Daytona Beach is known for rough party crowds and a beach scene that’s, for the most part, fallen into a lot of decay. However, the town offers a lot in the way of a sort of forgotten beach town charm. Home to the occasional convention and the few remaining nice hotels, it’s a good place to go for a weekend on the beach, enjoying cheap eats, cheap drinks and simple fun.
© Daniel Schreurs | Dreamstime
Grab breakfast just a block from the ocean at The Lucky Rooster, where you can choose from a variety of omelet and pancake options all under $10. They open at 7 a.m., perfect for when you need to get your early breakfast fix after a night out.
Spend the morning on the beach while it’s warm enough to go for a swim, but also before the Florida sun comes out in full force. You can rent beach chairs, umbrellas and bikes from any of the vendors on the stretch of beach for under $20.
© Michael Klenetsky | Dreamstime
While you may not be a racing fan, Daytona International Speedway still offers an interesting afternoon of exploration into a sport that’s practically a religion in the south. Check out the historic museum or drive up to 50 laps at 165 mph around the famous track with one of their multiple driving experiences. Tickets start at $17.
Peruse the touristy shops on the main drag and pick up a few souvenirs from the myriad of overpriced options. There are a few items that are mandatory to purchase when you visit Daytona, including a slightly cringe-worthy airbrushed t-shirt.
© Jon Bilous | Dreamstime
Grab dinner for under $10 at one of the shops on the boardwalk and pier. Most of the rides are only a few dollars each, so try out the slightly worse-for-wear rollercoaster or the brightly lit Ferris wheel. You can typically find drink specials on the boardwalk you wouldn’t normally find at a bar or restaurant off the beach, including a few things you swore you wouldn’t drink after college (dollar jello shots?). Make sure to stick around for the Saturday night fireworks through the summer.
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