The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Daytona Beach isn’t just sand, surf
Visitors can find it all, from racing to art to dining to pickleball.
Think you know what to expect when you visit Daytona Beach, the world’s most famous beach? While visitors flock to the city’s 23 miles of white-sand beaches for fun in the sun and surf, Daytona Beach offers much more than soaking up the rays while building sand castles. Some unexpected discoveries await in this Florida town, so get ready to add to your itinerary!
Grab your pickleball paddle
At Pictona at Holly Hill, pickleball fans can indulge their love of the game at this world-class facility complete with 49 pickleball courts, including 13 covered courts. Pictona maintains a full schedule of events, so you can play a casual game with friends or sign up for one of the many tournaments throughout the year. Additional facilities include two player shops so you can get the latest gear, a clubhouse outfitted with locker rooms and showers, and a restaurant. But wait! Visitors also can partake in croquet, bocce ball, shuffleboard, horseshoes, cornhole and table tennis. It’s a one-stop shop for entertainment!
Take in some art and gardens
Founded in 1946 to honor those who fought for freedom through art and nature, the Ormond Beach Memorial Art Museum and Gardens is a welcome respite for remembrance and reflection. Encompassing 10,000 square feet, the museum features the artwork of both Florida and international artists in a variety of mediums. Exhibits rotate frequently so you can visit again and again
and always see something new. Outside, the Memorial Gardens include both native and exotic plants interwoven with water features, walkways and a gazebo. Inside the gazebo, you’ll even find a labyrinth. Benches are scattered throughout so you can sit a spell and soak in the scene.
Spend the day at ONE DAYTONA
Sitting across from Daytona International Speedway, ONE DAYTONA brings together a variety of interests and activities into one location. You can shop till you drop at such retail favorites as Bass Pro Shops, Sunglass World, Pink Narcissus, and Bull and Boar Barbecue Shop. When your taste buds start humming, you’ll find plenty to make them
happy, including 4 Rivers Smokehouse, Donnie’s Donuts, Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery, and Stoked Poké. For a few hours of fun, catch the latest blockbuster at CMX Cinemas Daytona Luxury 12, compete with friends at arcade games at GameTime, or create a souvenir at Painting With a Twist. You can even stay and play at ONE DAYTONA by booking a room at The Daytona or Fairfield Inn and Suites.
Fulfill your need for fun in one spot
At Beaches Entertainment Eatery, you’ll find a one-of-a-kind experience for entertainment. After all, where else can you go to eat, enjoy a concert, stock up on your favorite adult beverages and get the car washed?
At the Beaches Restaurant, you can enjoy all your favorite beach foods, including coconut shrimp, fish tacos, sea scallops and more. When you’re ready to dance or sing along to your favorite tunes, check out Beaches’ full schedule of performers, with live music every Friday and Saturday night.
You’ll enjoy a mix of D Js, bands, karaoke and sporting events at any given time. At Booze Box, you can pick up a bottle of your favorite wine or grab the ingredients for your favorite cocktails so you can mix up a batch to enjoy with friends.
And, of course, at Wave Wash you can remove the sand and salt from your vehicle to keep it sparkling. There’s even an oversized bay for your boat or RV.
Step back in time
Get a taste of NASCAR history at Racing’s North Turn. The eatery is the precise spot where the first NASCAR-sanctioned stock car and motorcycle races occurred for a decade beginning in 1948. It is a restaurant that features live music and entertainment while holding onto the rich history this restaurant was founded upon. It has recently been renovated and there is a neat racing museum for customers to explore.
As you can see, when planning your next Daytona Beach vacation, you’ll find much more to enjoy than just the beach. Get your free Daytona Beach Online Destination Guide here, and start planning today!