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Most beach towns bring to mind images of lazing the day away, feet in the sand with Corona in hand, as waves crash against the shore to the tune of a Jimmy Buffett song. Daytona Beach has no shortage of that beach bum lifestyle. This would be plenty to offer most vacationers, especially as the weather starts to turn cool farther north, but you may be surprised to learn just how much more there is to Daytona Beach.
(The Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art photo courtesy of Daytona Beach)
There are plenty of activities for travelers of all ages and interest. You’ll find a world class museum and tribute to Daytona Beach’s thriving arts scene at The Museum of Arts and Sciences (MOAS). The nearby Ponce De Leon Inlet Lighthouse is perfect for the history buff in the family. You can get up close and personal with sea life in a controlled environment at the Marine Science Center and even touch a stingray. Really, the options for fun in Daytona Beach are endless. You can learn more and receive your own vacation planning guide here!
(The Marine Science Center, photo courtesy of Daytona Beach)
Florida has famously fabulous weather all year, so there is no bad time to visit Daytona Beach. Aside from all of the fun activities permanently available at Daytona Beach, there is always something extra special going on. Daytona Beach is known as the “Festival Capital Of Florida” and hosts over 50 festivals throughout the year. There are 52 weeks in a year, so if you do the math, you’re likely to stumble into something amazing no matter when you choose to visit.
(photo courtesy of Daytona Beach)
The next festival you can catch in Daytona Beach, pays homage to the city’s famous relationship with the automobile. The Turkey Run takes over the Daytona Beach International Speedway Thankgiving weekend to show off some vintage and classic cars. Of course Thanksgiving weekend is a time likely dedicated to family, so there are activities for all ages at the Turkey Run. The bulk of the event is the classic car show, swap meet, and “Car Corral” where you can shop for your next toy, but there is also a “Little Gobbler’s Play Zone” with bounce houses and games for the kiddos, a performance by Young Elvis & The Blue Suede Rockabilly Tribute Show, and “Artisan Alley” an arts & fashion bazaar perfect for finding unique holiday gifts for everyone on your list. You also have the opportunity to be a real hero this holiday season by winning the ’73 Nova SS. being raffled off this year! The Turkey Run takes place from November 26-29 and admission is just $15 a day Thursday – Saturday and $10 for Sunday and can be purchased here. Whether on vacation or just looking for something to do locally, this event is a fun way to spend a holiday weekend with your family.
I’ve 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 home in Orlando. Daytona Beach has been referred to as the World’s Most Famous Beach, so it’s likely many of you have already experienced this wonderful beach town. Have you visited before on a family vacation, group trip, or romantic weekend? Were you surprised by the variety of activities you found there?
This post was written in collaboration with Daytona Beach, but of course all opinions are my own. Really, how could you not love Daytona Beach?
It’s been years since I was last there.. Still looks like a lot of fun though! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Indeed, it looks like a great place to relax!
p.s. the first picture is cool!!! 😀
I had a bad experience in Daytona Beach years ago. Your suggestions for things to do there make it sound so much better than I remember it. I guess I should give it another chance. Isn’t it too bad that one bad experience sometimes ruins a place for you forever?
We lived a few hours south of Daytona Beach but never actually made it there! The beaches look great and the Turkey Run sounds like fun!
Decades ago, we visited Daytona on Spring Break during our college years. It’s all grown up and much nicer now. 🙂
Now that looks like a kick ass beach worth visiting. We have high expectations after visiting places like Flower Island in the Philippines. We want to do a road trip in the States next year, so this is invaluable knowledge for our planning notes 🙂
In my case, when one mentions Daytona, it’s always Daytona 500 that would come to my mind first, not the beach. 🙂
I have heard great things about Daytona Beach. It sounds like a diverse destination – great list of non-beach activities. Your photos are beautiful!
I’ve been to Florida more times than I can count but have never spent time in Daytona Beach – I never realized what great things there are to do! The Turkey Run sounds really unique as well and I’d definitely want to try and make it for that!
I’ve been to Forida once, but in Naples. Daytona beach looks amazing especially for me – I wouldn’t lay on the beach all day so it’s nice to know there is much more to do around.
When I’m on the beach, being just a beach bum is enough for me – I don’t need anything else 😀