Beach vacations are on of the most popular choices among all types of travelers. Luckily Daytona Beach allows everyone from sleepy beach loungers to adventure junkies to take a bite out of numerous activities and attractions that please everyone in the family. There are miles of pristine beaches while just down the road is the legendary Daytona International Speedway and how of the great American race: NASCAR’s Daytona 500. You can dig your toes in the sand and bask in the sun or satisfy your need for speed with a Richard Petty Driving Experience. So pack your baggies, bikinis and T-shirts, plus some solid some flip flops and walking shoes, and get ready to enjoy a laid back paradise and engaging atmosphere that immerses you into the beach-living lifestyle. If not already a part of your package, ask your travel representative about renting a car through our preferred-partner Alamo®, because you’ll want to cover the vast acreage at your own leisure and maybe add in a day trip to Orlando that’s just an hour away.  While charting your course and planning your itinerary to this amazing seaside oasis, use these helpful Fast Facts to get to know Daytona Beach and all it has to offer:

 First Impression: Gracious and passionate locals welcome tourists year-round to enjoy Daytona’s beautiful beaches, cultural heritage, many attractions to please everyone from beach to adventure junkies, and numerous hot spots in this laid-back yet thriving beachfront playground. The East Coast offers some of the best surfing an the landmark original Ron John Surf Shop. There’s so much to do, see and learn in Daytona for everyone in the family, you’ll wish you had more time to take it all in, especially if you’re shaving a day or two off for daytrips to Orlando’s theme parks. Consider adding an extended stay in Orlando with one of customized multi-destination vacation pages to maximize your travel time and your budget with a weeklong journey and amazing experiences in dual destinations: Orlando and Daytona Beach. Note that the sprawling Daytona Beach area and its proximity to Orlando make a rental car through our preferred partner Alamo® a must.

Weather: With an average temperature of only 59 degrees F (Fahrenheit) in the winter, and 78.5 degrees F in the summer—though the 90’s are normal in June-August, the most budget-friendly time of year. Storm season is late summer till early fall, with a good amount of humidity that’s tempered a bit by the offshore ocean breezes.

Taking Flight: You can fly right into Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB). It has limited major airline carriers, but is serviced by Delta and US Airways. Larger nearby airports include Orlando International Airport and Jacksonville International Airport, both approximately 60 minutes away.

Traveling Tips: There’s really no bad time to visit, though March-May is amazing with temperatures averaging 80 degrees F during the day. February is a high tourism month, and the March Speedway races draw the crowds, as well as Bike Week in early March and Biketoberfest in October. The large Daytona Beach area makes it easy to side step spring breakers in March and April. Apparently, June through August is the most budget-friendly time of year to visit. Be sure to check the Daytona Beach website for its jam-packed calendar of events, so you can be sure to avoid crowds or join in on the fun when booking your travel.

Transportation: There are plenty of cabs, reputable rental companies (some with hand controls) as well as public transportation, such as the A1A Beachside Trolley and the Votran bus service. There’s a lot to see, so renting is advisable and most cost-effective if planning on a lot of travelling to outside areas or want the convenience of your own car in a relatively large beach city. Ask about our discounted rates with preferred partner Alamo rental cars.

Local Flavor: There are more than 400 casual to fine dining establishments to please every palate, like BBQ at Hog Heaven or the best fresh Florida seafood at Caribbean Jack’s on the Halifax River, the upscale Martini’s Chophouse or the open-air, beach-landmark Ocean Deck Restaurant & Beach Club. Other hot spots include the variety of dining options at Ocean Walk Shoppes, the Chart House Restaurant and The Cellar Restaurant, which is now listed on the National Historic Registry.

Nightlife: When the sun goes down, Daytona’s nightlife comes alive with energetic restaurants and everything from casual beach side bars with live entertainment and wine bars, to sports and biker bars like the legendary Full Moon Saloon, as well as spring-break-style spots like at Ocean Deck on the beach and trendy clubs like like Razzle’s. The city caters to its nightlife crowd, with plenty of options to please adults and families.

Retail Therapy: Treat yourself with a dynamic variety of shopping options, from high-end retail shops, boardwalk vendors and unique boutiques that redefine resort wear, plus the Volusia Mall on International Speedway Blvd., the Promenade Shopping Center and open-air shopping at Ocean Walk Shoppes on North Atlantic Ave.

The Fast Track: Home to the biggest, most prestigious and richest stock-car race in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, The Daytona 500, The Daytona International Speedway offers regularly scheduled tours to race fans year-around, as well as simulator rides and hair-raising ride-alongs or solo laps at the Richard Petty Experience.

Surfer Turf: With some of the best surfing along the East Coast, surfers come in droves to shred the waves of Daytona Beach, which is where the legendary Ron Jon Surf Shop first took root and became an attraction all its own. Nary has a visitor come through without visiting Ron Jon, where you can get everything your need to learn to surf or add to your equipment with experienced salespersons. Lessons are also available for curious souls at places like the Daytona Beach Surfing School and Pure Life Surf School. Check online for Daytona surf classes, from beginners to advanced, and have a killer time, dude!

Trivia: Daytona Beach has been the setting for many novels and famous movies that filmed here including Marley & Me, Days of Thunder and Final Destination 2.

Can’t Miss: The Daytona International Speedway and Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, Florida’s tallest beacon and one of Daytona’s best-preserved landmarks; try to take the Climb to the Moon tour on a full night, which is truly spectacular.