EXTRAS Affordable Adventures

Out & About

The Marine Science Center displays live reef creatures, a sea ray “touch” pool and fascinating seabirds. Don’t miss this environmental treasure trove that is also a rehabilitation hospital for patients like sea turtles, injured hawks and pelicans. 386-304-5545, www.MarineScienceCenter.com  
Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory We love to watch the old-style candy makers at work—a Daytona Beach tradition since 1925. Free 30 minute tours at 10 & 11 a.m. and 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m., Mon. – Sat. Everybody gets samples afterwards! 154 S. Beach St., 800-969-2634, www.AngellAndPhelps.com  

Artsy Escapes

Museum of Arts and Sciences with its array of American, African, Asian, Cuban and Early American exhibitions enthralls art lovers. Continue to the sculpture garden, restored railroad cars and the planetarium for a fascinating day of discoveries for all ages. Located in an interpreted park at 352 S. Nova Rd., Daytona Beach, 386-255-0285, www.MOAS.org
Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens is an urban oasis with diverse collections of art, videos and photography. Stroll the gardens and naturally wild areas. Open weekdays 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; weekends noon – 4 p.m. Free, but a $2 donation is appreciated. 78 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach, 386-676-3347, www.OrmondArtMuseum.org  

History Hunters

Lilian Place, the oldest home on the beachside, has ties to author Stephen Crane, who recovered here after a shipwreck in 1896. The Italianate High Victorian home on the river reveals the past in displays and furnishings. Open Sundays, 1 – 4 p.m. 111 Silver Beach Ave., Daytona Beach, 386-299-4974, www.HeritagePreservationTrust.org
New Smyrna Museum of History Step inside the old post office for an eye opener about the British Turnbull Settlement of 1768. Learn about prehistoric pottery, Seminole and Civil Wars, and the Prohibition era. Free. Tues. – Sat., 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 120 Sams Ave., 386-478-0052, www.NSBHistory.org
Halifax Historical Museum in Historic Downtown Daytona Beach unfurls the past in Spanish tools, photographs and racing exhibits. A stunning stained glass ceiling lights the interior of the 1912 neoclassical bank building. $7 Adults; $1 Children 12 & under. 252 S. Beach St., 386-255-6976, www.HalifaxHistorical.org
The Casements was formerly the home of multi-millionaire John D. Rockefeller and now contains art and historical exhibits. Free tours of period rooms weekdays 10 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (hourly) and Sat. 10 & 11:00 a.m. 25 Riverside Dr., Ormond Beach, 386-676-3216, www.TheCasements.net
Mary McLeod Bethune Foundation offers tours of her 1915 home and mementos of her life as an educator. Exhibits are a rich source of African-American culture. Mon. – Fri. 10:00 a.m. – 3 p.m. Free, but donations are appreciated. 640 Mary McLeod-Bethune Blvd., Daytona Beach, 386-481-2122.  

Natural Escapes

Blue Spring State Park attracts many beloved manatees in winter because the spring is always 72 degrees. Arrive early for best sightings and stroll the boardwalks along the river to see other wildlife. Located 2 mi. west of Orange City on French Ave., 386-775-3663, www.FloridaStateParks.org/park/Blue-Spring
Gamble Place at Spruce Creek Preserve is where James Gamble (of Proctor & Gamble) built a southern Cracker-styled retreat in 1907. After touring the homes and citrus packing house, walk the trails to the pristine creek. Tours: Parties of 10+, reservations required 2 weeks in advance, $6 and under. 819 Taylor Rd., Port Orange, 386-304-0778, www.CrackerCreek.com/gamble-place
The Fairchild Oak stands in Bulow State Park surrounded by shady trails that reveal plantation ruins in a forest of old growth oaks. Open sunrise – sunset. 3351 Old Dixie Hwy., Ormond Beach, 386-676-4050.
DeLeon Springs State Park is popular with locals for snorkeling, kayaking and hiking, but early birds come for the fun of making pancakes at their table at the Old Sugar Mill Restaurant. Call ahead, 386-985-4212, www.FloridastateParks.org/park/De-Leon-Springs  

Fishing

Granada Bridge Pier on the river and S. Beach St. in Ormond Beach is 1,540 feet long. Free. It’s lighted at night and has a bait shop. 386-676-9078. Fishing under the bridge at the bulkhead.
Peninsula State Recreation Area has two miles of sandy beaches for some of the best surf fishing in the area. Located 5 miles north of Granada Blvd. in Ormond Beach on Scenic A1A Hwy. 386-517-2086.

For more things to do & SEE in the Daytona Beach area, CLICK HERE.
Photo by: Tony Giese Photography EXTRAS Affordable Adventures printed in DAY 1-18

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