Flights to Daytona Beach

When you hear "Daytona," a family beach vacation may not be the first thing that comes to mind. Though the Daytona 500 is the area's biggest event, the beach itself is paradise for many families who have no plans to visit the speedway.

The beachfront's unusual hard-packed sand allows vehicles to drive over it, which is why it was popular with the likes of Henry Ford in its early days. But nowadays, the beach draws crowds more interested in its 23 miles of fun, lively atmosphere and sunny weather.

Though it has a bit of a reputation as a wild Spring Break destination, Daytona Beach is also the ideal place for a family vacation, and it has plenty of draws for the little ones.

Head to the Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier, where a roller coaster, Ferris wheel and go-karts will get the thrill-seekers among you excited. Along the beach, you can find jungle gyms, water parks and ice cream shops.

For a good sit-down meal, head to Joe's Crab Shack on Main Street Pier, offering seafood and beach-inspired cocktails along with great views of sand and surf.

When it's time to hit the water, give paddle-boarding or kayaking a try; if you're more adventurous, opt for surfing or parasailing. The water is perfect for a leisurely swimming session.

Feel like changing spots? No big deal—this beach goes on for miles and miles, and no matter how many times you return, you'll almost certainly discover something new. Enjoy!

New Smyrna Beach is set along Florida's east coast, about an hour's drive from Orlando and 20 minutes from Daytona Beach. Sure, there are beach towns with higher profiles in the area, but travelers keep coming back to this down-to-earth destination not only for its hospitable feel, but because it's a hive of recreational activity.

Like to swim, scuba dive or surf? This beach has that covered. In fact, New Smyrna has been called a top Florida surfing spot by both Surfer Magazine and National Geographic. Be careful, though. The city has garnered the unfortunate title of the shark bite capital of the world.

If your activity of choice is fishing, golfing, hiking or sailing, there are plenty of resources in town to help you have a blast. Fishers can try their luck at the fishing pier over the lagoon, or just set up on the beachfront, as many other fishing enthusiasts do.

Head to the Canaveral National Seashore, just south of New Smyrna Beach, for a stroll underneath a canopy of subtropical trees. Kayaking, canoeing and paddle-boarding are the most popular activities in this coastal stretch.

With so many beach areas to choose from, it won't be hard to find a stretch of sand that suits your tastes. There's even Playalinda Beach, the area's unofficial nude beach, where sunbathers take advantage of a loophole to flout the rules about clothing requirements.

In town, be sure to check out the sprinkling of art galleries hosting openings and performances throughout the year. Some standouts are Galleria di Vetro and the Atlantic Center for the Arts.