Beaches. They are amazing, relaxing, and a must for summer vacations. As we were looking for a place to go, besides having a gorgeous beach to relax on, we wanted somewhere with a boardwalk and fun activities within walking distance. So, when we stumbled upon Daytona Beach, it really hit the mark! Plus, it was a short flight from Atlanta, about an hour. We were sold!

Place to stay:

Harbour Beach Resort – It’s located right on the beach. There’s nothing like walking straight out to the ocean! Very convenient location to the Boardwalk (~1 mile walk on the beach). Nice room, cute kitchenette and bathroom. Gated hot tub and pool were a pleasant perk. Our Airbnb host was responsive and easy to work with.

For a $40 travel credit on your next Airbnb rental: http://www.airbnb.com/c/alexm12243

Where we stayed: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/23630880

Restaurants:

Ocean Deck – our first stop, and very good way to start a vacation. As the name states, it has a wonderful deck open to the ocean views. Fried fish is a must try!

Cocina 214 – a beautiful, modern concept Mexican restaurant, which was also on the beach and next to our Airbnb. Chips and dip were plentiful. We loved their salads and ceviche.

Dancing Avocado Kitchen – a very eclectic place with cool art work and plants hanging from the ceilings. We loved everything about the place. Our favs: (Kristy) The crispy potatoes and (Alex) fresh pressed juices!

Mai Tai Bar – do not miss their happy hour! They have delicious appetizers and local beer at an affordable price. Everyone was super nice! We loved chilling on the patio, enjoying the view of Ritchey Plaza and the beach.

 

Joe’s Crab Shack on the Pier – the absolute best view of the beach is from the rooftop. Friday night they had a fun band playing covers of our favorite 90s music. We ate apps (balls of fire – so good!), drank beer, played cornhole, and danced the night away. It was a blast!

To Do:

Daytona Beach Boardwalk  –  full of thrill rides, amusements, gift shops, snack bars, restaurants and classic arcade games.

Watch saltwater taffy being made at Zeno’s Sweet Shop. They also offer you a free sample of taffy!

You can’t go to a boardwalk without getting on the Ferris wheel! We were lucky enough to be the only riders and squealed with joy as we went round and round. Tip: go to the food stand to buy the tickets for the rides.

Arcades (Mardi Gras Fun Center and Joyland Amusement Center) – go to the arcade and it will magically take you back to your childhood. We loved playing space invaders, skee-ball and wheel of fortune. With all your tickets earned, it’s a great way to get little souvenirs to bring back home! You can spend hours there. So entertaining!

Oh, and don’t miss the opportunity to take photos in the photo booth! It’s becoming a tradition for us whenever we spot one.

Three Brothers Boards – we had a fascinating time on the stand up paddle boards! The two-hour tour was amazing. Although we didn’t see any, there are manatees and dolphins that you might sight! Our guide was very insightful and informational. Tip: wear sandals with backs and don’t be afraid to go under low bridges, even if you have to pretend to be a ninja and quickly lay on your stomach as you pass through. So much fun!

Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory – the smell hits you when you walk in, this is a chocolate factory! The tour is quick and ends with a free treat. The cinnamon sugar pecans were a favorite.

Hamburger Mary’s – so you can go there for dinner and a drag show, but we just grabbed a couple drinks and played some pool. The eccentric style is eye catching. They were incredibly nice and laid back!

Maui Nix Surf Shop – They have a great store in the Ocean Walk Shoppes where we found all of our favorite surf clothing brands. Alex almost bought a fanny pack (think she could rock one?😂). Tip: check the back corner for the sweet deals section!

The Beach – chill on the beach and simply enjoy the view, soak up the sun and relax. Read a book, walk along the shoreline, or fly a kite! We enjoyed it all.

Daytona Beach was a very fun trip with lots to do! We had a blast together and hope you do too, if you ever decide to visit. Where is your favorite place to go for a beach vacation? We’d love to hear about your trip(s) and recommendations on future places to go!