Daytona Seashore, Florida is a world-famous seashore vacation spot and most generally referred to as being house to the Daytona 500 NASCAR race. Right here, you will see the Daytona Worldwide Speedway, which pulls in fairly a lot of folks every year, however Daytona Seashore is a lot extra than simply racing. It’s a terrific vacation spot for folks of all skills and there are a lot of wheelchair accessible Daytona Seashore points of interest to take pleasure in!
I just lately visited Daytona Seashore in my powered wheelchair, and I used to be blown away by all of the scrumptious eating places, the gorgeous shoreline alongside the Atlantic Ocean, and the entire enjoyable actions that I used to be in a position to take pleasure in. I’ve been to plenty of Florida locations over time, together with fantastic cities like Key West, Jacksonville, and Miami to call just a few, and I can confidently say that Daytona Seashore is a contender for my favourite Florida vacation spot.
Actually, I cherished Daytona Seashore a lot that I don’t need you to overlook any of it, so I’ve compiled a full itinerary for you. With this day-by-day itinerary, you received’t miss any of the main points of wheelchair accessible issues to do, beginning with the place I stayed throughout my journey. So, let’s begin our engines and head to Daytona Seashore, Florida!
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DAY 1
Test-in to The Daytona for an unbelievable keep
The Daytona Autograph Assortment Resort is situated immediately throughout the road from the Daytona Worldwide Speedway, and just one mile from the Daytona Worldwide Airport, proper within the coronary heart of all of it. It’s a lovely full service lodge with simple, accessible parking on the foremost entrance.
The Daytona can also be situated within the One Daytona space, which consists of an unlimited number of buying, eating, and leisure choices. This space is full with some unbelievable eating places (which I’ll talk about extra in a bit), a donut store, a Ben and Jerry’s, Foxtail Espresso Store, an arcade and bowling, a movie show, and also you’ll discover Bass Professional and Lily Pulitzer right here as properly… simply to call among the choices on this vibrant space surrounding the lodge.
As you enter the lodge on the primary ground, you will notice the out of doors pool by the home windows to your left, full with a elevate to make transferring into the water simple for everybody. You’ll then have to take an elevator to the 2nd ground foyer. I used to be enthralled to see a successful race automotive on show proper in entrance of the check-in desk. The employees have been tremendous pleasant and had the important thing playing cards for my room prepared inside minutes.
As soon as at my room (room quantity 513), I gasped after I opened the door. This room had ground to ceiling home windows with a spectacular view of the Daytona Speedway, and a big balcony that’s accessible for wheelchair customers to simply roll out on.
It was a wheelchair accessible 2 mattress Queen suite. The 2 beds have been 25 inches tall with house beneath for a Hoyer elevate. The spacious room additionally had a full residing space, two giant TVs, and a mini bar totally stocked with snack and drink choices for buy.
Within the rest room, there was a roll-in bathe, a pull-under sink, and seize bars have been positioned behind and beside the bathroom. The roll-in bathe had easy entry and a fold-down bench with a handheld sprayer.
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This lodge was good for my wants and I’d completely keep at The Daytona once more! In case you’d prefer to be taught extra about this lodge or verify charges on your personal future keep, simply try the lodge’s web site by clicking right here.
Take pleasure in dinner at Rock Backside Brewery
Positioned at One Daytona, Rock Backside Brewery is only a quick roll away from The Daytona. It’s actually simply outdoors the again entrance of the lodge, so it’s extraordinarily handy. This restaurant could be very spacious and there’s sufficient room to simply roll to your desk. I discovered service right here to be fast and the hostess and waitress have been pleasant and attentive. Whereas ready for my meal, I had among the most delicious pretzel sticks with cheese for my appetizer.
Timed excellent, our foremost course meals arrived quickly and my mother and I have been set for a tasty deal with. She selected the BBQ pulled pork sandwich with slaw and fries, and I had the boneless wings with fries. Each of our meals hit the spot and I’d extremely suggest consuming right here throughout your keep.
