Submitted by Andrew Booth
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – (May 8, 2024) – The Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), whose mission is attracting overnight visitors to the destination and to contribute to the overall economic prosperity of the area as a preferred tourism destination, is recognizing the businesses and attractions that vacationers enjoyed the most with the third annual Visitors’ Choice Awards.
The program honors some of visitors’ most beloved attractions and businesses through a survey that was sent to thousands of Daytona Beach area visitors in the CVB’s database and promoted through its social media channels. The 18 different category selections and top suggestions were based solely on DaytonaBeach.com analytics and other key data points, and each category allowed for “write-in” submissions.
With area beaches receiving votes from visitors in numerous categories, Volusia County Beaches was honored with the Award of Excellence. Among the other honorees were Daytona International Speedway, Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, Museum of Arts & Sciences, the Riverfest Seafood Festival, Daytona Beach Bandshell and the Daytona Beach Boardwalk & Pier.
“The Visitors’ Choice Awards rightly puts the spotlight on the attractions, events, businesses and points of interest that are the favorites of vacationers who travel to the Daytona Beach area,” said Lori Campbell Baker, Executive Director for the Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. “These establishments, along with many others, work all year long delivering a great experience to visitors and as well as generating positive economic impact that benefits the entire community.”
Businesses that were selected by visitors were recognized at the annual Lodging & Hospitality Association of Volusia County’s National Travel and Tourism breakfast at the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach. Winners will also receive a plaque and a graphics file that can be used to promote their Visitors’ Choice honor.
Winners and honorable mentions of the 2024 Visitors’ Choice Awards are:
· Award of Excellence: Volusia County Beaches
· Best Museum & Gallery: Winner, Motorsports Hall of Fame of America; Runner-up, Museum of Arts & Sciences
· Best Major Attraction: Winner, Daytona International Speedway; Runner-up, Ponce Inlet Lighthouse
· Best Major Event: Winner, Daytona Beach Bike Week; Runner-up, Speedweeks (includes the Rolex 24 At DAYTONA and the DAYTONA 500)
· Best Arts, Culture & Heritage Festival: Winner, Riverfest Seafood Festival; Runner-up, Daytona Beach Arts Fest
· Best Historical Site: Winner, Daytona Beach Boardwalk & Pier; Runner-up, Ponce Inlet Lighthouse
· Best Downtown Districts & Neighborhood: Winner, Daytona Beach Main Street; Runner-up, Ponce Inlet
· Best Entertainment Venues: Winner, Daytona Beach Bandshell; Runner-up, Ocean Center
· Best Shopping: Winner, Daytona Flea & Farmers Market; Runner-up, Historic Beach Street (Downtown Daytona Beach)
· Best Family Entertainment: Winner, Daytona Lagoon Waterpark & Entertainment Center; Runner-up, Marine Science Center
· Best Golf Course: Winner, Daytona Beach Golf Club; Runner-up, LPGA International
· Best Water Excursions: Winner, Ponce Inlet Watersports; Runner-up, Sea Spirit Deep Sea Fishing
· Best Park: Winner, Lighthouse Point Park; Runner-up, Blue Spring State Park
· Best Eco Tourism Boat Tour: Winner, Dolphin and Manatee Boat Tours; Runner-up, Dine & Cruise – Dinner and River Cruise
· Best Local Fine Dining: Winner, Top of Daytona; Runner-up, Rose Villa Southern Table & Bar
· Best Local Seafood Restaurant: Winner, Caribbean Jack’s; Runner-up, Down The Hatch Seafood Company
· Best Beachfront Restaurant: Winner, Joe’s Crab Shack; Runner-up, Ocean Deck Restaurant & Beach Club
· Best Locally Crafted: Winner, Ormond Brewing Company; Runner-up, Copper Bottom Craft Distillery
· Best Local Sweets: Winner, Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory; Runner-up, Rosie’s Italian Bakery
About the Daytona Beach Area | #LoveDaytonaBeach Often called home of the world’s most famous beaches, Daytona Beach, Florida, continues to delight and surprise visitors with its diverse and growing array of attractions. The Daytona Beach area includes several cities and towns including Ormond Beach, Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Shores, Ponce Inlet, Holly Hill and South Daytona. The destination has long been known for its iconic beaches and rich auto racing history but today a slate of exciting new attractions, upscale lodging, a vibrant arts scene and an amazing collection of parks, preserves and outdoor activities are all part of Daytona Beach’s year-round appeal.
To receive a complimentary Daytona Beach Destination Guide, find a place to stay, or book your next adventure, visit DaytonaBeach.com. #LoveDaytonaBeach.
