Visit Daytona in May, June and September for better room rates and fewer crowds. You still get nice weather but without the mess of people.
Low Season: May, June and September are less busy. Average Daily Rates of:
- 2 Star: $38-$130
- 3 Star: $66-$150
- 4 Star: $140-$180
- 2 Star: $39-$160
- 3 Star: $75-$260
- 4 Star: $157-$196
Sights you mustn’t miss
Visiting Daytona Beach for the races or whatever, spending a day or more on this spectacular and famous beach is almost mandatory. Whether walking it, driving on it, or just soaking up some rays with an occasional dip, it’s amazing. Top that off with a visit to one of the splash parks, jungle gyms and beach volleyball courses along the 23 miles of beach. Top it off with a go at the new rage, the paddleboard or maybe parasailing and the excitement meter may burst.Spend some quality time enjoying your spouse and/or children on the Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier. This experience is one celebrating both fun and food, so hit the Sandblaster Roller Coaster, the Ferris wheel, maybe a slice of pizza or lunch/dinner at the famous Joe’s Crab Shack overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. For the adults you may want to wander up to “The Roof” bar and sip something bad for you, like a tropical punch while you relax and gaze over the ocean.
Fun things to do
You’ll find some of the best golf courses in the U.S. in this area; so if you need a break from the sand, pool, excitement or the family, grab your bags and head out to the greens.Take an Eco-Buggy Tour of the Long Leaf Pine Preserve and experience the wetlands, swamps cypress groves and more. This is a great way to see just what’s needed and being done to protect this land.
For the paddler in your party, you can go on a guided tour of Lake Ashley, and what’s being accomplished to preserve it.
Wine and Dine Tips
If your palate is begging you for that glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Noir, then head to Ormond Beach and visit one of the two wine bars there, First Crush and the Ormond Wine Company.You can find good restaurants featuring Mexican, Asian and American dishes and more. However, as we are on the beach, let’s look at some of the local and visitor favorites. As always, asking locals and your hotel staff for suggestions can lead to a great find or two. Instead, we are giving you some suggestions of fresh seafood restaurants, suggested by locals and visitors as well.
For lunch you might try Hull’s Seafood market in Ormond Beach (before sipping that glass of wine maybe) where they serve dynamite Fish Taco, Fish-N-Chips, or catch of the day on a fresh toasted Kaiser roll.
On Daytona Beach you might try the Ocean Deck Restaurant famous for the clam chowder or scallops.
Maybe the family would enjoy dining on the waterfront, overlooking the ocean and a marina, listening to Caribbean music. If so, take a ride or walk to the Inlet Harbor Marina & Restaurant for good seafood and prices. Jumbo shrimp or lobster tails flash-fried, and maybe start with Cajun Fried Gator Tail?
Day Trips
Travel to the “community” town of Cassadaga, Florida and visit this 115-year-old community of psychics and mediums. This is no joke, but rather a 57n acre community of like-minded, or questionably minded people who came here to practice their beliefs. When you arrive stop into the info center, where you can arrange to meet with a medium or psychic to explore your future, or meet your past.Take a ride some 80 miles west to Florida horse country, Ocala, where Lake George is one of 600 lakes and 23 spring fed streams. Can you say fishing pole? Lake George is home to one of the largest freshwater blue crab populations in the world. Crab cocktail anyone?
Where to stay
As long as you shop around, you'll be able to find a bargain priced room in Daytona Beach. The Plaza Ocean Club is found in the Daytona Lagoon Waterpark area and has an outdoor pool, poolside bar, full-service restaurant and ocean views.Another great value is the three-star Daytona Beach Oceanside Inn. Not only are you close to the boardwalk, the property has an outdoor pool, children's pool area, outdoor bar and fitness center. Similar properties include the Tropical Winds Oceanfront Hotel and the Boardwalk Inn.
Our recommendations in Daytona Beach
Plaza Resort & Spa
Plaza Resort & Spa is located on the beach and in an area with good shopping. Daytona Beach Bandshell and Peabody Auditorium are cultural highlights, while Daytona Beach Boardwalk is a notable landmark. Daytona Lagoon Waterpark and Congo River Golf - Daytona Beach are also worth visiting.