Day trip to Daytona Beach

[Bjeanj]

Left at 10 AM, got to the beach by lunchtime. Nice walk, beautiful weather. Red flags out. Big waves. Ate at Sloppy Joe’s.

[Dond1959]

Sounds like a nice day out. I prefer the gulf side, but that’s just me.

[John_W]

How did you go, did you take 42 from Summerfield all the way to I-4 or did you take 441 to Mt Dora area and then to 44 to I-4. Last time I went to the east coast, I took 441 to 44 to New Smyrna Beach and took an hour + 45 minutes. Looks like 42 straight across would be quicker and less traffic.

[vintageogauge]

where is the closest beach that is dog friendly?

[John_W]

The closest of any kind would be Pine Island State Park at the end of Hwy 50 at Spring Hill in Hernando County. I checked and it's service dogs only.

Parks | Hernando County, FL (https://www.hernandocounty.us/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/2/103)

These are in Pasco and Pinellas Counties that do allow dogs. New Port Richey would be the closest.

Top 10 Best Off Leash Dog Beaches in New Port Richey, FL - Last Updated January 2021 - Yelp (https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=off+leash+dog+beaches&find_loc=New+Port+Richey%2C+FL)

[bagboy]

How did you go, did you take 42 from Summerfield all the way to I-4 or did you take 441 to Mt Dora area and then to 44 to I-4. Last time I went to the east coast, I took 441 to 44 to New Smyrna Beach and took an hour + 45 minutes. Looks like 42 straight across would be quicker and less traffic.

I found the best route imo to Daytona via going into Ormond Beach is rt42 to 19n to 445A to 40east. Nice ride through the forest.

[Mleeja]

I found the best route imo to Daytona via going into Ormond Beach is rt42 to 19n to 445A to 40east. Nice ride through the forest.

This is how our GPS took us this morning. After our lunch we drove about a mile down A1A to International Blvd. When we turned on the GPS to come home we were routed I-95 to I-4, then Hwy 44 through Deland. Hwy 42 and Hwy 44 meet just west of Deland. We took Hwy 42 all the way back to The Villages. I would say both routes were about the same in time. I agree the first route through the Ocala National Forest is much more scenic.

[dewilson58]

This is how our GPS took us this morning.


Did you ride with Bjeanj ???


:shocked:

[Mleeja]

Did you ride with Bjeanj ???


:shocked:

Yep! We are kind of joined at the hip for the last 47 years (or so)...

[Bjeanj]

Yep! We are kind of joined at the hip for the last 47 years (or so)...

It’s 48 years, dear.

[dewilson58]

It’s 48 years, dear.
:1rotfl:

[Pairadocs]

Left at 10 AM, got to the beach by lunchtime. Nice walk, beautiful weather. Red flags out. Big waves. Ate at Sloppy Joe’s.

Thank you for writing something nice, hard to explain but was somehow nice to read someone did such a normal thing was just calming these days when we see few in the neighborhood, many never outside, if you take a walk people don't say "hi" like they used to and many times will get off the sidewalk and go far into the street... which, I understand, I do not wear a mask on my daily long walks and I tried and just can't do it, walks were a chore and not longer pleasant, so walk without a mask and understand when people cross the street completely, or walk far in the street if no cars, and then come back on sidewalk when I am far past, etc. It is just all so sad, once such a happy friendly place and fear now rules. Thank you for sharing a nice, "normal" thing.:icon_wink:

[Pairadocs]

I found the best route imo to Daytona via going into Ormond Beach is rt42 to 19n to 445A to 40east. Nice ride through the forest.

That's the route the big bus company here always took when they took groups to Daytona and the really nice beach and facilities near Ormand. Yes, nice ride through the forest, good road, and it must be the best way as a bus company certainly would know !

[mrfixit]

I found the best route imo to Daytona via going into Ormond Beach is rt42 to 19n to 445A to 40east. Nice ride through the forest.

yes...I agree....

.. PLUS if you stay on 40 East......
......you will be ON the BEACH
YOU CAN PARK on THE BEACH.. OR DRIVE THE BEACH.

If you have a handicap permit.....you wont even have to pay
the daily fee to bring car on beach.

YUP THAT ONE...where the ORIGIONAL
Daytona RACES were held way back when.....
( the Museum is there on the N.E. Corner.)

In My Humble Opinion....... THIS ORMAND BEACH area is
way, way nicer than Daytona Beach.
For MANY Reasons..

INCLUDING the INDOOR toilets at the gate.
Changing Rooms and outdoor shower to get the sand off.

OH ....forgot to add that they also have Life Guard Towers right there also

[Bjeanj]

Pic of the beach.

[VApeople]

ORMAND BEACH area is
way, way nicer than Daytona Beach.

We went to Ormand Beach a couple weeks ago and we thought it was the worst beach we have ever seen.

While we in the area, we went to Tomako State Park and thought it was wonderful. A beautiful park with some great walking trails.

[John_W]

I went to New Smyrna Beach a couple of years ago to visit relatives and you can also drive on their beach. Although judging by the news, it seems NSB has more shark attacks than anywhere else. I like the Gulf Beaches, of course I biased since I grew up in the St. Petersburg - Clearwater area.

