Daytona

Twenty-three miles of sparkling white sandy beaches and beautiful blue-green waters make Daytona Beach an irresistible playground for kids of all ages. This popular family vacation spot pretty much makes child's play out of having fun.

If you and your family can manage to tear yourselves away from the beach, you'll discover the Daytona Beach area is full of fun activities and attractions.

Getting There

Daytona Beach is conviently located on Florida's Central East Coast, about 50 miles and an hour's drive from many popular theme parks and other favorite tourist destinations. If you are traveling around Florida, Daytona Beach is easy to reach via Interstate 4 or Interstate 95; and, Daytona International Airport is served by several major airlines with service from more than 150 destinations worldwide.

Things To See and Do

DAYTONA USA - Located just outside Daytona International Speedway's fourth turn, this fun family attraction offers a combination of high-tech, hands-on excitement and a fascinating historical perspective of motorsports that's perfect for all ages. Guests can change tires in a timed pit stop competition, design and video-test their own cars, and broadcast a famous race finish. There is also a SEGA Speedway electronic entertainment center that features several racing-themed video games.

The Beach - The beach is up to 500 feet wide at low tide and is perfect for castle building, cycling, jogging, fishing or just relaxing in the sun. The Atlantic Ocean is perfect for swimming, especially during the spring and summer when water temperatures range from 74 to 80 degrees.

While at the beach, watersports enthusiasts can grab a surfboard, launch a boat or head out for a parasailing adventure. Driving is permitted on 16 miles of the 23-mile long beach area with four pedestrian-only zones are found at various intervals. The most central pedestrian beach zone is found north and south of the Main Street Pier.

A free beach shuttle transports beachgoers from the parking garage to several points throughout this one-mile beach zone.

Klassix Auto Attraction - This museum has one of America's best classic car collections and also showcases automobiles from famous movies and television shows including Grease, The Flintstones and The Munsters.

The Museum of Arts and Sciences - Besides featuring a variety of traveling exhibits that provide frequent guests a new experience each time they visit, this museum is also renown for its multi-cultural exhibitions.

The Cuban exhibit features the finest example of modern Cuban art in the free world and the African Wing contains 165 objects from numerous African ethnic groups - carved commemorative staff, ritual ornaments, and 130 pieces of Ashante gold highlight this collection.

Cruising, Fishing andamp; Nature - The adventurous family will want to cruise the waters of the Halifax River aboard A tiny Cruise Line, the Daytona Beach River Cruise Company, or the Sunny Daze and Starry Nites. One-hour to half-day tours are available.

Deep-sea fishing charters depart from several marinas daily. A half-day trip costs as little as $25 per adult, which includes bait and gear necessary to catch the andquot;big ones.andquot; Charter boat companies take their passengers to favored fishing spots to catch red snapper, grouper and other native fish.

Nature lovers will enjoy the many parks and wildlife areas in the region. Tomoka State Park is a perfect location for fishing, camping, hiking and boating. Escorted boat trips along the Tomoka River are also available for a small fee.

Golf - Thirteen is your lucky number when it comes to golf. There are 13 public golf courses and several championship greens that make it a perfect spot for year-round golfing fun.

Shopping and Nightlife - After a full day of beach-going or sightseeing, you will discover a wide variety of shopping, restaurants and nightlife. Riverfront Marketplace, along Beach Street in the downtown Daytona Beach Historic District, offers a nostalgic experience as you stroll amid unique shops and restaurants along a lush, palm-tree lined avenue.

Along with the Halifax Historical Museum, Riverfront Park and antique malls, Beach Street is home to Angell and Phelps Chocolate Factory. Volusia Mall, the area's largest regional shopping mall, features more than 100 department stores and specialty shops.