Daytona Beach – Are we there yet?
Daytona Beach has always been one of our favorite Florida vacation destinations. Since childhood, we have enjoyed some of the finest sand and most beautiful coastlines Florida has to offer. Just mentioning Daytona Beach triggers a flood of warm childhood vacation memories. When I was a child, there was nothing more fun than spending the day at the beach. My parents almost had to pry me out of the water when it was time to leave!
There is just something satisfying about bringing your kids to places you used to visit with your family as a child. It feels almost surreal sometimes. When we were given the opportunity to review Daytona Beach and the Hyatt Place Oceanfront we were both excited to take a trip down memory lane and make some new memories in the process. The kids were excited to hit the beach and we were really looking forward to all the activities planned for us for our family spring break. We were to be treated to ZoomAir Adventure Park, Marine Science Center, Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse, and The Daytona Beach Museum of Arts & Sciences! We were in for the time of our lives!
The property itself did not disappoint. The place was beautiful, the room was spacious, the view was spectacular, and the staff all worked together like a well-oiled machine. Nothing can stay out of place long here. Employees that show initiative and take care of things before you have to ask is a rarity these days. We didn’t experience a single problem our entire stay! The impeccable service made it feel like we had an angel on our shoulder. I have never seen such attention to detail. Staff who actually pay attention and come around when you need them? What sort of sorcery is this you ask? None. Just excellent service!
Now on to the activities! Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse was fun, educational, and we even got a bit of a workout climbing the staircase. The view from the top is breathtaking and somewhat spiritual. The grounds had several of the original buildings and artifacts from days gone by. There is enough information for the most avid history buff and the short historical documentary is worth it by itself! Word of caution, don’t try to use the “privy” it is for display only.
The Marine Science Center was fun too and our oldest son’s favorite place. Who knew he was so passionate about Marine Life?
My favorite place was The Daytona Beach Museum of Arts & Sciences. Why you ask? Because of the planetarium of course! We spent the better part of a day enjoying a scientifically good time! Our youngest son really liked the hands-on area for the kids. He got to build a roller-coaster and experiment with all types of neat things.
Unfortunately we were unable to make it to ZoomAir Adventure Park which was one of the highlights for both the boys. We did drive by and it looked like so much fun. Perhaps next time we are in town we can check it out!
There is more to do in Daytona than we had time for. Whether you are visiting for your first time or you have been vacationing here, one thing is certain, it’s hard NOT to make lifelong memories in such a beautiful place. Even in the winter time! In the winter the ocean may be cold but the hot tub is always just right! The Hyatt Place Oceanfront and Daytona Beach are definitely a dream vacation destination – you’ve got to check out!
Disclosure: Our trip to Daytona Beach was sponsored by daytonabeach.com – our opinions are 100% our own.
It sounds like a great time. I have always lived Daytona and hope to visit there soon.