Florida | Daytona Beach & St. Augustine – Between Beaches, History and Nature (December 2025 et April 2024)
Last updated on : January 30, 2026
This Florida trip was not the result of a sudden impulse or a specific destination search. Instead, it came from time constraints, budget realities, and a shared desire to escape anyway – at two very different moments: April 2024 and December 2025.
In both cases, our vacation time was limited. Our work schedules didn’t align, and we only had a few days available to travel. Like many travelers from Quebec, we first looked at all-inclusive resorts in the South. But with last-minute bookings – and even more so during the holiday season – prices were high, often not worth it for the length of stay, and didn’t match the value we were looking for.
That’s when the idea of a Florida road trip became an obvious choice. A smart compromise: warmth, sunshine and beaches, without giving up freedom of movement, discovery, and good food. By traveling by car and choosing our own accommodations and activities, we were able to control our budget while creating a richer, more flexible experience.
During our first stay in April 2024, we chose to base ourselves in St. Augustine, the oldest city in the United States, and explore the surrounding area. In December 2025, we settled in Daytona Beach Shores while continuing to explore nearby attractions. Two different home bases, but the same travel philosophy: combining relaxation, discovery and freedom.
Located on Florida’s northeast coast, about an hour’s drive apart, Daytona Beach and St. Augustine form an ideal region for this type of trip. Between long sandy beaches, historic cities, accessible nature and varied excursions, this part of Florida offered us much more than just a sunny getaway.
In this article, I share our experience through these two trips, along with everything you can see, do and experience in the area – whether you’re planning a short stay or an improvised road trip like ours.
When to Go to Daytona Beach / St. Augustine
Florida’s northeast coast can be visited year-round, but the ideal period is between November and May, when temperatures are pleasant and the risk of heavy rain or hurricanes is lower.
🌴 Winter and Spring: The Best Seasons
From December to February, winter is peak tourist season, especially in southern Florida. In northeast Florida – particularly around Daytona Beach and St. Augustine – the atmosphere generally remains calmer, with comfortable temperatures that are perfect for escaping the Canadian winter.
Spring (March to May) is, in our opinion, the most enjoyable season climate-wise. Temperatures are ideal for both beach time and sightseeing. We traveled in April, and the conditions were simply perfect.
⚠️ Good to know: Spring break, especially in March, attracts large numbers of students to Daytona Beach and can create a very lively party atmosphere. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, this is not the most recommended time to visit.
☀️ Summer and Fall: Worth Considering Depending on Your Priorities
Summer (June to September) is hotter and more humid, with more unpredictable weather. However, it’s also a period when prices are often lower.
Fall (September to November) still offers warm temperatures, but it overlaps with the end of hurricane season – something to keep in mind when planning your trip.
In Summary
- November to May: Best overall conditions
- Spring: Ideal temperatures (watch out for spring break in Daytona)
- Summer and Fall: More affordable, but less predictable weather
Entry Requirements for United States
To travel to Florida, you must meet the entry requirements in effect for the United States. Since regulations can change quickly, I strongly recommend checking the official Government of Canada website before your departure to get the most up-to-date information.
In our case, as Canadian citizens entering by land and staying less than 30 days, we were asked to provide:
- A valid passport for the entire duration of the stay
- Proof of accommodation reservation – which I showed directly on my phone
As mentioned above, always make sure to verify the entry requirements before your trip to ensure you fully comply with current regulations.
How to Get to Daytona Beach / St. Augustine
Several options are available to reach the Daytona Beach and St. Augustine area, depending on your budget, available time, and travel style.
✈️ By Plane
Flying remains the fastest option to reach Florida. For this northeastern region of the state, the most commonly used airports are Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Jacksonville International Airport (JAX).
Orlando is often preferred because of the large number of flights and generally more competitive prices. Jacksonville, on the other hand, is especially convenient for reaching St. Augustine. In both cases, renting a car is highly recommended in order to explore the region freely.
💡 Money-Saving Tip
Some travelers choose to cross the border by car and then take a domestic flight from U.S. airports such as Burlington or Plattsburgh to reduce airfare costs. This can be a good option depending on travel dates and ticket prices.
