Daytona Beach City Guide

Daytona Beach is known for its racing roots and 23-miles of white sand. Here are some tips for where to go, stay and eat in this Florida beach town.

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Where to Go: Daytona International Speedway
The speedway offers 3 different tours: Speedway, All Access and VIP. Each offers different levels of access to the track, garages, press boxes and Victory Lane, as well as history of the speedway, NASCAR and drivers.

Where to Go: Jackie Robinson Ballpark and Museum
The stadium is home to the Daytona Cubs, a feeder team for the Chicago Cubs. It was named after Jackie Robinson in 1990. The ballpark is now home to a museum and statue that honors Robinson's accomplishments as an athlete and "barrier breaker." Exhibits include information on Robinson's accomplishments on and off the field, his secret to stealing bases and a tribute to other athletes who broke barriers.

Where to Go: Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse
The lighthouse is the tallest in Florida -- and one of the tallest in the country. Visitors can climb the 203 steps to the top for amazing views of one of the world's most famous beaches, Ponce Inlet and surrounding inland waterways. The museum showcases exhibits on the history of Florida and one of the finest collections of restored Fresnel lenses in the world.

Where to Go: Main Street Pier
Called Daytona's "highway over the ocean," the 70 plus-year-old pier is the longest on the East Coast. It has rides such as a sky lift and space needle observation tower, a restaurant and a place for fishing.

Where to Go: Bulow Plantation Ruins
The park has an interpretive center that gives the history of the plantation and Florida's frontier in the early 19th century. Visitors can walk through the ruins of the plantation, sugar mill, wells and slave cabins.

Where to Go: Museum of Arts and Sciences
The Museum of Arts & Sciences (MOAS) is located on a 90-acre nature preserve. The exhibits include collections of American, Chinese and Cuban art, a prehistoric giant ground sloth, an Americana collection and a rare Napoleonic collection. It also has a planetarium and children’s museum.

Where to Go: Marine Science Center
Learn all about marine wildlife through exhibits on alligators, coral, dolphins, whales, sea turtles and fish. Check out the 5,000-gallon aquarium or get up close and personal with a stingray in the touch pool. The center also does rehabilitation of seabirds and turtles, and allows visitors to observe the animals they are helping.

Where to Stay: Shores Resort and Spa
This luxury resort offers guestrooms and suites with amazing views and high-end amenities. The resort is home to the Indulge spa, as well as the oceanfront fine-dining restaurant Azure. It also offers a fitness center, kids' club, heated salt-water pool, multiple bars, cabanas, oceanfront fire pits and services to pamper your pet.

Where to Stay: Hilton Daytona Beach Resort/Ocean Walk Village
The Hilton Daytona Beach Resort is located right on the beach in the heart of the Ocean Walk Village. The spacious rooms offer sunset views and lots of amenities. The hotel has a KidsZone and kids’ camp for the younger set and a spa for the adult travelers.

Other Hotels to Consider: Wyndham Ocean Walk, Hampton Inn Daytona Shores -- Oceanfront and Sun Viking Lodge

Where to Eat: Hog Heaven
If you are looking for some Southern barbecue, head over to Hog Heaven for beef, chicken or pork that is slow-cooked in a real pit. Diners can feast on everything from baby back ribs to pulled pork and catfish.

Where to Eat: The Oyster Pub
If you are looking for a place to kick back and watch the latest race or sporting event, check out this sports bar and grill. The menu features fresh seafood and raw bar, burgers, wings and more. For entertainment there is a nightly DJ, pool tables and more than 45 TVs.

Where to Eat: Dancing Avocado Kitchen
This downtown restaurant is known for its eclectic decor that many describe as hippie-like. It's also known for great vegetarian and vegan dining. The Dancing Avocado Kitchen is only open in the daytime so be sure to visit for breakfast or lunch.

Other Restaurants to Consider: Gene's Steak House, Boot Hill Saloon and Chart House

Where to Eat/Go: Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory
To satisfy your sweet tooth, visit this chocolate factory that has been on Beach Street since 1925. You'll find chocolate in every shape and size along with fudge, jelly beans, taffy and coffee. Take the factory tour to see candy makers doing things the old-fashioned way.

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Florida

Daytona Beach City Guide

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