Spring Break in Daytona Beach is a Family Affair

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Kids can enjoy the sand and surf on Daytona Beach.

Photo Credit: Len Kaufman

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Catching some waves at Daytona Beach.

Photo Credit: Len Kaufman

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The view is gorgeous at Daytona Beach.

Photo Credit: Mary Connors

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People, cars, and food / beach accessory vendors all intermingle on the famous sands of Daytona Beach, all within an hour of Walt Disney World.

Photo Credit: David McRee, VISIT FLORIDA Beaches Expert

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Climb the 203 steps to the top of the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse for a dizzying view of the surrounding area

Photo Credit: photo by Len Kauffman

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Snag an outdoor table, sip a cool drink and let the kids play in the sand while you enjoy the view of Ponce Inlet at Inlet Harbor Marina & Restaurant.

Photo Credit: photo by Len Kauffman

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Shops and restaurants line Beach Street in Daytona Beach.

Photo Credit: Donna McLaughlin

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Daytona International Speedway is the place to go for race fans.

Photo Credit: Contributed Photo

For a spring break that combines the beach, great outdoor adventures and family friendly entertainment the greater Daytona Beach area is a destination that will satisfy everyone in the family.

The World’s Most Famous Beach

Known for its white-sand shoreline, Daytona Beach spans a breathtaking 23 miles. Take a swim, build a sandcastle, hunt seashells or relax under a beach umbrella. For the more adventurous, try a surf lesson. Several local surf shops offer classes that will have you hangin’ ten.

Frolic in the interactive water fountain at Sunsplash Park, one of 18 beachfront parks in the greater Daytona Beach area. Kids can romp in the large, covered playground at the park, with ample picnic areas, a sand volleyball court and restrooms.

Outdoor Adventure

Families with a love for exploration should check out Lighthouse Point Park in Ponce Inlet. Traverse scenic hiking trails and winding boardwalks that might even bring you up close to armadillos and Florida shore birds. Climb the 203 steps of nearby Ponce Inlet Lighthouse and take in magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway.

Entertainment at Every Pace

A new all-access tour of Daytona International Speedway will excite the kids and “big kids” in your family. The tram tour takes guests behind the scenes with stops in Gatorade Victory Lane, the Sprint Cup garage and the track’s suprisingly steep 31-degree-high banks.

For a more leisurely pace, amble down historic Beach Street. Watch gourmet chocolates being made at Angell & Phelps, and try a free sample. Pop in to the Magic Shop, a local family favorite with magician’s supplies and tricks simple enough for a child to master.

Known for its white-sand shoreline, Daytona Beach spans a breathtaking 23 miles.

The variety of accommodations in Daytona Beach cater to families by offering kid suites, rooms with kitchen efficiencies and even bungalows, all at affordable prices. Visit www.DaytonaBeach.com to take advantage of family spring break specials for visits March 14 through May 25.

While you’re there, include one of the many special events in your spring break plans:

Harlem Globetrotters 2011 Tour. March 4, 7:30 p.m.
Ocean Center, 101 N. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach.
This star-studded performance represents the Globetrotters' 85th consecutive season of world tours.
386-254-4500 or 800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com and www.oceancenter.com.

DeLand Outdoor Art Festival. March 26-27
Earl Brown Park, DeLand.
This juried fine art and craft show includes 150 exhibitors, live music, food and games. 386-734-3243, www.delandoutdoorartfest.com.

New Smyrna Beach Balloon Festival. April 8-10
New Smyrna Beach Airport, U.S. 1.
Hot air balloon rides, skydiving, planes, music and more!
386-424-2199, www.seasideballoonfest.com.

Antiques on the Avenue Festival. April 9-10
City Hall, Holly Hill.
This annual festival features an array of quality antiques and collectibles from premier vendors. 386-248-9435, www.antiquesontheavenue.net.

Halifax Oyster Festival. April 30, 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m
Manatee Island, Daytona Beach.
Devoted to supporting oyster reef restoration, the festival offers plenty of food and fun with a wide variety of oyster dishes prepared by local restaurants.
386-236-2340, www.halifaxoysterfestival.com.

This article was brought to you by the Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. To plan your trip to the Daytona Beach area, visit www.DaytonaBeach.com.