Our Local Picks

The family continues to grow blueberries, but they’ve branched into new ventures like selling their own grass-fed beef, and, most of all, the fall business of growing pumpkins, sunflowers, and the associated festival and maze activities.

Just 45 minutes from the hotel, their Maze Dayz has become a hot ticket, with the family adding new attractions every year (this year: monster truck rides!).

The Festival and Maze will run 5 p.m. — 10 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m. — 9 p.m. Saturdays, and 11 a.m. — 7 p.m. Sundays at the Cowart Ranch and Farms, 8185 State Road 100, Bunnell, FL.

Catch up on the latest on their Facebook account here.

Built of coquina in 1937, the Bandshell is widely considered the most important Florida project of Roosevelt’s New Deal, and was hailed as the largest structure of its kind in the world when it opened, seating 4,200 people in its amphitheater.

A Daytona summertime tradition, the event treats locals and visitors to fun and festive gatherings. The family-friendly concert series is known for bringing the best classic rock and country tribute bands to the beach — think Tim McGraw, Aerosmith, Elton John, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and many more. Two acts are featured every weekend, and you can see the full lineup here: The Star Spangled Summer Concert Series

The Saturday concerts are followed by fireworks at 9:45 p.m. at the Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier. The concerts are free to the public if you bring your own chair, or you can purchase a VIP ticket (includes seating) for $10 at Friends of the Bandshell. Rain or shine, the show goes on. Bandshell parking is available at the Ocean Center Garage, with a straight shot to the Bandshell via the pedestrian overpass.

Pro Tip: Make time for a pre-concert stroll on the Boardwalk and be sure to include a stop at local fave Zeno's Sweet Shop for homemade fudge and saltwater taffy. Extra time to kill? The skeeball is serious and so is the gusto of the Boardwalk street performers. This is beach town fun at its most authentic.

Rather just enjoy the ride? You’re in good hands as you take three laps at top speed with a professional driver. Either way, you’ll be in a real NASCAR race car that's been race-driven by NASCAR superstars.

From Forbes: “NRE not only teaches novices to finesse stock cars around the big oval, but also lets customers buy high-speed ride-alongs given by its veteran drivers….Bucket list experience.”

Make a reservation at the Daytona International Raceway or book a NASCAR Ride Along at NASCAR Racing Experience or call 704-886-2400.

So you’re in the know: the Travelers’ Choice Awards are Tripadvisor’s rankings of the best accommodations and destinations as rated and reviewed by travelers themselves. And Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best winners are the highest honor — among the top 1% of all listings on Tripadvisor.

So what’s the buzz?

Popular mentions include: accommodating staff, beachside movies under the stars, oversized pancakes, and stunning oceanfront views. Also:

• Planned daily activities: “Tons for the kids to do- especially with the events coordinator”
• Heated indoor and outdoor pools pools and a 60’ slide:
  “The giant water slide is a huge hit. All of the pools are close enough together that Mom and Dad don't have to spend the whole day running. I actually got to relax.”
• And a lot about making memories:
  “Even after 40 plus years of vacationing at the Sun Viking Lodge in Daytona Beach, we still feel excited pulling into the parking lot…”
  “My husband and I spent a week at the Sun Viking Lodge with our grown kids to celebrate our 50th Anniversary. We often vacationed at the Sun Viking as they were growing up. It was just as much fun this time... and the grandkids enjoyed it just as much.”

Start your day by indulging in a tasty plate of pancakes from the Viking Kafe, open from February to September. Daytona Beach offers an array of activities, including watersports, golf, fishing, and sightseeing. Make some time to walk artistic and cultural venues and spruce yourself up for a hearty dinner at the nearby Chart House. Treat yourself to a garden pool-view room, where you can escape to the indoor pool when the sun gets too hot. For those looking to recharge by the sea, yet need to complete last-minute work tasks that can be done from the comfort of your room, enjoy 20% off with our exclusive off-season rates.

There’s no doubt that a seaside slumber is vital, especially on the Florida coast. Whether it’s during the summer or a slower season, Sun Viking Lodge is your home away from home.

Fun fact, the first Welcome to Rockville was held on Mother’s Day; festival tickets would be a great Mother’s Day gift and excuse to head to Daytona Beach for a late celebration. Other popular bands on the lineup include Papa Roach, Megadeath, and Smashing Pumpkins. Let us take care of you for the best Welcome to Rockville experience, as we’re only a quick 15-min drive from the Daytona International Speedway.

Daytona Beach Arts Fest 2022

Downtown Daytona Beach comes alive on April 9th and 10th with vibrant local art. This free immersive experience is the first of its kind; an inaugural celebration! Gather with the community amongst several displays of fine art, watch attentively as artists battle it out in the Art Battle — an international live painting competition. Dance to the beat of the live music competition, The Locals Mix, and even attend an after-hours fashion show; Fashion on the Beach. These two days are filled with fun for everyone. A full schedule of events can be found online.

