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Daytona Beach is a popular vacation destination on the east coast of Florida, just 55 miles away from Orlando. It’s renowned for its long stretch of clean, hard-packed white sand, which attracts sunbathers, swimmers, and surfers.
Daytona Beach is also recognized internationally for its racing history, having hosted some of the world’s biggest motorsport events, including the Daytona 500 NASCAR Cup Series race.
If you’re planning a getaway to Daytona Beach, you might be wondering which part of the area to stay in. There’s plenty of choice when it comes to hotels and vacation rentals. However, each different neighborhood has a unique atmosphere and amenities, so it’s important to choose accommodation that matches your travel style and the nature of your vacation.
Let’s take a look at the main areas of Daytona Beach for tourists and highlight some of the best hotels to help you plan your perfect Floridian adventure.
Daytona Beach City for First-Time Visitors
Highlights: Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Lagoon, Ocean Walk Shoppes, Screamer’s Park
The city center of Daytona Beach itself is based around the coast, so no matter where you stay, you’re never too far away from the beach. However, many of the city’s main attractions lie on or near the barrier island that stretches along the coastline. Atlantic Avenue runs right along the beachfront here, and there’s a host of hotels and resorts dotted along it for convenient access to the beach.
Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier are popular attractions in the city center, where you can find gift shops, restaurants, snack bars, and a classic arcade. Look out for Ocean Walk Shoppes — a nearby colorful shopping, dining, and entertainment center. Don’t miss out on Daytona Lagoon Waterpark, especially if you’re traveling with kids, and be sure to go to Screamer’s Park to try its thrilling rides including the terrifying slingshot!
Where to Stay
There are many oceanfront hotels and resorts to choose from in the city of Daytona Beach. Hampton Inn Daytona Beach Beachfront is a family-friendly spot with an outdoor pool and a guests-only terrace where you can relax and unwind. Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach is an indulgent option for couples or groups of adults looking for a touch of glamour. It offers fantastic ocean views from its rooms, an on-site restaurant, and an oceanfront swimming pool and terrace where you can sip cocktails while watching live music.
Hilton Garden Inn Daytona Beach Oceanfront is situated near Bellair Plaza for convenient access to restaurants and stores. It has an outdoor pool, an on-site restaurant, free WiFi, and free parking with electric vehicle charging available. Ocean-view rooms with balconies are available, and there are some pet-friendly rooms if you plan to bring your furry friend with you.
If you’re looking for easy access to the Daytona International Speedway for motorsport events, check out some of the popular hotels situated nearby. The benefit of staying here is that you also have convenient access to Daytona Beach International Airport. Residence Inn by Marriott Daytona Beach Speedway/Airport is less than a mile from the airport and offers a free 24-hour shuttle service. There’s an outdoor pool, a hot tub, a fitness center, and a snack bar on site, and rooms have fridges and microwaves, so you can do some of your own catering.
Quality Inn Daytona Speedway I-95 is an award-winning hotel with friendly staff at its front desk. Their rooms are designed with comfort in mind and include premium bedding, flat-screen televisions, a fridge and a microwave, and free WiFi.
Home2 Suites by Hilton Daytona Beach Speedway is a new hotel that offers studio and one-bedroom suites. Each suite has living and sleeping areas and a fully-equipped kitchen, and the furniture is moveable, so you can customize the space to suit you. All suites are pet-friendly, and free WiFi is available.
Daytona Beach Shores for Families
Highlights: Wilbur Beach, Sunglow Fishing Pier, Dahlia Park, Fornari Park, Frank Rendon Park, Congo River Golf
Daytona Beach Shores lies just below Daytona Beach city center — so close that it’s within walking distance of Atlantic Ave. If you want to be close to the action while enjoying a little more peace and quiet at night, Daytona Beach Shores is a great place to stay and it’s a good option for family vacations.
There are some fantastic restaurants and bars in Daytona Beach Shores, but most people flock to the pristine stretch of beach for sunbathing and watersports. There are also several attractive parks to enjoy when you want a break from the sea and sand.
Where to Stay
There’s accommodation to suit a variety of budgets in Daytona Beach Shores. Hyatt Place Daytona Beach offers modern, comfortable rooms for a relaxing vacation. An outdoor pool and a hot tub are on-site for guests to enjoy, and breakfast is available each morning if you want it. Plus, you can access laundry facilities, which is ideal for extended trips.
Bahama House is a family-run and family-friendly Daytona Beach hotel that offers a personal touch by briefly getting to know each guest during check-in. Rooms and suites are spacious and comfortable, with coffeemakers, microwaves, refrigerators, and flat-screen TVs included. Guests can enjoy free breakfast, WiFi, parking, and even cocktails in the evening.
Holiday Inn Resort Daytona Beach Oceanfront is an IHG hotel that’s a great choice for those on a budget. The rooms are comfortable and spacious, and you can grab breakfast or dinner in the on-site restaurant. There’s also an in-house bar, a hot tub and sauna, and access to free WiFi.
The Nautilus Inn has 99 suites all with fully-equipped kitchens, which is ideal for those who want to self-cater on their vacation. There’s an outdoor pool and hot tub, a self-service coffee bar for complimentary hot drinks in the morning, and a marketplace in the lobby to purchase snacks, sweet treats, drinks, and quick meals. The beach can be accessed directly from the back of the property for total convenience.