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DAY 2
Begin the morning with Foxtail Espresso Co.
Foxtail Espresso Co. is well-known for its expertly crafted coffees and full espresso bar, so I couldn’t resist making an attempt it after I stayed subsequent door at The Daytona. I used to be in a position to roll from the lodge to the espresso store inside two minutes, with out even having to cross the road, because the espresso store is situated within the One Daytona space. I had espresso right here a number of instances all through my keep and it was so good. Each day, I selected the latte with sugar-free vanilla. I truthfully wished to strive another drinks that they provided, however this was so soothing, I couldn’t select anything. It doesn’t matter what you select at Foxtail, I’m certain you’ll like it!
Have enjoyable on a Daytona Worldwide Speedway Monitor Tour
Undoubtedly, a Daytona Worldwide Speedway monitor tour is a necessity throughout a visit to Daytona Seashore. Racing has an enormous historical past on this space and whether or not you’re a giant racing fan or not, this can be a actually fascinating exercise. It’s definitely among the best wheelchair accessible Daytona Seashore points of interest and shouldn’t be missed!
When reserving your tour for Daytona Worldwide Speedway, let the employees member know that you may be needing the wheelchair accessible tram. This can permit them ample time to have the accessible tram prepared and ready for you when your tour time arrives. The tram is open air and the employees members will help you with loading onto the electrical elevate. Then, they are going to make certain to get your wheelchair buckled down safely with tie-down straps. Please word that because the tram is open air, it may be a bit heat in the summertime and a tad cool within the winter, so gown accordingly.
Through the tour, you’ll be taught the historical past of the monitor, drive by the infield, and see the well-known 31 diploma banked turns. You’ll be taught that no level on this monitor is flat. Even within the straightaways, it’s sloped at 3 levels, which I believed was actually fascinating. This permits rain water to run down, making the monitor dry extra rapidly.
Additionally, you will find out how the drivers put together for the most important race of the 12 months, and even be capable of exit the tram midway by and enter the stadium seating part for a birds-eye view of the monitor. I’m not a racing fan actually, however being within the stands truly made me need to attend the Daytona 500 race someday.
Our tour ended on the Motorsports Corridor of Fame Museum, the place you may make the most of the Winner’s Circle for a photograph of the newest successful automotive from the Daytona 500. You can even watch a brief movie about Nascar’s historical past at Daytona and I discovered rather a lot about racing on this museum. Plan to go searching the museum for at the very least 30-45 minutes after your tour.
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You’ll exit the constructing by their reward store, so make certain to seize a memento for your self and your mates again house earlier than heading to the following wheelchair accessible Daytona Seashore exercise in your itinerary!
Have lunch at 4 Rivers Smokehouse
Positioned within the One Daytona leisure space, 4 Rivers Smokehouse is a good restaurant. As you enter the restaurant, you’ll instantly scent the aroma of contemporary smoked barbecue. Belief me after I say that this place is scrumptious. It’s making my mouth water simply reminiscing about it.
I had a tough time deciding from their intensive menu, however I lastly narrowed my meal selection right down to the lean brisket, sausages, tacky grits, and bread pudding. You may select your BBQ sauce with bottles of their authentic or sizzling sauce which can be available on every desk. In fact, I opted for the new and it was scrumptious. Additionally, don’t depart 4 Rivers Smokehouse with out getting a Bayou Bar for dessert. It’s among the best desserts I’ve ever eaten!
Go “beneath the ocean” at Daytona Aquarium
Driving as much as the Daytona Aquarium, the very first thing that you’ll discover is the massive and colourful mural protecting the facet of the constructing. It’s a attractive portray of fish and the colours are so eye-catching and photograph worthy. Free accessible self parking is situated close to the doorway.
As soon as inside and you’ve got bought your tickets, you’ll make your method round greater than 40 reveals of land and sea creatures. I cherished seeing the lizards, frogs, and jelly fish amongst so many different wonderful issues. Additionally, you will see a 100,000 gallon shark tank. Yikes!
