When Going on Vacation Is Like Going Home

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of DaytonaBeach.com. All opinions are 100% mine.

I have quite a few fond memories of the town in which I spent much of my childhood: Daytona Beach, Florida.

I may not live there any more, but for me, it’s still within driving distance, suitable for a spontaneous road trip on the weekday or weekend.  A trip to Daytona Beach is like going home, if home were a world-famous vacation destination.

One of my favorite places to visit is the Museum of Arts and Sciences.  I used to ride to the museum on my bike, long before the currently renovated and expanded facility existed, and spend hours wandering around its galleries.

Its current collection of art and other fascinating objects can easily fill an afternoon.  Take your significant other on a date to the galleries, or bring the kids and enjoy the large and updated children’s wing.

After you’ve had your fill of intellectual stimulation, entertain your palate with a tasting of chocolate at the Angell & Phelps chocolate factory on Beach Street.

My mom used to bring home their iconic gift baskets she’d received in her line of work.  I was a lucky kid, because she’d always share the treats with me.

Mom and I were also frequent visitors to the Daytona Beach Flea Market.  I’ll never forget the call of the strawberry vendor, who would proclaim “Straaaaaawberries!  Fresh from Plaaaaaant City!” to passerby.  Plus, the freshly-squeezed lemonade couldn’t be beat, not to mention the antique shopping and the many unique stands.

Dad and I had a special connection to the Ponce Inlet lighthouse, which we used to sit and watch at dusk from the edge of the Intracoastal Waterway, a beautiful waterway that separates Daytona Beach on the mainland from Daytona Beach on the beachside.

Speaking of the beach, it stretches so far that you can always find a bit of sugary sand to call your own.  The seaside of Daytona Beach is the perfect place to relax, recharge, and reconnect.

When you’re ready to relax in a more adventurous way, the speedway is always a good option.  When I lived within a few miles of the speedway, there were certain times of the year when the droning roar of racing cars became a soothing background of sound, like a very large white noise machine.

You can watch the races, then dine nearby at one of the many good restaurants in Daytona Beach.

Some of the best restaurants can be found on Beach Street, my hometown downtown, and an excellent shopping destination as well.

Just the act of writing about Daytona Beach has made me feel nostalgic; maybe even sentimental!  I think I’ve just written my own vacation itinerary.

Whether your goal is to seek adventure or to immerse yourself in relaxation, you’ll find a value-packed vacation in Daytona Beach.  Ready to experience it for yourself?  Check out these Daytona Beach Weekday Getaway Deals.

Love beaches?  Check out my favorite Panama City Beach attractions.