Travel

USA travel is back: all-new attractions make Florida’s Daytona Beach an ideal winter sun break

The shoreline of Daytona Beach

US holidays are finally back on the itinerary. And with the US’ 18-month travel ban on UK and EU arrivals lifting on November 8, a whole new world of travel possibilities (or at least, 50 states of them) have been created. 

The award-winning Daytona Beach shoreline / Credit: Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Because of all that time without US trips for UK holiday makers, that means that even the biggest US travel fans will find all-new experiences to enjoy when they get to make their return. The perfect example for British sunseekers? Daytona Beach. 

UK sunseekers can return to Florida from 8 November 2021 / Credit: Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

The sun-soaked Florida beach destination with 23 miles of renowned shores was ranked number one in the Travel Channel’s Top 10 Attractions in Florida, and is not only ideally twinned with a trip to nearby holiday-favourite Orlando, but boasts a wealth of new openings to send it to the top of your next West Coast adventure. As we approach winter, those year-round days of sunshine have frankly never sounded more appealing. 

So what’s new in the award-winning Florida locale? Here are the latest must-visit attractions to add to your itinerary… 

New luxury accommodation

The Daytona Grande hotel is an all-new luxury resort with a prime oceanfront setting / Credit:: Daytona Grande

Oceanfront resort Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach has arrived at the destination and is offering the ultimate stay for music lovers, including rooms decked out with Fender guitars, music-centric spa treatments and even a guitar-shaped pool.  

Then, the Daytona Grande, a new 27-floor, 456-room luxury resort also with a prime oceanfront setting, is set to fully open later this year. 

Want space for all the family? The oceanfront 12-story Max Daytona Beach Resort is scheduled to open in early 2022, with one, two and three-bedroom residential suites complete with fully equipped kitchens, private outdoor living spaces and all the amenities of a high-end resort hotel, including a top-floor sky lounge. 

Daytona Races to add to the diary now 

Add a race day to your Daytona bucket list

Daytona is world-famous for the Daytona International Speedway, so if you can, try and schedule your trip to coincide with a race for the ultimate experience. Significant dates already in the calendar include January 7-9, which will see the new-for-2022 event Classic MotoFest at DAYTONA, hosted by the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association and featuring off-road MX, dirt track and a full slate of road racing. Then, historic sportscar racing event, the 60th Rolex 24 At DAYTONA Weekend, which is set for January 27-30, 2022 – combine it with the Taste of Daytona, which offers an inclusive racing and dining event experience. 

New oceanfront eateries 

The area’s growing dining options include everything from traditional eateries and high-end fare, to the vibrant social atmosphere along the ever-popular Daytona Beach Ale Trail. All-new highlights include buzzing tapas joint Mama Foo Foo, located at the picturesque Halifax Harbor Marina in downtown Daytona Beach, the fresh seafood at Big Tuna’s Beach Bar & Grill, and Fugu Sushi Bar, which pairs upscale vibes the ultimate meal accompaniment: unbeatable waterside views. 

Stroll along the Riverfront Esplanade 

Daytona Beach offers relaxing trails and bike rides as well as action

Daytona Beach isn’t all fast cars and loud track days. Want a more relaxing day out? The park that runs the length of historic downtown Daytona Beach is being transformed right now. When complete in 2022, the Riverfront Esplanade will extend a mile along the Halifax River and include a promenade along the water’s edge, running and walking trails, and landscaping designed to encourage relaxation and reflection including water features, shade trees and raised botanical gardens.

Visit the newly-opened World Center of Racing 

Following a $400 million “reimagining”, the Daytona International Speedway has been transformed into a state-of-the-art motorsports facility, known as the ‘World Center of Racing.” It’s now packed with elevated amenities, and hosts an ever-growing number of events and shows. Take a tour of the Speedway and be sure to visit the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, too. 

For more information visit DaytonaBeach.com.

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