Vacationing in Daytona Beach,

Holepuncher

Going down to vacation on the beach the 3rd-10th. Would appreciate any imfo from the locals regarding restaurants,sights to see,etc. Would like to go deep/off shore fishing one half day, any recommendations? Anything to avoid? You probably know this routine. Thanks!

SoCalTim

Been real slow here @ work, boss recently approached me and told me this year he as gonna give me something better than a vacation ... that he was gonna let me keep my job. lol!

Have fun on your vacation ... Tim

Foghorn

The bar on top of Joe's Crab Shack out on the pier is a nice place to be at sundown.

The boardwalk is fun if you have kids - or just want to act like one.

Ponce Inlet (south end of the island) has a cool lighthouse and park and some places to get a drink and/or dinner on the bay side and is also a good place to be around sundown.  A friend of mine lives there and likes Inlet Harbor - it's a good location and food is decent, but Tripadvisor suggests there are some better options.

Kennedy Space Center is an hour south, St. Augustine is an hour north.  Both are worth the visit if you have never been.

Holepuncher

Foghorn thanks for the response, the lighthouse has already been recommended. Will take advantage of your suggestions. Sounds like sunset is whree it's happening!

Holepuncher

Bump to hopefully get more responses.

GrannyX4

The Daytona speed way is there. If you have kids or never been to a race it is quite impressive. We took the grands there and they still talk about it when they are watching the races. ;;)

Foghorn

Holepuncher said:

Foghorn thanks for the response, the lighthouse has already been recommended. Will take advantage of your suggestions. Sounds like sunset is whree it's happening!

Being on the east coast it is generally a beautiful sunrise so early walks on the beach are great - but I don't know a great breakfast place. I generally vacation in St. Augustine Beach and go to Daytona one day about every other year to see my friend. I've been hoping that somebody who actually knows the Daytona area would chime in.

Holepuncher

Thanks for the respondes so far. Gotta be some Eggers in Daytona Beach.

lantzwr

If you are into Space, I would highly recommend going to the Kennedy Space Center for the day.  You can see the Space Shuttle Atlantis up close and personal.  Depending on where you are in Daytona, it might be about 45 minutes or so away from you.

BYS1981

Only place I went to was the raceway, and I don't remember much of it..Lol no help sorry

DaveRichardson

Got family down there... Let me throw out some feelers!

NPHuskerFL

Is this a "family" vaca or you alone? That might make a difference in spots recommended. Also do you mind roughneck biker type pubs or are you looking for more picturesque type of spots?

GeorgeS

If you don't mind traveling a little check out Blue Springs in Orange City. We took the kids there and they loved it. You can see alligator gar right through the water and they rent tubes so you can hop in and float down. They also have canoe rentals and boat tours. Just don't feed the squirrels!

GeorgeS

Here are some photos from the park.













DO NOT FEED ME!

NPHuskerFL

There are so many things to do for free in FL you will have a lot of choices and likely to little time. Daytona and surrounding area beaches etc are sure to please. If you plan on going on a Charter fishing trip I would suggest booking early because this time of year they get filled up quick.

deadlyfrog

The best places to eat!

• Deck DownUnder.
• Boone Docks
• Hidden Treasure
• Booths Bowery
• Bubba Gumps

Enjoy.

 

 

 

 

 

NPHuskerFL

+1 on Bubba Gumps & Boondocks. Haven't been to the others to have an opinion. Good call @deadlyfrog‌

GeorgeS

@NPHuskerFL‌ If you ever end up over near Astor there is a place on 40 Called Essex that has some of the best damn seafood I have ever had.

NPHuskerFL

@GeorgeS‌...likewise if you ever UP here there's a Mom & Pop hole-n-the-wall called The Outback Crab Shack CR13 N in St Augustine near Palatka.

55drum

Goodriches is located just south of Daytona in Oak Hill....great food right next to  Mosquito Lagoon...not fancy stuff just traditional southern seafood.....BTW....Larry Csonka owns it...GL

YEMTrey

Thanks for the info 55drum.  We stay south of the inlet in New Smyrna every summer and are always looking for a somewhere new to eat.  I'll def look this place up.

DaveRichardson

try Captain Leon Somers (Central FL Fishing Charters) 386-215-2883. Not sure if he is available for the dates needed but he is pretty good!

DaveRichardson

And I'm partial to a hole in the wall North of Daytona Beach in Ormond an A1A called Betty's. Diner style place with a feel like they've known ya for years.

Holepuncher

Thanks everyone. This trip is just me and my wife. Keep those ideas coming. 

Foghorn

Blue Springs was a great suggestion. There are probably a dozen other fresh water springs within 2.5 hours of Daytona. As much as I like the beaches, I might like the springs more.