So, we're in Florida this week researching and exploring The Unexpected. We have been staying in Daytona Beach at The Shores Resort and Spa. We have been more than pleasantly surprised by this little piece of paradise. The Shores is the type of place you don't ever have to leave if you are looking for a few days of rest and relaxation on the beach. With the wonderful Azure restaurant, full service spa and all of the amenities of a full service resort.

Daytona Beach for me has always been synonymous with Spring Break and cars but The Shores has a beautiful beach and amazing prices. Plus, Daytona is a great spot to make your homebase if you are planning on visiting Disney, the historical St. Augustine or NASA's Kennedy Space Station. All around an hour from your little beachside oasis! And this is a perfect time to come, considered their off season because all of the locals are back to school it is quiet and the beaches are not crowded. My only complaint about the experience would be the fact that cars are allowed on many of the beaches. I understand the rationale (there is no beach parking except for on the beach) but, as a mom, it was a concern.

We have explored many of the local unexpected including the Marine Science Centre which has a wonderful bird and turtle sanctuary (the kids loved the turtle ICU) and the Lighthouse Museum with a beautiful view of the inlet. My son even took a surfing lesson as a gift for his 11th Birthday! Radical dude. But most of our time was spent around the pool or leaping in the waves with new found friends. Believe it or not we came all the way to Florida to meet a great family from Toronto and another from London, England.

Our time at the resort with these new found friends was a great reminder of what really matters. The simple wonderful memories created by just hanging out together. We are off to the the luxurious One Ocean resort in Jacksonville but my kids don't want to leave! They don't want to leave their new friends, the beautiful beach and the fun and relaxation of this hidden gem, The Shores Resort and Spa.
Making S'Mores. A tradition at The Shores.
Daytona Beach for me has always been synonymous with Spring Break and cars but The Shores has a beautiful beach and amazing prices. Plus, Daytona is a great spot to make your homebase if you are planning on visiting Disney, the historical St. Augustine or NASA's Kennedy Space Station. All around an hour from your little beachside oasis! And this is a perfect time to come, considered their off season because all of the locals are back to school it is quiet and the beaches are not crowded. My only complaint about the experience would be the fact that cars are allowed on many of the beaches. I understand the rationale (there is no beach parking except for on the beach) but, as a mom, it was a concern.
The view down from the top of the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse.
We have explored many of the local unexpected including the Marine Science Centre which has a wonderful bird and turtle sanctuary (the kids loved the turtle ICU) and the Lighthouse Museum with a beautiful view of the inlet. My son even took a surfing lesson as a gift for his 11th Birthday! Radical dude. But most of our time was spent around the pool or leaping in the waves with new found friends. Believe it or not we came all the way to Florida to meet a great family from Toronto and another from London, England.
My surfer dudes hangin' ten at Surfari Surf School.
Hot tubbing with new friends.
Beachside with our new pals!
Our time at the resort with these new found friends was a great reminder of what really matters. The simple wonderful memories created by just hanging out together. We are off to the the luxurious One Ocean resort in Jacksonville but my kids don't want to leave! They don't want to leave their new friends, the beautiful beach and the fun and relaxation of this hidden gem, The Shores Resort and Spa.
This trip was partially subsidized. The information is true and the opinions expressed are those of Jen, the author.


WoW.
What I would give to take my family somewhere like that.
Enjoy the rest of your vacay! Can't wait to hear about the next leg of your journey!
Hi Jen, So glad you enjoyed your stay!! It was lovely meeting you for breakfast yesterday and so glad the surfing lessons worked out. A great "Real East Coast Florida" experience for your kids to bring home with them! Hope you vacation here again sometime -- Cheers!
Glad you enjoyed your time in the Daytona Beach area. And, your surfer dudes look too cute!
Enjoy the rest of your Florida vacay! :)
Wow!! Looks amazing. I never would have thought. Can't wait to hear about Jacksonville. Want to hear more about how the surfing went.
Looks so great! What an amazing way to unwind before school starts again :)
Hi Jen and your lovely family, this is Michelle from that "great family from London, England"! I have just looked up your website and read your fab article and saw the pictures of the kids. We arrived this morning back in London but Esther and Lloyd wanted to say hello and thanks for the great play times with your kids. A pleasure to meet you all. Michelle x
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Being a native of the Daytona Beach area it's so nice to read your blog. I love this city and all it has to offer, I'm glad you see it, too and thanks for mentioning the many things that I love, too. My sister, mother and I stayed at the Shores last Summer for a staycay and it was heaven on Earth. Thanks and come back soon!
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