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Daytona Beach, Florida – Mini Golf, Kindness & Beachfront Sunsets
- Jenn & Leon
- 11 hours ago
- 9 min read
Our nostalgic stopover before sailing the Atlantic, there’s something timeless about Daytona Beach.
For us, it was a short but memorable pitstop during our United States road trip from Michigan to Fort Lauderdale, before boarding a two-week transatlantic cruise.
It was Leon’s first time in Daytona; for Jenn, a return visit many years after driving on the beach and visiting the iconic racetrack with her kids.
This time, we didn’t hit the track or cruise the sand in a car, but we did rediscover the charm, warmth, and quirky character that Daytona offers.
From oceanfront sunsets to hot-dog stand kindness, here’s how our two-day visit unfolded, along with all you need to know about visiting Daytona Beach in Florida.
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A Brief History of Daytona Beach
Founded in 1870 by Mathias Day, a wealthy businessman from Ohio, Daytona Beach quickly grew from a small riverfront settlement into a booming tourist hub.
It earned fame in the early 1900s when automobile and motorcycle races began on the hard-packed sands, eventually leading to the formation of NASCAR.
Daytona has since become synonymous with motorsport, spring break culture, and scenic beach drives.
But Daytona isn’t just about speed and spectacle. Its roots run deep, with preserved historic districts, retro motels, and a long-standing reputation as a classic Florida getaway.
Our Beachside Stay: Sun Viking Lodge
We booked two nights at Sun Viking Lodge, a beachfront gem with one foot in nostalgia and the other in family-friendly comfort.
Think ocean views, poolside loungers, and direct beach access via stairs that lead right onto the sand.
We stayed in the main hotel building, which had an indoor pool and vending machines.
There’s also a motel-style section with two stories overlooking the parking lot and some rooms facing the sea.
Although the on-site restaurant is currently closed (with talk of reopening soon), our room was clean and the bed surprisingly comfy.
The only minor issue? The air conditioner sounded like it was preparing for takeoff. Still, we slept well and woke to waves and golden light pouring through the curtains.
We’ll do a full review of the lodge in a separate post, but for now, it’s a solid and affordable stay, especially if you want to be steps from the beach.
Sunset Strolls & Sunrise Magic
We didn’t do Daytona at high-octane speed. Instead, we slowed down.
We walked the beach multiple times, once at sunset and again at sunrise.
The beach itself is wide, long, and flat—perfect for driving (if you fancy it) or just ambling peacefully with the Atlantic breeze in your hair.
One of the quirks of Daytona is watching cars and even motorcycles coast along the beach.
It’s surreal at first, but there’s a beauty in the balance between machines and nature, especially when there’s plenty of space to keep vehicles and beachgoers separated safely.
Congo River Mini Golf – With Gators!
We’re always up for a good mini golf course—and Congo River Golf did not disappoint.
This wasn’t just putt-putt. It was a jungle-themed, waterfall-laced, cave-twisting 18-hole adventure with real live alligators on site.
The course was full of fun surprises—including a “spin the wheel” feature at some holes, where random tasks or challenges are added (think "use your non-dominant hand" or "stand on one foot").
Leon scored a hole-in-one… then Jenn did too—on the exact same hole! Jenn still won overall by four shots. Clearly, she’s the putting champion of Closer Lives.
We highly recommend this place for families, couples, or anyone who likes fun with a touch of Florida wild.
⪢ Contact Information for Congo River Golf
● Address: 2100 S Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32118, United States
● Phone: +1 (386) 258 6808
● Website: congoriver.com
A Hotdog & a Whole Lot of Heart at the Dairy Bar
Let’s talk about kindness.
We were told by locals not to miss Dairy Bar, a nostalgic window-serve spot in Port Orange, known for its chili dogs, shakes, and old-school charm.
We arrived close to closing, ordered two hot dogs and a milkshake (total: under $10!), and realized the card system was essentially a cash ATM—our transaction didn’t go through.
But instead of cancelling our order, the owner smiled and said, “Just enjoy them. You can come back and pay tomorrow.”
That kind of trust? Rare.
We did a mad dash to find a working ATM and returned with cash before closing.
Because yes, the hotdogs were that good—and the kindness even better.
⪢ Contact Information for Dairy Bar
● Address: 55 Dunlawton Avenue, Port Orange, FL 32127
● Phone: +1 (386) 767 3322
● Website: No website – just vibes.
Breakfast at Adam’s Egg
On the morning of our departure, we grabbed breakfast at Adam’s Egg, a small, cozy spot with a warm atmosphere and attentive service.
Leon ordered a bacon-and-egg muffin, while Jenn went for a small potato-and-bacon combo.
The food was fresh, the coffee hot, and the conversation with our server flowed into our life on the road, YouTube adventures, and what Closer Lives is all about.
It was a little pricier than expected, but worth it for the food and friendly vibe.
