For art and culture seekers on vacation in Daytona Beach, the city is more than a treasure trove of sun and sand. Between the theatres, live music venues and collection of eclectic museums, the city of Daytona Beach is a rich blend of art and culture that makes it one of the most fascinating beach towns in Florida. So where should visiting patrons go to play in Daytona Beach? The more accurate question would be where should they go first?
Cinematique Theatre of Daytona Beach
A unique film experience awaits those who wander into the historic downtown district. The Cinematique Theatre of Daytona Beach serves as Volusia County's only full time theatre with a dedication to art house cinema. Visitors will enjoy newly released independent and foreign films from around the world as well as Opera, Ballet and Shakespeare. What makes Cinematique special, in combination with the media it shows, is that it is an all digital theatre boasting comfortable bistro-style seating, couches and single-level accessibility. Assuring the cultured moviegoer enjoys Cinematique in the pinacle of comfort, meals are served to the table and diners can select from an extensive beer and wine list.
Museum of Arts and Sciences
Museum of Arts & Sciences
As the area's largest museum, the Museum of Arts and Sciences is a must-see highlight. It offers a vast collection of decorative, Cuban and African artwork alongside other artistic and scientific artifacts. In what is the only science centre between Jacksonville and Orlando, visitors can browse collections including restored rail cars or explore galactic wonders in the planetarium. For those travelling with children, the museum's collection is made complete with the Charles and Linda Williams Children's Museum. The Children's Museum is filled with interactive exhibits that showcase and demonstrate the various principles of science in a fun and hands-on way.
Daytona Beach Symphony Society
The Daytona Beach Symphony Society was founded in 1952 as a non-profit group to bring people and music together. Although their season does not run year-round, it does operate November through April during Daytona Beach's peak tourism season. During this time, visitors can find shows at the celebrated Peabody Auditorium from world renowned artists, making the society a treasure to the city.
Daytona Beach Sensory Garden
Not all of the art and culture in Daytona Beach is hidden away in some beautiful building or reserved for an eclectic festival. Some of the best artwork can be found right outside in nature. Located within the Tuscawilla Preserve, a natural beauty in its own right, is the Sensory Garden. The Sensory Garden was uniquely developed to help visitors explore it with the senses - touch, sight, smell and sound. (You will have to engineer the taste experience elsewhere.) Visitors can explore the different areas of the garden that include native wildflowers, herbs, a butterfly and hummingbird garden, and a rock garden. Enjoy the smell of the flowers or relax by the pond and its gently trickling waterfall in order to expand awareness or simply to relax.
The Bandshell
Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
Out of all the music venues in Daytona Beach, the Bandshell is easily the most beloved and the most famous. Located next to the white sands of Oceanfront Park (just north of the Boardwalk Amusement Area) the Bandshell's unique outdoor setting has a festive feel. Built in 1937 from coquina stone, it serves as a venue for concerts of up to 5,000 people, as well as outdoor weddings, pep rallies, and other events. Rock music fans rejoice, tribute bands regularly frequent the Bandshell stage. Since Daytona Beach is so seasonably warm, the Bandshell regularly holds free concerts year round. You don't need to pack a chair in your suitcase, visitors can rent one on site.
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