In Daytona Beach, Florida - Discover Fun!

Daytona Beach, Florida is the “World’s Most Famous Beach” with 23 miles of sand and surf. One of the few beaches in the world that allows ‘cruising’ down the beach, once you’re over the dunes, you’ll see hot rods, luxury sedans, motorcycles, off-road vehicles and convertibles on the hard packed sand where the first timed run on the beach was recorded in 1903.

Beyond the lanes, the sand is inviting you towards the Atlantic Ocean and swimming, surfing, sunbathing, shell gathering, sandcastle building, or just walking as sea gulls fly overhead and sand pipers run from the waves. Other beach activities range from bicycling, to kite flying, to Frisbee and volleyball.

Daytona Beach is the premier destination for approximately 8 million visitors a year, attracted to several of America’s greatest motor events; Daytona 500 in February, Bike Week in March, Spring Break, Coca-Cola 400 in June, and Biketoberfest in October.

Most people are more than familiar with the beach and famous NASCAR roots, but there’s so much to be discovered here in this uniquely diverse area. What makes this vacation destination the best? There’s something to do, see, or experience for everyone; couples, families, sports enthusiasts, race fans, bikers, nature lovers, and art and culture seekers.

Recreation and relaxation go hand in hand in Daytona Beach. Golf lovers know Daytona is the headquarters of the LPGA and home to the LPGA Champion’s Course, as well as the LPGA Legend’s Course. Included among more than a dozen golf courses in and around the area is the Indigo Lakes Golf Club, reviewed as one of the most challenging in Northeast Florida and boasts being ranked one of the top ten courses in Florida by Golf Week Magazine.

Explorer’s can go deeper and experience scuba diving along the rock-ledge reef or choose one of the six shipwrecks along the coast to dive. The infamous USS Mindanao is noted as an “impressive dive”. For the seasoned pro, there are night dives available on specific wrecks for a truly unforgettable encounter. If you prefer to stay afloat, charter a sailboat for a pleasure cruise. Gear up and book a sport fishing adventure, trolling for King Mackerel, or Wahoo. There’s nothing like the thrill of reeling in a monster fish!

Tomoka State Park has a full facility campground with 100 campsites offering electric hookup, water, grill and a picnic table. You don’t have to camp to hike the winding half mile trail through the natural beauty of canopy trees and diverse wildlife. Part of the trail takes visitors through the ancient Timicuan Indian village site of Nocoroco, and a trip back in time. There's a restaurant and small store for camping supplies and canoe rentals, as well as a museum with Native American artifacts, Florida historical exhibits, and native species displays.

Experience a laid back excursion to the “Back Country” in the Tomoka Basin. Made up of approximately 400 acres of shallow estuarine bay, serious anglers come here to fish for flounder, tarpon, black drum, trout, redfish and snook. Kayaks and canoes are popular choices too and allows for up close encounters with wildlife like manatees, birds and turtles.

Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Botanical Gardens will delight your senses combining exhibits with tropical flora and fauna. Get your tickets, at the Peabody Auditorium you can watch a play, be moved by a ballet, listen to world class music and even laugh til you cry with stand up comedy. You’ll find fabulous cultural art and artifact exhibits as well as the lush Tuscawilla Preserve at the Museum of Arts and Sciences.

The west wing of the Museum is home to the 40 ft. hemispherical dome Planetarium, offering daily shows of the night sky and laser  animation shows for children. On the 2^nd Saturday of each month, the place sells out Laser Rock Concerts featuring music from classic Pink Floyd and Zeppelin to popular 80’s hits and the Beatles. Snacks, beer and sodas can be purchased and enjoyed inside during the show.

Daytona Beach combines sun and sport, but doesn’t leave out shopping or fantastic dining. Historic Riverfront Marketplace features a must stop at Angell and Phelps Chocolate Factory where a free factory tour takes you inside the world of chocolate confection. Also known as the Downtown Historic District, you can definitely shop ‘til you drop at a variety of unique shops. Ocean Walk Shoppes features a multiplex cinema, retailers and premier restaurants right on the ocean.

What are you in the mood for? Fresh seafood served with style is a given in Daytona Beach. Lunch or dinner with a terrific view, ranges from bistro to four star dining. Ethnic cuisine will tempt your taste buds to try Caribbean at the Inlet Harbor Restaurant & Grille, Thai at the Zen Bistro, or Italian at Don Vito’s, just to name a few. A ‘must have’ is the fresh Florida Gator Tail, served in bite-sized pieces, deep fried in a light batter and always served with the restaurants’ version of dipping sauce. “Florida” cuisine at its best!

This is just a small taste of what Volusia County has to offer. Check out the links to get more information and begin planning your next adventure.