Breeze Flights From Hartford, CT to Daytona Beach, FL From $59*

Daytona sits in the northern-central part of Florida’s Atlantic Coast, known for balmy year-round weather, fun attractions for the whole family, idyllic golfing, and some of the best surfing in the state. Get familiar with the many activities and points of interest around town and plan your trip with Breeze. 

Entertainment and the Beachfront 

The Greater Daytona area has 23 miles of beach to explore along its barrier coast. All you need is a towel to lie out and work your base layer in the warm sun. Others may opt for a shady umbrella and a chair to stretch out and watch the ebb and flow of the tide. However you play it, you’re sure to have a relaxing day on the golden-white sand. At low tide the shore stretches to 500 feet wide, perfect for long walks without the worry of burning your feet. Daytona boasts some of the biggest waves on the East Coast, making it a great place to try surfing. Just remember your sunscreen! The last thing you want is to get burned while splashing in the shallows. 

While on the beach, make sure to visit the boardwalk, complete with amusement park rides, plenty of festive shopping, and a fishing pier perfect for pictures. It’s a fun place to visit at night when all the rides are lit up, giving a carnival-on-the-beach atmosphere. You’ll also want to try all the local hotspots for dining and drinks. Atlantic Avenue has your typical seafood fare and beachside restaurants. Seabreeze Historic District is better for low-key cafes and pubs to while the night away. Looking for a bit of adventure? Check out Main Street, filled with biker saloons and home to an annual 10-day festival celebrating all things motorcycles. At the end of the day, watch a concert by the seaside at the Bandshell. 

Nature Retreats Along the Coast 

Let’s just get this out of the way first – Daytona has some of the best golfing in the country. Hitting the greens lined by palm trees swaying in a pleasant breeze is a form of paradise in and of itself. You’ll also find plenty of driving ranges and mini golf courses for competitors of all skill and intensity levels. There’s also a plethora of natural havens to escape to on your trip. 

To the north is Tomoka State Park, a forest and wetlands area along the Halifax River filled with live oaks covered in Spanish moss. Trek around via boardwalk or kayak through the trees and lagoon, looking for turtles and sea birds. Popular for hiking and biking is the Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail, winding through the park. Enjoy exploring the jungle landscape no matter your choice of transportation. 

South of town is Ponce de Leon Inlet. The iconic burnt-orange lighthouse is a must-see. Climb the spiraling steps to the observation deck for an excellent view of both the river and the ocean, as well as the surrounding neighborhood. There’s also a museum of historic buildings surrounding the lighthouse where you can learn about nautical navigation dating to 1887, when it was constructed. Across the inlet is New Smyrna, a more remote beach area with prime saltwater fishing spots and dunes to explore. Look for wildlife amongst the grassy spaces and boardwalks and take advantage of the less crowded sand spaces. This is also the most popular place for surfing near Daytona. 

Marine Science Center is another attraction worth stopping by near the inlet. Get up close and personal with exotic fish, birds, and reptiles through a series of aquariums, touch pools, aviaries, and other exhibits. You can also contribute to conservation efforts and learn about the Sea Turtle and Bird Hospital onsite. 

Cultural Attractions of the Mainland 

Discover several notable cultural installations around Daytona that make for a memorable day just off the beach. Daytona International Speedway is the famous stadium where NASCAR’s biggest race takes place each year. They hold several invitationals throughout the fall and into the winter that you can buy tickets to. They also offer daily tours and a racing experience where you can get behind the wheel on the actual speedway driven by professionals. Turn up the excitement level and experience high-speed thrills at the racetrack. 

Peruse exhibits ranging from topics including natural history, classic automobiles, rail transportation, apothecaries, modern paintings, and antique sculptures at the Museum of Arts & Sciences (MOAS). Browse local portraits documenting Daytona’s history and its natural beauty at the Cici & Hyatt Brown Museum of Art. Enjoy a quirky emporium of artifacts including a model ocean liner, an old tuner radio, glassware, portrait photos, antique toys, cabinets filled with collectible trinkets, war memorabilia, and more at the Halifax Historical Museum. 

Halifax River, separating the main town from the barrier island and beach, makes for a nice spot for a romantic boat cruise. Riverfront Esplanade is also a pleasant place overlooking the water. The long strip of land includes fountains, walking trails lined by palm plants, a wetlands area, a rose garden, and a splash pad. Across from the esplanade is Jackie Robinson Ballpark, home of Minor League Baseball’s Daytona Tortugas. It’s the oldest Minor League stadium still in use today and is where the famed player for which it is named broke the sport’s color barrier in 1947. Catch a game at the historic venue overlooking the river. 

Ready for a fun-filled vacation in a storied coastal city? Book your flight to Daytona Beach with Breeze today.