The Daytona Aquarium presents different experiences as properly if you wish to get a bit nearer to some animals. For an additional payment, you may pet the stingrays or have an encounter by holding a child alligator.
The aquarium was totally wheelchair accessible and I used to be thrilled to even discover companion care restrooms. The entire reveals have been spacious as properly, so I simply maneuvered all through the aquarium and was in a position to see the entire animals with none points.
Go to the Museum of Arts and Sciences and the Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Artwork
The Museum of Arts and Sciences and the Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Artwork are situated only a very quick drive from each other, and will be paid for all in a one price tag. They each have free wheelchair accessible parking close to their entrances, so positively plan sufficient time to expertise them each throughout your wheelchair accessible Daytona Seashore journey (I’d suggest at the very least just a few hours).
The Museum of Arts and Sciences (MOAS) is a nationally accredited museum by the American Alliance of Museums and can also be a Smithsonian Establishment Affiliate. This museum focuses on artwork, science, and historical past, and homes essentially the most superior assortment of Coca Cola memorabilia that I’ve seen. The reveals are very spacious and the flooring is easy, which allowed me to freely roll all through the whole museum and benefit from the lovely and artistic reveals.
MOAS additionally homes a very powerful collections of Cuban effective and people artwork outdoors of Cuba. The Museum of Arts and Sciences can also be identified for its fashionable Charles and Linda Williams Youngsters’s Museum, and its out-of-this-world planetarium.
Positioned only a quick drive across the nook from the Museum of Arts and Sciences is the Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Artwork. This museum is house to the world’s largest assortment of Florida artwork and in addition options a big rotating assortment of oil and watercolor work which can be Florida themed.
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I loved seeing the Audubon’s Birds of Florida exhibit, which will be seen by March 2nd, 2025. This exhibit was breathtaking, because it showcases almost eighty authentic prints, work, and associated artifacts. The colours and experience within the particulars of those items made this show actually stand out in my reminiscence of this museum. Even when this exhibit isn’t on show if you go to, I’m certain an equally spectacular exhibit can be within the Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Artwork so that you can take pleasure in.
Get a candy deal with at Angell and Phelps Chocolate Manufacturing facility
Positioned within the very talked-about buying space of Seashore Road in Daytona Seashore, Florida, you will see Angell and Phelps Chocolate Manufacturing facility. When obtainable, free wheelchair accessible parking will be discovered avenue facet close to the doorway of Angell and Phelps.
There are a large number of tasty chocolatey treats to select from inside Angell and Phelps for buy, all lined with milk, darkish, and white chocolate goodness. Be sure to roll across the left facet of the store towards the again, and it is possible for you to to look at the candies truly being made. I had no bother seeing the chocolate manufacturing facility from my wheelchair, as they’d simple viewing areas by glass home windows.
This store presents reward containers already organized or you may combine and match your personal bag of goodies by paying for them by the pound. It’s also an choice right here to have your goodies shipped to the situation of your selection. I selected to buy the milk chocolate turtles, some delicious darkish chocolate lined peanut butter squares, and even a small reward set of various truffles simply to deal with myself. You’re certain to search out one thing inside right here for each candy tooth within the household.
Take pleasure in dinner at Carribbean Jack’s
For dinner, we selected to eat at Carribbean Jack’s. This fashionable restaurant and bar is waterfront and has the choice of eating inside or out. Because it was slightly cool, I selected to sit down indoors, however the glass home windows allowed for good views of the water. I might additionally hear and see the out of doors leisure of a stay band whereas I loved my scrumptious meal.
Since I wasn’t extremely hungry (I had an excessive amount of chocolate at Angell and Phelps!) however completely love crab desserts, I selected the appetizer of the Crabby Patties as my meal. I had just lately heard that these are the very best round Daytona Seashore and I can truthfully say that these crab desserts may’ve been the very best ones that I’ve ever eaten. They have been simply the correct quantity and seasoned completely to make me virtually need to lick the plate clear. In case you’re within the space, go to Carribbean Jack’s for a very delicious meal with wonderful views of the water.
