Daytona Beach Vacation Guide
Daytona has an impressive beach: wide, flat, compact and almost endless. It's one of the few places that you can, and are allowed to drive your car - during daylight hours on posted areas at 10 mph. Fishing, Boating and some interesting historic sites make for a well-balanced vacation destination.
The Speed Weeks of February and the Motorcycle Weeks in March and October bring motorsport enthusiasts to Daytona in huge numbers. The Daytona area is split between the "Mainland" where the Speedway is located and the Beach area - the Intracoastal Waterway separates the two.
What seems like miles and miles of hotels backed up to one another creates a smorgasbord of sights and sounds. Don't miss the Ocean Pier. You'll recognize it by the Gondola Sky-Ride that whisks riders out and back over the Pier's entire length.
It's not all motorsports and beaches, the historical society has done an admirable job reminding visitors that there's more to Daytona than sand and grandstands.
Restaurants
The Cellar
This historic residence was built by President Warren Harding's father-in-law in 1907 and the President spent several winters here. The restaurant is on the lower level and provides an intimate setting. The romantic setting seems like the perfect place to enjoy a fine Italian meal. 220 Magnolia Avenue.
Starlite Diner
A local legend - classic diner serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in between. Open from 7 to 11 at night. Mountains of food delivered to your table - even before the cake, pie or ice-cream fountain desserts. 401 North Atlantic Avenue.
Places to Stay
The Villa Bed and Breakfast
This 1920s Spanish Revival Mansion, located on two acres in a serene neighborhood offers guests a clear respite from what most accommodations in Daytona have to offer. Only four rooms available, non-smoking, outdoor pool. 801 North Peninsula Drive.
Sun Viking Lodge
One of many hotels located south of Daytona's mash up of beach hotels that cater to a less lively crowd. Fine-tuned to attract families with younger children. Most rooms are standard type hotel rooms - some with efficiencies. There are also several one-bedroom suites, with kitchens. Indoor and outdoor pools, located on the beach and complete with waterslides and recreational programs for kids. 2411 South Atlantic Drive.
Daytona Beach Courtyard
Traditional Marriott branded hotel of 120+ units, most of which are configured as one-bedroom suites (some with Jacuzzi). Property features a heated outdoor pool, whirlpool and exercise room. A popular choice among business professionals, but also makes for good choice - particularly on weekends. 1605 Richard Petty Blvd.
Attractions
Daytona International Speedway
This iconic speedway dates back to 1959 when NASCAR founder Bill France introduced this tri-oval track. Since then, it's been the heartbeat of stock car racing. The Daytona 500 is held every February.
Daytona 500 Experience
If there beats a race car driver within, you can get a feel for the real thing with the myriad interactive exhibits and IMAX presentations. With no chance of getting pulled over, here's your opportunity to get your fix. Features a tram ride tour of the entire Daytona Speedway Complex.
Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse
Also known as the Daytona Lighthouse, this all-brick structure with 203 step spiral staircase leads viewers to panoramic vistas of the area - beaches, bay, ocean. 4931 South Peninsula Drive in Ponce Inlet.
Daytona Lagoon
Outdoor water park that has eleven water slides and a lazy river and tidal pool. A great place to wash off the ocean salt and spray. Other attractions include laser-tag, rock climbing wall, golf carts, mini golf and others. 601 Earl Street on A1A.
Angell and Phelps Chocolate Factory Tour
This working chocolate factory offers daily, weekday tours of their facility. Unlike a sausage factory, the samples at the end of the tour a gobbled up eagerly. 154 South Beach Street.
Local Resources
Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
Beat a path into the visitor's bureau to pick up coupons on local attractions, restaurants and lodging. 126 East Orange Ave.
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