Daytona Beach Vacation | The Local’s Guide
You’re probably just like me. Searching out things to do while you’re on vacation. I hope to give you a glimpse on things I enjoy doing here as a local. Daytona Beach is clearly famous for its drive-able beach. While the beach entrances are slowly closing it seems. There’s a lot to do around Daytona Beach. Relax, Enjoy Play. While I consider the surrounding cities of Port Orange, South Daytona New Smyrna Beach and Ormond Beach “Daytona” They’re separate municipalities. Within the area are several places to see and do. Daytona Beach downtown has a lot of shops that are fun to browse. Across the street from here you’ll see a baseball field. Jackie Robinson baseball park has games. If there home-game is on a Saturday they will do fireworks. The Daytona Pier also does fireworks on Saturdays. You can also check the Daytona Chamber calendar of events for their events listed. However there is a lot more to see and do. Below is a few of my favorite places.
Things to do:
Lighthouse Point Park: I have a large spacious back yard, so I don’t always make it out to parks in the Volusia County area. I do enjoy hitting up the beach for some sunrises. My favorite spot to grab a great view of the sunrise is in Ponce Inlet on any of the boardwalks in the The lighthouse is NOT in the park but you can see it from some of the boardwalks and areas along the Jetty.
Mornings are also to head down to Canal Street in New Smyrna for some of the local shops. Crafts and arts as well as an old drug store to grab a bite or malt. Right near there is Old Fort Park so you can take a peek around a spanish fort. Saturdays they have a farmers market in this area that locals sell frut and veggies as well as crafts.
Cracker Creek is a fun place to walk around and enjoy nature. You can even rent boats to paddle up the spruce creek river. It may be a little hard to find but directions on their site will get you there easily. There are peacocks and other animals in the area to watch as well as paths to explore.
Eats
Cinnamon tree cafe Breakfast is a must and is said to be the most important meal of the day. If you’re looking for a non chain restaurant owned by a local, then they’re right for you. They have breakfast and lunch but their crepes are awesome and huge. Go hungry. Event the kids pancake fills up the plate. Everyone is super nice and friendly that works there. See their menu on the link above.
Auntcatfish’s Brunch Another favorite for breakfast on the weekend. They’re a family favorite and I work with them on weddings. Outside of that bias. It’s awesome. I don’t get to go as much as I would like since it is busy and there’s a wait. But when I do I get some dessert with lunch and grab a cinnamon bun. They’re located right near the dunlawton bridge
New Smyrna Eats – by Jenn Ross Photography
Yellow Dog Eats – The pulled pork sandwich of your dreams. Yellow Dog graced us with it’s newest location in NSB and we never knew how we lived without it! Get the “What the Fig” if you like sweet and tangy or the “Fire Pig” if you love some sriracha. Blue cheese lovers, order the “Blue Suede Shoes” and you’ll get a little 2 oz. side of homemade slaw next to a bag of potato chips. Located on Canal St., the historic district, look for the hippie van parked outside and don’t forget to order some local brews! They have a beautiful patio out back as well, so if the weather is nice, don’t pass it up!
Taco Shack – This is your family owned and operated staple if you’re looking for Puerto Rican inspired tacos, burritos, chimichangas and more! There’s a Puerto Rican version of a cuban on the menu called the Tripleta and it is to die for. Don’t pass up a side of sweet plantains, or ANY dessert they have to offer. A few fan favorites: Shrimp chimi, Emmy’s Empanadas (with the Sofrito red sauce!), Beachin’ Burrito, and the shredded chicken taco salad (with a real taco shell bowl)!
Cafe Verde – Off Flager Ave. behind Clancy’s is Cafe Verde, Gyro Heaven. Get the veggie if you’re an artichoke fan. Be prepared to not put it down after the first bite for two reasons: it’s delicious, and it’s messy. Sides to consider: sweet plantains and brussel sprouts. This is one of those locations that’s a go-to when I have a gyro craving, so I can’t speak for everything on the menu. But this place is a GREAT brunch spot! Parking can be tricky, so try the lot behind the shuffleboard courts first.
New Smyrna Steakhouse – The only steakhouse on the island! Steak lovers rejoice, they offer mesquite wood fired steaks that are reasonably priced as well as award winning ribs! Though I am not a huge red meat fan, they sometimes have a 140z. Island Ribeye on special that is marinated in pineapple juice, soy, teriyaki and brown sugar. If you’ve read this far, you’ll realize I have a palette for the sweet and tangy. Things not to overlook: spinach artichoke dip, french onion soup, always say yes to “bacon and cashews”, vested shrimps and the pizza florentine.
Off the Hook – Located in the same plaza at the Steakhouse, this is your fresh fish go to. You will find items fresh off the boat the very same day. Their oysters are quite popular and my favorite thing on the menu is the Grouper Rueben.
Black Dolphin Inn – You don’t have to stay here to enjoy breakfast at this beautiful riverside hotel!
Merks Bar & Grill – This is a super local place, but they have one thing no one else has: signature wing sauce. And they sell it. It’s called Frankenstein, and order however many you can handle (they are not spicy) and a side of tots and you’re set. Their kitchen stays open until 1:30 (but don’t push it late nighters!)