Guest Author - Karon Warren

Long known as a hot spot for spring break and Harley Davidson bikers, Daytona Beach, Fla., proves that it has much more to offer than just a beach and a place to cruise the streets. While the water certainly provides a lot of on-the-go options for the active vacationer, Daytona gives visitors a wide range of activities to choose from on the shore as well.

Racing fans definitely should include Daytona International Speedway on their itineraries. Although the track is most famous for hosting NASCAR’s premier event, the Daytona 500, each February, many other racing series also hold events at this venue each year. The International Race of Champions series, Grand American Rolex Series, American Motorcyclist Association and World Karting Association are just a few of the organizations that visit Daytona International Speedway on a routine basis. No wonder the track is nicknamed the “World Center of Racing.” To find out what events are scheduled during your visit, check out the list of upcoming events on www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com.

Of course, no visit to Daytona International Speedway is complete without a stop at the Daytona 500 Experience, the official attraction of NASCAR. At this attraction, visitors can peruse the history of the track in “Goodyear Heritage of Daytona,” or watch the “NASCAR 3D” and “Daytona 500” movies in the IMAX Theatre.

For a more hands-on experience, test your skills at the Pit-Stop Challenge or climb behind the wheel of the race simulator in Acceleration Alley. Since I am a race fan, this was pure excitement for me. However, if you have any physical or medical limitations, you should watch other guests as they try their hand at this activity. It can bang you up and knock you around pretty good.

If you’re brave enough, sign up for the Richard Petty Driving Experience, where you can climb behind the wheel of an actual racecar and take a lap around the track. If you weren’t addicted to speed before your visit, you certainly will be afterward!

Perhaps golf is your sport of choice? Then make your way to LPGA International, the official home course of the Ladies Professional Golf Association. This club features two courses, the Legends course and the Champions course. Designed by Arthur Hills, the Legends course incorporates rolling greens, tight fairways and a variety of hazards.

The 72-par Champions course, designed by Rees Jones, is a Scottish-links style design equipped with five sets of tee markers, allowing players to choose between a 5,131-yard and 7,088-yard course.

If you’d rather work on your game than play a round, LPGA International offers a state-of-the-art practice academy, complete with three championship practice holes, five putting greens and chipping areas, practice bunkers and a 360-yard double-ended driving range. Private lessons, golf school classes, daily clinics and playing lessons also are available.

In addition to great sporting opportunities, Daytona Beach also contains a wonderful array of natural and historic attractions. For instance, at De Leon Springs State Park, visitors can catch a glimpse of the wildlife, including whitetail deer, Florida black bears, swamp rabbits, wrens, osprey and alligators. You also can explore the 603-acre park, either on the one-half mile paved nature trail or on the looping five-and-one-half-mile Wild Persimmon Hiking Trail.

Fishing and boating are permitted in designated areas, and boat rentals (canoes, kayaks and paddleboats) are available. Swimming is permitted in the spring-fed pool, which maintains a constant 72-degree temperature.

If you head to the park, make sure to come early for breakfast at the Old Spanish Mill and Griddle House. This is something I highly recommend for it is a fun and enjoyable experience. Every table is outfitted with a griddle, where you cook your own pancakes. Although it may sound like work, it’s actually a lot of fun!

Another great outdoor site is the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse, located on Ponce Inlet. The tallest lighthouse in Florida, the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse stands 175 feet and originally was constructed in 1887. Take time to make the 203-step climb; the panoramic view of the area is worth the exertion! You also can tour the original lighthouse keepers’ dwellings plus see the Fresnel lens exhibit, a true masterpiece of light.

Think you’ll work up an appetite after taking part in all of these great activities? Well, don’t worry, because Daytona Beach has a great selection of restaurants to suit your culinary taste. A wonderful place for breakfast and lunch, the Daytona Diner cooks up the best biscuits and gravy in town. A word of caution: This establishment serves pancakes the size of dinner plates!

At Angell & Phelps Café, you can start off with a tasty panini sandwich and finish up with a luscious chocolate treat from the Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory next door. Don’t miss your free sample at the end of the factory tour! Wrap up your day with dinner at Stonewood Grill & Tavern, which offers a superb meal in a relaxed, yet upscale environment.

When booking your vacation to Daytona Beach, there are a number of great places to lay your head each night. One of the best is Bahama House, conveniently located on the beach and near all of the attractions mentioned above. Accommodations include private balconies, coffee makers, free high-speed Internet access, daily deluxe continental breakfast and free parking.

As you can see, Daytona Beach has more to offer than just a spring break retreat or bike getaway. To plan your visit, go online to www.daytonabeachcvb.org or www.daytonabeach.com.