Downtown Daytona Beach for History and Culture
Highlights: Halifax Historical Museum, Museum of Arts and Sciences, Riverfront Park, Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory
Downtown Daytona Beach is the city’s most historic area and a hub for business and culture. Beach Street is the area’s main drag, and it’s a picturesque stretch of palm trees, cafes, restaurants, and boutiques. This is a popular area for shopping during the day, but there’s a great atmosphere at night as people head out to enjoy dinner and drinks.
There are some fascinating cultural sites in Downtown Daytona Beach, including the Halifax Historical Museum, the Museum of Arts and Sciences, and Riverfront Park. The latter has a playground, restrooms, and a picnic area as well as a fishing pier, a boat ramp, and a kayak launch.
Where to Stay
There’s plenty of accommodation to choose from in the Downtown area. Boardwalk Inn and Suites is conveniently located at the corner of Atlantic Avenue and International Speedway Boulevard. It has an outdoor pool and direct beach access. A free continental breakfast is included, and there’s a poolside bar and grill should you want a bite to eat throughout the day.
Club Wyndham Ocean Walk is a modern, family-friendly resort offering one-, two–, and three-bedroom suites with full kitchens, washing machines, and driers. It has both indoor and outdoor pools, a lazy river, a waterslide, and baby pools for the kids to play in. There’s a game room, miniature golf course, pool tables, and a volleyball court, as well as a poolside bar.
Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort offers convenient access to downtown while sitting right on the beachfront. There’s an on-site fitness center and spa, so you can indulge in some me-time, and if you’re planning a working vacation, you can make the most of the on-site business center. The resort also has seven eateries to choose from, including seafood and steak restaurants and a grab-and-go deli.
Super 8 by Wyndham Daytona Beach is an affordable hotel with simple, comfortable rooms and an outdoor pool. Tea and coffee-making facilities are in the rooms, and guests can enjoy free parking and WiFi.
New Smyrna Beach for Budget Vacations
Highlights: Smyrna Dunes Park, Canal Street Historic District, New Smyrna Museum of History, Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum
New Smyrna Beach is a 20-minute drive away from Daytona Beach and is known as a fantastic spot for surfing. The waves here are better than in Daytona, and there are fewer crowds for those who want a little more peace and quiet. That doesn’t mean to say that there aren’t plenty of amenities.
New Smyrna Beach has a good range of restaurants, bars, shops, museums, and galleries to explore. Plus, it’s a relatively short drive from Daytona itself for when you want to see the city’s main attractions.
Where to Stay
A big benefit of New Smyrna Beach is its affordability. The hotels and rentals here are much cheaper than in Daytona Beach despite being just as good quality. If you’re looking for an affordable getaway to this region of Florida, you can enjoy the indulgence of a beachfront resort with a modest price tag when you stay in New Smyrna Beach.
Best Western New Smyrna Beach Hotel & Suites provides simple yet comfortable rooms equipped with kitchenettes. Ocean-view rooms with balconies are available, or you can upgrade to a suite to get a room with a sofa bed for extra living space. There’s an informal restaurant, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and laundry facilities on-site, and parking is complimentary.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott New Smyrna Beach offers comfortable, airy suites that include kitchenettes and living areas. Coffeemakers, TVs, and free WiFi are in every room, and you can request a room with a balcony or ocean view. A complimentary buffet breakfast is available daily, and guests can access the beachfront pool, on-site fitness center, and restaurant and bar.
Victoria 1883 is a beautiful 4-star hotel that offers a unique experience for those who want an indulgent vacation. Each room and suite in this B&B is individually themed, and guests can enjoy the property’s expansive gardens and stylish gathering spaces. There’s even a hidden speakeasy on site.
Ormond Beach for Nature Lovers
Highlights: Tomoka State Park, Bulow Creek State Park, Ocean Art Gallery, Arts of Granada, Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens, Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center
Ormond Beach is just north of Daytona, and it has a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere and a quieter pace than central Daytona Beach. The beaches here are beautiful, and the area offers easy access to nearby Tomoka State Park and Bulow Creek State Park. Both of these are perfect for hiking and getting a feel for the natural fauna and flora of the east Florida coast.
There are some fantastic cultural experiences to be had in Ormond Beach. The town has several art galleries and museums to explore, and you can catch a show at Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center. You’ll also be spoiled for choice by the array of restaurants and bars in the area.
Where to Stay
Much like New Smyrna Beach, Ormond Beach has very affordable accommodation. The Cove on Ormond Beach provides comfortable one- and two-bedroom condo units that are fitted out with kitchens, private balconies, cable TV, and DVD players. There’s an indoor pool, an outdoor pool with a two-story waterslide, a games room with a pool table, and a fitness area. Guests can also access the resort’s private beach with a beachfront hot tub.
Tropic Sun Towers is a beachfront condo hotel with comfortable, laid-back suites. Each unit has a full kitchen with a dishwasher and dining area. The majority of rooms have balconies and ocean views, and the two-bedroom suites have en suite bathrooms in the master bedrooms. The outdoor pool is heated and includes a sundeck and hot tub.
Coral Sands Inn & Seaside Cottages is a simple, affordable, and cheerful hotel with a variety of rooms available and an outdoor pool on-site. Some rooms have kitchenettes and sofa beds, while the full cottages have living and dining areas, kitchens, and direct access to the beach.
Book Your Stay in Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach is the perfect destination for a relaxing break by the ocean, and the atmosphere in the city is second to none when motorsport events come to town. Now you know more about where to stay, you can get started planning your visit to this welcoming region of Florida.
