Situated about one-half-hour outside of Orlando, Daytona Beach is a popular spot for families looking for a quick beach getaway from Central Florida. Known for its NASCAR Daytona 500, racing is a big event in this part of Florida, as well as having numerous museums dedicated to the sport. Visitors can buy tickets for Daytona International Speedway, where spectator racing is a regular event. Nearby beach areas such as Cocoa Beach along the Space Coast (Cape Canaveral), are close to the Kennedy Space Centre, a popular tourist attraction for kids and those interested in America’s space “history”. Time your holiday right and weather prevailing, you’ll see a Shuttle launch without even having to be anywhere special. The beach is similar to most along the Atlantic Coast – a hard-packed, wide, sandy beach. Surf is a bit rough, and the water can be quite cold, especially in the winter months. Most find hotel swimming pools more desirable. A variety of hotels, resorts, and motor inns, mostly dating back to the 1970s, are available along the beach itself. The boardwalk contains many arcades, shops, and tourist traps in typical beach strip fashion.

Getting Around: As with most of Florida, a car is a must for the convenience of getting to the many restaurants and attractions nearby. 

Where to Stay: Daytona Beach hotels such as the Oceanside Inn or Plaza Ocean Club offer quality accommodations to visitors on a Daytona Beach vacation. 

Weather: Average temperatures in January are 14C with lows of 8C while July sees average temperatures of 27C with highs of 32C. The most precipitation occurs from June through September. 

Purely as a beach holiday, the Gulf beaches at St. Pete’s/Clearwater are more swimmable and warmer, so we recommend the Daytona area if you are looking specifically for these major attractions, or as a short stay in combination with a cruise or an Orlando holiday. To learn more about Daytona Beach vacations, call 1-800-665-4981 to speak with a travel agent.