New Smyrna Beach

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/a4/98/85/a498859cea9c915c4351fc60ffd37aa3.jpg

Downtown St. Petersburg, that ball diamond on the left is Al Lang Field. The Mets and the Cardinals spring trained there in the 60's when I was hanging out, there was no malls back then. Got autographs from everybody from Brooks Robinson to Roger Maris, they all came through town. That's Tropicana Field in the distance.

https://s7.bluegreenvacations.com/is/image/BGV/florida-st-peteburg-aerial-marina-boat-aerial-cityscape?$bg2-gallery$&crop=1,247,2498,1405&anchor=1250,949

Clearwater Beach, you would have to go to the islands to find water this blue.

https://kiteboardingtampabay.com/images/clearwater-beach-kiteboarding-spots.png

[Girlcopper]

Thank you for writing something nice, hard to explain but was somehow nice to read someone did such a normal thing was just calming these days when we see few in the neighborhood, many never outside, if you take a walk people don't say "hi" like they used to and many times will get off the sidewalk and go far into the street... which, I understand, I do not wear a mask on my daily long walks and I tried and just can't do it, walks were a chore and not longer pleasant, so walk without a mask and understand when people cross the street completely, or walk far in the street if no cars, and then come back on sidewalk when I am far past, etc. It is just all so sad, once such a happy friendly place and fear now rules. Thank you for sharing a nice, "normal" thing.:icon_wink:
I havent experienced any of that. People say hi all the time. I dont walk with a mask either. No one crosses the street. They step to the social distance to walk around and most times share a few words. Most of them arent wearing masks either so we respect the space needed betw us.

[thevillages2013]

where is the closest beach that is dog friendly?
I don’t know if it is the closest but we took our dog to New Smyrna dog beach.
It is not on the ocean but on Ponce inlet as far north as you can get on New Smyrna. There is parking that Costs like $5 a day if memory serves and a little walk from the parking to the beach. They have a shower and a hose to wash you and the pups and restrooms are adjacent to parking. Dogs have to be on a leash but they can swim

[JanaR]

Next time try The Dancing Avocado. It’s on the Main Street right before you cross the bridge. We love it❤️

[La lamy]

I went to New Smyrna Beach a couple of years ago to visit relatives and you can also drive on their beach. Although judging by the news, it seems NSB has more shark attacks than anywhere else. I like the Gulf Beaches, of course I biased since I grew up in the St. Petersburg - Clearwater area.

New Smyrna Beach

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/a4/98/85/a498859cea9c915c4351fc60ffd37aa3.jpg

Downtown St. Petersburg, that ball diamond on the left is Al Lang Field. The Mets and the Cardinals spring trained there in the 60's when I was hanging out, there was no malls back then. Got autographs from everybody from Brooks Robinson to Roger Maris, they all came through town. That's Tropicana Field in the distance.

https://s7.bluegreenvacations.com/is/image/BGV/florida-st-peteburg-aerial-marina-boat-aerial-cityscape?$bg2-gallery$&crop=1,247,2498,1405&anchor=1250,949

Clearwater Beach, you would have to go to the islands to find water this blue.

https://kiteboardingtampabay.com/images/clearwater-beach-kiteboarding-spots.png
The sand quality is beautiful on the west coast of Florida, and of course the sundowns!! It was where I meant to retire until I found TV. No beach but so much more! But I would like to visit the east coast beaches too one day.

[Pammcnamara]

Any other recommendations for day times from The Villages. I know some tour companies offer some, yet we don’t feel comfortable being so close to others yet till everyone receives the vaccine. Any suggestions, going east or west are welcome. Thanks

[airdale2]

Thru Deland, straight shot to Daytona.

[CFrance]

where is the closest beach that is dog friendly?
Flagler Beach is dog friendly, but the dog must be on a leash. However, we had a long enough line that our dog could go bashing through waves after a tennis ball, and nobody minded.

[dewilson58]

Any other recommendations for day times from The Villages. I know some tour companies offer some, yet we don’t feel comfortable being so close to others yet till everyone receives the vaccine. Any suggestions, going east or west are welcome. Thanks


West........The Freezer in Homosassa for lunch. Not a beach, but you can sit on the water and enjoy great food.

[Susan Garbarino]

That's where I am right now. Beautiful sunrise - ready for my first beach walk when I catch up with my email!

[CFrance]

I havent experienced any of that. People say hi all the time. I dont walk with a mask either. No one crosses the street. They step to the social distance to walk around and most times share a few words. Most of them arent wearing masks either so we respect the space needed betw us.
I don't wear a mask while walking. I cross the street if passing by someone, out of respect for their health. I've never had anyone but some guy on a bike not say Hi to me. And I think he was concentrating.

[mikeritz53]

where is the closest beach that is dog friendly?

Not sure on Ocean side, but on the Gulf Honeymoon Island State Park has a Dog Friendly Beach.

[JoeinFL]

It’s 48 years, dear.

