What to do in Daytona: from watersports to sunset cruises
There's much more to the spiritual home of motor racing than just cars
If you're looking for a holiday that is as surprising as it is delightful, Daytona Beach is definitely a destination to put on your Florida wish-list.
The spiritual home of America’s motor-racing scene has blossomed into a contemporary cornucopia of attractions, from the arts to craft breweries, all backed by 23 pristine miles of world-famous, white-sand beaches that are perfect for all-comers.
Swing into action
Ready for an action-packed adventure? Daytona Beach will happily provide an array of exciting possibilities.
It all starts with the mind-boggling scale of the Daytona International Speedway, where the recently updated circuit now provides in-depth tours of its extensive track and facilities, including the chance to visit Victory Lane.
For water-based fun, Daytona Lagoon is the ideal family choice, with a lot more than just slides and flumes to enjoy. Plus, this is definitely the place to take up surfing or paddle-boarding, with plenty of opportunities to try these popular pursuits, as well as kayaking, jet-skiing, parasailing and boating of every kind.
Keeping with the sporting theme, golf is high on the list of alluring activities available at Daytona Beach, whether it’s just the fun mini-golf variety along the seafront or one of the many manicured, lush courses that attract all skill levels — from seasoned pros to weekend hackers. You may not be the next Roy McIlroy, but you will certainly enjoy the fabulous scenery, and that’s the big attraction.
Sunsets and spas
Equally, this is where you can experience a totally chilled holiday. Enjoy a leisurely dolphin watch or sunset cruise, a fun fishing expedition (both in-shore and deep sea), a visit to more than half a dozen super-relaxing spas, or just a sun-lounger and umbrella on those glistening beaches that are open year-round, all centred on the pier and boardwalk that offer even more amusements, games and rides.
Virgin Holidays'
expert tips
A 60-minute drive from Orlando, Daytona Beach is the perfect place to explore Florida’s Atlantic Coast
One aspect that every visitor will want to indulge in is Daytona Beach’s growing reputation for top dining options, whether it’s just a great burger at the iconic Racing’s North Turn or a full-on gourmet experience at The Cellar or Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse. Latin cuisine is a local favourite, and Chucherias Hondurenas restaurant is a must-try for an exotic palate-pleasing experience.
Taste of the sea
Succulent seafood is always on the menu, so be ready to chow down on delicacies such as grouper, mahi-mahi, shrimp, scallops and oysters, all of which have that fresh-caught flavour that will linger on your taste buds.
This is the kind of place for beer drinkers, too. There are now more than a dozen craft breweries and distilleries peddling their wares to an ever-appreciative public, and you can tap into this Floridian phenomenon on the carefully crafted Daytona Beach Ale Trail, which highlights all the main opportunities to sample the delicious line-up of adult libations in store.
And, when it comes to places to stay, Daytona Beach coaxes visitors with an increasingly indulgent array of hotels and resorts — including the ultra-bliss of The Shores Resort & Spa — most of them with instant beach access for maximum fun and guaranteed Sunshine State satisfaction. Virgin Holidays is all about ensuring you get the most out of your holiday and a trip to Daytona Beach is the perfect extension for your Orlando trip.
Visit virginholidays.co.uk/daytonabeach to book your getaway
*This content was commissioned and approved by Virgin Holidays and Visit Florida