Daytona Beach
23 miles to enjoy swimming, sightseeing, snorkeling and fishing on one of the nation’s finest beaches; during spring break from co-eds from Bethune-Cookman College know the best places to party on the beach; although care is urged to avoid pedestrians, beach driving is allowed during daylight to just before sunset; boats and catamarans can be launched in designated areas only; remember, alcoholic beverages and dogs are not permitted on the beach. The beach is perfect for castle building, cycling, jogging, fishing or just relaxing along the Atlantic Ocean for during the spring and summer when temperatures range from 74 to 80 degrees F.

Driving on the Beach
A user fee of $5 per day enables you to drive on the beach or park in an adjacent parking area. The beach is always free to pedestrians and bicyclists. During normal beach daylight hours beach driving is allowed, unless there are unusual weather or tidal conditions. Visitors may park their cars seaward of the conservation zone, either facing the ocean or the dunes. There are also several parking areas adjacent to the beach. Note parking on the beach is single lane only and is west of the traffic lane; overnight parking and crossing over marked dune vegetation are prohibited, but motels and hotels are plentiful.

New Smyrna Beach
A somewhat quieter beach alternative when Daytona Beach is too loud and noisy; New Smyrna Beach also offers historic sites, such as the Turnbill Ruins and Old Fort and the New Smyrna Sugar Mill Ruins State Historic Site; take A1A Highway, 6 miles south of Daytona Beach.

Ormond Beach
Features Bicentennial Park, on the east and west sides of A1A and provides scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Halifax River. The complex features softball fields, basketball courts, boardwalk, fishing dock, fitness trail, nature trail, pavilion, picnic area, playground, racquet ball courts, restrooms, shuffleboard courts, soccer and football fields, tennis and volleyball courts; open sunrise to sunset; entry is free; 1800 N Oceanshore Blvd; 386-756-5953

Dive Sites
Fresh and saltwater diving and snorkeling opportunities are plentiful in Daytona Beach. The Volusia County Port Authority's Artificial Reef Program includes 13 reef sites with several more in the planning stages. 28 artificial reefs in the Daytona Beach area, which start from five miles offshore, give diving enthusiasts lots of marine life to explore. In addition to popular offshore, rock-ledge reef systems like Party Grounds, Nine Mile, East Eleven and others, the area has a number of derelict ships that were sunken to improve the area's offshore marine habitat. Daytona Beach is also home to the wrecks of two TB-M torpedo bombers that crashed in area waters during World War II.

Deep Sea Fishing
Deep-sea fishing charters depart from several marinas daily. A half-day trip costs as little as $25 per adult, which includes bait and gear necessary to catch the "big ones." Charter boat companies take their passengers to favored fishing spots to catch red snapper, grouper and other native fish.

Tomoka State Park
Once home to the Timucuan Indians, this scenic State Park is a perfect location for fishing, camping, hiking and boating. Escorted boat trips along the Tomoka River are also available for a small fee; north of Ormond Beach

Oceanfront Park
Views of the Atlantic, close proximity to local eateries, a large grassy area and a lighted volleyball court, is quite popular; entry is free; open sunrise to sunset; 100 N Atlantic Ave; 386-258-4543

Sun Splash Park
Features an interactive water fountain, decorative walkways, a shaded playground, volleyball courts, picnic areas, restrooms, outdoor showers; also provides 95 off-beach parking spaces, so get there early; open sunrise to sunset; Entry is free; 611 S Atlantic Ave; 386-736-5953

Ponce Inlet
A historic lighthouse combined with interesting nooks and crannies for adventurous shoreline travelers; beach cruising spots and quieter, no-driving zones, the sunset cruises, parks, and deep-sea fishing skippers, this southernmost town on Daytona Beach is a nice stop. Lighthouse Point Park consists of 52 acres of pristine land on the north side of Ponce de Leon Inlet. The 52-acre park features fishing, nature trails, an observation deck and tower, swimming and picnicking. A variety of wildlife call the park home, including birds of prey; open 8a-9p; a $3.50 per vehicle admission charge; 5000 South Atlantic Ave; 386-756-7488