Jam-packed with historical sights and beautiful beaches, and located just 50 miles from the world-renowned attractions of Orlando, a Daytona Beach vacation is the perfect get-away for the entire family.

Daytona Beach is a true beach town destination. Plan to spend plenty of time lounging on white sandy beaches and swimming in warm, crystal blue ocean waters. If the sun and fun aren't enough, there are plenty of other exciting Daytona Beach attractions to enjoy.

For Daytona Beach sightseeing, it doesn't get any better than a ride on the Halifax River with the Daytona Beach River Cruise Company. Observe the amazing wildlife and diverse heritage of the area on a 71-foot passenger boat. Arrangements can be also be made for a dock and dine cruise in which you choose from one of three different Daytona Beach waterfront restaurants to stop for a bite.

For thrill-seekers who want a birds-eye view of Daytona Beach, visit Daytona Parasailing for an exhilarating Daytona Beach adventure. Choose from five breath-taking rides that range from 800 feet in the air up to 2000 feet.

No Daytona Beach vacation would be complete without stopping in to Daytona USA, the official attraction of NASCAR. This hub of all things auto-racing features various rides and attractions, hands-on activities, challenging thrills and one-of-a-kind sights.

Once you've worked up an appetite, you are in luck. In Daytona Beach, dining is a thrill in itself and there are plenty of great restaurants that feature fantastic local faire and amazing views. Aunt Catfish's on the River is a Daytona Beach local favorite that features "down South river cooking" in a warm and welcoming environment. The Inlet Harbor Restaurant & Marina is a "tropical casual" environment that features great food the whole family will enjoy. Another great restaurant for experiencing the best of Daytona Beach dining is the Ocean Deck Restaurant, which boasts some of the best seafood in all of Florida.

Daytona Beach is close to many great Florida cities, making a Daytona Beach vacation perfect for day-trips to other famous Florida attractions. Head just 70 miles southeast to Orlando and you'll find yourself at the king of all Daytona Beach area family attractions, Walt Disney World.

Other Orlando day-trip options include paying a visit to Shamu, catching some thrilling rides and experiencing up-close animal encounters at Sea World Orlando. Daytona Beach visitors who love movies will love Universal Studios Orlando, less than 50 miles from Daytona Beach. Attractions here include two amazing theme parks, great nightlife and live shows by international phenomena the Blue Man Group.

Your Daytona Beach vacation is not complete without a day trip to Cape Canaveral and a bus tour through the Kennedy Space Center, just 50 miles south of Daytona Beach. Visitors will learn all about space travel and even experience the thrill of launching into space.

Before you leave, spend a little bit of your Daytona Beach vacation embracing Florida's Spanish history with a trip 50 miles north to St. Augustine, where you can drink from Ponce de Leon's famed Fountain of Youth. The whole family will enjoy exploring 500 years of history among the 15 acres of this Daytona Beach area attraction.

And don't forget to make time to visit Old Town San Diego for the best Mexican food (and margaritas) this side of the border.