🚗 By Car (Road Trip)
Driving to Florida is a very popular option, especially among travelers from Quebec and snowbirds.
For our part, we chose the road trip option for both of our stays. From the Montreal area, the drive to Daytona Beach takes approximately 24 hours, including stops for gas, meals, and breaks.
Since we were two drivers, we decided to complete the drive in one stretch both on the way there and on the return, in order to maximize our time on site, as our stays were relatively short. However, it is absolutely possible to turn this into a more relaxed road trip with one or several overnight stops along the way, especially if you have more time available.
This option offers great flexibility, both for getting around once you arrive and for managing your budget, and is ideal for travelers who enjoy moving at their own pace.
How to Get Around Daytona Beach / St. Augustine
To explore the Daytona Beach and St. Augustine area, having a car is by far the most practical and efficient way to get around.
🚗 By Car (The Most Logical Choice)
Whether you arrive in Florida by road trip or by plane, having access to a car is almost essential to fully enjoy the region.
For both of our trips, we used our own vehicle, which gave us a lot of freedom:
- easy access to the beaches
- simple travel between cities
- the ability to explore the surrounding areas without schedule constraints
Distances are reasonable, driving is easy, and parking is generally accessible, especially compared to larger cities such as Miami or Orlando.
👉 If you are arriving by plane, renting a car is strongly recommended. It allows you to easily reach your accommodation and get around to the various activities and excursions.
🚕 Taxis and Ride-Sharing Services
Taxis and services like Uber are available in the area, but they are mainly suited for:
- short trips
- occasional transportation (airport ↔ hotel, for example)
For a trip that includes multiple visits, beaches, and excursions, these options quickly become less practical and more expensive than renting a car.
🚌 Public Transportation
Public transportation is limited in this part of Florida and not well adapted for tourism. Bus routes mainly serve local travel and do not make it easy to reach major attractions or travel between Daytona Beach and St. Augustine.
👉 This is not an option we would recommend for this type of trip.
In Summary
✔️ Personal or rental car: essential
➖ Taxi / Uber: occasional use only
❌ Public transportation: not traveler-friendly
Based on our experience, having a car remains the best way to discover this region, especially if you want to combine relaxation, sightseeing, and freedom of movement.
Budget & Travel Costs
The costs listed below are based on our December 2025 stay, which is our most recent trip and the one for which we had the clearest overview of our expenses. This budget is provided as a reference only, since the cost of a Florida trip can vary significantly depending on several factors: time of year, length of stay, type of accommodation, chosen activities, and individual travel habits.
Our goal here is not to provide an exact budget to replicate, but rather to give a realistic idea of expenses for a short stay in the Daytona Beach and St. Augustine area, within a road trip context.
- 🏨 Accommodation: 500$
- 🚗 Gas: 425$
- 🍔 Food: 575$
- 🎟️ Activities: 350$*
👉 Total: $1,850 CAD for 2 people in December 2025, for a 4-day / 3-night road trip.
* Please note that the one-day visit to the Kennedy Space Center alone cost $280, which represents almost the entire activities budget.
Currency
In the United States, the official currency is the US dollar (USD).
You can exchange money before your departure in Québec through your bank or at currency exchange offices. On our end, we already had a small amount of US dollars left from previous trips, which we simply reused.
That said, in the United States, credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere. Whether for restaurants, hotels, activities, or even small purchases, paying by card is extremely easy. We paid the vast majority of our expenses this way, without any issues.
ATMs are also widely available if you need to withdraw cash on site. However, in our case, we barely needed cash at all, as card payments are so common.
👉 In short, there is no need to travel with a large amount of cash. A credit card and, if needed, an international debit card are more than enough for a stay in the Daytona Beach and St. Augustine area.
Things to Do in Daytona Beach / St. Augustine
There are many activities to enjoy in the Daytona Beach and St. Augustine area in Florida. You’ll find options for every type of traveler: beaches, nature, motorsports, theme parks, and more. Below, I’m sharing the activities we personally experienced, in the hope that they will inspire you and help guide your own travel plans.
🌊 Daytona Beach (April 2024 and December 2025)
The beach was at the heart of our stay in Daytona Beach in December 2025, and we experienced it in two very different ways, depending on the area.