Keep messing up the years and ya may not make it to 49!!
😎

[Mleeja]

where is the closest beach that is dog friendly?

At Ft. De Soto State Park in St. Petersburg there is a specific dog beach. Your dog can be off leash to play in the ocean. There is a fenced grassy dog park with showers to clean your pup after a day in the ocean. The park is at the very southern tip of St. Petersburg making it about a two hour trip from The Villages. But well worth it.

[TimeForChange]

where is the closest beach that is dog friendly?

New Smyrna and it's a lot better than Bikers Town Daytona/ Tshirt shops

[CFrance]

I don’t know if it is the closest but we took our dog to New Smyrna dog beach.
It is not on the ocean but on Ponce inlet as far north as you can get on New Smyrna. There is parking that Costs like $5 a day if memory serves and a little walk from the parking to the beach. They have a shower and a hose to wash you and the pups and restrooms are adjacent to parking. Dogs have to be on a leash but they can swim
The only think that worries me about New Smyrna inlet is that most of the shark sightings are in that inlet. So don't let Fido go in too far!

[OCsun]

Flagler Beach is dog friendly, but the dog must be on a leash. However, we had a long enough line that our dog could go bashing through waves after a tennis ball, and nobody minded.

I love these pictures of your dog enjoying the water and sand. I live on a beach during the summer and spend most mornings watching people playing with their dogs!

[Bjeanj]

Flagler Beach is dog friendly, but the dog must be on a leash. However, we had a long enough line that our dog could go bashing through waves after a tennis ball, and nobody minded.

Holy smokes! We took our yellow lab to a beach and it was a real BEAR getting the sand off her! You must have had a heck of a time with your golden!!

We took her to St George Island beach, thinking she would enjoy that, also. She walked into the water, a wave slapped her in the face, she retreated, and wouldn’t approach the water after that!

[rustyp]

You may want to check out the Unique Travel Club for Villages Residents. What makes this Club unique is the ability to visit any destination in Florida from Destin Beach to the Keys and it will simply be a day trip giving Members more time at their destination instead of hours on the road. Example Travel Times: Daytona Beach 20 Minutes, Clearwater Beach 35 Minutes, Cedar Key 30 Minutes & Cocoa Beach 30 Minutes. For info call 828-768-3543.

OK what am I missing ? The Villages to Daytona approximately 70 miles. How is that achieved in 20 minutes ?

[Bjeanj]

OK what am I missing ? The Villages to Daytona approximately 70 miles. How is that achieved in 20 minutes ?

Same question I had, but thought I was being dense.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Sounds like a nice day out. I prefer the gulf side, but that’s just me.
I prefer the gulf side as well and I also like to in the water. The water on the ocean side is very cold. I was very disappointed with Daytona Beach and several others on that side. You can drive on the beach at Daytona which was a nice experience but I would go back just for that.

I have traveled around trying to find the beach that I liked the most and I always return to Clearwater Beach. It has been named as the number one beach in Florida several times and recently it was selected at the number one beach in the United States.

The sand and water are great. Parking is convenient and the amenities are fantastic.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

OK what am I missing ? The Villages to Daytona approximately 70 miles. How is that achieved in 20 minutes ?

Helicopter? Daytona is and hour and a half to a two hour drive.

[Carla B]

OK what am I missing ? The Villages to Daytona approximately 70 miles. How is that achieved in 20 minutes ?

They must go by aeroplane.

[rustyp]

Helicopter? Daytona is and hour and a half to a two hour drive.

I can drive to Daytona Beach in 1 hr. 10 min (done so countless times / in-laws). I am willing to bet you from the time I leave the house drive to the helicopter / take off / land / and get a taxi to my destination my 1 hr. and 10 min wins by a long shot.

[CFrance]

Holy smokes! We took our yellow lab to a beach and it was a real BEAR getting the sand off her! You must have had a heck of a time with your golden!!

We took her to St George Island beach, thinking she would enjoy that, also. She walked into the water, a wave slapped her in the face, she retreated, and wouldn’t approach the water after that!
Yes, it's always fun getting sand out of a golden, but he grew up a block from a Lake Michigan dog beach, so I have developed a (backbreaking) system.


That's also where he learned to plow through big waves. Lake Michigan can get very rough.

[VApeople]

In the last 50 years, we have had many nice trips to St. Augustine. The beaches are better than ever since they re-routed A1A farther away from the ocean.

Anastasia State Park is very nice and NO DOGS and NO CARS are allowed on the beach. There is a nice snack bar, a nice walking trail near the campground, and the beach is great for walking.

Farther south is Fort Matanzas, where my wife and I went on our first date in 1970. It is as beautiful as ever. The beach has eroded a little on the ocean side, but the sand bars on the 'back side' have grown much larger than they were in 1970.

A few miles south is Washington Oaks State Park, which is very nice. The gardens have not changed over the years and they have added some beautiful walking trails.

Our favorite place to eat at Matanzas Inlet was unfortunately destroyed in the hurricane in 2016 but we found the great Captains BBQ a few miles south.

I guess it is time for us to make a visit.