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Daytona Beach Beyond the Races

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Posted on January 24, 2023

Mention Daytona Beach, and most people's minds automatically gravitate toward the Speedway. With the Daytona 500 coming up next month and the other NASCAR races and events that are held throughout the year, they may be centerpieces of the event calendar but they are by no means the only attractions.

Even when NASCAR isn't racing, you'll find plenty of fun and exciting things to do in Daytona Beach beyond the races. In fact, with Spring Break right around the corner, you just might discover that Daytona is a Florida destination that you'll want to return to each year. Daytona Beach timeshares make this a breeze with their convenient locations, comfortable surroundings and beach access.

Daytona Beach and the Boardwalk

Daytona Beach with resorts in the background

Billed as “The World’s Most Famous Beach”, its shoreline extends for 23 miles and is widely recognized as one of the finest stretches of coastline in the U.S. This is a family beach that offers something for everyone. Ten parks are dotted along the beach, each one with its own beauty and attractions. Virtually any water sport imaginable can be indulged here, and various seasonal festivals could be the highlight of any vacation.

NASCAR racing went mainstream largely because of the car racing that took place on the beach here beginning in the 1930s. Today you can still drive on Daytona Beach but look out for designated pedestrian-only sections of the beach created for the safety of everyone visiting the area.

Between the middle of May and late October, expect to see large sea turtles emerging from the surf to lay their eggs on the beach before returning to the sea. It's a sight that's not to be missed and one of the best things to do in Daytona Beach.

sea turtle heading into the surf

Another fun space is the Daytona Beach Boardwalk. Known simply as "the Boardwalk" to most, this is one of the city's main attractions. Along its length you'll find an extensive collection of quirky shops, unique restaurants and entertaining street performers.

Indoor and outdoor thrill rides are here too, and there is even a bandshell in which free concerts are given. With arcades, bars and more, the Boardwalk is a can't-miss attraction.

Main Street Pier

Daytona Beach Pier extending from the beach

You may hear people referring to this spot as simply the Daytona Beach Pier. Regardless of what you call it, this is a quintessential attraction in the region. It was built in 1925 and extends nearly 750 into the ocean.

Open every day with free admission, Main Street Pier is a popular place to fish or just stretch the legs. It's the ideal spot for a sunrise selfie, and if you want great opportunities to view sea birds and dolphins, this is the place to be. A couple of restaurants are housed in the wooden structure on the pier. You can ask at one of the restaurants to have your own catch of the day prepared just the way you like.

A Game of Golf

With its predominantly warm and sunny weather, Daytona Beach is the perfect place to enjoy a round of golf. Players will appreciate the presence of 20 courses in the region. Rest assured that these are truly inspiring and challenging fairways. According to Golf Digest, Daytona Beach is one of the top 15 golf destinations in the country.

From the New Smyrna Golf Club to the Daytona Beach Golf Club and beyond, dedicated players will want to book stays at Daytona Beach timeshares year after year.

Daytona Beach Arts and Culture

In addition to the beach and golf, Daytona provides a fascinating arts and culture scene that many people who are new to the city don't expect. Visit the Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art to take in one of the most comprehensive collections of Florida art found anywhere.

Daytona Beach's unique history can be uncovered with a tour of the Halifax Historical Museum. The exhibits span the area's entire past from Native Americans to the Speedway. Daytona also is the home of the state's only photography museum, the Southeast Museum of Photography.

Perhaps the most popular museum in the region is the Museum of Arts & Sciences. Affiliated with the Smithsonian, this institution boasts not only an incredibly diverse collection of art but also the Children's Museum with its impressive interactive experiences and cutting-edge planetarium. With fossils, bones and a nature trail, this is one museum that has something for every member of your party.

Additionally, Daytona Beach features the Peabody Auditorium. This performance venue is the place to be for offerings that range from ballet and opera to the national touring companies of Broadway musicals and internationally known music artists.

Check the Historical Sites for More Things to Do

Ponce Inlet Lighthouse

Among the fascinating things to do in Daytona Beach is to spend a few hours exploring the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse & Museum. Experts continue to debate whether or not famed explorer Ponce de Leon actually ever spent the night on this spot, but the name has stuck.

What's also known is that this is the state's oldest lighthouse. Built in 1887, the lighthouse and three keeper's residences still stand. All are open to the public and waiting to be discovered.

While you're exploring local history, make a stop at the Lilian Place Heritage Center. This is the city's oldest Victorian-era residence, and it is now an historic site that is open to the public. Guided tours ensure that visitors learn all there is to know about the home. Be forewarned that Lilian Place is reputed to be haunted. Keep your eyes peeled for ghostly sightings.

Visit Tomoka State Park

Tomoka State Park

Hop in the car and take the 20-minute drive north to spend a day at Tomoka State Park. This beautiful nature reserve stretches across 2,000 pristine acres of landscape. The Tomoka River runs through the park and for centuries native populations have revered this area for the abundance of food in its river and lagoons.

