Crashing waves and famous sunrises. Tropical drinks on oceanfront decks. Surf shops and sophisticated nightspots. If these attributes sound alluring, Daytona Beach is likely the place for you.

Daytona Beach has an energy all its own. There's loads to do here, both during the day and at night. It's one of the only places where you can drive along the beach, and the hard-packed sand makes for fun shoreline bike rides as well. Barreling waves make the area a surfers' paradise.
This place, with its history of grand hotels, car racing and speed, was once a playground for the wealthy. It's now also a mecca for families, who return year after year for the mix of family-friendly accommodations and activities.

But that's not to say you can't just relax here. Sunbathe on a chaise lounge. Soak in a Jacuzzi under the stars. Or, park yourself at a shaded table at a waterfront restaurant and enjoy fresh-caught seafood.

This place, with its history of grand hotels, car racing and speed, was once a playground for the wealthy. It's now also a mecca for families, who return year after year for the mix of family-friendly accommodations and activities. Like Daytona Beach, the Ocean Walk Resort is located in the heart of all the action and caters to both families, couples and visitors young and old.

A multi-story building with a wide, expansive beach, the Ocean Walk Resort is a true beach resort, where guests can lounge on a poolside chaise and gaze out at the ocean through a frame of palm trees.

The resort has a stylish Art Deco design that runs throughout, from the ice blue and sea green Landing Bar lounge to the two indoor pools.

The huge one-, two- and three-bedroom condominiums range from 750 to 1,800 square feet and have modern kitchens, bright, sunny décor, and, of course, spectacular views of the Atlantic from their balconies.

For kids, the resort is a watery paradise, whether they opt to play in the pools  (there are three outdoor heated pools) or run into the waves. There's a waterslide and a "river" where kids (and adults) can float lazily along on tubes. One pool includes an interactive, aquatic island playground. Ocean Walk's beach is car-free and kid-friendly. Since the resort is right on the sand, it's easy to make quick runs to your room throughout the day, for snacks or breaks from the sun.

Indoor and outdoor putting greens, a fitness center, game room and programs for both kids and adults (including the pleasant-sounding "ladies pampering" days) round this resort out. And there's also a business center – as if it's possible to think about work in a place like this.

Just south of the resort is the historic coquina bandshell, which often hosts free concerts. If you're gutsy, strap yourself into one of the scream-inducing thrill rides on the Daytona Beach Boardwalk. At the walk's end is the Daytona Beach Pier, where you can board a ski lift-type ride that will transport you the pier's length, high in the air and out over the crashing waves and surfers below.

The resort is adjacent to the colorful Ocean Walk Shoppes, a complex filled with restaurants, a 10-screen movie theater and stores like Harley Davidson Apparel and Maui Nix Surf Shop. The Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. offers fresh seafood and Cajun specialties and Adobe Gila's is home to the 64-ounce margarita, plus about a dozen more frozen concoctions. The Mai Tai bar serves up drinks in a true Hawaiian setting, with purple orchids as garnish, tiki torches and surfing videos on TV. The complex also includes Johnny Rockets, Cold Stone Creamery, Planet Smoothie and Starbucks.

The Ocean Walk Resort is a great place to be after the sun sets, as a lot of the best night spots are within an easy walk. Take your pick from among swanky nightclubs or laid- back beach bistros.

For those seeking more activities, Daytona Beach is also home to DAYTONA USA, multiple go-kart and mini-golf attractions and museums. A vacation here can be as relaxing or as exciting as you want. But for sure, this sun-kissed vacationland feels very far removed from the hassles and routines of everyday life.

For more information on Ocean Walk Resort and other beachfront resorts throughout Florida, visit www.ExtraHolidays.com/Florida or call 1-800-438-6493. To contact Ocean Walk directly, call 800-649-3566 or visit www.oceanwalk.com.