Day trips add to local attractions for a perfect coastal Florida destination
DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA–JUNE 2024–Daytona Beach is packed with ways to enjoy a coastal vacation. Of course, it starts with the “World’s Most Famous Beach,” as many refer to this beautiful 23-mile stretch of oceanfront on central Florida’s Atlantic coast. Midway between St. Augustine and the Kennedy Space Center, Daytona Beach is also just an hour east of Orlando, making it the prime base camp spot for a well-rounded Florida vacation. Adding a day trip to any Daytona Beach vacation is the perfect way to combine all that this diverse destination has to offer with nearby regional attractions.
Many start “local” with a 30-minute drive to West Volusia, which offers a fun combination of Old Florida and contemporary vibe. Downtown DeLand is home to shops and boutiques and museums. An array of local restaurants serve a mix of cuisine and microbreweries and wine bars add to the mix. Just a bit further afield, an outing to any of these nearby destinations is an easy one-day adventure, allowing visitors to conveniently stay and play in Daytona Beach, coming “home” each evening after a day-long jaunt.
- St. Augustine’s famed historic district is only a 56-mile drive to the north.
- Kennedy Space Center, with its amazing launches and one-of-a-kind visitor center, is just 64 miles south of Daytona Beach.
- Orlando, with its theme parks and other attractions, is just 70 miles inland.
Visitors get the best of all worlds by adding one of these day trips to a vacation centered around Daytona Beach’s surprising variety of attractions, both on the beach and off.
It’s no wonder the beaches here are so famous. They are not only beautiful but also easy to access. The 23 beach parks in Daytona Beach provide public parking, much of it free, and a range of amenities. Of course, the most well-known area is Daytona Beach’s boardwalk (12 South Ocean Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida 32118; 386-253-0254) and pier (1200 Main Street, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114).
Beyond the beach, the list of attractions adds variety to entertain and delight vacationers of varied interests. Daytona Beach is also an excellent golf destination. Its nearly 20 quality courses secured its rank among the top 15 places in the country to play. And of course, there is fishing. Whether for a casual day on the inland waters or for pursuing a big game catch offshore, there are plenty of experienced charter captains offering just the trip.
History and maritime buffs will want to visit the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse (4931 South Peninsula Drive, Ponce Inlet, Florida 32127; 386-761-1821), Florida’s tallest. Climbing to the top of this National Historic Landmark is an adventure and the payoff is a spectacular view. For a little sports history, the Jackie Robinson Ballpark (105 East Orange Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114; 386-257-3172) tells the story of the iconic player breaking the color barrier by playing his first professional game here.
Those looking for action will find it at one of the area’s exciting adventure parks. Daytona Lagoon Premier Waterpark and Family Fun Entertainment Center (601 Earl Street, Daytona Beach, Florida 32118; 386-254-5020) has waterslides, wave pools, lazy rivers and splash centers offering fun for both the young and the young at heart. At Daytona Beach Zipline Adventure (1000 Orange Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114; 386-882-8016). There are two courses for climbing, swinging and zipping from tree to tree.
For shopping and dining and entertainment, there diverse retail and lifestyle centers to explore. Ocean Walk Shoppes (250 North Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida 32118; 386-258-9544) is a favorite entertainment hub on the beach. And downtown’s Historic Beach Street district is filled with shops, restaurants and attractions in a scenic, riverfront setting. Just inland, ONE DAYTONA (1 Daytona Boulevard, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114; 386-681-4816) has its own unique mix of venues. The Tomoka Town Center (1401 Cornerstone Boulevard, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114; 407-547-1075) is also known for its shopping and dining options and the adjacent Tanger Outlets (1100 Cornerstone Boulevard, Daytona Beach, Florida 32117; 386-843-7459) comprise nearly 80 stores, including some of the nation’s most recognized brand names.
Where to stay
With more than 200 properties from which to choose, Daytona Beach has lodging options to fit every vacation need. Those looking for the perks of an oceanfront hotel or resort like The Shores Resort & Spa (2637 South Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach Shores, Florida 32118; 386-767-7350), a boutique hotel known for laidback luxury, or the nostalgia of a classic Florida location, like Perry’s Ocean Edge Resort (2209 South Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida 32118; 386-255-0581), which has a history that began in the 1940s will find everything and more right here. There are also a host of vacation rental options offering just the right space and amenities for any size group.