Take off for Daytona Airport and Explore Florida Like a Local

on Aug 20, 2025, Updated Sep 18, 2025

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In the amount of time it takes to drive from Raleigh, NC, to the coast, you could be on a flight to Daytona Airport for a long Florida weekend of fun.

Breeze Airways operates nonstop flights between the two cities several times a week, making a quick trip to “the World’s Most Famous Beach” easier than ever.

Colorful mural on a building wall near Daytona Airport depicts a retro car, palm trees, road signs, surfboards, a waterfront scene, and tropical landscape under clear skies.

When the Daytona Beach International Airport invited me to spend the weekend in Volusia County, this Florida native was already packing her flip-flops. Florida is so much more than Disney and Universal, and I was excited to discover Daytona.

Coming home is easy too, especially when you have post-vacation meal plan ideas already.

Nonstop from Raleigh to Daytona

Breeze flies out of Terminal 1 at Raleigh-Durham International. It is the smaller terminal, with shorter lines and less walking than Terminal 2.

The flight itself was quick and easy. Daytona Beach International Airport is bright, clean, and simple to navigate. Within minutes, I was off the plane, out the door, and on my way to meet up with my bestie for a fun-filled girls’ weekend.

An airport terminal at Daytona Airport with a high glass ceiling, signs for gates 5 and 6, and restroom directions on the right. Natural light fills the spacious corridor.

Volusia County includes New Smyrna Beach, West Volusia, and Daytona Beach, and it’s easy to enjoy all three in a single trip.

Florida has so many sides to its story, each with its own charm. I grew up along the Gulf Coast, but experiencing the Daytona area felt like meeting a new part of home. No matter where I go, I’m reminded just how beautiful this state really is.

Explore New Smyrna Beach

Our first stop was the Black Dolphin Inn, a Spanish-style boutique gem in New Smyrna Beach. The rooms are spacious and filled with thoughtful touches.

Two-story Mediterranean-style house with white stucco walls, black railings, balconies, and a tiled roof sits among trees and shrubs under a partly cloudy sky, just minutes from Daytona Airport.

A hotel room near Daytona Airport with two white double beds, a sofa, ceiling fans, a chandelier, and a painting on the wall, featuring neutral decor and tiled flooring.

Modern bathroom with a white sink, toilet, and bathtub featuring a blue mosaic tile wall, white curtain, wall art, and towel display on wooden shelves—perfect for travelers seeking Daytona Airport convenience and comfort.

Breakfast each morning was made to order and always fresh. I loved sitting in the courtyard with a glass of wine under the twinkling lights.

Eats & Drinks

New Smyrna Beach is for foodies. The seafood is fresh, the drinks are delicious, and the servers have the best recommendations.

Located on Canal St., Corkscrew was my biggest surprise. I ate the most delicious fish tacos made with seasonally fresh red snapper that melted in my mouth.

But the real shocker was the incredible house-made sweet potato chips I ordered based on the server’s recommendation. With a light and crispy texture and just the right blend of sweet and savory, they did not disappoint. I couldn’t stop eating them!

Two tacos with fried chicken, shredded cheese, pickled onions, and lettuce on a plate with sweet potato chips—perfect for a tasty layover meal at Daytona Airport; drink and salad in the background.

A metal and brick sign reads “CorkScrew Bar & Grille - Food · Wine · Spirits - Open Daily 11:30,” surrounded by greenery and flowers, welcomes travelers just minutes from Daytona Airport.

Flagler Tavern is part beach bar, part haunted speakeasy and has stories for days. We loved the food and the hand-crafted cocktails were worth the trip alone.

Reservations are recommended if you want to dine in the speakeasy, but there are lots of spaces if you want to be more casual. Sit outside for the beach vibe or downstairs if you want to dance the night away after your meal.

Two people sit at a dimly lit bar near Daytona Airport with barrel-shaped chairs, vintage decor, and exposed hanging lightbulbs, engaged in conversation.