⪢ Contact Information for Adam's Egg
● Address: 935 S Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32118, United States
● Phone: +1 (386) 492 4766
● Facebook: @adamsegg
How to Get to Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach is located on Florida’s Atlantic Coast, roughly halfway between Jacksonville and Orlando.
It’s a convenient stop for road-trippers heading down the I-95 corridor or across from central Florida.
By Car (Most Common)
● From Orlando: 1 hour via I-4 East
● From Jacksonville: 1.5 hours south via I-95
● From Miami or Fort Lauderdale: 4.5–5.5 hours north via I-95
Use Exit 261 (for International Speedway Blvd) or Exit 256 (for Dunlawton Ave)
There’s plenty of beachfront and hotel parking, including paid lots near the pier and metered street parking.
By Air
By Bus or Shuttle
⪢ Easily Find Hotels in Daytona and Beyond
Looking for a place to stay nearby? Browse Daytona hotel deals below to find great rates for an overnight stay.
Our map offers a user-friendly interface that allows you to zoom in and out, providing a comprehensive view of the area and enabling you to identify the most convenient hotel options based on your current location or desired destination.
Ticket Prices, Opening Times & Best Time to Visit Daytona Beach
⪢ Ticket Prices
Daytona Beach itself is free to visit, and you can walk along the beachfront, boardwalk, and pier at no cost. However, some activities and attractions nearby may charge entry:
● Beach Driving Access: $20 per vehicle per day (seasonal)
● Pedestrians & Cyclists: Free
● Daytona Boardwalk Amusements: Prices vary per ride/game
● Congo River Golf (Mini Golf): $14–$16 per person
● Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse: $6.95 (Adults) / $1.95 (Children 2–11)
● Sun Viking Lodge (where we stayed): Pricing varies seasonally
● Parking: Most beachside lots charge around $10/day
Prices are correct at the time of writing (May 2025). All prices are in U.S. Dollars.
Convert your currency here.
⪢ Opening Times
The beach is open 24/7, though vehicle access is limited to daylight hours (approx. 8 AM – 7 PM) during season
Shops, cafes, and attractions generally open between 10 AM and 10 PM
⪢ Best Time to Visit
● Best Months: March to May and September to November – fewer crowds, pleasant weather, and lower hotel rates
● Summer (June to August): Hot and busy, especially during school holidays
● Spring Break (March): Lively, but can be crowded and loud
● Best Time of Day: Early morning for a peaceful walk, or sunset for golden-hour beach views
Travel Tips for Daytona Beach
● Bring strong sunscreen: Daytona’s sea breeze can trick you into underestimating the sun. Try and buy yours prior to arriving - prices are inflated locally.
● Want to drive on the beach? Make sure your vehicle can handle sand and follow signage.
● Carry a bit of cash: Especially for small, nostalgic spots like Dairy Bar.
● Don’t miss both a sunrise and a sunset on the beach. Worth waking up early for.
● First time in the U.S? Get all the information you need, from visas to cultural norms, with our U.S. Travel Essentials.
⪢ Safeguard Your Trip with SafetyWing
For peace of mind abroad, we recommend travel insurance. SafetyWing's Essential plan covers travel and medical emergencies, with options for adventure sports and electronics theft.
SafetyWing's Complete Plan offers comprehensive health coverage with routine healthcare, mental health support, and maternity, anywhere in the world, including in your home country, on top of all Essential benefits.
Nearby Places to Explore
Ponce Inlet
Lighthouse & Museum
Our Experience Rating:
Daytona Beach, Florida
For us, Daytona was a gentle reminder: sometimes the best travel stories aren’t about what you planned, but the little moments that catch you by surprise.
Sure, the beach and its vehicle access get most of the popular vote, but finding cool spots like the mini golf and breakfast cafe are the parts that make trips special.
That, and of course, the wonderful people we meet. Oh, and those epic sunsets and sunrises always help too!
Let us know in the comments: Have you ever driven on the beach? Or found an act of kindness like we did at the Dairy Bar?
🛎️ Next stop: Fort Lauderdale... and then, the open Atlantic.
FAQ: Daytona Beach – Planning the Perfect Road Trip Stop
Where is Daytona Beach located?
Daytona Beach is on Florida’s Atlantic Coast, about 90 minutes from Orlando and just over an hour from St. Augustine.
It’s a popular stop along I-95 and makes a great road trip break between northern Florida and the Miami area.
What is Daytona Beach known for?
Is Daytona Beach good for a short stopover?
What are the best things to do on a short visit?
Where did you stay, and would you recommend it?
Is the beach safe and clean?
Is it suitable for families?
Can you swim in the ocean at Daytona Beach?
When is the best time to visit?
Is Daytona worth including in a Florida road trip itinerary?
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A really cool experience, even if we did not actually drive on the beach. That sunrise was truly something else!