27033 Daytona Daze

Day 1

Day 1 • Saturday, February 27
Let the Sunshine Getaway Begin
Our beach adventure begins as we board our comfortable motorcoach and head south together. Settle into your seat, get acquainted with your fellow travelers, and watch the scenery change as we leave our everyday routines behind. With convenient rest stops and a lunch break along the way, we’ll ease into vacation mode one mile at a time.
This evening, we arrive at the Drury Inn & Suites in Paducah, Kentucky. After checking in, enjoy the hotel’s Kickback Reception with food and drinks—a welcoming way to unwind after our first day on the road. Florida, here we come!

Day 2

Day 2 • Sunday, February 28
Southbound and Smiling
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before we continue our journey toward the coast. Today’s travels take us through Tennessee and into Georgia, with stops along the way to stretch, refresh, and enjoy lunch on your own.
Our overnight destination is the Drury Inn & Suites Atlanta Morrow, where another evening Kickback Reception awaits. Enjoy a relaxed evening with your travel companions and a restful night before tomorrow’s arrival in Daytona Beach. Our seaside escape is getting closer!

Day 3

Day 3 • Monday, March 1
Hello, Daytona Beach!
After breakfast, we’re off to Florida! Along the way, we’ll make a stop at Buc-ee’s, giving you time to stretch your legs, browse, and pick up a road-trip treat. Following a lunch stop on your own, we continue toward the Atlantic coast.
Then comes the moment we’ve been waiting for: Daytona Beach! We’ll check into the Holiday Inn & Suites Daytona Beach on the Ocean, our home for the next four nights. With its oceanfront setting, this hotel puts the beach right at the heart of our getaway. Unpack, settle in, and enjoy the pleasure of staying in one place while we explore the surrounding area.
This evening, we gather for an included dinner at a local restaurant before returning to the hotel. Take a deep breath of ocean air—your beach vacation has officially begun!

Day 4

Day 4 • Tuesday, March 2
Sea Turtles, Coastal Wonders & Dinner on the Water
Following breakfast, today’s sightseeing introduces us to the remarkable wildlife and waterways of Florida’s coast.
At the Marine Science Center in Ponce Inlet, we’ll enjoy a guided tour that brings the region’s marine environment to life. This engaging facility combines exhibits and education with important rehabilitation work for sick and injured sea turtles and seabirds. Learn about the coastal habitats that support these animals and the care that helps recovering wildlife return to the wild. The Turtle Terrace offers a look into the sea turtle rehabilitation area, making this a meaningful opportunity to see conservation work in action.
This evening, we trade the roadway for the water as we board the Lady Dolphin of Daytona for a scenic dinner cruise on the Halifax River. Enjoy your meal, friendly conversation, and views of the surrounding waterfront as the boat carries us along this beautiful coastal waterway. Keep your camera handy and settle in for a lovely evening afloat.
After our cruise, we return to the hotel for the remainder of the evening.

Day 5

Day 5 • Wednesday, March 3
Rockefeller’s Retreat & a Garden Escape
After breakfast, we head to nearby Ormond Beach for a day filled with history, art, and natural beauty.
Our first stop is The Casements, the former winter home of John D. Rockefeller. Named for the large, hand-cut casement windows that distinguish the mansion, this restored home is affectionately known as “The Jewel of Ormond Beach.” Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated a Florida Heritage Site, it offers a fascinating connection to one of America’s best-known businessmen and philanthropists. Discover the story of his winter retreat and the appeal that drew prominent visitors to this coastal community.
Next, we visit the Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens. Founded in 1946, the museum brings art and nature together while honoring those who defended freedom. Enjoy the artwork on display, then explore the garden setting, where winding paths, lush plantings, and memorial tributes create a peaceful place to pause and appreciate your surroundings.
We’ll return to the hotel for free time before dinner. Perhaps enjoy a little beach time, find a comfortable spot to read, or simply relax with the sound of the ocean nearby. This evening, we gather again for an included dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 6

Day 6 • Thursday, March 4
Lighthouse Views & Old Florida Charm
Breakfast begins another lovely day on the coast before we return to Ponce Inlet to explore two historic treasures
The Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Historical Museum has guided mariners since 1887. Rising 175 feet, this striking red-brick landmark is Florida’s tallest lighthouse. Explore the historic light station and museum exhibits to learn about the keepers, their families, and the work required to maintain this vital coastal beacon.
For those who wish to climb, 203 steps lead to the lighthouse’s main balcony, where sweeping views reward the effort. Whether you choose the climb or spend your visit exploring the historic buildings and exhibits, this stop offers a memorable glimpse into Florida’s maritime past.
We’ll also visit the Constance D. Hunter Historic Pacetti Hotel Museum. Dating to the 1880s, this former boarding house and fishing resort recalls a time when visitors came to the inlet for fishing, relaxation, and coastal hospitality. Its restored rooms and preserved historic character help tell the story of the people who lived, worked, and vacationed here long before today’s beach resorts.
This afternoon, choose how you’d like to enjoy your remaining time in Daytona Beach. Return to the hotel for a leisurely afternoon or join the outing to Tanger Outlets for some shopping. Whether your perfect vacation afternoon involves browsing for bargains or enjoying another ocean breeze, there’s time to make it your own.
Tonight, we’ll enjoy an included dinner at a local restaurant and celebrate the seaside memories we’ve made together.

Day 7

Day 7 • Friday, March 5
A Fond Farewell to the Beach
Enjoy breakfast before we pack up and say farewell to Daytona Beach. We’ll leave with wonderful memories of ocean breezes, coastal discoveries, and time shared with new and familiar friends.
Our northbound journey includes stops along the way before we return to the Drury Inn & Suites Atlanta Morrow. This evening, enjoy the hotel’s Kickback Reception and a comfortable overnight stay.

Day 8

Day 8 • Saturday, March 6
Homeward Bound with Happy Memories
Following breakfast, we continue toward home, with time to relax aboard the motorcoach and reminisce about our favorite moments. Was it dinner on the river, the lighthouse, the sea turtles, or simply having time to enjoy the beach?
Tonight, we return to the Drury Inn & Suites in Paducah, Kentucky, where the Kickback Reception provides a pleasant finish to our day of travel.

Day 9

Day 9 • Sunday, March 7
Bringing a Little Beach Cheer Home
After breakfast, we begin the final leg of our journey. Enjoy the company of your fellow travelers as we make our way back to our departure communities.
We return home with coastal stories to share, photos to enjoy, and the happy feeling that comes from taking a well-deserved getaway. Until our next adventure, may a little of that Daytona Beach spirit stay with you!