Take Your Family to Daytona Beach
by Rita Cook


Oftentimes when travelers think of Daytona Beach, the first thoughts that come to mind are spring break and loud teenagers. Well, if you're not exactly the "spring break" type (and even if you are), Daytona is full of so much more than college students, rock bands and motorcycle buffs.

Billing itself as the "World's Most Famous Beach," Daytona is a magnet for teenagers. Don't fret, parents. You can enjoy your time there too with the Daytona International Speedway, the Daytona Opry, a number of theme parks, miles of soft sand and scrumptious restaurants not to be rivaled throughout Florida.

Driving on the Sand
Daytona's coast provides for an excellent surface (one of the best on the East Coast) for high-speed driving. In its hey day, Daytona Beach (the beach itself) was home to record-breaking stock car racing. Nowadays the Daytona International Speedway is where travelers will find the action, but it's still a part of the Daytona Beach atmosphere. 1801 W. International Speedway Blvd. 904-254-2700

Other Things to do on the Oceanfront
The great Atlantic is Daytona's biggest draw. Travelers will find most of the action along the ocean. In addition to the 18 miles of "driveable" beach, there's also the Boardwalk and the Main Street Pier.

These beach activities will keep the entire busy:

Water Wheels - This vehicle, built for both land and sea, guides the curious traveler on a narrated, one-hour tour of the city. Cruise through the downtown historic district and then indulge in an ocean ride if the weather and tide permits.
92 International Speedway Blvd.
904-255-2400

Daytona Opry - Come prepared for live entertainment that includes music, magic, comedy and just plain good family entertainment.
2621 N. Atlantic Avenue
Bellair Plaza

Speed Zone Motor Sports Thrill Park - Enjoy a fast-paced, three-track go-kart park designed to meet the style of the real thing - especially when you hear the sounds across the street of the Daytona International Speedway.
201 Fentress Blvd.
904-253-3278

Ponce De Leon Inlet Lighthouse - This lighthouse was constructed more than 100 years ago. Once inside, you'll get a great view of the entire Daytona Beach area.
S. Peninsula Drive
904-761-1821

For the Nature Lover
There are more than 50 parks in Daytona Beach that house facilities for picnicking, fishing, boating, camping, hiking and bird watching. A few of the parks even offer excellent sports facilities.

Bicentennial Park - This park is located in Ormond Beach and offers a variety of sports facilities. There's also a nature trail that spans the ocean to the river.

Mary McLeod Bethune Park - Travelers can stroll along an oceanfront boardwalk at this park, located near Smyrna Beach. You can also indulge in some good fishing on the river at Mary McLeod.

Spruce Creek Park - This park is located south of Port Orange. Passersby will find an observation pier, primitive campsites and a horse trail at Spruce Creek Park.

A Short Drive Outside Daytona
Daytona is central to many major attractions, making it an ideal destination for the family. The Kennedy Space Center is to the south, Orlando to the west and St. Augustine to the north. So, in the unlikely event that you do happen to run out of things to do in Daytona Beach, the next stop for fun is not far away.

While visiting Daytona Beach, don't miss out on the Big Kahuna Surf Shop on South Atlantic - a tourist must. And finally, since beach life wouldn't be the same without some nightlife check out:

Rockin' Ranch - if you enjoy country dancing.
801 Nova Rd.
Ormond Beach
904-673-0904

Hook's Landing - for live entertainment.
2025 S. Atlantic Ave.
904-255-8371

Most of all, just enjoy your Daytona Beach experience and remember, every day
can be spring break at the world's most famous beach.