Inexpensive Things to Do in Daytona Beach, Florida
There are several things to do on the 23 miles of beaches in Daytona. Renting bicycles and riding along the beach is fun and cheap. You can see so much more of the beach and meet more people as opposed to walking, and it is good exercise. However, walking is even cheaper and still good exercise. You can even drive your automobile on the beaches in Daytona but sand can get into the workings of the car and cause problems.
To enjoy any activity on the beach, there are two main things to be aware of, times of high and low tides and sea breezes. During low tide, there is plenty of room for beach activities, but during high tide, water covers most of the beach. Sea breezes can cool the beach area quite a bit in a short time. This is especially true in early spring when the water temperatures are coolest. Sea breezes in Daytona usually occur in the late morning or early afternoon, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and can drop the temperatures from the 80s into the 60s quickly.
Take a walk along the Boardwalk area of Daytona Beach. There are several shops and activity areas, and most of the tourists, including spring breakers, congregate along the beach in this area. If you enjoy pick up games of basketball, there is an outdoor court here. Take one of the several ghost tours in Daytona, which, give some insight into the history of the area during the pirate days.
Driving over the Dunlawton Bridge in Port Orange, just south of Daytona, offers great views of the area and beaches. It is one of the few non-drawbridges connecting the beachside and mainland. Near the west end of the Dunlawton Bridge, is Sweetwaters, a restaurant with very good views and food.
About 10 miles south of Daytona is the Ponce De Leon Inlet Lighthouse and State Park in the community of Ponce De Leon, which is named for the explorer. The lighthouse, the tallest in Florida and second tallest in the nation, is 175 feet high. There are about 200 steps to climb to the top but if you can make it to the top, the view is fantastic. The park offers some scenic walks and a chance to view the natural wildlife. On the way to Ponce De Leon Inlet, you pass through the small community of Wilbur by the Sea. This community is interesting to see as it has unique beachfront homes nestled in the local vegetation and trees.
The theme park at Silver Springs near Ocala, Florida is about an hour’s drive from Daytona. The park is along the Silver River, which is the largest artesian spring formation in the world. The water in the springs is 99.8% pure and you can see clearly to the bottom, nearly 80 feet deep in some places. You can view the wildlife and natural vegetation on glass bottom boat and jeep tours and you can learn about the local wildlife through their routine education programs.
If you are looking for an out of the way place to eat, like steak and do not want to spend a great deal of money, try Webber’s Steak House in South Daytona. Steaks are excellent, cooked to order about any way you can imagine and the prices are very reasonable. You will not pay for ambiance but it is not a greasy spoon either. Be prepared to wait in line though, the locals are well aware of Webber’s.
Try the Boot Hill Saloon on Main Street in Daytona for some rowdy night life an dleave your inhibitions at the door. This nightspot has a bluesy, honky tonk feel and is popular among bikers.
Another good nightspot is the Ocean Deck Restaurant and Bar. It is located off South Ocean Avenue on the beach. There is usually a good mix of ages and you can enjoy music, dancing and drinking.