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DAY 3
Go to Ponce Inlet Lighthouse’s varied points of interest
We began our third day in Daytona Seashore by touring the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse space, and it was such a enjoyable and wheelchair accessible expertise. I anticipated there to only be a lighthouse right here, however there was a lot extra and we spent about two hours exploring this space.
Whereas the lighthouse itself solely has steps, 203 to be actual, and no elevator, don’t let that deter you from visiting. Seeing the outside of the lighthouse and exploring the realm surrounding the lighthouse is completely well worth the go to.
Ponce Inlet Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in Florida, sitting at 175 ft tall, and it’s a Nationwide Historic Landmark. Wheelchair accessible parking is situated close to the primary entrance constructing and reward store. Contained in the reward store, you should purchase your tickets to go to each the Lighthouse Museum and the Constance D. Hunter Historic Pacetti Resort Museum.
Surrounding the lighthouse are paved pathways that result in a number of buildings, such because the Woodshed Video Theater. This constructing has a ramped entry, the place you may simply roll inside and watch a fast 20-minute video in regards to the Ponce De Leon Inlet Mild Station. This movie provides you a terrific perception to the lighthouse and the encompassing space.
I additionally loved going contained in the Principal Keeper’s Dwelling and the Lens Exhibit Constructing. These, together with a number of different buildings, all have ramped entryways that allowed my energy wheelchair to simply entry. There’s a lot to see right here, I discovered it simple to spend a couple hours simply rolling round this space.
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After touring the buildings that encompass the lighthouse, you may both stroll/roll or drive to the close by Constance D. Hunter Historic Pacetti Resort Museum. This museum has a ramped entry the place the doorway is discovered. Entrance payment is $5 per particular person.
As soon as inside, there are a number of rooms to take pleasure in. The primary room performs a brief video that reveals the historical past of how this historic museum got here to be. This museum was a well-liked fishing resort within the late 1800’s to a lodge owned by the daughter of Proctor and Gamble’s founder, James Gamble. Previously, it was even used to host the Cincinnati Reds baseball workforce once in a while, because the proprietor of the Reds additionally owned the museum.
The whole backside ground of the Pacetti Resort Museum is wheelchair accessible with easy wooden floors. It was fascinating to see how properly it had been maintained and it has just lately been restored as a public museum. Additionally inside, you will see vintage furnishings and glassware courting again to the period.
Eat nice seafood for lunch at Hidden Treasure Rum Bar & Grill
Lunch at Hidden Treasure, situated on Ponce De Leon Inlet close to the lighthouse, was even higher than I anticipated. This restaurant is well-known for serving the freshest seafood, pasta dishes, sandwiches, and a lot extra. Wheelchair accessible parking is situated close to the ramped entrance.
As soon as I rolled up the ramp, I discovered the decked seating on the waterfront provided many selections of eating preparations. You may select to dine indoors or out, overlooking the water with tables that encompass fireplace pits or wood desk seating. I had no subject pulling up in my powered wheelchair within the out of doors space to a wood desk with an epic waterfront view. After trying over the intensive menu, I selected the fish dip with chips and crackers for my appetizer. It got here to my desk in a short time and was scrumptious. The fish dip was topped with jalapeños, which made it much more tasty.
For my meal, I selected the Sea Bass Bites with a facet of french fries. The Sea Bass bites have been listed as an appetizer, however I couldn’t resist them. And let me let you know, it didn’t disappoint. My mother selected the fried Mahi platter with fries, hush puppies, and slaw, and he or she cleaned her plate as properly.
Hidden Treasure is a restaurant that you just don’t need to miss when visiting the Daytona Seashore space, however please word that their restrooms are very small. My powered wheelchair was not in a position to get contained in the hallway to the restrooms, so be sure you use a restroom earlier than you go to Hidden Treasure. I hope that they’ll make their restrooms extra accommodating within the close to future.