Today, this is a popular attraction for tourists and locals who come here to canoe, kayak, fish or bird watch. Opportunities to see manatees, alligators, bobcats and deer abound. A network of nature trails makes it easy to explore the length and breadth of the reserve.

Daytona Lagoon

Part arcade, part water park, Daytona Lagoon is a favorite with local and visiting families. Open during the warmest months of the year, the Lagoon features eight water-based attractions that include a variety of slides and a lazy river.

Play arcade games or compete against each other in laser tag when you go indoors. Be sure that you check the hours of operation before you go as they can vary.

Top Daytona Beach Timeshares

wyndham ocean walk suite

When you are looking for things to do in Daytona Beach, don't forget to find the perfect accommodations. Fortunately, Daytona Beach timeshares are numerous so you can tailor the process to suit your specific vacation needs.

Whether you want to spend your day touring the Angel and Phelps Chocolate Factory and browsing at the Riverfront Shops or trying the NASCAR Racing Experience at the Speedway, you'll be able to look forward with anticipation to relax in your resort.

Well-appointed and luxurious without ever being stuffy, Daytona Beach timeshares provide you with unparalleled opportunities to refresh yourself. Rest assured that your timeshare will be ideally located for you to participate in all of the best things to do in Daytona Beach.

Below, you’ll find the top five timeshares in Daytona Beach based on the offers placed through our platform by buyers looking for the best deals.

Wyndham Ocean Walk

Wyndham Ocean Walk Resort Daytona Beach

The most popular Daytona Beach timeshare resort in our system, Wyndham Ocean Walk is also the 6th most popular Wyndham timeshare resort of the nearly 140 Wyndham resorts we have on offer.

Right on the beach and within walking distance of the Daytona Lagoon and the Boardwalk, you’re right in the middle of the action. Choose from four pools, lazy river, volleyball or the game room when not on the beach or grab a drink from the bar. A choice of one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom suites provide all the comfort you need.

Tropic Shores Resort

Daytona Beach Shores timeshare

On the southern end of Daytona Beach, Tropic Shores is technically in Daytona Beach Shores but you wouldn’t know it from the amazing beach location overlooking the Atlantic. About a 10 minute drive north to the Main Street Pier, yet only 15 minutes south to the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, it’s a great central location.

Relax on the beach, dip in the pool or hot tub, work out in the exercise room or borrow a bike for a bike ride. Afterwards, retire to your one- or two-bedroom unit.  

Catalina Beach Club

overlooking swimming pool and beach from the balcony

Again on the southern side of Daytona Beach, Catalina Beach Club is a little over a mile from the Main Street Pier and the great beachside attractions. Since the resort is on the beach, you can hit the waves or dip into the onsite pool, enjoy the sauna or get in a workout in the exercise room. All suites have balconies with an oceanfront view, full kitchen, living and dining area and come in one-, two- or three-bedroom layouts.

Bluegreen Resort's Fantasy Island Resort II

Bluegreen Daytona timeshare resort

Right on the beach in Daytona Beach Shores, Bluegreen Resort's Fantasy Island Resort II gives you the beach vacation you’re dreaming about but with the laid-back privacy you want. The southern-most resort on our list, you’re only about a 10-minute drive to the Main Street Pier.

Relax in a lounge chair on the sun deck overlooking the beach, enjoy the pool, soak in the hot tub or head down to the ocean. Sip a coffee in the morning from your private balcony watching the sun rise over the Atlantic. Your choice of one-, or two-bedroom suites make it all possible.

Daytona Beach Regency

Daytona Beach timeshare resort

Now part of the Hilton Grand Vacations collection, Daytona Beach Regency is a fabulous resort on the beach and right in the main visitor area. Just a seven-minute walk to the Daytona Lagoon and about 10 minutes to the Main Street Pier, everything is within easy reach.

Indoor and outdoor pools, water slide, hot tubs, arcade, pool bar and restaurant complement the beach for onsite activities. Afterwards, retreat to your studio, one- or the two-bedroom suite which comfortably sleeps up to 6 people.

There are numerous Daytona Beach timeshare resorts located throughout the Daytona, New Smyrna Beach and Ormond Beach area. If you need more information, have one in mind that is not on our list or are thinking of selling Daytona Beach timeshare, click here to leave us a message or give us call on 877-624-6889 and our licensed agents will be glad to help.

Wyndham Bluegreen

Author

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Steve Luba
Chief Communications Officer

Steve manages the public relations and content creation efforts of the company. Previously the Chief Operating Officer for Perspective Magazine, he provided oversight and contributed articles for the five regional vacation ownership trade magazines under the Perspective Magazine banner. 

A contributor for industry publications such as Resort Trades and Developments Magazine, Steve Luba has 36 years of experience in various roles in radio and television, sales and marketing, public relations, media and government liaison initiatives. 

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