From endless activities to calm, quiet days spent sunbathing and beach-combing, visitors are discovering just what they’re looking for in a Florida vacation along the 23 miles of world-famous iconic shores of Daytona Beach. One of racing’s biggest events, the Daytona 500 – scheduled for February 16th this year – draws crowds to the area. Whether you plan on visiting for the NASCAR event or not, there’s plenty more to do and see in this coastal destination. With more hotel, attraction, dining and shopping options than ever, now is the perfect time to (re)experience all that Daytona Beach has to offer, including these new developments:New attractions and renovations
The Daytona Aquarium & Rainforest Adventure, which opened in Daytona Beach in early 2024, is the destination’s first aquarium offering. Visitors can enjoy an interactive educational experience with animals from both land and sea. In 2025, the attraction will open phase two with an indoor rainforest, which will showcase multiple species including primates, sloths, and tropical birds. The 55,000-square foot facility currently has close to 40 separate exhibits including a 100,000-gallon shark exhibit and two touch pools including a 12,000-gallon stingray touch pool. There are also habitats for alligators, frogs, and lizards.Located at the Tomoka Town Center, PopStroke is a miniature golf/family entertainment center co-owned by golf legend Tiger Woods. Guests are able to “Eat, Putt and Drink” to their heart’s content on a pair of 18-hole scaled-down golf courses with sandtraps and greens. Other amenities at PopStroke include a restaurant, outdoor dining and games, ice cream parlor and playground.The Volusia County Charters of Freedom Monument, which consists of the Declaration of Independence, United States Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Civil Rights Amendments, can be viewed adjacent to the Riverfront Esplanade near the Veterans Memorial in downtown Daytona Beach. These documents are permanently installed so communities can view these founding documents in a proper setting without having to incur the costs of traveling to Washington, D.C.The long-awaited Constance D. Hunter Historic Pacetti Hotel Museum, located across the street from the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, has opened. Built in the 1880s, this storied hotel stands as one of Volusia County’s oldest surviving structures, offering a glimpse into the past with its well-preserved rooms and grounds. Originally a lively boarding house and fishing resort, the hotel has been meticulously restored to showcase its rich history and significance to the local community. Visitors can explore the restored rooms, period furnishings, and authentic decor that transport them back to the late 19th century. The property has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.Historic Jackie Robinson Ballpark, where ground-breaking African-American baseball player Jackie Robinson played in the first integrated Major League Baseball spring training game in 1946, is undergoing a multi-million, multi-year renovation project that will be completed in phases. Among the enhancements fans will notice when the Daytona Tortugas, a Class A Affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds, begin play at Jackie Robinson Ballpark in April will be the replacement of 1,300 seats, a sound system, the batter’s eye located in center field and the foul poles. The ballpark, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is the oldest operating Minor League ballpark within Minor League Baseball, was also named a National Commemorative Site and part of the African American Civil Rights Network in January 2025.
New accommodations and stunning renovations
Daytona Beach by Aditya Vyas – UnsplashDaytona Beach’s newest oceanfront hotel is the Renaissance Daytona Beach Oceanfront, which opened in October 2024 and features 190 guestrooms and suites angled to the ocean with floor-to-ceiling doors. Each room is bright, beautifully designed and pays homage to the area with hints of both ocean life and racing heritage. Other amenities include more than 12,000-sqaure feet of event space, outdoor swimming pool and expansive deck, pool bar, cabanas, and fire pit. Also debuting within the hotel is Cast & Crew, an upscale “tide-to-table” restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating and exclusive event spaces including an al fresco bar overlooking the pool. Acclaimed Chef Olivier Koster and James Beard-nominated Concentrics Restaurants oversee food and beverage service.The family-owned and operated Tropical Manor has completed a $2 million renovation of their oceanfront pubic areas as well as 11 popular oceanview and oceanfront one-bedroom suites. Each of these beach-themed guestrooms is now furnished with brand new kitchens and bathrooms with all new appliances and fixtures, comfortable pillow-top beds, and unique, decorative special touches. Tropical Manor is also expanding their picturesque, oceanfront deck area to include many additional chair lounges, chairs, and umbrella-covered tables to provide guests additional space to enjoy the large, heated oceanfront pool and kiddie pool, and property’s spectacular oceanfront views.New and renovated dining options
Alexander’s Prime, a steakhouse located on Ormond Beach Main Street, opened in spring 2024 offering prime dry-aged steaks, hamburgers, pastas and seafood. The restaurant also brings plenty of character to the atmosphere with art deco fixtures and decorations. The original Alexander’s Café operated in the same location back in the 1980s and 90s.The newest dining option in Ocean Walk Shoppes in Daytona Beach isDick’s Last Resort, which serves American fare, including burgers, sandwiches, steak, pasta, seafood, barbecue, tacos, nachos, and wings all in a unique, lively and sassy atmosphere.Nathan’s Hot Dogs, known around the world for its iconic all-beef hot dogs, will be opening beachside in early 2025. The restaurant will be located at the International Speedway Blvd. ramp adjacent to the iconic “World’s Most Famous Beach” sign and will serve the classic Nathan’s hot dogs as well as half-roasted chicken, 9-inch Philly cheesestakes, burgers, fries, onion rings and nachos.
—To receive a complimentary Daytona Beach Destination Guide, find a place to stay, or book your next adventure, visit DaytonaBeach.com. #LoveDaytonaBeach.
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