Spend a while on the seashore
The wonderful thing about Daytona Seashore, which sits alongside the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, is that it presents hard-packed sand a lot of the 12 months. Due to that, automobiles are allowed to drive on the seashore and most wheelchair customers can safely roll their wheelchair on the sand as properly. Simply be sure you verify with a lifeguard or have a buddy or member of the family take a look at out the sand to make sure it’s hard-packed sufficient throughout your go to earlier than you go rolling out on it in your wheelchair.
In case you really feel that your wheelchair could also be too heavy for the sand, guide seashore wheelchairs can be found for no cost on a first-come, first-served foundation. You’ll find the guide seashore wheelchairs on the lifeguard stations situated on Flagler Avenue at New Smyrna Seashore, at Dunlawton Avenue at Daytona Seashore Shores, on the Seashore Headquarters in Daytona Seashore, at Cardinal Avenue in Daytona Seashore, and on the Volusia County Seashore Security Ormond Seashore Station on Cardinal Drive.
I additionally loved hanging out for some time at Andy Romano Beachfront Park. Wheelchair accessible parking is free right here and additionally, you will discover accessible household restrooms obtainable. The pathways all through the park are easily paved and there was a wheelchair accessible seashore ramp resulting in the sand right here, however it’s at present beneath renovation. Hopefully it’ll be repaired by the point you go to.
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Having the ability to benefit from the seashore in my very own wheelchair and in addition having the choice to make use of a guide seashore wheelchair was nice. Daytona cares about every customer and needs everybody to take pleasure in their lovely seashores!
Roll by the gorgeous Riverfront Esplanade
The Riverfront Esplanade is a spectacular place to benefit from the outside on a pleasant day in wheelchair accessible Daytona Seashore. It runs a mile between Seashore Road and the Inter-coastal Waterway, and it’s totally wheelchair accessible.
There are easily paved paths full of a botanical backyard, accessible bridges that wheelchair customers can roll throughout, and there are even wheelchair accessible restrooms on every finish of the esplanade. Alongside the trail are benches in case a relaxation is required alongside the way in which and a splash pad is obtainable for these heat summer time days.
The attractive Riverfront Esplanade space gives an effective way to spend a day alongside the water. It was positively considered one of my favourite locations to go to in Daytona Seashore because it’s so wheelchair accessible and delightful.
Dine at Rose Villa Restaurant Southern Desk and Bar
Upon pulling as much as the Rose Villa Restaurant Southern Desk and Bar, you’ll robotically really feel the southern allure exuding from this historic constructing. Wheelchair customers can enter from the ramp on the again porch, identical to a welcomed neighbor. As soon as inside, the employees is tremendous pleasant and the menu is even higher. For a starter, we had the deviled eggs topped with pork stomach. You get a beneficiant portion of six eggs and they’re completely delicious.
For my meal, I had the Pork Chop topped with chutney, sitting atop a mattress of mashed potatoes with a facet of creamed kale. I didn’t even know till this meal {that a} pork chop might style so good. I noticed my mother’s portion of fried hen and it will’ve been a lot for 2 folks. She additionally had the Mac ‘n cheese, which she cherished.
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I used to be method too full after devouring my meal to even strive a dessert, however phrase round city is that they’re do-it-yourself and scrumptious. Subsequent time, I imagine I’ll begin with a dessert so I can make certain I’m not too full for it. However Rose Villa was an outstanding last dinner for us in Daytona Seashore. What an ideal method to finish our journey!
As you may see, spending time in wheelchair accessible Daytona Seashore is bound to be an amazing expertise. There are a plethora of choices for leisure, eating, and buying, not just for your self, however on your total household. So don’t waste any extra time questioning if this journey can be an accessible choice. Take it from me, as I’m already planning my subsequent go to to wheelchair accessible Daytona Seashore!
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*Thanks to Go to Florida for working with me on this journey and displaying me the very best of wheelchair accessible Daytona Seashore! Whereas my experiences have been complimentary, all opinions expressed are genuine and my very own.
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