Orlando’s Hidden Beach Gem: Daytona Beach · Travel Guide

Looking for a laid-back beach escape near Orlando without the crowds and high prices? Daytona Beach is your answer! Here’s my full breakdown of this underrated spot—perfect for families, budget travelers, or anyone wanting a chill coastal detour before hitting the theme parks 🚗. 🚗 Getting There & Why Choose Daytona? From Gainesville (Gan Village), it’s about a 2-hour drive to Daytona Beach. I picked this spot because I’d already visited Tampa’s Clearwater Beach, and Daytona wins big on value for money—especially for accommodations! Clearwater vs. Daytona Hotels: When I went to Clearwater, a Hilton king room cost around $500/night 😱. In Daytona, we stayed at a beachfront Hilton too—with two queen beds—for *under $200/night*! It’s not as luxury as the Clearwater one, but it’s clean, convenient, and way more family-friendly. Proximity to Orlando: After Daytona, it’s only a 1-hour drive to Universal Orlando Resort. Perfect for combining a beach day with theme park fun—no backtracking! 🏖️ Things to Do in Daytona Beach It’s not just about the sand—here’s what else to check out: 1. Tanger Outlets (Shopping Spree!) If you love deals, head to Tanger Outlets—it’s a collection of outlet stores with great discounts. Download the Tanger app for extra perks (like 15% off at some brands! 🛍️). I scored two Ralph Lauren shirts for just over $50 and a pair of Crocs—total steals. It’s a fun way to break up beach time and grab souvenirs. 2. Lighthouse Dolphin-Watching Tour We joined a dolphin-watching tour near the Daytona Lighthouse. At $30/person for 1.5 hours, it’s cheaper than tours at more famous beaches. Fair warning: Spotting dolphins is hit-or-miss (we didn’t see any 😅), but the guide was super informative—he pointed out local wildlife, people fishing offshore, and even jet skiers zipping around. The ocean views alone made it worth it! 3. The Beach Itself Daytona’s beach is quiet (way fewer crowds than Clearwater!)—great for walking, building sandcastles, or just lounging. Just note: You can drive on parts of the beach here (a unique Daytona quirk!), but be careful of pedestrians. 🍤 Food Highlights (TikTok/ Xiaohongshu Recommendations!) Seafood is the star here, but we also found some tasty Asian eats. Here’s the lowdown: 1. Macker Seafood (4/5 ⭐) A casual spot with classic American-style seafood—think lots of salt and spice on the dishes. We got the snow crab family meal, which was hearty but a bit heavy on the seasoning. The best part? The owner was so nice—we arrived late and stayed past closing, but he never rushed us. Heads up: Go early! They sell out of popular items fast (we missed their famous hushpuppies 😢). 2. J&L Seafood Market (4.8/5 ⭐) This one’s a winner! It’s takeout-only (no seating), but the prices are way cheaper than Macker (no tip needed, and lower base prices). We got the blue crab family meal with garlic sauce—so good and totally fits Chinese tastes 👍. The owner is Chinese, so communication was a breeze. Their oysters and fresh fish looked amazing too—we’ll grab those next time! 3. NY Korean BBQ & Chicken (4.5/5 ⭐) Craving something other than seafood? This spot has classic Korean dishes: bulgogi, army stew, tofu soup—you name it. We weren’t super hungry, so we just got the octopus stir-fried udon, and it was incredible—chewy udon, tender octopus, and a savory sauce. Highly recommend! 📝 Final Verdict Pros: Way more affordable (hotels, tours, food) than popular beaches like Clearwater. Quiet, low-crowd vibe—great for relaxing. Convenient 1-hour drive to Orlando theme parks. Cons: Scenery isn’t as “postcard-perfect” as Clearwater (no crystal-clear water or vibrant sunsets here). You need a car—public transit is limited. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, low-key beach trip near Orlando, Daytona Beach is a solid pick. It’s not flashy, but it’s cozy, convenient, and full of small-town coastal charm! #SunAndSand #Beach #BeachVacation #Orlando #AmericanLife #StudyAbroad #Travel #DaytonaBeach #FoodGuide #TravelTips