DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The phrase “Daytona Beach Spring Break” elicits a number of thoughts and perceptions… most of them wrong.

The “World's Most Famous Beach” has over the last decade become a leading Family Spring Break destination, with parents and kids enjoying wide, sandy beaches, waterside amusement park games and rides, and visits to attractions such as Florida's tallest lighthouse.

“Daytona Beach has long been a leading Spring Break destination for families, but we sometimes face misperceptions from the MTV days of the 80s,” said Dan Francati, member of the Halifax Area Advertising Authority that leads destination marketing efforts. “We offer something for everyone along a 23-mile stretch of Florida coastline, and more and more families are discovering all there is to do and see in Daytona Beach.”

Here are Five Can't-Miss Family Spring Break Experiences:

1. Fun and food at the famous Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier… Whether soaring to new heights on the beachside Ferris wheel and roller coaster, playing nostalgic arcade and midway games, or dropping a fishing line off the end of the pier, there is something for every member of the family on the boardwalk.  Plenty of restaurants and food stops offer bites to eat—if you can break away from the waves for a snack.
2. Building sandcastles on the “World's Most Famous Beach”… Daytona Beach's hard-packed sand helped establish the area as the center for racing, but it also makes perfect conditions for sandcastle building.  Driving zones allow visitors to bring all the sculpture tools with them (as well as your other beach gear) to make for an easy day on the beach.  For those who prefer traffic-free areas, there are miles of beach where cars are not permitted and ample off-beach parking is nearby.
3. Enjoying exciting thrill rides… On and off the beach, visitors can take a spin around the go-kart track near the boardwalk or go high above the tree tops at the Zoom Air Adventure Park for a zipline ride in the jungle of Tuscawilla Park.  For the ultimate thrill, get in the front seat of a real race car for a ride-along at the Richard Petty Driving Experience at the 'World Center of Racing', Daytona International Speedway.
   
   
4. Taking a Family “Cruise” along The Loop… Families looking to go deeper into nature can do so on a scenic ride through the area on the 30-mile Ormond Scenic Loop.  In addition to spotting local wildlife, you'll have unobstructed views of two rivers, creeks, marshes, beach and the pristine hardwood hammock forest that canopies the road.
5. Learning about the wonders of sea life at the Marine Science Center… The Marine Science Center rehabilitates sea birds and sea turtles while teaching the ecology behind the area's delicate marine environment.  Kids love the hands-on sting ray touch tank and everyone can enjoy the affordable outing with tickets at $5 for adults and $2 for children. 

To see all of Daytona Beach's accommodations for Family Spring Break, visit www.DaytonaBeach.com/Hotels.

About the Daytona Beach Area
Discover the new Daytona Beach and its surrounding area, a resurging destination along Florida's East Coast comprising eight distinct communities.  Recognized worldwide for its annual events including Bike Week, Biketoberfest®, Rolex 24 At Daytona and the Daytona 500, Daytona Beach's famed heritage also claims the U.S. headquarters of LPGA and NASCAR, and is home to Daytona International Speedway, the 'World Center of Racing.'  With more than 15,000 beds, the destination boasts accommodations for all lifestyles and budgets including resorts, B&Bs, hotels and everything in between.  Visitors can enjoy the quintessential vacation experience beginning with the Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier, or choose from a surprising list of attractions and cultural venues, and a colorful culinary scene.  With 23 miles of world-famous beaches ideal for shelling, swimming and surfing, it is no surprise Daytona Beach was chosen as a Best Florida Attraction in the Top 10 Best Readers' Choice travel award contest sponsored by USA TODAY.  To order a complimentary comprehensive Official Visitors Guide, visit DaytonaBeach.com.  For real-time updates, visit Facebook.com/DaytonaBeach or Twitter.com/DaytonaBeachFun.