Two women sit at a wooden table in a bar near Daytona Airport; one holds a cocktail while the other kisses her cheek. They are smiling, with drinks in hand and a decorative sign overhead.

The Garlic was easily my favorite restaurant of the weekend. The atmosphere is like nothing I’ve ever experienced, yet it felt like pure Florida magic. I was home in the sprawling tree-filled spaces that blended indoors and outdoors seamlessly, even in the rain!

We dined on warm bread, roasted garlic, wood-fired steak, seafood, and delicious wine. More, please!

A variety of potted green plants are arranged under a warm hanging lamp on a wooden surface, reminiscent of the cozy garden decor you might find near Daytona Airport, with string lights twinkling softly in the background.

A hand holds a yellow handwritten menu in an outdoor bar or restaurant setting near Daytona Airport, with string lights and people sitting at tables in the background.

A serving of baked lasagna topped with cheese sits in a red ceramic dish, placed on a white plate, set on a rustic wooden table near a candle—a comforting bite just minutes from Daytona Airport.

Local Hangouts

Walk along Flagler Avenue for great food in a relaxed atmosphere. The road takes you straight onto the beach, where you can enjoy the sunrise or an evening under the stars. Find a rooftop bar for a cocktail, take in the warm sea breeze with your friends, or enjoy one of many street festivals throughout the year.

Woman smiling and holding sauced chicken wings in a paper tray at an outdoor street market near Daytona Airport, with tents and people in the background.

A light pink wooden house with white trim and a front porch sits at a street corner near a signpost listing local businesses, just a short drive from Daytona Airport, with a lamppost nearby.

Canal Street Historic District is another popular New Smyrna destination with shops, art galleries, restaurants, and a brewery where you can take a tour or grab one of the many local beers on draft.

I was glad I didn’t have a large suitcase because I could have done some real damage shopping here. What a fun place!

A person sits at an outdoor table in front of a brewery on a sunny day in the Downtown Arts District, as indicated by a street banner—a perfect spot to relax after arriving via Daytona Airport.

A woman with gray-streaked hair browses colorful magnets and stickers at an art display near Daytona Airport, with vibrant artwork and a blue ribbon visible in the background.

Find Old Florida in West Volusia

Our historic De Leon Springs State Park visit felt like stepping back into childhood. Freshwater springs, giant oak trees, and warm sunshine created the perfect scene. It was everything I love to remember about growing up in Florida.

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People swim and float in a spring-fed pool near a rustic wooden building with a large waterwheel, just a short drive from Daytona Airport, surrounded by trees under a partly cloudy sky.

Syrup being poured onto two slices of French toast on a blue and white speckled plate at a cozy spot near Daytona Airport, with a griddle and other plates in the background.

A wooden wall at Daytona Airport displays a sign reading "No Shirt, No Shoes, No Pancakes," with instructions to dry off before entering.

We made our own pancakes and French toast at the Old Sugar Mill Pancake House, then dipped into the chilly spring water. Sunshine, carbs, and a cold swim made it a very good day.

Rest and Recharge in Daytona

We spent our last night at the Renaissance Daytona Beach Oceanfront Hotel. I was immediately obsessed with the scent in the lobby and the gorgeous decor.

A lazy morning by the pool and a laid-back lunch set the stage for our evening.

A coastal hotel pool area with palm trees and white umbrellas overlooks a beach and ocean near Daytona Airport; a few people, vehicles, and umbrellas are visible on the sand, next to a large parking lot.

A woman in a blue bikini and colorful cover-up stands on a balcony overlooking a beach with palm trees and the ocean, just a short drive from Daytona Airport in the background.

Three people hold colorful tropical drinks by a hotel pool near Daytona Airport, with palm trees, a modern multi-story building, and swimmers enjoying the sunny day in the background.

