Daytona Beach

This waterfront city on Florida’s Fun Coast is probably best known for its international speedway circuit, where NASCAR’S most famous race, the Daytona 500, takes place every year.

But for beach fans, it’s the 23 mile stretch of soft white sands that keeps them coming back. At low tide, the shoreline expands to a width of nearly 500ft, so there’s plenty of space to spread out and catch some rays in the sunshine state, without feeling on top of people.

As with most of the beaches on Florida’s East Coast, there’s a popular watersports scene here too. Surfing, jet-skiing and paddleboarding are just some of the popular activities you can try out here, while snorkelling and scuba diving are also on the agenda, thanks to the area’s artificial reefs.

On the dining front, if you like your dinner with a view, then Main Street Pier’s a must-visit. It juts out into the Atlantic, and there’s a crab shack at the end, if you’re into fresh seafood. 

And perhaps most intriguingly of all with Daytona Beach is the ability to take your car on to it. Of course, the tides play their part in deciding when you can go on there, and there are strict guidelines when it comes to speed limits and designated driving areas, but if you fancy taking the car for a spin and pulling up right by your sunbathing spot then it’s possible here.