On the Daytona Beach Shores side, where our hotel was located, the atmosphere was much calmer and more peaceful. We mostly enjoyed the beach in the morning, when the sun was fully out before the shadow of the tall hotels started creeping onto the sand in the afternoon. Every morning, we set up our beach chairs and simply took the time to enjoy the moment.
Having a balcony with an ocean view also allowed us to experience beautiful sunrises, sometimes even while having breakfast – a simple luxury that we truly appreciated. Even though the water was a bit cold for swimming in December, we spent a lot of time walking along the shoreline with our feet in the water, watching the waves and observing surfers enjoying the good conditions. The presence of seabirds added even more to the natural and relaxing atmosphere.
We also made a stop in the more touristy area of Daytona Beach, near the Daytona Beach Pier and the boardwalk. The vibe there is completely different: livelier, busier, with restaurants, fishermen on the pier, and constant movement. We stopped by briefly in 2025, having already explored this area during our April 2024 trip.
Even in December, you can tell that this area can become very crowded at certain times of the year, especially during spring break. For us, we really enjoyed being able to choose the calm of Daytona Beach Shores while still being only about a 15-minute drive from this more vibrant zone.
👉 Two atmospheres, two complementary experiences:
- Daytona Beach Shores for relaxation, tranquility, and sunrises
- Daytona Beach (pier area) for action, entertainment, and that classic Florida beach vibe
A perfect balance that matched exactly what we were looking for during this stay.
🌊 St. Augustine Beach (April 2024)
During our stay in St. Augustine, we also took the time to visit the beach, which is easily accessible by car from the historic downtown area. Since the distance is too far to walk, we used our car and were able to find parking easily – and even for free – which made the visit much more convenient.
The beach is not as wide as Daytona Beach, but it still offers a beautiful stretch of sand and is perfect for long walks along the shoreline. When we visited, it wasn’t very crowded, which made the atmosphere especially calm and relaxing.
After spending time exploring the cultural and historical sites downtown, this beach visit allowed us to slow down, enjoy the ocean, and simply take a moment to relax. A great way to balance sightseeing and rest during a stay in St. Augustine.
🏛️ Exploring St. Augustine (April 2024 and December 2025)
St. Augustine is a city that is perfectly suited for walking. The historic downtown is compact, pleasant, and filled with sites rich in history. We spent several hours wandering through the area, simply walking from one place to another and enjoying both the architecture and the overall atmosphere.
The pedestrian district is full of historic buildings, restaurants, patios, cafés, and small shops, which makes the visit lively and enjoyable. It’s the kind of place where you can wander around without necessarily following a strict itinerary.
🏫 Flagler College
Originally built as a luxury hotel at the end of the 19th century by Henry Flagler, Flagler College is now an educational institution, but it remains one of the most impressive buildings in St. Augustine.
Even though the full interior is not open to the public, visitors can enter the lobby and explore the outdoor gardens. The interior architecture, ceilings, and decorative details offer a beautiful glimpse into the grandeur of the building’s past. A short visit, but one that is absolutely worth it.
🕌 Villa Zorayda Museum
Villa Zorayda was one of our most memorable indoor visits in St. Augustine. Built by Franklin W. Smith in the early 20th century, the villa is inspired by Moorish architecture, with an aesthetic that strongly resembles Moroccan riads and palaces.
The visit is done with an audio guide available in several languages, which makes the experience very accessible and enjoyable. Inside, you’ll discover many decorative objects, works of art, and architectural elements imported from across the Atlantic.
Looking back — especially after traveling to Morocco — it’s striking to see how faithful and detailed the inspiration really is. A surprising and very enriching visit.
🏰 Castillo de San Marcos
We also walked around the Castillo de San Marcos, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. We chose not to visit the interior, having already explored many forts during previous travels. The fort sits right by the water, and walking around it offers beautiful views and a pleasant atmosphere.
