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.
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.