Personal Favorites
People often ask us for advice about things to do in Daytona. This is a list of some personal favorite places and activities. Scroll down for restaurant info! Also, please see our Area Attractions page.
Beach
Of course the beach is the first place we go. Cars are allowed on the beach. The speed limit is 10 mph and it is enforced. It is always best to swim in front of a life guard. They are on duty during the day all year round. The bigger the waves, the bigger the currents, so be safe when you play. There are usually vendors on the beach. You can buy food and rent things like umbrellas, chairs, bikes, and four-wheelers. You can pick up a lot of the things you need like beach toys, boogie boards, beach towels and bathing suits at the local souvenir shops, grocery stores, Wal-Mart, or the mall. Check out the Live Beach Cam. Send the link to your friends. Then go stand in front of it and call them to say "Wish you were here!"
www.volusia.org/news/daytona.stml <---- Live Beach Cam
Guide to Kayak Tours, Surf Fishing, Cast Net Baiting, Fileting Your Catch
Jonathan Squires offers kayaking tours throughout central Florida and customizes trips for 1 to 5 people. He can teach you surf fishing, cast net baiting, fileting your catch! Biking, hiking, nature photography trips and many other activities are available to make your vacation exciting!! You can book right from the website below!!
Daytona Flea & Farmers Market
It seems we have to go to the flea market every time we're in Daytona. It is near I-95 and International Speedway Blvd. It is only open on Friday, Saturday & Sunday, and during special event weeks.
Daytona Lagoon
Great place for the kids. Water park, video games, go carts, laser tag, putt-putt, rock wall, etc. It's in the downtown Daytona area.
Golf
Golf is one of the most popular things to do in Daytona. There are a huge number of courses in the area.
Miniature Golf
There are several miniature golf courses around, including one within walking distance that is called Pirate's Island. It is on Atlantic Blvd just north of Dunlawton.
Kennedy Space Center
If you or your kids are into rockets and history, this is the place to go. The bus tour is fairly expensive. You can always just walk around the Visitor Center if you want to keep the trip short.
Ponce Inlet Lighthouse
This is a working lighthouse and museum. They even let you walk all the way up to the top. It is only a few minutes from the condo.
St. Augustine
This is the oldest city in America. It is about an hour away. The fort is a national park. It is a fun little place if you like history.
Sunglow Pier
You can walk around on the pier for free, but there is a fee for fishing. They will rent you a pole and they will sell you bait if you need it.
RESTAURANTS
Aunt Catfish
Great atmosphere. At the base of the Dunlawton Bridge. It is a unique place to eat. It is always very busy. Good southern cooking. They offer a Sunday Brunch from 9 AM to 2 PM and lots of regular menu choices for lunch, early-birds and dinner. Very popular. Always crowded. They open for lunch at 11:30 on Monday through Saturday and that is a good time to arrive to get seated. Ask for a window seat if one is available. Sometimes you see dolphins in the intracoastal from your table..
Dine and Cruise
About 5 miles north on US 1, there is an older paddleboat that offers interesting 2 hour dinner cruises on the IntraCoastal. There are 6 choices: prime rib, pot roast, ham, shrimp, roast turkey, or veggie lasagne. Potatoes, green beans, a roll and dessert are included as well as unlimited non-alcoholic beverages. A cash bar is available on board. A friend and I went recently and enjoyed ourselves, including her chance to steer the boat!!
www.DineandCruise.com
Our Deck Down Under
Open air restaurant under the Dunlawton Bridge. More casual than Aunt Catfish and a little less expensive. Good food. Right on the river.
http://daytona.beach.diningguide.com/data/d100244.htm
Blackbeard's Inn
is a great restaurant specializing in seafood with a salad bar. They open at 11:30 Monday through Friday and 4 PM on Saturday and Sunday. They are located at 701 S Dixie Freeway (US 1) in New Smyrna Beach. This is about 10 miles from the condo.
BlackbeardsInn.com
Crabby Joe's
On the Sunglow Pier. Be sure you go out to the open-air dining room. If the weather is nice, the windows will be open and you can see the ocean through the slats in the floor. Good food. I've heard they have great breakfasts. Great place to go for a quick dessert. They are currently doing a $2 million expansion /restoration that will put back the 180 feet of dock they lost in the 2016 hurricane and enlarge the restaurant.
Genovese's Italian Cafe
Great Italian dishes. Excellent pizza. Located close by at 116 Dunlawton Blvd. . Daytona Beach Shores.
http://www.genovesesitaliancafe.com
Racing's North Turn
On the north end of where the race track was when they used to actually race on the beach. Outdoor dining with a great view of the ocean. Great racing pictures and history. Bar & Grill atmosphere. Live music every night. Highly recommended by friends.