DAYTONA BEACH COMES ALIVE IN WINTER AND SPRING

Spend time revving your engine at this Florida hot spot.

In a region that is home to some of Florida’s biggest hits—travel Channel recently ranked “The World’s Most Famous Beach” as the top attraction in Florida—winter and spring are particularly fun.

Enjoy fresh cool nights and refreshing warm days. Ideally situated along the sunkissed Atlantic coast, Daytona Beach is nestled between historic St. Augustine and the futuristic Kennedy Space Center, and only an hour’s drive from Orlando’s worldclass theme parks.

You can relax and recharge your batteries on the 37 kilometres of world-renowned wide beach or tee off at one of the acclaimed golf courses like the LPGA International, home of the Ladies Professional Golf Association.

Home to a nature lover’s playground, Daytona Beach lays claim to several nearby eco-rich parks like the Blue Spring State Park, popular for manatee spotting. Peak manatee viewing season runs until March. For sightings of the rare southern bald eagle, zoom in your binoculars at the Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge. Cyclists and hikers also have a field day exploring the natural treasures on incredible nature trails. The peak season for these popular outdoor activities is until April.

For a bird’s-eye view of the fun-filled area, ascend the 203 winding steps at the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse. The historic beacon, which has been lighting up these waters since 1887, is revered as Florida’s tallest lighthouse.

Across from Daytona Beach, shopping and dining are a delight. Spend time at ONE DAYTONA, a premier lifestyle and entertainment complex directly across from the Daytona International Speedway. Get more retail therapy at the more than 175 shops at the Volusia Mall and the Tanger Outlets or peruse the many eclectic shops in the various downtown historic districts. A hot food and drink scene has spawned the Daytona Beach Ale Trail, a memorable circuit of microbreweries fuelled by local craft beer experiences.

Discover renowned arts facilities such as the Museum of Arts & Sciences, which has one of the largest collections of Cuban art outside Cuba. See the world’s largest collection of Florida art at the Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art. Meanwhile, millions of race car fans make the pilgrimage to the one and only Daytona International Speedway for thrills and rides at the newly renovated motorsports facility.