Trip Advisor Rates the Mary McLeod Bethune Foundation Historic Landmark as the #1 Place to Visit in Daytona Beach

Expand your knowledge on the life of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, while experiencing a walking tour through the home that she referred to as “The Retreat.” Trip Advisor rated the historic landmark on the campus of Bethune-Cookman University as number one of 83 destinations to visit while in Daytona Beach, Florida. 

From Dr. Bethune’s years as president of the thriving Bethune-Cookman College, to the family life where she raised her son and grandson, hosted various dignitaries and guests, and spent her years after retirement, this home holds a storied history. In 1953, two years before her passing, Dr. Bethune willed the home to the Mary McLeod Bethune Foundation.

Before your tour, you will be greeted on the beautiful porch of Dr. Bethune’s home by an experienced tour guide who will share the remarkable story of Dr. Bethune and explain the history behind the original artifacts belonging to Dr. Bethune.

Read a few Trip Advisor reviews from visitors:

Foundation home staff and student tour guides.

“I go to Daytona, Florida every year as my brother has a timeshare in Daytona Beach. I decided to do something new and was intrigued as to what I found online, the tour of the Mary Bethune house. My friend, brother and I went to take the tour and I was mesmerized by all of the histories that took place at that home. It is always great when you can go back in time to see how things came to be as I did with Bethune Cookman.” 

“The tour guide was excellent and knew his history of the house. Answered questions quickly and was very friendly. Would very much suggest everyone to go visit” 

“My wife and I were very impressed with the knowledge and the personality of our tour guide. She really knew the history of Mary McLeod Bethune, we learned a lot during our visit and highly recommend it if you are visiting Daytona.” 

The Mary McLeod Bethune historic home is located at 640 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard in Daytona Beach, Florida, on the campus of Bethune-Cookman University. The home is open to the public between the hours of 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and Saturdays by appointment.

Tours are free. Donations are accepted to support the work and the vision of the foundation home. Souvenirs, apparel and other items are available for purchase in the MMB Foundation Gift Shop, located within the home.

Visitors may take casual photographs or video recordings outside of the historical landmark. However, we ask that guests refrain from photography and videography inside of the foundation home.