Page 34 - DreamScapes Magazine | Winter 2024/2025

New and Now
Fun Starts in DAYTONA BEACH
BY STEPHANIE GRAY
sandy beaches, thrilling
With its 37 kilometres of white-
attractions and family-friendly
adventures, this world-famous
destination on Florida’s Atlantic coast is an
oceanfront paradise welcoming exciting new
hotels, dining options and activities for every
type of traveller.
Now is the perfect time to visit Daytona
Beach to experience the fresh (and iconic)
offerings.
Coastal Bliss
Staying in an oceanfront property is a must,
and the newly opened Renaissance by
Marriott Daytona Beach checks all the boxes,
with its state-of-the-art design and modern
guest rooms angled for beach views, allowing
you to enjoy soothing surf sounds. Head to
the upscale Cast & Crew, a new “tide-to-
table” dining experience from acclaimed
Chef Olivier Koster. Plan to dine on freshly
caught seafood, while gazing out at the
turquoise waters.
Historic Hotspots
No trip to Daytona Beach is complete without
a visit to Ponce de Leon Lighthouse, a National
Historic Landmark at the southernmost tip of
the peninsula. At 53 metres tall, it’s Florida’s
tallest lighthouse where visitors can climb
203 steps for a spectacular 360-degree ocean
view. Across the street is the newly opened
Constance D. Hunter Historic Pacetti Hotel
Museum, a 19th century hotel showcasing
one of the first examples of cracker-style
architecture in Florida. The meticulously
restored hotel is one of Volusia County’s
oldest surviving structures, inviting visitors
to explore well-preserved rooms and period
furnishings.
Under the Sea
In the heart of the beachfront city is the newly
opened Daytona Aquarium & Rainforest
Adventure, the best spot to get up close
and personal with your favourite furry (and
slippery!) creatures. The area’s first aquarium
offers an interactive educational experience
showcasing sea creatures and land animals,
including primates, sloths and tropical birds.
The 5,110-square-metre facility features
nearly 40 displays, including the impressive
379,000-litre shark exhibit and a 45,425-litre
stingray touch pool. It’s sure to be a memorable
adventure for the whole family.
Putt & Sip
Golf enthusiasts prepare to tee up as
PopStroke, a miniature golf and family
entertainment centre, opened its doors this
past October at the Tomoka Town Center, a
premier shopping destination. Co-owned by
Tiger Woods, visitors can test their golf skills
at one of two meticulously designed mini-
golf courses (sand traps and tricky patches
included), grab a bite at the full-service
restaurant, or relax at the bar to watch a game
while sipping on a handcrafted cocktail.
Heart-racing Thrills
Get your adrenalin racing at the upcoming
67th annual DAYTONA 500, the most
prestigious event on the NASCAR Cup Series
schedule. Known as “The Great American
Race,” the event will be held on Sunday,
February 16, 2025. Expect electrifying
performances, heart-pumping racing and an
action-packed schedule. Don’t miss the pre-
race show when GRAMMY award-winning
artist Armando Christian Pérez (a.k.a. Pitbull)
is set to perform.
DS
TRAVEL PLANNER
For the latest stay-over deals in Daytona
Beach, visit daytonabeach.com
34
DREAMSCAPES WINTER 2024/2025
PHOTOS: DAYTONA BEACH AREA CVB | COURTESY OF MOTORSPORTS IMAGES & ARCHIVES