Page 46 - DreamScapes Magazine | Winter/Spring 2023

Go for the
PHOTOS: DAYTONA BEACH AREA CVB Unexpected in
DAYTONA BEACH
BY MADELAINE LAFRAMBOISE
With outdoor thrills and a 37-kilo-
A BEACON OF FUN
metre sandy shoreline, Daytona
Head to the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse for the ulti- Beach has been a rite of passage
mate 360-degree views of Ponce de Leon Inlet. for many snowbirds, who wish to snag some
The heritage landmark, which was established fun by the legendary Daytona International
in 1887, has a fascinating piece of history. Speedway as they get a dose of vitamin D,
Revered as the tallest lighthouse in Florida at basking in the sun along the world-famous
53 metres high, it’s also the third tallest in the Daytona Beach.
United States, and has saved countless lives. But Daytona Beach has so much more. Here
Visitors can climb the spiral staircase of the are four unexpected surprises.
red-bricked lighthouse tower for selfie shots,
and view rare artifacts at the on-site museum.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
There’s a green bounty that dates back millennia. Known as the Tomoka State Park, this Florida classic is a birder’s paradise. It also happens to be where Native Americans once lived, living off the fish-filled lagoons. These days, wild critters
tailed deer and otters like to rear their heads in the wilderness.
WATERFRONT WALKS
In the heart of Downtown Daytona Beach, there’s a new revitalized strip of green space that cuts a ribbon of outdoor fun for joggers, walkers, and even dog walkers. The former Riverfront Park has morphed into the Riverfront Esplanade, span- ning a portion of the Intracoastal Waterway. The nine-hectare esplanade has public outdoor fur- niture ideal for gathering a moment of relaxation, green spaces filled with botanical gardens, and other park features like a dog park, swing sets, a splash pad and fountains.
SWEET FANTASIES
Around since 1925, Angell & Phelps sends
call this state park home. Rent a canoe or kayak and see egrets and cranes. Bottlenose dolphins occasionally surface in the brackish Tomoka River, and then there are the American alligators, the endangered West Indian manatee, and the elusive, rarely seen bobcat. At dusk, the white-
chocolate lovers to sweet-tooth heaven. Watch these Willy Wonka-types making chocolate creations the old-fashioned way. As you watch them you can munch on free chocolate samples at this local favourite con- fectioner’s shop. DS
Travel Planner
For special offers on the perfect Daytona Beach getaway, check out the Canadian Sun & Sand Deals program. More info DaytonaBeach.com
46 DREAMSCAPES WINTER/SPRING 2023