3 for Free- Daytona Beach, FL

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Beach towns are a no-brainer for an affordable trip.  The main attraction is gorgeous, tons of fun, and absolutely free (unless you’re in New Jersey, but don’t get me started on that).  However when visiting Daytona Beach, if you get tired of sun and sand there are plenty of budget friendly options.

Daytona Beach Boardwalk

1- The Beach-

This is the obvious one.  Daytona has beautiful white sand beaches.  As a nod to it’s racing heritage, it’s also one of the few beaches you can drive on.  Because of this, during the day it’s usually populated with food trucks, meaning you never have to leave your beach chair even when you get hungry (but you probably should, there’s lots of great seafood around).  Unlike the Gulf beaches in Florida, Daytona Beach also lends itself perfectly to water sports, like surfing and paddle boarding.  You just have to be careful of rip tides and passing motorist!

Daytona Beach, FL

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Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory in Daytona Beach, FL

2- Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory

Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory Tour in Daytona Beach, FL

Free Chocolate!  What could be better?  Angell & Phelps is an institution in the Daytona Beach area.  The company was originally started by two women, Riddell Angell and Cora Phelps, in 1925 in Mackinac Island, MI, but at the start of the second World War was moved to Daytona Beach, where it has remained ever since.  The company has changed hands a few times over the past few decades, but has maintained the same name, quality, methodology, and many of the same recipes developed back in 1925 (though I’m pretty sure the chocolate covered bacon and eggs are new).

Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory Tour in Daytona Beach, FL

Angell & Phelps offers free tours of their factory to get an up close look at the process behind all of their handcrafted chocolates as well as a bit of the companies history and of course, some free samples!  Tours are Monday – Saturday at 10am, 11pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, and 4pm at their store and factory location, 154 South Beach Street in Daytona Beach.

Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory Tour in Daytona Beach, FL

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The Casements- John D. Rockefeller's winter home in Ormond Beach, FL

3- The Casements

The Casements is the former winter home of John D. Rockefeller.  While it’s technically located in Ormond Beach, it’s just a stones throw from Daytona Beach.  The house was built at the turn of the century and purchase by John D. Rockefeller in 1918.  After Rockefeller’s death the house was briefly a preparatory school for girls, and an annex of the Ormond Hotel across the street before finally falling into disrepair.  The mansion was purchased by the city of Ormond Beach in the 1970s and the restoration efforts are ongoing.  There are free tours of the property daily that cover the life and times of John D. Rockefeller as well as the history of the building itself.  There are always events and activities going on at The Casements.  I was there during Art in the Park, an arts and crafts fair hosted on the grounds.  The also have a free movie in the garden on the first Friday of every month.  Check their website for a schedule of events, they have everything from gallery showings to yoga workshops to Greek cooking classes, some for free and some for a nominal cost.

The Casements- John D. Rockefeller's winter home in Ormond Beach, FL

The Casements- John D. Rockefeller's winter home in Ormond Beach, FL

42 thoughts on “3 for Free- Daytona Beach, FL

  1. I’m going to New Jersey in August. Will you please explain your comment about New Jersey beaches not being free!
    Tami recently posted…Perspective of a Flight AttendantMy Profile

    • Mags

      For most of the beaches there you have to purchase a “beach tag”. It’s been a few years since I’ve been, but it was only $5 or so and some of the beach resorts give them to you free if you’re staying there. It’s just weird coming from Florida where beaches are for everyone!

  2. You had me at chocolate for breakfast.
    mochadad recently posted…The Best Father’s Day Gift EverMy Profile

    • Mags

      It’s the American dream!

  3. I love the beach, but free chocolate? That’s the best. You convinced me. The only problem is that this “free” chocolate is actually for tasting. I doubt that I ca stay there and help myself on and on (ha, ha, ha!)
    Anda recently posted…Riding the Cogwheel Train to the Top of EuropeMy Profile

    • Mags

      They were pretty generous when I was there… of course, I did leave with a package of dark chocolate covered bacon.

  4. Looks like a great spot for some downtime. Sand in your toes and free chocolate; vital ingredients for relaxation, right?

    • Mags

      That’s heaven in my book!

  5. Thanks for the tips.
    Love the chocolate breakfast, that a “healthy” & delicious way to start the day! 😀
    Chers,

    Nat
    Natalie Deduck recently posted…Travel With Eurail Pass » 7 Reasons why you should do it [or not]My Profile

    • Mags

      Sure… nothing unhealthy about chocolate covered bacon. It’s part of a balanced breakfast!

  6. I live in a beach town too! Many tourists come to Rome to visit its city center, but I love to head to the coast in summer, even if our sea is not so clean and clear. I also prefer beach towns to little unspoiled villages, as I get bored very fast by simply lying on the sand.
    Giulia Blocal recently posted…The suitcaseMy Profile

    • Mags

      That sounds like a dream! I want to come visit your hometown!

  7. Beach with foodtrucks sound like a perfect combination! Daytona Beach really sounds like a good place to visit!
    kami recently posted…Great railway journeys of the world (according to travel bloggers)My Profile

    • Mags

      It really is great and has something for everyone; relaxation, racing, and great activities and events year round!

