Beyond bikers and spring breakers, this world-famous beach town features history, character and waves for days. A quick one-hour drive northeast from Orlando, this location on the Atlantic Coast is perfect for a day trip or semi-staycation.
PLAY
Daytona Arcade Museum
176 N. Beach St., Daytona Beach, daytonaarcademuseum.com
Missing your fill of Galaga, Street Fighter II or Donkey Kong? Unlimited play on all games all day, and a rotating selection of local microbrews. Game over!
Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier
1200 Main St., Daytona Beach, daytonabeach.com/things-to-do
Built in 1925, this 600-foot wooden pier is the most recognizable landmark on Daytona Beach. Walk out at sunset and look back at the lights.
Museum of Arts and Science
352 S. Nova Road, Daytona Beach, moas.org
This place has it all: A giant sloth skeleton (yeah, they're Florida natives), Napoleon's bed, hundreds of teddy bears, the best Cuban art collection, and the only place in the country to see an original Coca-Cola bottle. Follow the boardwalk to natural wonder, and don't skip the planetarium show.
EAT
Kale Cafe
116 N. Beach St., Daytona Beach, kalecafejuicebar.com
Fresh pressed juice bar with creative vegan cuisine. Don't miss the chalkboards of veg facts lining the long walls.
Macker Seafood
600 Mason Ave., Daytona Beach
Fresh ocean fish and shellfish caught at Matanzas Inlet, near Marineland. It's SHRIMPTASTIC! No, really. You can order that.
Donnie's Donuts
200 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach, donniesdonuts.com
Slightly up the road but so worth the extra mile or two. Fresh, hot cake donuts are vehicles for mouthwatering toppings – and they sell out fast.
Tia Cori's Tacos
214 N. Beach St., Daytona Beach, tiacoristacos.com
Elote, elote, elote, torta, sope, ceviche, elote, elote, elote, taco, elote, flan.
Starbucks
110 S. Ocean Ave., Daytona Beach
OK, OK, but hear us out: It's got a fantastic beach view and free parking. Grab your drink of choice and sit outside on the covered porch to catch the breeze.
SHOP
Atlantic Sounds Record Shop
138 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach
This 37-year-old record store has something for everyone. Come away with an album or cassette that you didn't know you needed, but have to own – like for instance, the vintage album of cat sounds we may or may not have purchased.
Moxie Vintage
114 N. Beach St., Daytona Beach
Stop in to meet Daniel and style yourself up from his creative displays of vintage and retro fashion and unique ephemera. No selfies allowed, by the way. Tip: Pick up a vintage woven straw beach bag.
Downtown Farmers Market
105 Orange Ave., Daytona Beach, riverfrontshopsofdaytona.com
Set alongside the Halifax River, pick up local eggs, produce, seafood, and plants on Saturdays from 7-11 a.m. Then stroll the Sweetheart Trail, part of the 3,000-mile East Coast Greenway that stretches from Maine to Florida.
STAY
Streamline Hotel
140 S. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach, streamlinehotel.com
A 44-room restored yet historically accurate boutique hotel with a saltwater pool and rooftop bar. Don't miss the vintage stock car racing memorabilia.
