Halifax River

The basics

It’s virtually impossible not to gaze at the Halifax River during a trip to Daytona Beach. Bordering the historic downtown and the beachline, this river is more than just a scenic waterway—restaurants, boat ramps, fishing piers, playgrounds, and more line the riverfront, offering hours of outdoor relaxation and recreation. You won’t see many people swimming, however; save that for the beach. Instead, enjoy paddling, cruising, or admiring the sunrise or sunset from either side.

Things to know before you go

• Equipment rentals, like Jet Skis and kayaks, are available from local companies.

• Sharks, dolphins, and manatees are among the wildlife in these brackish waters.

• Check Florida government health advisories before eating any caught fish.

How to get there

There are multiple docks on each riverside, including the Halifax Harbor Marina and Daytona Beach Boat Club on Basin Street, just off of S. Beach Street. In Daytona, Riverfront Park is surrounded by both free and affordable parking options; you can walk along the riverfront trail or onto City Island from there.

When to get there

Depending on what you want to do on the Halifax River, you’ll want to keep an eye on the time. For sunset viewing on the east side, make sure you get reservations at a waterfront restaurant. When kayaking or paddleboarding, schedule early morning or late evening launches when the heat isn’t as strong. For boating, schedule charters in advance for the weekends, especially in the summer and on spring break.

Enjoy the river at its finest at Tomoka State Park

Just north in Daytona Shores, you’ll find Tomoka State Park. This riverfront greenspace has multiple trails, camping sites, boat/kayak launches, and areas for fishing. Along with wildlife viewing, you should keep your eye on the sky. One of the best times to visit Tomoka State Park is when there’s a space shuttle launch scheduled.