
A higher-than-average crime rate has been reported in certain parts of the city, e.g., the south part, but tourists, for the most part, can rest assured in the fact that Daytona Beach is mostly safe for tourists and that they’ll be able to vacation there safely.
The most popular (and safest) places for tourists include the boardwalk, shopping centers (such as Volusia Mall and One Daytona Mall), and other tourist attractions.
Shark attacks do occur, but they tend to happen where fishing is common (e.g., at the Pier).
As long as swimmers are careful and swim away from the Pier and closer to shore, they should be safe from shark attacks.
All in all, Daytona Beach is an incredibly fun and safe place for tourists as long as they vacation responsibly and practice safety measures.
How Does Daytona Beach Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Daytona Beach | 83 |
| New York City | 67 |
| Detroit | 56 |
| San Diego | 67 |
| Miami | 55 |
| Honolulu | 65 |
| Chicago | 65 |
| Cordoba (Argentina) | 61 |
| Toronto (Canada) | 81 |
| Melbourne (Australia) | 80 |
| Montreal (Canada) | 81 |
| Sydney (Australia) | 80 |
| Santiago de Chile (Chile) | 71 |
Useful Information
Visas
All travelers to the US from foreign countries have to present a passport upon arrival. However, visas aren’t required for visitors who are traveling to the US for business or tourism for up to 90 days. They’re only required for permanent residents.
Currency
The US dollar is the official currency of the US. No other currency is accepted, but you can exchange currencies at various ATMs, kiosks, and businesses (such as Amscot) throughout Daytona Beach.
Weather
Daytona Beach sees all four seasons of the year. Winters are mild, but summers are long, hot, and humid. Because of this, it’s important to dress lightly and wear sunglasses and sunscreen.
Airports
People from many US cities and some foreign countries can fly into Daytona Beach International Airport. Otherwise, they can fly into Orlando International Airport, which is roughly an hour away by car or bus.
Travel Insurance
As one of the most important travel-related purchases you can make, travel insurance protects you against risks associated with medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost, damaged, or stolen possessions, to name a few. Unexpected situations while traveling are bound to happen, so to curb financial losses and have peace of mind, you should take advantage of travel insurance.
Daytona Beach Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 20 | 21 | 23 | 27 | 29 | 31 | 32 | 32 | 31 | 28 | 24 | 22 |
| Low °C | 9 | 11 | 13 | 17 | 20 | 23 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 20 | 15 | 12 |
| High °F | 68 | 70 | 73 | 81 | 84 | 88 | 90 | 90 | 88 | 82 | 75 | 72 |
| Low °F | 48 | 52 | 55 | 63 | 68 | 73 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 68 | 59 | 54 |
Fun City If You Stay in the Right Areas
I’ve lived near Daytona Beach for years and I commute there almost every day. Crime wise, it’s always good to take precautions as it would be anywhere else, always make sure to lock your car, hide expensive possessions, and be aware of your surroundings. It’s a relatively safe place to visit at night as long as you’re in the safe part. Port Orange is a very safe place to live, and South Daytona is decently safe. I’ve never experienced any crime myself in Daytona, however small occurrences can be common. Central Daytona (e.g. where the International Speedway is) is a relatively safe area, however I wouldn’t recommend walking the streets at night unless you’re in One Daytona, or any shopping mall for that matter. DB Shores is fun and can be safe at night but always be careful, there are a lot of bars and some people may tend to be drunk. Other areas surrounding DB Shores can be rather unsafe however. If you do walk through Daytona at night, make sure you bring someone with you just to be safe. Other than that, Daytona is a very fun place to travel to and I definitely recommend it! The hotels are great and overall has a great community.
We’ve had so much fun!
Daytona Beach is surely one of the more recognized beaches in the US and the world and for good reason. This place is fantastic! After all, the 23 or so miles of beaches are great looking and the whole feel of the place makes you want to stay here, in the sun, forever.
I agree that there are pickpockets operating here (I mean, how couldn’t there be will all the crowded spots?) but if you place close attention you will be able to spot them in most cases. Just keep your valuables close to you, especially your purse and phone which are the easiest to steal.
Tip: Go on the Daytona Beach Boardwalk at night when all the lights are shining brightly and you will see another part of the beauty of this place. All the colors, reflected on the water, make for a great spectacle.
Cici & Hyatt Brown Museum of Art is the perfect spot to go for information and history on Florida. More than 2500 art pieces are present here making this the biggest collection of Florida art. While you are here make sure you don’t miss the Planetarium show as it’s very good. If you truly want to experience everything this museum has to offer, make a day (or two) out of it and really dig in.
Visit the legendary Daytona International Speedway. There are always events hosted here or you can ride in a car with a pro diver. You can even drive a NASCAR car for up to 30 laps if that’s your cup of tea.
The Marine Science Center is much more than meets the eye. Besides hosting many animals this is also a place of learning and research. They specialize in rescuing animals like hatchlings, sea turtles, or injured birds. This place is something any kid will love, with plenty of animals, exhibits or the nature trail.