Famous for its racing history, a fun-filled boardwalk and a hard-packed shoreline perfect for building sandcastles, it’s no wonder 10 million people of all ages visit Daytona Beach, Florida, every year.
Visit the World’s Most Famous Beach between October and December to discover why it’s a fantastic getaway for multi-generational vacationers from baby boomers and Gen X to Millennials and Generations Y, Z and Alpha.
October: A Not-So-Spooky Season On The Shoreline
Spending October at Daytona Beach is quite the treat — and that’s no trick. The weather, while nowhere near as hot as summer, is still warm enough for frolicking in the waves.
Family activities like paddle boarding, kayaking and chartering a fishing cruise are lower-impact ways to enjoy Daytona Beach. You can even slip into a wetsuit and learn to surf during autumn’s 80 degree water and great swells.
Sports fans shouldn’t count themselves out because there are no October baseball games scheduled at Jackie Robinson Ballpark. Head farther inland and you’ll find the Daytona Stadium, home of the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats. The Sunshine State takes college football season seriously and B-CU’s lively crowd will show you why.
That roar you hear rumbling through the streets of Daytona in mid-October? That’s no NASCAR race; it’s Biketoberfest®. The annual four-day rally has motorcycle shows and races at Daytona International Speedway. Spend an October afternoon with three generations cruising around Volusia County on two wheels.
November: A Low-Season Vacation To Be Thankful For
Vacationers of all ages will find plenty to be thankful for during November in Daytona Beach. A month full of outdoor festivals and activities, the year’s penultimate month has something on the calendar for everyone.
The Halifax Art Festival is one of the artsiest things to do in Daytona Beach with your family. It’s the second-oldest continual art festival in Florida and takes place on Beach Street in historic downtown Daytona Beach. Children’s activities, live entertainment, festival food and art available to purchase make it a great way to spend time together with family members of any age.
A dip in the Atlantic Ocean may be too chilly for some, but you can still build sandcastles, spend a piggy bank of quarters at the Boardwalk’s arcade and chase thrills on the Daytona Beach Slingshot.
While Gens X through Alpha embrace their inner child on wild rides, baby boomers can motor over to the Daytona International Speedway for the Daytona Turkey Run. This annual car show showcases classic cars from across the country, including custom, domestic and exotic rides. The Run also features a swap meet, art and fashion bazaar and a Car Corral where you can buy a classic car.
If you’d like to celebrate Thanksgiving with a feast featuring more than turkey and stuffing, restaurants in Daytona Beach range from fresh grouper and coconut shrimp at Crabby’s Oceanside to cheeseburgers and pastrami sandwiches at the race car-themed Brickyard Lounge & Grill.
December: A Magical Time To Make Multi-Generation Memories
December isn’t dreary in Daytona Beach. All ages should have a jacket ready to wear, but the warm sunshine will convince you to spend as much time outdoors as you would any other time of the year.
Step away from the attractions on the Daytona Beach Boardwalk and step onto the fairway at one of the Fun Coast’s golf courses. Daytona Beach Golf Club has 36 holes of tropical golf that’ll make you forget about winter’s chill. The scenic LPGA International has a Rees Jones-designed 3-hole practice course alongside two distinct 18-hole courses.
Indoor Daytona Beach family attractions like the Museum of Arts & Sciences are ideal for all ages. MOAS has eight spaces, including an art gallery, planetarium and preserve. The Charles and Linda Williams Children’s Museum has hands-on exhibits dedicated to science and engineering while the Root Family Museum’s collection of Americana pieces — including Coca-Cola memorabilia, mid-century train cars and Indy Series race cars — will remind the baby boomer in your group of their childhood.
Let the social media mavens in your crew show you reel after reel of why you should add “visit a gas station” to your list of things to do in Daytona Beach. Buc-ee’s is no ordinary fuel stop: With a passionate fan base and over 50,000 square feet of food, merchandise and more, this mega-convenience store is perfect for sourcing souvenirs and stocking stuffers.
Where To Stay In Daytona Beach With Your Multi-Gen Group
Experiencing everything destinations like Daytona Beach has to offer is easier when you have accommodations that cater to any age group.
Located on the Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier, resorts like Daytona Beach Regency, a Hilton Vacation Club are great choices for multi-generational groups who need home-like comfort and convenience. Plus, you can enjoy quick and convenient access to dozens of attractions and entertainment — even in the off season.
Whether you’re looking forward to retirement or to your next family vacation, learn more about the many benefits of vacation membership with Hilton Grand Vacations.