The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Daytona Beach is for thrill-seekers
Get up off your beach chair and join in all the action adventures.
While Daytona Beach is famed for its white-sand beaches, it doesn’t have to mean relaxation. Daytona Beach has tons of action-packed adventures awaiting. There’s an adrenaline-pumping journey around every corner: water activities such as scuba diving and parasailing or exploring nature on an eco-tour and catching major air on a trampoline.
Get on the water
With 23 miles of Atlantic shoreline and the Halifax River, you’ll find plenty of activities on and near the water. One of the most popular water activities, parasailing takes visitors high above the sand and surf of Daytona Beach, making for a breathtaking view of the area. Once you’re strapped in with either Daytona Beach Parasail or Ponce Inlet Watersports, their expert outfitters will take you out into the Atlantic Ocean, where you will soar to heights reaching 1,200 feet above the waves. You’ll be amazed at the quiet surroundings as you float through the air. Don’t want to go it alone? No problem. You can opt to go up with one or two of your family members or friends.
For adventure below the waves, don your wetsuit and dive deep under the sea with one of Daytona Beach’s scuba diving outfitters. The area’s artificial reefs provide many opportunities to enjoy a close encounter with marine life ranging from crabs and fish to eels and starfish. Whether for an hour, a half-day, or a whole day, you’ll find the perfect adventure to take you below the surface. Want to learn how to scuba dive or need to get certified? Many outfitters offer lessons and classes to start or continue your scuba diving journey. In addition, they also have exactly what you need with a full range of equipment, accessories and attire.
Become one with nature
Of course, Daytona Beach is much more than just sand and surf. When you hop aboard one of the area’s many eco-tours, you will discover the gorgeous enclaves and notable residents that call this area home.
Ponce Inlet Watersports offers guided dolphin and manatee boat tours as well as fishing excursions, kayak/stand-up paddleboard rentals and parasailing. There’s no shortage of adventure on Daytona Beach as you search for wildlife — you’ll go on a fun ride along the white-sand shores, too. You can also book a private boat trip near the beach.
Daytona Beach also offers many tours for dolphin lovers. The Halifax River, Ponce Inlet and the Atlantic Ocean offer many opportunities to see the playful
mammals. For a truly up-closeand-personal animal encounter, head to the Marine Science Center at Ponce Inlet. Here you can touch stingrays, get a look at native birds and see how the staff cares for injured birds and sea turtles. You’ll also learn how you can do more to protect our fragile marine ecosystems here in Daytona Beach and beyond.
Leap, jump and play
For family fun for kids of all ages, head to Sky Zone Trampoline Park. While you can jump to your heart’s content on the Freestyle Jump trampolines, why not take it up a notch? Compete at ultimate dodgeball, sink the most balls at Skyhooks, or showcase the best dunk at Skyslam for bragging rights. For some top-level competition, see who can complete the Ninja Warrior Course, finish the Challenge Zone, or survive Wipe Out. Regardless of which jumping activities you choose, you can bet everyone will sleep well that night!
After all those thrilling activities, you’re bound to need a good night’s rest. Daytona Beach offers a wide variety of accommodations to suit your family. From full-service resorts to vacation rentals, bed-and-breakfasts to campgrounds and RV parks, and even pet-friendly accommodations, Daytona Beach has something for everyone. So start planning your trip today!