If you’ve been following me for a while, you know that Josh and I used to live in Daytona Beach (Port Orange) for four years during grad school, so, it’s safe to say that we know the area quite well! So, if you’re planning a trip to Daytona Beach, I’ve got you covered with five great restaurants that won’t disappoint!
- Where To Stay in Daytona Beach
- 5 Restaurants that MUST Be on Your List
- Tips About Visiting Daytona Beach
- 6 Things You Cannot Miss in Daytona Beach
- 5 Fun in the Sun Things to do in Daytona Beach
Where to Stay in Daytona Beach
Hilton Daytona Beach Florida Oceanfront Resort
It’s no secret that Josh and I are HUGE Hilton fans (we were married at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach back in 2015) and we definitely recommend staying at the Hilton Daytona Beach as well!
The Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront resort is located FRONT & CENTER on Daytona’s famous beach. It’s also at the center of Ocean Walk Village, which is the prime time area for great beachside entertainment.
I also LOVE how easy it is to work remotely from anywhere at the Hilton in a distraction-free space with free wifi! If you’re looking for a change of scenery while working from home in our “new normal”, then check out the clean and safe WorkSpaces by Hilton.
Not to mention that the Hilton also offers up a beautiful heated swimming pool with beach views, a hot tub, kid’s pool and even a second pool deck with another children’s pool and a miniature olympic-style heated pool.
Airbnb
Normally, we stay in Airbnbs when we travel to gain a more local perspective, but this trip called for rest and relaxation. There is an abundance of affordable Airbnbs in the Daytona area, if you’re looking to go that route instead of a hotel.
For $55 off your first AIRBNB booking, click HERE!
5 Restaurants in Daytona Beach that MUST Be on Your List
Fortunately, there is an abundance of restaurants in the city of Daytona Beach, but, if you don’t know it like I do, you’ll be stuck eating at the endless amounts of franchises on International Speedway Boulevard (let’s face it…Applebee’s isn’t that exciting). Check out these 5 restaurants…trust me, you won’t be disappointed!
1. Don Rico’s
Drool alert! I love Don Rico’s Sports Bar & Grill because they literally have the BEST of everything for everyone…if you’re hungry for a draught beer and a pizza, they’ve got you. If you want a steak and a Caesar salad, they’ve got you there too! I’m a martini gal and each of mine were PERFECT. We also ordered the mahi-mahi in an sweet chili sauce, which was on point as well.
I love the vibe at Don Rico’s because it’s laid back, the prices are affordable and it’s conveniently located inside the Hilton. I haven’t dined inside since Covid began, but I truly feel safe eating here, as all the tables are distanced and they’re 100% adhering to the limited occupancy levels. The staff is always kind and the service is always great each time we go!
If you’re looking for something a bit more fancy and expensive, check out Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse, which is also located inside the Hilton. It’s actually the most upscale steakhouse in all of Daytona!
2. Our Deck Down Under
There’s a reason why Every. Single. Time. Josh and I return to Daytona we eat here, because its the greatest, most laid back restaurant with such INCREDIBLE FOOD! I’ve truly never eaten a better fish sandwich in my life!
Our Deck Down Under is located right under Dunlawton Bridge, on the water. Enjoy a blackened mahi fish sandwich with hush puppies and a side crab cake…then wash it down with a delicious draught beer. Are you drooling yet? This laid back restaurant truly has the kindest staff and best food around!
Do note that this place is POPULAR-so go during non-peak times or you’ll surely have to wait for a table.
3. McCoy’s Rum Room
I’m the BIGGEST sucker for a good gin drink and a charcuterie board and McCoy’s Rum Room has both! We loved this board so much, we ate it two days in a row and you can bet that I’ll be back soon to devour it again!
I also cannot get over how talented Steven, the incredibly talented bartender at McCoy’s Rum Room, is. Steven’s “Real Dill” drink (with gin instead of vodka) is literally life changing. Follow him on Instagram to learn more about all the amazing drinks he makes and definitely go see him at the Hilton, you won’t be disappointed!
Aside from the room being beautifully decorated, McCoy’s Rum Room also offers a great happy hour overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and historic clock tower as well as live entertainment on Friday and Saturday evenings! Definitely looking forward to heading back there!
4. Cinnamon Tree Cafe
The Cinnamon Tree Cafe is located in the heart of Port Orange and is a great spot for breakfast or lunch. They offer up delicious crepes, fluffy pancakes, pastries and any breakfast just the way you like it! They also have GREAT coffee, cappuccinos and espressos and incredibly friendly staff and service.
I also loved that they offered both outdoor and indoor seating, as well as to-go orders.
Check out their Instagram for some drool-worthy photos that’ll surely make it into your breakfast itinerary.
Pro Tip: If it’s your first time visiting, you can download their app on the Apple or Google Play Store, order online and save $5 off your first order!
5. Houligans
Josh and I used to watch football, drink beer and eat wings at Houligan’s back when we were in chiropractic school and it’s still one of our favorite places to date! Since we lived in Port Orange, they’ve opened another location in Daytona on International Speedway Boulevard.
Houligan’s literally has some of the greatest chicken wings we’ve ever eaten…why? They’re famous for their Wally Wings for the past 29 years, which are a unique wing that is tossed in any sauce you’d like-or-(drumroll please)-you can combine the sauces (we love hot, teriyaki and garlic all mixed together). If wings and beer and sports are your thing, then Houligan’s is your place.
Tips About Visiting Daytona Beach
- Do note that Daytona Bike Week (March), Race Week (February) and Biketoberfest (October) should be avoided if you’re not planning to participate in those events. Hotels are 3 times the price and everything is very, very crowded. Plan your dates accordingly!
- Safety first! As with any other city, walking around the streets at night is a no-no. Be careful here (just like you would in Miami)! Take Uber’s instead of walking late night. Better to be safe than sorry. For more safety tips, check out the Daytona Beach website.
- Much like any other beach destination, Daytona Beach can get a bit crowded. If you’re looking to avoid crowds (especially during Covid-19), try to go to restaurants and even the beach on off-peak hours.
More Details on Daytona Beach
Looking for more details on Daytona Beach? I’ve got everything covered for you in my master blog post 6 Things You Cannot Miss in Daytona Beach, check it out!
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