Daytona Beach is open year round, and offers tourists and locals 23 miles of white sands and warm water. But, the area is also home to the Daytona International Speedway, which hosts the Daytona 500. If you looking for something a bit quieter, go to the Ponce de Leon Lighthouse, which was built in 1887, and is the tallest lighthouse in Florida. Walk the 203 steps to the top to get a view of the surrounding structures, waterways and beaches.
After you stroll along for seashells on the beach, head to Ripley's Believe It or Not. This attraction features natural peculiarities and artifacts in 15 galleries, and the museum changes its exhibitions, meaning that you'll never see the same thing. Or, if you still want to take part in some outdoor activities, head to Gulf World Marine Park, where you can pet the stingrays or swim with the dolphins. You can also visit Pier Park, and try to get out of the Mirror Maze, a 2,300 square foot maze composed of nothing but mirrors.
Miami's South Beach is a major beach attraction, but this area also has a thriving nightlife, restaurant and museum culture. The area itself features buildings that reflect the Art Deco style of the 1920s and 1930s, including brightly-colored shops. Go shopping for antiques or the latest fashion along Lincoln Road, or go club-hopping right across the street from the beach. This area is mainly for adults and older children.
Cocoa Beach and Port Canaveral are all a part of the Space Coast, and this area is named after Cape Canaveral. This is where the space shuttle takes off. Head to Kennedy Space Center, and take a tour of the facilities and learn about the history of space shuttle missions. View the shuttle launch pad from the parking lot of the facility. For a more natural experience, check out Canaveral National Seashore, which is a part of the U.S. National Park Service. This area contains 25 miles of protected barrier reefs; attractions include marshes, beaches, lagoons and dunes.
