Mother Daughter Girls Trip to Daytona Beach

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I’m sure because of all the traveling I did with my own mom, I understand the importance of having some one on one time with my own three girls. Taking Mother daughter trips are going to be more common, now that they’re all adults. Like our trip down to Fort Myers/Sanibel Island. This will allow me to maintain a strong relationship with each of them. Therefore, I jumped at the opportunity to take a mother daughter girls trip to Daytona Beach with our friends from Detail Oriented Traveler. 

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Where to stay in Daytona Beach for your mother daughter girls trip

Most important is choosing a great place stay for your mother daughter girls trip. We were recently hosted at the Max Beach Resort, and fell in love with the 72 room luxury hotel. The rooms are very spacious, and condo style. Therefore, it’s like being at home, while on vacation. With plenty of room to either all hang out, or find a quiet spot to read. With only 72 rooms, I feel the public areas don’t get as crowded. 

Does Max Beach Resort have any great views?

We couldn’t get enough of the beautiful oceanfront view. With unique floor to ceiling windows, you couldn’t help but catch a glimpse of the beach and ocean. Also, a very private, roomy balcony to enjoy any time of day. These views seem to be the number one feature from our feedback, and for good reason. 

The views don’t stop in your room either. The entire twelfth floor is full of amenities that all come with spectacular views. Even though we couldn’t see sunrise from our balcony, I made it up Sunrise Terrace just in time to catch a peek of the sun coming up on Saturday morning. If you’re one to work out on vacation, then how about exercising to this view of the beach? 

At night, we headed up to the Beacon Lounge for some game time. Monday through Thursday, they do Happy Hour in the lounge with featured cocktails and beer. Again, the views are fantastic. If you’re up on the twelfth floor in the evening, then be sure to spend some time on the Sunset Terrace so you can catch a beautiful Florida sunset, and spend some special mother daughter time together.

Unfortunately for us, the weather didn’t cooperate for any pool time, but what’s a Florida getaway without a spectacular pool? As much as I enjoy staying oceanfront, and being on the beach, I am definitely more of a pool gal. I prefer the views and taking walks on the beach, but when it comes to chilling out, I am good staying sand free and comfy on a lounge chair poolside. Max Beach Resort also offers cabana rentals for some beachside privacy. 

Max Beach Resort restaurant

Venn Bar is the restaurant on resort property. It’s located outside, overlooking the beach. We had a couple different meals during our stay, and everything was very good. You can also have drinks and cocktails while you eat, poolside, or up in the Beacon Lounge. If weather is not good, you can order food and drinks from staff up in the lounge. We did this our first night, and they brought everything to our room. 

Which room amenities are available at Max Beach Resort?

Being a condo style resort, you can expect all the full kitchen amenities. Therefore, dishes, silverware, toaster, and a Keurig for your morning coffee. In one of the drawers, you will find a couple k-cups, but not creamer cups. We were only there two nights, so not sure if they replenish k-cups, or if you should bring some extra. Also, there’s a stove top, and convection oven, along with some pots and baking ware so you can make some meals in room. 

One amenity that stood out, and I’ve not seen anywhere I’ve stayed, was the full laundry room. I’ve seen plenty washer and dryer combos, but they typically come in a closet. Their laundry room actually has a wash sink, which I feel would come in handy for washing out sandy bathing suits and clothes. Instead of having to lean over a bathtub. Check out our full tour of the Max Beach Resort above. And if you’re ready to book your own stay, start here on Hotels.com.

Mother Daughter things to do around Daytona Beach

We were also hosted on behalf of Discover Daytona Beach CVB to to experience some attractions and dining. All opinions are solely our own. 

Ponce Inlet Lighthouse Museum 

You’ll find Ponce Inlet Lighthouse on just about every list of things to do around Daytona, and for good reason. Florida’s tallest lighthouse, you can climb the 203 steps to the top for a breathtaking view of Ponce Inlet and New Smyrna. 

This was a special return to the lighthouse for Josephine and I, since the first time we went, back in 2014, was with my mom. 

Marine Science Center and Seabird Rehabilitation Sanctuary

Just around the corner from Ponce Inlet Lighthouse is the Marine Science Center, so these can easily be done in one afternoon. Small but mighty, Marine Science Center has rehabilitated over 25,000 reptiles. Inside the center, you can find all kinds of marine life, watch the marine doctors in action, and even pet a sting ray. 

Just outside you can view all the marine life currently in the Intensive Care Unit. 

Don’t miss the Seabird Rehabilitation Sanctuary either. It’s behind the Marine Science Center, and actually where we parked. Even though the eagle habitat was blocked off, we were able to get a peek at the nestling couple of eagles. Plus, Josephine made a friend.

Where to eat in Ponce Inlet?

If you spend the morning or afternoon visiting Ponce Inlet Lighthouse and Marine Science Center, then grab something to eat at Off the Hook. It’s not too far, and everything we ate was great! 

Daytona International Speedway Tour

Our girls all grew up around the interest of Nascar Racing, so when the chance to tour Daytona International Speedway came up, Josephine was excited. Matt drove out to meet us on Sunday, so he could go along with us. 

They were running Andretti Driving Experience cars the day we went, so we didn’t get to walk the track, or write on the start/finish line, but Josephine enjoyed getting to see some cars flying by. Now she wants to go out for a race. I can’t blame her. 

Motorsports Hall of Fame of America Museum

Honestly, I think visiting the museum was the best part. Getting the chance to see such iconic race cars, and learn more in depth about the history of both racing, and Daytona International Speedway was pretty cool. 

I didn’t know when racing on Daytona Beach began, it was actually further south in Ponce Inlet. You can see in this aerial view, it was down at the end of the inlet, and you can even see the lighthouse in the distance. Therefore, if you go up to the top of the lighthouse, you can look down at the original beach track! 

Josephine was also happy to get the chance to sit in an actual Nascar race car. 

Again, if you need to grab a bite before or after spending time at the race track, Josephine found Burger Ten and Chicken Too on Yelp. Matt claimed it to be the best burger he’s ever had in Florida, so that says a lot!

Excellent food, and if you can, save room for one of their huge shakes. We decided on The Mexican, so we could share. 

Final Thoughts on Max Beach Resort and Daytona Beach

I will admit, Daytona Beach was not high on my list of places I wanted to visit in Florida, other than hitting a race at the track. But, I already feel like I need to go back, because there’s lots of things I want to do and see, that we didn’t have time for. In fact, I’m already talking with friends about taking another girls trip. To start your Daytona Beach getaway planning, be sure to check out Visit Daytona Beach for details on all the best things to do.

More fun around the Daytona area:

Historic Old Dixie Highway

Marine Discovery Center

Smyrna Dunes Beach

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