🖼️ Other museums and attractions in St. Augustine
St. Augustine offers many other museums and attractions, including:
- The Lightner Museum, located across from Flagler College
- Ripley’s Believe It or Not, popular with families
- The old jail and several historic buildings
It’s also possible to explore the city using tourist trolleys that connect the main attractions. On our end, we preferred walking everywhere, which allowed us to take our time and fully enjoy the atmosphere.
👉 St. Augustine is a rich, vibrant, and deeply historic city that offers plenty of options, whether you’re visiting for just a few hours or spending several days exploring.
🗼 St. Augustine Lighthouse (April 2024)
During our stay in St. Augustine, it was impossible for us to skip a visit to the St. Augustine Lighthouse – an iconic landmark of the region and also one of the most well-known “haunted” lighthouses.
My husband and I have long been big fans of the TV show TAPS, which focuses on paranormal investigations. The St. Augustine Lighthouse is one of the locations featured in the series, notably after a female silhouette was captured on camera inside the lighthouse when no one was supposed to be there. Being able to visit this place in person therefore had a special meaning for us.
Beyond this intriguing aspect, the lighthouse visit itself is truly impressive. The climb to the top is quite demanding – more challenging than the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse in our experience – with many steps to climb. Thankfully, there are several landings along the way where you can catch your breath.
Once at the top, the panoramic view over the surrounding area is stunning and absolutely worth the effort. Like with every lighthouse we visit, this is one of our favorite moments: gaining height, taking in the scenery, and seeing the region from a different perspective.
The site also includes exhibitions related to maritime history, particularly about the life of lighthouse keepers, which adds depth to the visit. Evening tours focusing on the paranormal side are also available, but we chose to visit during the day in order to fully enjoy the views.
🗼 Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse (December 2025)
Located about 10 to 15 minutes by car from our accommodation in Daytona Beach Shores, the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse was a very pleasant visit – especially since we have a strong appreciation for lighthouses and this wasn’t our first experience of this kind.
As soon as we arrived on site, we were lucky enough to join a guided tour almost immediately, led by a volunteer. It was a great surprise: the explanations, anecdotes, and historical context truly enhanced our understanding and appreciation of the location.
After the guided tour, we took some time to explore the grounds on our own before climbing to the top of the lighthouse. Although the lighthouse is impressive in height, the ascent turned out to be easier than expected, especially compared to other lighthouses we had previously visited, including the one in St. Augustine.
Once at the top, the reward is immediate: a stunning 360-degree panoramic view over the region, the ocean, and the surrounding landscape. These are exactly the kind of viewpoints we love when visiting places like this.
🐢 Marine Science Center (December 2025)
Located right next to the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, the Marine Science Center naturally fit into our day. The visit wasn’t originally planned, but since we had time and were curious about the place, we decided to go – and we were so glad we did.
It’s a small center that can be visited fairly quickly, but it offers a truly enriching experience. The center plays an important role in rehabilitating local marine wildlife, especially sea turtles. A glass viewing terrace allows visitors to watch turtles swimming in large tanks, which is both a peaceful and fascinating moment.
Inside, you’ll find several aquariums filled with beautiful fish, as well as a cylindrical tank housing seahorses. This was a particularly special moment for me, as I don’t remember ever seeing seahorses in real life before – I was genuinely amazed, like a child discovering something new.
But the highlight of the visit was clearly the stingray experience. We arrived just in time for the feeding session, where visitors are allowed to feed the rays. Feeling them glide by as they suction the food from your hand is a unique sensation. After a short break, it was even possible to gently touch them as they swam past, which made the experience even more memorable.
On the way out, a final stop allows you to observe rehabilitated birds of prey – including eagles, falcons, and owls – a beautiful way to end the visit.
👉 At $8 USD per person, this activity offers excellent value for money. Even though the center is small, the experience is rich, educational, and truly enjoyable.
🌿 Blue Spring State Park (April 2024 and December 2025)
Blue Spring State Park is a place we visited twice, at two very different moments, and each visit offered a unique and equally memorable experience.
Our first visit took place in early April 2024, when I wanted to see if it was still possible to spot manatees. The ideal season to observe them usually runs from November to March, as manatees seek out warmer water sources during this period. By early April, we knew the chances were lower, but we decided to give it a try anyway.
