Daytona Beach in the Spring

By Steve Heisler
Published: November 13, 2007
Last Updated On: July 26, 2011

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Racing

Resorts

Daytona Beach

Ponce Inlet

Daytona isn't just race cars and spring break. It's a diverse destination - a mix of shopping, arts, and of course, the beach.

The Atlantic's roar fills the air upon opening the balcony doors to our 14th floor suite at The Plaza Resort & Spa.

Those crashing whitecaps, skittering sea gulls and hard-packed wide sand will never be far from reach. They're a main reason Daytona is known as the "World's Most Famous Beach." Since the invention of the long board and the Harley's arrival, that beach has been strongly (mis)identified as a spot for spring breakers, surfers and bikers. But there is so much more to entice families during a visit, much of it a quick stroll down Atlantic Avenue.

First is Ocean Walk Shoppes, a brightly hued complex of restaurants, theaters and stores, and many are realizing as well there's plenty to do right here.

The Museum of Arts & Sciences, one of nine museums, boasts the world's largest intact sloth skeleton. Further along is the Halifax River Yacht Club, the oldest on Florida's east coast.

Back on land, we pass the minor league complex named after Jackie Robinson, where he first broke the color barrier. Further into town, antiques shops line Beach Street.

Tour guide Bunny led us into the inner recesses where confections come to life. She pointed to old copper kettles, a marble table on which caramel and peanut brittle are spread and a large white scale straight out of Mayberry.

 

After our outing, my wife and I headed back to the hotel, which has its own rich history. Originally built in 1888, The Plaza Resort & Spa currently boasts 323 rooms and a 15,000 square-foot spa. It sits on a non-driving section of beach, an area put to good use early one morning by a cheerleading squad from Ontario.

Their presence here isn't odd: The NCA Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championship is held here every April.

While the Daytona Beach Pier is currently closed for renovations, the nearby Sunglow Pier in Daytona Beach Shores offers tackle and bait rental, along with amazing Ocean Views and a restaurant.

Along with families that frequent the pier, Daytona is host to several fishing tournaments. The New Smyrna/Daytona Beach Striker Tournament plays out here each May.

Although we had no luck fishing, it turned markedly once we hopped in the car for a foray down the coast. The Ponce de Leon Inn Light Station offers sweeping views and, 203 steps up, is worth the winding 15-mile journey down AIA.

Once we left Ponce Inlet, a turn inland means a half-hour drive to Daytona International Speedway. It has long been a drawing card for race fans, and with behind-the-scene tours and the Richard Petty in-car experiences, it's still a major impetus for visiting families.

My wife and traveled toward the beach, our ears still ringing. First, though, we window shopped in downtown Daytona Beach. Although the outdoor cafés were enticing, upon my urging, we headed back over the bridge.

We snuggled into a car-turned-booth at the Cruisin' Café. The Atlantic's rumble was right across the street. And although it beckoned, we knew just how much more Daytona, especially for families, has to offer.