Vacation rentals in Daytona Beach

Situated on the east coast of Florida overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Daytona Beach is a favourite of beachgoers, as it is home to white-sand beaches lined with skinny palm trees. In Daytona, the quartz sand becomes compacted when mixed with seawater, and the result is a 23-mile stretch of coast that can act as a speedway for racing in arguably one of the most picturesque landscapes in America. Though this stretch is often closed to private cars, there are designated times and areas when you can drive on the beach while taking in incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean. The rest of the beach remains open to the public for lounging and basking in the Florida sun.

The Daytona Boardwalk and Pier are home to shops, restaurants where you can get locally caught seafood, a bandshell where you can see live music and events, and a classic arcade. From May to September, concerts, fireworks, and street performers provide hours of entertainment every Saturday. North of the boardwalk is a small amusement park that is open to thrill seekers all year round. Venture a little ways away from the coast to take advantage of the hiking and biking trails at one of the nearby nature reserves.

Daytona Beach is warm and sunny in the spring, and there’s hardly any rain. From February to March, the city comes to life when students and families descend on the town for their spring break vacations. Many festivals and events coincide with the spring holidays, including the area’s famous motor race, which takes place in February, and bike week, which takes place during the first week of March. For a more low-key vibe, consider visiting in April, once the spring-break window closes but the weather is just as pleasant. Summer in Florida can get quite warm and muggy, and hurricane season begins in June, so you’ll want to check the weather reports before traveling. But summer is also when the city’s museums and art galleries provide respite from the afternoon sun, and the outdoors are still enjoyable in the morning and evenings.

Daytona Beach is a popular destination in the wintertime. The mild weather and minimal rain combine for a comfortable winter vacation, even if the ocean is cooler this time of year.

Daytona Beach

The Daytona Beach area contains four beaches, but only one has given the region its name. At low tide, this 23-mile stretch of white sand can get as wide as 500 feet. The sand is hard-packed, which makes it possible to drive a car, or rent a golf cart, to cruise on designated areas of the beach.

Tomoka State Park

Twenty minutes up the coastline from Daytona Beach is Tomoka State Park, a 2,000-acre reserve that contains rivers, lagoons, and lush wetlands. In this bird-lover’s paradise, you will have the chance to spot over 160 species here, including storks, loons, and bald eagles. Take a boat ride on the Tomoka River, where you can look out for manatees and bottlenose dolphins. The park is also popular for fishing and hiking.

Museum of Arts and Sciences

Not far from the center of town, the multi-site Museum of Arts and Sciences (MOAS) features a mix of local and international art as well as a prehistory section that includes a 13-foot-tall ground sloth skeleton discovered in 1975. Children can take part in the fun at the Children’s Museum interactive learning stations. Gamble Place, an off-site attraction located 11 miles south in Port Orange, is a 175-acre property with several heritage homes.