Daytona Beach

Billed as "The World's Most Famous Beach," Daytona Beach plays host to millions of tourists each year without any promotion, and draws huge crowds for special events like Spring Break, Bike Week and the Daytona 500. One of the most popular features of Daytona Beach is the 18-mile stretch where visitors can drive right onto the beach.

Daytona Beach Shores

Just south of Daytona Beach proper is a 5 1/2-mile ocean side stretch known as Daytona Beach Shores. Formed by a group of hoteliers in the early '60s, Daytona Beach Shores was just incorporated 30 years ago. The "inland" portion of Daytona Beach Shores, called South Daytona, includes marinas, an old-fashioned Boardwalk and lots of specialty shops.

New Smyrna Beach

To the South of Daytona Beach Shores is New Smyrna Beach, a quiet alternative to the hustle and bustle of Daytona proper. In addition to the pristine beach, New Smyrna offers historic sites of interest, such as the Turnbill Ruins and Old Fort and the New Smyrna Sugar Mill Ruins State Historic Site.

Ormond Beach

Railroad and shipping magnates made Ormond Beach a mecca for the rich and famous at the turn of the century. This quiet stretch of peaceful beach is home to The Casements, the winter home of John D. Rockefeller from 1914-1937, which has been turned into a cultural center.

Ponce Inlet

Famous for its historic lighthouse, Ponce Inlet offers a variety of paces for the adventurous traveler. With some lively, on-beach driving and cruising spots and some quieter, no-driving zones, Ponce Inlet has the right stretch of sand to please everyone. Sunset cruises, genial parks and playgrounds, and deep-sea fishing trips accentuate the beach opportunities, making this southernmost town on the Daytona Beach strip a "must see."

Canaveral National Seashore

The Canaveral National Seashore, which includes such gorgeous beaches as Apollo and Playalinda, stretches north of Cape Canaveral.