A favorite Florida vacation destination for decades, Daytona Beach offers travelers a winning blend of kid-friendly fun, outdoor excitement and oceanside beauty. A Daytona Beach escape with RedWeek will put anyone in a sunny state of mind, whether you’re in search of family togetherness or a romantic rendezvous.
Things To Do In Daytona Beach
- The Beaches of Daytona Beach: With 23 miles of beautiful Atlantic shoreline, your Daytona Beach escape is inevitably going to be centered on — you guessed it — the beach. Daytona Beach itself — AKA “the World’s Most Famous Beach” — is always buzzing with activity, from volleyball to surfing to sunbathing. For families with kids, Sunsplash Park is a great option, with powdery white sand, gentle surf and a fun splash activities area. For a romantic (and more secluded) walk on the coast, try Smyrna Dunes Beach Park, where the sunsets have to be seen to be believed. It’s also pet-friendly!
- Daytona International Speedway: Beyond the beaches, Daytona Beach is known around the world as the home of the Daytona International Speedway, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2023. The venue hosts the Daytona 500 every February, but there’s something happening here year-round. On a behind-the-scenes tour, you’ll discover the high-octane world of professional motorsports and visit the Motorsports Hall of Fame, where dozens of amazing vehicles are housed.
- Daytona Beach Golf Club: For a slower —but no less fun — Daytona experience, hit the links at the 36-hole Daytona Beach Golf Club. Offering tropical golf at its finest, the Donald Ross-designed South Course boasts gorgeous Florida scenery everywhere you turn. Meanwhile, the more challenging North Course takes skilled golfers through tricky terrain and water hazards.
Family Friendly Daytona Beach Attractions
- Daytona Lagoon: Your kids may never want to leave this Daytona Beach attraction. Daytona Lagoon has all the right ingredients for an action-packed day: mini-golf, go-kart racing, laser-tag, roller coasters, water slides and more. There’s something here for all ages, whether kids want to play some classic arcade games or make their way across the Sky Maze Ropes Course.
- Museum of Arts & Sciences (MOAS): Here, you’ll find the heart of Daytona’s cultural scene. The MOAS features a vast array of exhibits and collections, including a host of rare Americana item (the largest collection of Coca-Cola memorabilia in the U.S., anyone?). If you’re visiting the museum with kids, take them to the hands-on Charles and Linda Williams Children’s Museum and the Lowell and Nancy Lohman Family Planetarium, both of which are guaranteed to spark the imaginations of young minds.
- Daytona Beach Boardwalk & Pier: Family fun is the name of the game at the Daytona Beach Boardwalk & Pier, a classic oceanside attraction. Browse the offerings at the Ocean Walk Shoppes, climb aboard the Ferris wheel and other rides at Joyland Amusement Center, and take your pick from several restaurants and food stands. Good to know: From Memorial Day through Labor Day, the Boardwalk features a spectacular fireworks show every Saturday at 9:45pm.
- Marine Science Center: This innovative attraction is a must-visit for anyone interested in getting a look at what’s happening beneath the waves. The Marine Science Center’s state-of-the-art exhibits allow visitors to get up-close-and-personal with some amazing aquatic creatures. You’ll check out a 5,000-gallon Artificial Reef exhibit, enjoy a “touch pool” with friendly stingrays and a special area devoted to the area’s amazing sea turtles.
Where To Eat & Drink In Daytona Beach
- Donnie’s Donuts: Treat yourself to one of Donnie’s delectable creations to get your day started. This Daytona favorite is well-known for its decadent Maple-Bacon Donut as well as a wide selection of cold brew coffee mixers that can be customized to your taste.
- Sir Malcolm: An ideal Daytona Beach fine dining option, Sir Malcolm’s is sophisticated and sleek, but doesn’t take itself too seriously. Choose from an extensive list of craft brews and handcrafted cocktails, peruse a menu filled with perfectly prepared American favorites, and cap it all off by indulging in the famous Fudge Lava Cake.
- Crabby Joe’s Deck at Sunglow Pier: Seafood is a big part of the Daytona diet, and you can get fresher-than-fresh flavors at Crabby Joe’s. The food is just part of the allure, here, however; this laid-back restaurant boasts some of the best ocean views in the area, with a privileged location overlooking the Atlantic.
- Daytona Beach Ale Trail: If you’re the type of traveler who can’t visit a destination without sampling a few of its very best craft beers, the Daytona Beach Ale Trail is for you. There are two dozen artisan breweries to choose from in the surrounding area, each one with their own specialties and techniques.
Where To Stay
- Wyndham Ocean Walk: You’re never more than a few steps away from the beach when you stay at Wyndham Ocean Walk. But that’s just the beginning. This upscale oceanside resort is part of the 80,000-square-foot Ocean Walk Village complex, which is home to a shopping center, several restaurants and entertainment options.
- Daytona SeaBreeze: With a laidback beachside ambiance, Daytona SeaBreeze is ideal for families, with full-kitchens, ocean views and a children’s pool. Golfers take note: the SeaBreeze puts you within minutes of a round at the Daytona Beach Golf Club.
Start planning your Daytona Beach vacation with RedWeek now.