How to Survive Life in the Suburbs

Jumping For Joy: 5 Must Do Things In Daytona Beach

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Conveniently located on Florida’s Central East Coast, Daytona Beach is  short 1 hour and 15 minute drive away from Orlando and its popular theme parks and tourist destinations.  This vintage city on the beach boasts a population of approximately 60,000 people that fluctuates with the seasons.  A sleepy beach town one moment, a rocking party town the next.  Known for it’s exhilarating race track, all consuming bike week, as well as opportunities for families, Daytona Beach is popular with couples, spring breakers and families alike.

Daytona Beach

The “World’s Most Famous Beach” is just waiting to be discovered. Throw on some sunscreen and spend an afternoon walking the sprawling 23 mile beach or take advantage of the unique oppotutnilty to “drive” the beach.  Yes, drive the beach!  One of the most popular things visitors in the area do is hop in their cars, open all the windows, and take a cruise on the hard packed sand.  It’s been a tradition since Daytona welcomed the first automobile and motorcycle races in 1902.  Note: There is a $20 per day per vehicle user fee to drive on the beach.

Daytona Beach Boardwalk

The colourful beach boardwalk is lined with a variety of bars, hotels, restaurants, shops, and the City Walk shopping and entertainment complex.  Find a parking spot and shop for T-shirts, souvenirs or walk to the end of the pier to do some fishing off the iconic pier.  If you’re looking for a little more excitement, head to Screamer’s Park, 0pen 365 days a year and home to the newest rides near the pier, the Slingshot and the Vomatron.  Heads up – those two rides are not for the faint of heart.

Insider Tip:  While wandering through the eclectic mix of shops, stop in at Zeno’s, the world-famous taffy maker, at the end of the boardwalk and a stones throw from the beach.

Take advantage of the welcoming owners generous offer for a free sample and then inevitably buy a great big bag of goodies to go.

12 North Ocean Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32118, 386-253-0254

Ponce Inlet

Located on the tip of a beach peninsula just a little bit south of Daytona Beach, Ponce Inlet is a town with a population of just over 3,000 people. The town is home to several marinas and the famous Ponce de Leon Lighthouse  This historic lighthouse is Florida’s oldest, built in 1887.  In 1998, the lighthouse was declared a National Historic Landmark.  Be warned if you want to go to the top it’s a whopping  213 steps. The effort to get to the top may be worth it for the stunning 360 degree views of the ocean, the inlet, and the Intracoastal Waterway.

4931 South Peninsula Drive, Ponce Inlet, FL 32127, 386-761-1821

Daytona International Speedway

Ready to race? The famous Daytona International Speedway is located in Daytona Beach and is the home to the Daytona 500, NASCAR’s most prestigious race.  Don’t worry if there isn’t a race going on, you can always choose to walk in the footsteps of the race car legends by taking one of the many tours offered right at the speedway.  If you are a true race fan prepare to have your doors blown off with a NASCAR Racing Experience.  You can choose to either ride along in a NASCAR race car at top speeds around the speedway with a professional Driving Instructor at the wheel, or you drive an actual NASCAR Race Car!  Yes, DRIVE the car yourself!

**This is  picture of my SassyHubby doing the Richard Petty Driving Experience, a similar race car experience, in Orlando.

It was ahh-mazing.

1801 West International Speedway Boulevard, Daytona Beach, Florida

Eats and Treats
Daytona Beach has a restaurant,  a sweet shoppe,  or coffee stop, for everyone on your list.  From ice-cream shops to a lunch at Crabby’ Joe’s the one common theme is the spellbinding view that’s never far away.  You can’t go wrong when you’re sharing a meal with loved one’s while breathing in the salty ocean air and drinking in those incredible blues.  (and maybe a frosty drink or two!)
Some restaurant recommendations include:
  1. Mike’s Galley
  2. Crabby Joe’s
  3. Azure
  4. Donnie’s Donuts
  5. Sloppy Joe’s
  6. Senor Taco
  7. Don Vito’s
  8. Zeno’s Boardwalk Sweet Shop
  9. The Shores S’mores
  10. Cow Lick’s
  11. Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory

Chocolate lovers need to know about Angell & Phelps who have been hand-making incredible chocolate treats since 1925. They pride themselves on the old-time concoctions they create and the on-site factory and offer a free tour to their visitors.  During the approximately 20 minute tour you have the opportunity to see chocolate treats being made and of course sample some of the delicious treats for yourselves.

Address: 154 South Beach Street, Daytona Beach, Florida

The beach, the boardwalk, and the speedway.

Cruising by the inlet and eating in the many …many restaurants.

Daytona Beach is a family favourite just waking to be discovered.

Happy travels!

    • Comments

    1. The Daytona 500 is on hubby’s bucket list and of course the beach and all it offers is on mine!! 🙂

    2. I’ve never been to Florida but would love to check out Daytona beach. It looks beautiful and sounds like so much fun for the family.

    4. I would love to go to the Daytona International Speedway and drive an actual race car….awesome!

    6. The Daytona Beach Boardwalk sounds cool. I love exploring little shops & that beachy air would be glorious!

    7. We often go to the beaches in Florida, but ususaly in the winter. they are beautiful and it is just nice to sit and listen to the waves.

    8. I would be headed to the water for pier fishing or catching something off the beaches while my SO would be headed to the race track. Thanks for showing us some other fun ideas for Daytona.

    9. Looks like there are lots of fun things to do Daytona Beach! I’m looking forward to when it’s safe to travel again!

    10. I don’t need the racetrack. Just give me that beautiful beach, and the boardwalk, and I’m happy.

    11. without a doubt my favorite place. We went there every year at Christmas. My 2 aunts lived there. So many memories and the beach is just the best. love love Daytona

    12. Checking out the Daytona speedway would be something my father in law would love.

    13. I’ve never been but after reading this, ill put it on my “wanna-go-to” list!

    14. Driving on the beach would be great! and I’m happy to see they charge for the privilege. What with environmental concerns (oil/gas leaks, garbage) it makes sense.