The park features a beautiful wooden boardwalk that runs along the river, allowing visitors to walk at a relaxed pace while observing the water – often very clear – and the fish swimming below. At that time of year, access to the water and water activities were still closed in order to protect any manatees that might still be present.
Just as we were no longer expecting to see any, we stopped near a dock farther along the trail, where the river is deeper and kayaking is normally allowed. That’s when two manatees appeared, swimming very close to us, lifting their heads above the surface before diving back down. It was an unexpected, intimate, and truly magical encounter – one that I even managed to capture on video.
In December 2025, we decided to return, this time during peak manatee season. The experience was completely different. For a $6 USD entrance fee per vehicle, we were able to observe many manatees gathered in the river. They were much calmer, sometimes almost motionless, but we also witnessed how quickly they can move when they choose to, despite their massive appearance.
Beyond the manatees, the park is a beautiful place to walk in nature, observe wildlife, and simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Picnic areas are also available, making it a great spot to spend a few relaxing hours.
🌿 Smyrna Dunes Park (December 2025)
Smyrna Dunes Park was one of the most beautiful surprises of our stay in Daytona Beach. We discovered this place almost by chance on Christmas Day, while looking for something to do in the area before heading out for dinner at a restaurant where we had a reservation.
This natural park, located in New Smyrna Beach, features a stunning network of elevated composite boardwalks that wind through sand dunes, wetlands, and beachfront areas. The trail forms a loop, with multiple access points – both from the parking lot and directly from the beach.
We spent nearly two hours walking there at a very relaxed pace, simply taking in the surroundings. The scenery is beautiful and varied, and the atmosphere is incredibly peaceful. The park is also a natural habitat for the gopher tortoise, an iconic Florida species. We were lucky enough to spot several of them, including one that was eating – a truly memorable moment.
Access to the walking trails is free. The only cost is parking, which was $10.65 USD, making this a very low-cost activity considering the quality of the experience.
👉 A perfect activity for nature lovers, walking enthusiasts, and those seeking tranquility – and an excellent complement to beach days. For us, it was a true hidden gem discovered at the last minute.
🏁 Daytona International Speedway (April 2024)
During our stay in April 2024, we visited the Daytona International Speedway — an experience we found truly impressive, even though we are not major motorsports fans to begin with.
The visit takes the form of a guided tour in English, offered at scheduled times. Visitors are grouped together and ride in a small tram-style vehicle, accompanied by a guide who shares explanations through a microphone throughout the tour. Being able to enter directly onto the racetrack makes the experience especially immersive.
Driving on the track itself was one of the highlights of the visit. You quickly realize just how massive the circuit is – and especially how steeply banked the track is, something that really stands out once you’re there in person.
The tour includes several key stops, including:
- the grandstands, offering an impressive view of the entire track
- the finish line, where visitors can actually walk on the track
- iconic areas related to ceremonies and the history of the venue
We also took time to explore the indoor areas, where race cars are on display and where you can learn more about the history of the Daytona International Speedway and the major competitions held there.
Even though the tour is entirely in English – and in our case led by a guide with a fairly strong Texas accent – the explanations were still easy to understand and very informative. The tour lasts about an hour and a half, making it a well-paced activity that fits easily into a day’s itinerary.
👉 A surprising and enriching activity that lets you go behind the scenes of a legendary venue, even if you’re not a NASCAR enthusiast.
🚀 Kennedy Space Center (December 2025)
The Kennedy Space Center had been on our list for quite some time, but we had never taken the opportunity to visit it during our previous trips. In April 2024, limited time and budget ultimately tipped the scale. During our December 2025 stay, we preferred to wait and see how we would feel, since this trip was mainly focused on rest and regeneration.
In the end, the day before our departure – feeling energized and truly refreshed by the trip – we decided to go for it. We purchased our tickets online for the following day and chose to end our stay with this visit, just before heading back to Quebec.
We arrived right at opening time, which I highly recommend, especially if you only have one day. By following a well-planned itinerary, it is absolutely possible to see the main highlights in a single day, even though the site often suggests that two days can be ideal.