Dinner at Millie’s

Dinner was at Millie’s Restaurant. It’s an unassuming space with a blink and you’ll miss it vibe, but trust me, this food is as fresh as it gets and made to order.

A plated dish at Daytona Airport features grilled fish on mashed potatoes, garnished with microgreens and a lemon wedge, plus a small cup of sauce; corn topped with sauce is served separately.

Framed, autographed photo of Guy Fieri at what appears to be the Daytona Airport, standing next to a red classic car, with "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" and Food Network logos in the background.

In fact, it was featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives, and it earned every bit of his praise. We had fresh crab dip, red snapper, fresh Mexican street corn, and the most wonderful bourbon pecan bread pudding.

If you want to surprise and impress your friends with a local gem, Millie’s is the place.

Saturday Night Fun

Saturday nights in Daytona Beach are special. All summer long, live bands play at the waterfront bandshell, fireworks are lit at night, and there are tons of activities up and down the boardwalk.

A large crowd watches a live concert at an outdoor amphitheater near Daytona Airport, featuring an arched stage, stone towers, and colorful lighting under a cloudy sky.

We finished the night with a little bit of each, and it was the best combination of fun and festivities.

Daytona Culture and History

Before heading home on Sunday, we started the day with sunrise yoga at the hotel. It was the most serene way to start the morning. This is where I was so happy to be on a girls’ trip.

In my head, I am a sunrise yoga, calm, and chill kind of person. But on vacation with my family, I’m a sleep til nine girl who drowns her mornings in coffee. This is what I like to call balance.

After our yoga session, I felt invigorated and inspired, and I’m planning to add the practice to my routine at home.

Three people on yoga mats practice outdoors on a grassy area by the ocean at sunrise, with empty white chairs nearby and clouds in the sky—not far from Daytona Airport’s peaceful coastline.

Racing Legends

After checking out of the beautiful Renaissance Hotel, we toured the world-famous Daytona International Speedway. Half the tour got rained out in pure Florida fashion, but that meant we had extra time to spend in the museum.

Empty grandstands overlook an oval racetrack under a partly cloudy blue sky at a large outdoor stadium near Daytona Airport.

I had no idea the speedway would fascinate me so much, but it did. This place is massive and full of interesting memorabilia from the past century of racing.

Indoor vintage gas station display with AMOCO pumps, signage, and retro design elements, situated under a high ceiling with visible structural beams—reminiscent of classic stops near Daytona Airport.

A woman in a bright orange dress sits smiling on a tram bench among other passengers, with a grassy field and fence visible in the background—reminiscent of the trams near Daytona Airport.

Before heading to one last museum stop, we had a delicious brunch at Blue Flame in the nearby Daytona Hotel, surrounded by even more cars and motorcycles.

Tip: On Sundays, Blue Flame serves brunch. It was delicious and really hit the spot after our tour. Cars, live music, fried potatoes; who could ask for more?

A plate with avocado toast topped with poached eggs, cherry tomatoes, and greens, served with roasted potatoes—perfect for a morning meal near Daytona Airport—alongside a glass of water and a jar of orange juice.

Daytona History

I could have spent hours at the Museum of Arts and Sciences. There was so much to see and explore. This is an excellent activity on rainy days or when you need an indoor spot to explore away from the sun.

A large prehistoric ground sloth skeleton stands upright in a museum exhibit near Daytona Airport, surrounded by glass barriers and informative panels.

From the giant ground sloth skeleton to the full-size train cars on display, I was poring over every detail. It was the cherry on top of a great trip before returning to the airport for my quick flight home.

Two vintage train cars are displayed indoors near Daytona Airport—one silver with a railroad crossing sign, the other orange with "Hiawatha" on the front.

If you’re ready for a relaxing and fun-filled long weekend away from Raleigh, a quick flight to Daytona is the answer. Within a couple of hours, you can enjoy beautiful beaches, fresh coastal flavors, and nearby towns full of charm. It’s the perfect way to fall in love with Florida all over again.