Independent properties add personality to any Daytona Beach stay
DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA–JULY 2022–This didn’t become the “World’s Most Famous Beach” overnight. For decades, Daytona Beach, Florida has been welcoming visitors to its sprawling beaches and Atlantic waters. Located just an hour’s drive from Orlando, St. Augustine and the Kennedy Space Center, Daytona Beach is an easy drive–and an even easier vacation base camp location–and over the years, visitors have made it again and again. New attractions and entertainment venues, along with upscale dining and lodging are a part of today’s Daytona Beach landscape. But those nostalgic for an “old Florida” vibe will not be disappointed.
There are a number of hotel and resort properties that are not only a part of Daytona Beach’s growth in popularity, but also a part of the vacation memories of generations of visitors. Today, they welcome those returning guests alongside new ones who are seeking a classic Florida experience. Manicured lawns adjacent to sandy ocean beaches, charming cottages, colorful facades and family activities can all be found at these far-from-average beachfront lodging locations.
Tropical Manor on the Ocean (2237 South Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach Shores, Florida 32118; 386-252-4920) is a picturesque, tropically themed oceanfront oasis in family friendly Daytona Beach Shores. It is a collection of cottages and one-, two- and three-bedroom suites, some with full kitchens, filled with colorful decorative touches. The lawn is dotted with colorful umbrellas and tables. This property’s story began in 1956, when Audrey and Alfred Kelleman, who fell in love with Daytona Beach on their honeymoon, purchased a six-room motel and named it the Tropical Manor. It is still family-owned-and-operated today.
Perry’s Ocean Edge Resort (2209 South Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida 32118; 386-255-0581) has a history that began in the 1940s with 17 guestrooms. More than 75 years later, Perry’s has been redesigned and infused with modern style and amenities and is still welcoming guests. The resort now features 213 efficiencies and suites, a landscaped oceanfront lawn, two outdoor pools, one indoor pool and a whole lot more. Complimentary homemade donuts are served daily.
Sun Viking Lodge (2411 South Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida 32118; 386-252-6252) has been welcoming families for more than 50 years. It boasts a tropical beachfront ambiance and an informal barefoot setting. Amenities include a popular 60-foot water slide and outdoor and indoor heated pools, along with a full schedule of free on-property activities. Accommodations include standard rooms and suites, many with full kitchens.
Bahama House (2001 South Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida 32118; 386-248-2001) is another family-owned-and-operated Daytona Beach classic. The oceanfront Caribbean-themed boutique resort offers an impressive list of amenities and is described as a bright, airy alternative for those who seek unique and authentic places to stay. Accommodations include guest rooms and suites with spacious 400-plus-square-foot living areas and private balconies with ocean views.
The Streamline Hotel (140 South Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida 32118; 386-947-7470) is famous for being the Birthplace of NASCAR. This 1940s Art Deco boutique hotel is located in the heart of Daytona Beach. Lore is that this was a haven for celebrities, race car drivers and moonshiners back in the day, and that in 1947 a meeting at the rooftop bar resulted in the formation of NASCAR. Newly restored, the art deco hotel features 44 guestrooms, and two restaurant and bar venues. On its walls, one-of-a-kind photos and mementos from the history of NASCAR are displayed.
A full list of Daytona Beach lodging options, from quirky and classic to contemporary and plush is available online on the DaytonaBeach.com website.
If you go
These classic experiences will add fun and nostalgia to a Daytona Beach visit.
For a crash course in all things Daytona Beach, visitors can check out the sites on the Iconic Trail. The trail is the definitive Daytona Beach tour. It comprises an eclectic mix of historical sites, landmarks and local tributes. Stories of oak trees, ballparks, classic statues and an iconic lighthouse combine to display the tapestry that makes Daytona Beach unique.
Known for both its collection of memorabilia as well as being named a Top 10 Best Florida Beach Bar, Racing’s North Turn Beach Bar & Grill (4511 South Atlantic Avenue, Ponce Inlet, Florida 32127; 386-322-3258) sits at the spot where beach races were held each year until 1958, when NASCAR relocated to its brand-new venue, Daytona International Speedway (1801 West International Speedway Boulevard, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114; 800-748-7467). Now, race fans who want to have their own elite NASCAR Racing Experience (1801 West International Speedway Boulevard, Daytona Beach, Florida 32118; 800-237-3889) can take to the track, choosing to drive themselves or take a ride along as a passenger. There’s also a unique new lodging option here, at The DAYTONA, an upscale, racing-themed Autograph Collection Hotel (1870 Victory Circle, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114; 386- 323-9777).