We began the visit with a bus ride to the more remote areas of the complex, with a first stop at the LC-39 platform, a relatively new attraction. This area features an interactive educational space, views of the launch pads – including those used by SpaceX – as well as an immersive simulation recreating the atmosphere of a rocket launch, complete with smoke, sound effects, and vibrations. A great way to set the tone for the day.
We then continued to the Apollo/Saturn V Center, dedicated to the lunar missions. The entrance is a powerful immersive experience, recreating the atmosphere of a launch control room with sound and vibration effects. The main exhibit is highlighted by a full-scale Saturn V rocket displayed horizontally – an absolutely impressive piece, both in size and historical significance.
Back in the main complex area, we moved on to the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit. Although the line may seem long at first glance, access was actually very quick. The staging is extremely well done: after an immersive introduction, the curtain rises to reveal the Atlantis shuttle displayed in front of you – a true highlight of the visit. The exhibit also features several artifacts, including a replica of the Hubble Space Telescope, as well as the Shuttle Launch Experience simulation, which we absolutely loved.
Toward the end of the day, as crowds increased and fatigue started to set in, we wrapped up our visit with the Rocket Garden outdoors. We deliberately skipped the Astronaut Hall of Fame (Heroes and Legends), as the line was fairly long and our energy level was lower at that point.
👉 Despite the higher ticket price, the Kennedy Space Center is a powerful, impressive, and very well-designed experience. A visit I would recommend at least once in a lifetime – especially for anyone with even a slight interest in space and scientific exploration.
Where to Stay in Daytona Beach / St. Augustine
During our two stays in Florida, we chose two different types of accommodations based on our travel goals at each moment. In both cases, location and value for money guided our decisions.
Where to Stay in St. Augustine
During our April 2024 stay, we stayed in St. Augustine at the Villa 1565 Hotel. At the time, we found a very good rate for a multi-night stay, which made it an attractive option during our search.
One of the main advantages of this hotel is its location: it is within comfortable walking distance of St. Augustine’s historic downtown, which is ideal when the main goal is sightseeing and exploring the city. Continental breakfast was included, which added extra value to the stay.
The room was clean and functional, but unfortunately, bed comfort was a weak point. After several nights, the lack of comfort led us to shorten our stay by leaving in the evening instead of the following morning. This is definitely something to consider if sleep quality is a priority for you.
On the hotel grounds stands The Old Senator – the oldest tree in St. Augustine (a 600-year-old oak tree) – beautifully highlighted in the evening with warm lighting. It’s a pleasant spot, although it is frequently visited by tourists and sightseeing trolleys that pass through during the day. For us, this wasn’t an issue, since we were often out exploring the area.
💲 Rate in April 2024: approximately $150 CAD per night for a King Room, including breakfast and accommodation taxes.
Where to Stay in Daytona Beach
In December 2025, our priorities were different: we wanted to enjoy the beach and relax, while still adding a few nearby activities. We therefore chose to stay in Daytona Beach Shores, directly on the oceanfront, at the Beachside Hotel.
The hotel offered excellent value for money, especially for an oceanfront property. We had a room with a balcony facing the ocean, which greatly enhanced the overall experience. The room was clean, partially renovated, and the bed was comfortable. Although the bathroom was more basic (with some visible wear), it did not negatively affect our stay.
The room also included a well-equipped kitchenette (refrigerator, freezer, hot plate), which can be very convenient for travelers looking to save on food costs. In our case, we chose to eat mostly at restaurants, but this feature is definitely a big plus.
Continental breakfast was included. It was simple, but sufficient to start the day. The hotel is small, quiet, and pleasant — something we really appreciated.
💲 Rate in December 2025 (Christmas period): approximately $167 CAD per night for an Oceanfront Room with Two Queen Beds, including breakfast and accommodation taxes.
Where to Eat in Daytona Beach / St. Augustine
Stonewood Grill & Tavern (December 2025)
We had dinner at Stonewood Grill & Tavern in Daytona Beach on December 24, Christmas Eve. Despite the very high crowds at that time of year, we managed to secure a reservation, which was already a positive point in itself.
The restaurant was completely full, both inside and on the patio. We were seated outside on the terrace, which we had expected in advance. We had planned accordingly with jackets, but the temperature was still quite cool, making the experience a little less comfortable. In addition, our table was located in a less well-lit corner, giving the impression that we were slightly set apart from the rest of the terrace.
