DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA–JULY 2024 – Daytona Beach, Florida, has long been known as a destination for quenching any appetite for a beach getaway. With its beautiful 23-mile stretch of oceanfront and classic beachfront boardwalk (12 South Ocean Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida 32118; 386-253-0254) and pier (1200 Main Street, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114), it is one of America’s most well-known and cherished vacation spots.
Midway between St. Augustine and the Kennedy Space Center, on central Florida’s Atlantic coast, Daytona Beach is also just an hour east of Orlando. It is easy accessible via Interstates 95 and 4, which intersect here, and the Daytona Beach International Airport (700 Catalina Drive, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114; 386-248-8030), which offers non-stop flights from select cities.
Once here, visitors find that in addition to enjoying the beaches and the ocean, Daytona Beach also offers a variety of dining options. From elegant, fine dining settings to come-as-you-are, casual favorites, the neighborhoods and downtown districts are filled with restaurants that make Daytona Beach an excellent location for vacationers and foodies who have a taste for variety, quality and perhaps a surprise or two.
Quenching The Thirst and Satisfying The Sweet Tooth
A walk along the mile-long Riverfront Esplanade (Magnolia Avenue & Beach Street, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114), with its views of the Intracoastal Waterway and lots of shopping, is the perfect introduction to Daytona Beach’s dining variety. Three spots along the way specialize in something sweet. Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory (154 South Beach Street, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114; 386-252-6531) is known for fresh, homemade chocolates. For a coffee and dessert break, Sweet Marlays’ (214 South Beach Street, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114; 386-310-7817) and Copperline Coffee + Cafe (118 South Beach Street, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114; 386-265-4731) are favorites. For those who’d prefer a different beverage, McK’s Tavern & Brewery (218 South Beach Street, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114; 386-238-3321) or Madeline’s Wine Bar (200 North Beach Street, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114; 386-492-7914) offer just the thing.
Classic Spots and Fresh Concepts
Mario’s Italian Restaurant & Lounge (521 South Yonge Street, Ormond Beach, Florida 32174; 386-677-2711) has been a local favorite for more than 56 years. The menu features veal, shrimp, mussels, clams, calamari and more, and the atmosphere is prime for a romantic night out or a casual evening with friends.
Rose Villa Southern Table and Bar (43 West Granada Boulevard, Ormond Beach, Florida 32176; 386-615-7673) invites diners to enjoy an eclectic blend of Southern-inspired cuisine, craft cocktails and extensive wine list. This former bed and breakfast offers indoor and alfresco seating.
Martini’s Organic Restaurant (1815 South Ridgewood Avenue, South Daytona, Florida 32119; 386-763-1090) offers fresh seafood and steaks in a chic, yet casual, atmosphere. Fresh, local, seasonal ingredients are combined to create an innovative “new American” menu that changes weekly with features ranging from Bahamian Lobster Sauté to New Zealand Rack of Lamb.
Dinner, Dancing and Cocktails
Top of Daytona (2625 South Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach Shores, Florida 32118; 386-310-7849) is located on the 29th floor and is known for its luxurious atmosphere and a 360-degree sunset view, which add to any memorable meal. Seafood, steaks and pasta are all highlights on menu.
At 31 Supper Club (31 West Granada Boulevard, Ormond Beach, Florida 32174; 386-275-1625) the 1930s art deco décor and “Havana Vibe” provide the setting for an international menu, which also includes an impressive list of wines and classic cocktails.
The wine list and romantic atmosphere enhance an intimate dinner experience at The Cellar (220 Magnolia Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114; 386-258-0011). This award-winning restaurant has been known for its exquisite Italian cuisine for more than 20 years.
Ocean Deck (127 South Ocean Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida 32118; 386- 253-5224) is a favorite spot for casual dinner and dancing, along with outstanding views. Seafood is a mainstay here, from the Nautical Nachos starter, to the Tequila Shrimp Salad and wild-caught Tuna Boat entrée.
Unexpected Finds
Mama Foo Foo (125 Basin Street, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114; 386-287-0180) is a self-proclaimed “upscale dive bar” with a beautiful marina view. The menu takes a modern approach to the traditional pub fare, with items including Mussel Frites and Foo Foo Wagyu Smash Burgers, and a creative cocktail list.
Millie’s Restaurant (3218 South Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach Shores, Florida 32118; 386-275-1492), often described as a hole-in-the-wall spot, was discovered by Guy Fieri and featured on “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” and named one of the “Top 10 Best Seafood Restaurants in America” by Yelp. The menu features local seafood and steak dishes like Filet & Shrimp Fondue, as well as pastas, sandwiches, burgers, vegan and vegetarian dishes.
Racing’s North Turn Beach Bar & Grill (4511 South Atlantic Avenue, Ponce Inlet, Florida 32127; 386-322-3258) is more than a historic landmark and racing museum. It is also one of Florida’s Top 10 Beach Bars, serving up oysters, sandwiches and seafood entrees with a beautiful beach view of the exact spot where racing on the beach began in 1936.
Enjoying The Afterglow
After that perfect meal, there are also top-notch spots to enjoy the Daytona Beach nightlife. That is exactly what draws patrons to the Rooftop 140 (140 South Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida 32118; 386-947-7470 ext. 5512) at the Streamline Hotel. Its beautiful ocean views are paired with handcrafted cocktails and live music.
On the third floor of Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach (918 North Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida 32118; 386-947-7373), Wave Terrace features an oceanfront stage and casual atmosphere with fire pits and live music. Libations include an extensive menu of beer, cocktails and drink specials.
If You Go
Beyond its extensive dining options, Daytona Beach is full of surprises for art lovers, too. Visitors can take in the Smithsonian-affiliated Museum of Arts & Sciences (352 South Nova Road, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114; 386-255-0285), considered Central Florida’s premier museum. The museum combines the beauty of art, the wonder of science and stories of history. It showcases an amazing display of Coca-Cola memorabilia and is home to the state-of-the-art Lowell and Nancy Lohman Planetarium, where science, art and technology combine to provide a window into the universe. The Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art (352 South Nova Road, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114; 386-255-0285) is home to the world’s largest collection of Florida-themed art. Displays include a showcase collection and several rotating exhibits.
The new Galerie Elan (230 South Beach Street, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114; 386-871-9906) is a cooperative gallery representing 75 artists who have a wide array of styles, media and perspectives.
The 10,000-square-foot Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens (78 East Granada Boulevard, Ormond Beach, Florida 32176; 386-676-3347) features changing exhibits of works of prominent Florida and international artists.
A variety of fine art is on display at two collaborative galleries. Ocean Art Gallery (197 East Granada Boulevard @ Granada Plaza, Ormond Beach, Florida 32176; 386-317-9400) and Art Spotlight (67 West Granada Boulevard, Ormond Beach, Florida 32174; 386-871-4991) each exhibit the diverse works or member artists.