  8. Thanks for this post – totall agree that Daytona is a fab spot to visit for an affordable vacation. Just make sure to miss Spring Break – 20,000 students descending upon the beach is no longer my idea of fun lol. but we went last year and really loved it, especially driving our car onto the sand which I made my husband do just for the fun of it…we didn’t beach race anyone, but it was still fun 😀
    Meg Jerrard recently posted…Alaska Travel Essentials: Tips For Bear Safety + Our Favorite Photos of BearsMy Profile

    • Mags

      It’s true, Spring Break is a young mans game lol. Lately though, Daytona Beach has been offering more family friendly activities and trying to turn it’s crazy drunken college kid image around.

  9. the beach is always the main attraction for me as well! give me some sun, some sand and some waves and our family is happy! (ok maybe a picnic lunch and a bucket and shovel too!)
    Lindsay Nieminen recently posted…I Just HAD to Pack it: Travel Bloggers Share the most Useless item they PackedMy Profile

    • Mags

      I live in Florida and still never get enough of the beach. It’s so relaxing!

  10. I haven’t been to Daytona Beach since I was a kid…. Love the idea of chocolate covered bacon, might have to try that– even if I don’t make it back to Daytona for a while!
    Gina recently posted…Live Rich—Even on a BudgetMy Profile

    • Mags

      I must admit, I was skeptical at first, but I ended up going home with a package.

  11. LOVE THIS! We live in Clearwater, FL and travel to the east coast often. We love Ft. Lauderdale Beach and Cocoa Beach. Now, we are going to have to visit Daytona for the free chocolate (WOAH) and to check out The Casements! So cool. Thanks.
    Sheryl recently posted…How to Get Fit and Feel Great For GoodMy Profile

    • Mags

      I love the Gulf Coast beaches too, but the Atlantic is a totally different experience for sure.

  12. You had me at chocolate factory! Great things to do and I love spending time at the beach. I will visit more of the east coast, thanks for the inspiration.

    • Mags

      I have to admit, I used to prefer the gulf coast, but this trip changed my tune.

  13. Such interesting places! I always just think of the beach at Daytona, so it was great to read about some local fun stuff! That chocolate factory tour must’ve been just incredible! Jealous! 😉
    Amanda recently posted…Get a room in Vegas, Baby!My Profile

    • Mags

      Chocolate is always great. I used to only think of the beach as well, especially since I’m not a race fan, but I’m really glad I got to experience more of what the Daytona Beach area has to offer.

  14. Chocolate! Yum!! That looks like enough of a reason to visit Daytona – beach and chocolate are my favorites!
    Karilyn recently posted…Hawaii Big Island Road Trip: A Family AdventureMy Profile

    • Mags

      I hear ya… you could lead me just about anywhere with chocolate.

  15. The beach and a chocolate factory = count me in. 😉
    Lesley recently posted…6 Day Nature Itinerary for DominicaMy Profile

    • Mags

      two of the best things in life!

  16. I first visited Daytona Beach on a trip to Florida from Maryland, and chose the beach because you could drive your car there! So fun! I lived in Orlando for 19 years before moving to the Netherlands last year. I have to admit I prefer the Gulf Coast beaches, as they remind me more of Greece, my fav place! But I think when I move back, I’ll check out your suggestions, especially the chocolate!

    • Mags

      I’ve always been a Gulf Coast girl too, if only for the warmer water, but this trip may have turned me around. (I still love the Gulf too though!)

  17. A beach where you can drive on?! Wow! I think that would freak me out haha! The chocolate factory sounds more my speed ^_^
    Francesca @onegrloneworld recently posted…Disneyland Diamond Celebration – Epic 60th Anniversary Updates and Travel Hacks!My Profile

    • Mags

      You’re only allowed to drive very slowly these days. It’s one of those things you do just to say you did it.

  18. I disagree with you that Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory is free. It is impossible to get out of there without buying something. I always end up spending like 30 buck of chocolate. They have good marketing. Free tour with sample = buying more chocolate than planned.
    Jennifer @ Made all the Difference Travel Blog recently posted…10 Revolutionary War Landmarks Every US Citizen’s Should VisitMy Profile

    • Mags

      That’s very very true. I was assuming my readers had more will power than I do! I definitely left with a bit of chocolate.

  19. I stopped in Daytona briefly on my way to St. Augustine. We walked along the boardwalk for a bit, but that’s it. I definitely need to go back. Especially since I didn’t know about the chocolate factory!
    Vicky and Buddy recently posted…An Ode To BetsyMy Profile

    • Mags

      There is way more to explore there than I initially thought! It’s definitely worth a second look.

  20. Ugh, just LOOK at those beaches! I grew up in North Carolina with some pretty beaches myself but now I’m living in Connecticut where our beaches are dismally small and over crowded. I need to visit a REAL beach!
    Christa recently posted…Fat Girls Go on Adventures TooMy Profile

    • Mags

      I hear you! I’ve never been to Connecticut, but the beaches in Jersey don’t hold a candle to Florida!

  21. […] written about Daytona Beach a few times before as it is one of my favorite getaways and it’s only about an hour from my […]

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