That said, the service was impeccable. Despite the heavy crowds, our waitress was attentive, efficient, and very present throughout the evening. We didn’t wait long to place our order or receive our food – something that truly deserves to be highlighted given the context.
As for the food, we ate very well. The dishes were flavorful and well prepared. The atmosphere inside the restaurant, which we were able to observe when entering, was warm and very inviting.
👉 Even though our experience was slightly affected by our table location and the cool outdoor temperature, I would still recommend this restaurant, especially for the quality of the food and the service. We would definitely return, ideally dining indoors or at another time of year, to enjoy a more representative experience.
LandShark Bar & Grill (December 2025)
We ate at LandShark Bar & Grill in Daytona Beach on December 25 for Christmas lunch. The restaurant is located directly on the beach, making it a perfect spot to fully enjoy the vacation atmosphere. As a precaution, we made a reservation in advance since it was Christmas Day.
When we arrived, we were first offered a table directly in the sand with an umbrella, but we opted instead for the covered terrace section. This turned out to be the perfect choice: we had a beautiful view of the ocean and Daytona Beach, while being comfortably seated and protected from the sun.
The atmosphere is very pleasant, both outdoors and inside the restaurant, which is nicely decorated in a relaxed, tropical style. On the terrace side, there was also live music, which added even more to the festive and laid-back vibe.
As for the food, we absolutely loved it. I personally chose a breaded shrimp plate with fries, served hot and freshly cooked – it was simply delicious. The service was also very good: efficient and friendly.
So much so, in fact, that we decided to go back the very next evening for dinner – which says a lot about how much we enjoyed this place.
👉 Even though LandShark Bar & Grill is clearly a very touristy restaurant, the experience is absolutely worth it: the beachfront location, the atmosphere, the quality of the food, and the service make it an excellent spot in Daytona Beach, especially when you’re in vacation mode.
Ciao Bella Italian Restaurant & Martini Bar (December 2025)
For dinner on December 25, we were in the mood for Italian food. We therefore made a reservation at Ciao Bella Italian Restaurant & Martini Bar, located in New Smyrna Beach, about a 20 to 25-minute drive from Daytona Beach. The reservation was made through OpenTable, and it was one of the few Italian restaurants available that evening with good reviews.
This reservation also allowed us, somewhat by chance, to discover the New Smyrna Beach area and explore nearby spots such as Smyrna Dunes Park earlier that day.
When it comes to the food, we ate very well. The dishes were flavorful and well prepared. The restaurant itself is warm and welcoming, with a friendly atmosphere typical of small Italian restaurants.
That said, the experience was marked by a very long wait. Our reservation was scheduled for 6:30 p.m., but we didn’t end up eating until around 8:00 p.m. The restaurant was overwhelmed that evening, partly because several takeout orders had just been placed by local police services right before our arrival, which significantly slowed down the kitchen.
Despite the long wait, the atmosphere remained surprisingly pleasant. Guests were chatting with one another from table to table, aware that the situation was exceptional. The staff – both servers and waitresses – were absolutely outstanding: attentive, kind, and genuinely apologetic, taking the time to come by and apologize multiple times.
👉 Even though this evening was affected by a long delay, the context of December 25 largely explains the situation. For the quality of the food, the atmosphere, and especially the professionalism of the staff, I would be willing to give Ciao Bella a second chance under more normal circumstances. A good option to consider if you’re visiting New Smyrna Beach or the surrounding area for activities.
If I Had More Time
Even though our stay felt very well balanced between rest, nature, and discovery, a few additional experiences could have been added if we had had a bit more time – especially considering the special context of the holiday season.
🎄 Christmas Lights in St. Augustine (Nights of Lights)
St. Augustine is well known for its holiday lights festival. During the Christmas season, the historic downtown transforms into a magical, fairy-tale setting once night falls. We visited the city during the day, and since we were staying some distance away, we didn’t take the time to return in the evening.
That said, after seeing photos and videos online (including Karine et Fred sur la route at 13:53), this is probably our only small regret from the trip, as the atmosphere looks absolutely magical at that time of year.
