I have mixed feelings about Daytona, but having travelled to Orlando on holiday, it was one of the places I felt I had to see. It is approximately one to one and a half hours drive from Orlando and very, very different from the commercialism of Orlando/Disney. When we were there it was the build up to the Daytona 500 and it was very busy. We visited Daytona Speedway when the cars were practising and did the "tour" where a small train takes you through the tunnel on the infield, awesome, you really dont realise the sheer scale of the place until you are in the middle of it. You are given all the information you need to know about the Speedway and if you are lucky may see some cars practising. Considering how famous Daytona is you really shouldnt miss it. The tour lasts about half an hour but I cant recall how much it was, but not extortionate otherwise we would have thought twice about doing it. You can also purchase racing memorabilia and browse the various stalls and race cars around the stadium.
If shopping of a different nature is more your "thing", you could leave hubby to do all this and go over the road to the Volusia Shopping mall for a spot of retail therapy. JC Penney is one of the department stores in this mall. There is also a good food court here giving a wide range of Chinese, Italian, American food.
Venturing further, heading towards the famous beach, you cross the river and arrive along the seafront. This part of Daytona looks as though it could all do with a good lick of paint. The motels/hotels are generally quite old looking apart from a scattering of new hotels. We stayed one night in a motel and compared to our hotel we were staying at in Orlando it was old fashioned, grubby and a bit decrepit, apparently most of the motels are like this but it came as a bit of a shock nonetheless! Most of the hotels have access directly to the beach.
The beach is well worth visiting, it stretches for approximately 23 miles and you can actually park on the beach and drive up and down. Be careful though, stick rigidly to the speed limit because this beach is very well policed. You can also hire quad bikes to drive up and down. If you get bored on a beach this beach is great as you can walk for miles, just remember where you left hubby and kids (if you want to!) Or you can just park up, get the blanket out and watch the world go by. A word of warning, though, if you intend to take a picnic make sure the drinks are soft ones as drinking is illegal on the beach and we have seen a couple of arrests. As I said before it is well policed and there is no leeway, cuffs on, in the car and driven away. As it was a bit chilly we didnt try the surf! They also hold cruises up and down the beach.
Kennedy Space Centre is a little way down the coast, so if you are lucky you may catch a glimpse of a rocket launch. By the way, this also well worth a visit.
There are plenty of eating places, from eat all you like buffets at approximately $5.00 per person to Wendys, KFC, etc. Or the usual steakhouses, take your pick, your choice is endless.
All in all, Daytona is worth a visit, it is much more laid back and relaxed than Orlando, and a welcome break from the theme parks.
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Advantages: Very easy to find, Lot's of hotels, Lot's of everything Disadvantages: Can be very crowded, Lot's of people driving up and down the road showing off their cars (during high season)
Advantages: Very easy to find, Lot's of hotels, Lot's of everything Disadvantages: Can be very crowded, Lot's of people driving up and down the road showing off their cars (during high season)
May 17th, 2005
very helpful by (78%):
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