The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Winter is best time to visit Daytona
It likely will be sunny and warm, with plenty of activities available.
Don’t let the winter blues put a chill on your travels. Winter is an excellent time to visit Daytona Beach. With temperatures rarely dipping below 60, Daytona Beach is much more than just a spring or summer beach destination. On average, Daytona Beach gets about 230 days of sunshine each year! In addition to having some fun in the sun, you can explore your inner artist as a spectator and creator. You can also realize your need for speed and watch some cars race. If you want to slow down your roll, find a spot to relax and spend time pampering yourself or a loved one at a spa.
An artistic adventure
Central Florida’s primary art, history and science museum, the Smithsonian-affiliated Museum of Arts and Sciences, sits on a 90-acre Florida nature preserve, the Tuscawilla Preserve. Visit for a stateof-the-art planetarium, decorative arts, Cuban art, African art and permanent collections. And it’s not just for adults. The facility, which has over 30,000 objects, has fun for the kids, too, with an interactive children’s museum.
Sharing the same campus, the Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art showcases the largest collection of Florida-based art in the world. Featuring a rotating collection of 2,600 Florida-themed oil and watercolor paintings, the Brown Museum is more than just a traditional art museum; it is a history museum with the history of Florida told through works of art.
Get some R&R
Looking for something a bit more relaxing? Unwind at The Shores Resort and Spa. This beachside resort is family and petfriendly, with a laid-back resort vibe and affordable rates. You can pamper yourself at the Indulge Spa and rejuvenate your body and soul on site. Services include facials, massages, manicures, body wraps, scrubs and more. If you want to detox, heal, unwind, or just destress, the Indulge Spa has many services to help you.
Resort amenities include oceanside fire pits, the famous Shores S’mores, a tiki bar, a heated pool, and private cabanas. Treat yourself to a resort stay that offers modern amenities with a luxurious feel. Florida and Georgia residents can take advantage of special rates and offers this winter to chase away the winter chill.
Entertainment options abound
The Peabody Auditorium is in Daytona Beach’s central tourist area and has been home to the Daytona Beach Symphony Society for over 60 years. This historic venue also hosts the Daytona Beach Civic Ballet, Daytona Beach’s Broadway series, live concerts and theater performances. This winter’s lineup at the Peabody Auditorium is impressive and comprehensive; you will surely find a show or performance that will interest you. If a comedy show is your kind of entertainment, several headliners are making their appearance this season. And for music fans, various cover bands, opera and classical musicians will delight your senses.
From mid-November through March, many visitors trek 45 minutes from Daytona Beach to Blue Spring State Park to see manatees seeking the relatively warmer water coming out of the spring. Also known as sea cows, these gentle giants have paddle-like flippers. They can grow as long as 13 feet and weigh as much as 1,300 pounds. Hundreds live at this state park during winter.
Need for speed
Treat yourself and your family to an experience you will surely not forget — race over to Daytona Speedweeks and Daytona 500. An incredible $400 million renovation has transformed Daytona International Speedway into a state-of-the-art motorsports facility.
The Daytona 500, also known as the “Great American Race,” is traditionally every February and is the NASCAR Cup Series’ biggest, richest and most prestigious event of the year. Fans from all 50 states and more than 40 countries flock to Daytona Beach to see which driver will be the next Daytona 500 champion. As always, the week leading up to the main event will be filled with plenty of other high-octane racing action that makes up Speedweeks. After the event, take a look behind the scenes with daily track tours that conclude with access to the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America and a close-up look at the winning Daytona 500 car.
You can also meet Speedways’ new neighbor, One Daytona. Enjoy 1 million square feet of restaurants, hotel accommodations and world-class shops. All it takes is a short drive across the boulevard or a walk across the pedestrian bridge! This new lifestyle and entertainment complex offers hours and hours of entertainment for locals and visitors alike.
With all this fun and more, booking your winter getaway in Daytona Beach is no question. So don’t delay -- plan your next trip to the beach today.