🚗 Magic of Lights – Daytona International Speedway
Still in the holiday spirit, the Magic of Lights event at Daytona International Speedway was also an option we considered. However, with a cost of around $35 USD per vehicle, we ultimately chose not to do it, preferring instead to prioritize our visit to the Kennedy Space Center within our budget.
For those who love Christmas decorations and light displays, this activity seems very popular – and we would certainly have enjoyed it as well.
🐋 Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
We had also heard about Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, a large natural area known for wildlife viewing, including manatees at certain times of the year.
The refuge is located in the same area as the Kennedy Space Center, making it a great option to combine for travelers who enjoy mixing science, nature, and wildlife observation. However, after our full day at the Kennedy Space Center – and with a long drive still ahead of us – we decided not to add this visit.
🛍️ Shopping and Outlets
It’s also possible to go shopping, especially at the outlets in St. Augustine or Daytona Beach. We deliberately chose to limit this part of the trip in order to prioritize rest and keep our budget under control – although I did allow myself a small exception with a few Yankee Candles purchased at a great price 😉.
🌿 No Regrets
In the end, even though there will always be countless things to add, we experienced this trip exactly the way we needed to: relaxing, enriching, and well balanced. The main highlights were covered, and the activities we missed simply became great ideas… for next time.
In Conclusion
This Florida getaway between Daytona Beach and St. Augustine was, for us, a true balance of relaxation, discovery, and freedom. Whether during our first visit in April 2024 or our second trip in December 2025, each escape met the same need: to take a break, enjoy the sun, the ocean, and nature, while also discovering places rich in history and character.
Daytona Beach offered us relaxation, beach time, beautiful sunrises, and a pleasant coastal atmosphere, while St. Augustine charmed us with its historical heritage, architecture, lighthouses, and unique ambiance. The natural parks, wildlife encounters, cultural visits, and even small culinary detours all helped make this trip especially well rounded, despite its relatively short duration.
What we appreciated most was the flexibility of the road trip: being able to adjust our days based on our energy, choose activities as the trip unfolded, and fully enjoy each moment without pressure. In our case, this type of travel also proved to be an excellent alternative to all-inclusive resorts in the South – both in terms of budget and the quality of the experiences we had.
Even though some activities remain on our list for a future visit, this trip mainly confirmed that this region of Florida is perfectly suited for short getaways, whether for relaxation or exploration. An accessible, diverse, and inspiring destination that we left feeling refreshed, filled with beautiful memories… and already a little nostalgic.
In Video
To complement this article, I’m sharing a series of three videos, released gradually, each highlighting a different aspect of our stay between Daytona Beach and St. Augustine.
🌊 Florida Road Trip: Beach, Relaxation & Slow Living
This first video focuses on the very essence of this trip: the road trip itself, the beach, the calm atmosphere, sunrise views, the oceanfront hotel, and the relaxing moments that shaped our days. A gentle, immersive experience that captures the mood of this getaway and shows why this part of Florida is so well suited for a peaceful escape.
🌿 What to Do in Daytona Beach & St. Augustine
In this second video, I share the must-see activities and visits we experienced in the region: natural parks, beaches, historic sites, and cultural discoveries. A more dynamic video focused on outing ideas and the experiences you can enjoy during a stay in this area.
🚀 Kennedy Space Center: A Day Out of Time (Available on my YouTube channel: February 6, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.)
The Kennedy Space Center deserved a video of its own. This third video is entirely dedicated to this full-day visit – rich, impressive, and emotionally powerful. A complete immersion into the world of space, featuring the highlights of our visit and the on-site atmosphere.
💡 If you’re interested in these videos and don’t want to miss their release, I invite you to subscribe to my YouTube channel. This way, you’ll be notified as soon as the next videos are published.
**Some links in this article are affiliate links: they allow me to earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. If you make a purchase through these links, thank you for supporting my work as a travel blogger 🌎🩵
You May Also Like
Riviera Maya, Mexico – 1 Week at the Riu Yucatan (November 2024)
Dominican Republic | Punta Cana – 1 Week at Dreams Royal Beach (November 2021)
