Daytona Beach Vacations

Grab your sunglasses and waterproof SPF for the "World's Most Famous Beach." Cruise the hard-packed sand by car (or by foot) to see 23 miles of swimmers, surfers, joggers and cyclists. Sunbathe between dips in the ocean.

The massive World Center of Racing hosts two major NASCAR events per year – the Daytona 500 in February and Coke Zero 400 in July. Speedway tours are conducted year-round. Get in the driver's seat (literally) at the Richard Petty Driving Experience for high-octane laps around the track.

Head to this scenic beach town located on the southern tip of the peninsula. View the tallest lighthouse in Florida and the Marine Science Center, which rehabilitates injured sea turtles and birds. Ponce marinas offer inshore and offshore fishing charters. Follow rustic signs to Inlet Harbor Marina Restaurant for a Grouper Reuben sandwich and ice-cold beer in a waterfront setting.

Hit this oceanfront entertainment plaza, especially at night. The plaza houses a cinema complex, night clubs, shops and popular restaurants such as Bubba Gump Shrimp Factory, Johnny Rockets and Sloppy Joe's.

Golfers have their choice of numerous challenging courses in Daytona Beach, but you'll want to play at least one round at the LPGA's national hub. The two courses -- Legends and Champions -- are lush, scenic and challenging.

Escape an afternoon drizzle (there's plenty in summer) in one of the largest museums in Florida. View the largest collection of Cuban art outside of Cuba and a massive 13-foot tall Giant Ground Sloth fossil. Kids will love the hands-on activities (tennis ball launchers, microscopes, laser harps) at the Charles and Linda Williams Children's Museum.

Few Florida parks highlight the state's natural beauty like this former Timucuan Indian settlement on the shores of the Tomoka River. Rent a canoe or kayak, walk nature trails or fish from shore. The park has expansive camping facilities as well.

Voted one of the top flea markets in the country by Travel Channel, this sprawling market (open Friday through Sunday) sells everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to designer clothes, art, jewelry and luggage, and attracts over two million shoppers per year.

Visitors and locals alike flock nightly to this traditional Florida-style attraction, which moved from its aging structure into sparkling new digs. Grab your lady luck and spend an afternoon (or evening) betting on the dogs, or make it a late night in the Poker Room, which is open 24 hours on weekends.

Triple-A Montreal Royals player Jackie Robinson broke the Major League Baseball color barrier in this historic, riverfront ballpark on March 17, 1946. These days, locals and summer visitors fill the bleachers to root for the Single-A Daytona Cubs.

Known as “The World’s Most Famous Beach,” Daytona Beach might have a reputation for spring breakers, but the oceanside city has experienced a revival in recent years. Beachgoers who flock to this Atlantic Coast city are surprised by the clean, 23-mile stretch of sandy, white beaches. Daytona Beach’s most unique feature allows visitors to pull their cars onto the beach in designated spots. No more lugging chairs, umbrellas and beach towels for blocks— set up a spot in the sand with your vehicle just a few steps away. Daytona Beach is home to of oceanside hotels, restaurants and pubs perfect for foot traffic. Stroll down to the Daytona Beach Boardwalk, which features a Ferris wheel, go-karts and arcade games for kids—and adults—of all ages. The nearby Ocean Walk entertainment district features a band shell for live music, shops, seaside bars and restaurants, and even an outdoor ice-skating rink during the holiday season. Daytona Beach has more to offer than pristine beaches, however. The world-famous Daytona International Speedway plays host to NASCAR’s main event, the Daytona 500, every February. Stock-car racing got its start on Daytona’s beaches, making the city a must-visit for any racing fan. The sound of revving motorcycle engines takes over Daytona twice a year, first during Bike Week in March and again during Biketoberfest in October. Bike Week and Biketoberfest feature live entertainment, bike shows and vendor booths for visitors. Nature lovers can find plenty to do in Daytona Beach as well. Kayaking and canoeing enthusiasts can check out Spruce Creek Preserve or Ponce Preserve. Hikers can explore Lighthouse Point Park or Tiger Bay State Forest. Fishing opportunities abound in Daytona, as well, thanks to its easy access to both the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway.

AOL Travel’s Daytona Beach Guide

AOL Travel's Best Daytona Beach Hotels