Daytona Beach Vacation
Daytona Beach is a surprisingly pleasing destination for families who have had it with the theme-park side of Florida and desire a simpler scene with a big beach and simple fun.
Daytona Beach calls itself the "World's Most Famous Beach." This 23 mile long beach is one of the few in Florida where cars are allowed on the sands, a hangover from the days when moto enthusiasts raced on the beaches. Filled with family-style recreation, attractions and entertainment, a Daytona Beach vacation offers plenty of fun. For golfers there are 17 world class golf courses to choose from.
The beach itself has an ocean park atmosphere, with vendors offering everything from hot dogs and sodas to boogie boards and bicycles. Lined with a wall of hotels, bustling with frenzied activity with everything from jet skiing, windsurfing, buggy rides, gondola ski-rides above Ocean Pier and much more. The old-fashioned boardwalk on the seafront is nostalgic, with bandstands, arcades, go-karts and cotton candy.
Beyond the beach, visitors will find great downtown and oceanfront shopping, dining and entertainment options. From DAYTONA USA, the official attraction of NASCAR at Daytona International Speedway, to a wide range of museums, historical attractions and nightlife, there's always plenty to see and do.
Daytona International Speedway
Start your engines! Daytona is still a mecca for motorsports fans. The nearby Daytona International Speedway draws huge crowds, especially during the Speedweeks in February and the motorcycle racing events in March and October. Eight major racing weekends are held annually at the track, which can hold more than 110,000 spectators. The speed-way hosts Nascar meets - the Daytona 500 being the most famous - and sports car, motorcyle and go-karting races. A tram tour around the speedway track is available on days when no races take place.
Tickets for for each Daytona 500 are usually sold out a year in advance, but visitors can relive the experience at DAYTONA USA, a popular attraction at the visitor center. One of the main exhibits here is a film featuring spectacular in-car camera shots and behind-the-scenes action from a recent Daytona 500 race. Tip for race fans - some of the upper-floor rooms at the new Hilton Garden Inn Daytona Beach Airport overlook the track of the Daytona International Speedway.
Rivers, Springs & Parks
If you're looking for a place to relax and connect with nature, you'll find an extraordinary mix of state and county parks, waterways and preserves. If you have never witnessed a "sea cow" first hand, you'll want to add this to your must-see list. One of the exciting sights for area visitors is that of the endangered West Indian Manatees, or "sea cows." Found in local rivers, these gentle giants also make an annual winter migration to the warmer waters of the area's natural springs. Manatees, which grow up to 10 feet long, can live 60 years or more and weigh about 1,000 pounds! They can thrive in fresh, brackish or salt water, but require a water temperature in excess of 68 degrees Fahrenheit, making the 72-degree Fahrenheit inland springs the perfect winter habitat. Make your way to Blue Spring State Park, one of the best viewing locations in the state, where winter visitors can see more that 100 manatees at a time -- all in one place.
The river banks are great places to observe terns, loons and ducks, as the bald eagles and swallow-tailed kites soar overhead. At Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, you'll find plenty of resting and feeding areas for waterfowl, songbirds, waders and shorebirds. The Refuge is home to the second-largest nesting population of bald eagles in the U.S.
No matter where you are in the area, an eco-adventure is close by. You can rent a canoe, hike nature trails, board a river tour, or pack a picnic for an enjoyable encounter with nature.
Where to Stay
There are hundreds of hotels, condominiums, cottages and Bed & Breakfast inns available in the Daytona Beach area.
Ocean Walk Resort is located on the area's only traffic free, family friendly beach. 1, 2 & 3 bedroom condominium accommodations with 3 outdoor and 2 indoor pools, 250-foot lazy river, waterslide and jacuzzis, indoor and outdoor putting greens, game room, exercise center, computer center, daily activities for all ages and a full service day spa. Across the street is the Daytona Lagoon Waterpark and Family Fun Center. Phone: 800-649-3566.
The Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort features 744 newly renovated guest rooms, beachfront cabanas and suites offering spectacular views of the Atlantic. The resort offers 2 pools and complete fitness centers. Also has indoor and outdoor whirlpools, children’s pool, and expansive sun decks. The Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort offers many on-site activities and recreation, but is also located only steps away from a variety of dining and entertainment options. Phone: (386) 254-8200.
The oceanfront Polynesian-themed Best Western Aku Tiki Inn is situated along a quiet stretch of the World’s Most Famous beach. The AAA Approved Best Western Aku Tiki Inn is an affordable, ideally located beach resort within walking distance to a supermarket and shopping. The newly redesigned guestrooms offer a microwave, small refrigerator and coffee maker. The Recreation Staff always has lots of great activities planned for BW Aku Tiki Guests. Kids of All Ages are invited to join in the activities such as movies, crafts, pool games, scavenger hunts and bingo. Phone: 866-734-7746.