Beachside Bar Crawl

If you happen to be on your spring break trip with a group of your closest friends, a bar crawl is a must. Fun Coast Tours grace the Daytona coast once a month, and they’re returning for the Easter Crawl on April 14th to maintain the title of Daytona’s Best Bar Crawl. From 6 pm —10 pm, your ticket includes entertaining shuttle service, 5-8 drinks, and, of course, entrance to some of the best bars in town.

11th Annual Ormond Beach Celtic Festival

Just about 20 minutes north of Sun Viking Lodge and stretched across two Downtown Ormond Beach parks, The Ormond Beach Celtic Festival returns April 23-24 for a weekend of culture and tradition. Adult admission is $10, with children 12 and under free! Spend the day indulging in authentic Celtic food with flavors originating from the seven Celtic Nations. Dance to folk music while enjoying draft beer and make time to attend the dog show!

From now until April 24th, watch the streets of Universal come alive with Cajun flavor and that bayou soul. In-between looping around on the Hollywood Rip Ride Rock-it rollercoaster or racking up a high score at Men in Black, guests can dance along with stilted performers and authentic New Orleans-inspired bands. Along with flying beads and parades, March is packed with a full concert lineup of popular favorites like Marshmello on the 6th, Seal on the 19th, and pop sensation Jason Derulo on March 27th. A full lineup can be found online, as well as the option to purchase your tickets in advance. The fun, food, and family memories are waiting.

Each year for the last six decades, NASCAR fans come together for a nail-biting experience leading up to the iconic Daytona 500. Daytona Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth kicks off February 15th with the first two practice sessions of the season. This year will be the first time NASCAR’s Next Gen car, with speeds up to 195 MPH, will race for a points-paying trophy. Cheapest tickets for the Practice are still available online for only $20.

Tickets are sold out for the Daytona 500 on February 20th, but leading up to this event, you can head online now to snag a ticket to February 17th’s Bluegreen Vacations Duel, the NextEra Energy 250 on February 18th, or the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. 300 on February 19th. There’s also even spots available for the Daytona 500 Qualifying Presented by Busch Light on February 16th, so you can witness who will be making it to the final race!

Volusia Mall (6.6 miles)

Down the street is your closest destination for a day of shopping. The Volusia Mall has your popular favorites, where you can go and exchange any gifts you might have gotten over the holidays that don’t fit, or are duplicates. A list of only deals is always being updated online.  

Tanger Outlets Daytona Beach (9.4 miles away)

A shopping spree is waiting to be had at Tanger Outlets. Browse favorite stores like Michael Kors, J.Crew, Guess, Levis, and much more. If you’re in the area mid-January, make sure to stop by for the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration & Sale, with weekend deals on big brand names from January 15th-18th!

The Mall at Millenia (64.4 miles away)

Although this one is a drive into the Orlando area, you won’t regret it! Enjoy this gorgeous two-story mall filled with both familiar and luxurious stores. With an array of food options, you will be dining in excellence. International travels can even take advantage of the currency exchange booth. Also, from now until January 16th, there’s currently the Jefrë Pop Up Art Exhibition, showcasing the international artist's new work series titled “Contour.”

No matter where you end up, you’ll definitely have no trouble bringing back a souvenir. Happy shopping!

Magic of Lights: Holiday Light Drive Through comes to Daytona International Speedway just in time for your family vacation. This event should be at the top of your to-do list, as it’s only in select cities around the country and right down the street! For one price per vehicle, cruise in comfort surrounded by the latest and greatest LED light technology.  

A little further in Sanford, The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is hosting the Asian Lantern Festival: Into The Wild. This light exhibit will be in town until January 16th, featuring almost a mile of 30+ illuminated lantern displays depicting traditional Chinese elements. Tickets must be purchased online for this once-in-a-lifetime experience! Make sure to check out the authentic crafts and come hungry for some local food.

Deeper into Orlando, Harry P. Leu Gardens is waiting for you. From now until January 9th, Dazzling Nights light up the garden with musical and interactive displays. If you come during the month of December, Holiday Blooms at Leu, the largest display of holiday plants the park has ever seen, fills up acres across the park. Catch these flowers in bloom before the year is up!

Not only is the Florida air lighter in November, but it also makes for the perfect time to eat around the world! The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival runs until November 20th. Aside from the countries already in the park year-round, the festival adds additional stops with a full list here. Pair your perfect pour with snack-sized portions, and don’t forget to match your stickers in your passport to keep track of all the different foods you’ve tried! When you stop by the France Pavilion, make sure to take a ride on the brand new Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.

Come hungry and give your feet a break; the newly renovated restaurant, Space 220, is open and ready for you! Get ready to feel like you’re lounging in a space station, with a beautiful view looking down on Earth as you eat dinner. Finish the night with the new melodic and nostalgic show on the water, Harmonious. 

Watch the chrome sparkle in the sun as the bikers cruise along the famous A1A, historic Main Street, or the scenic Loop. Learn about the full-throttle lifestyle by taking part in one of the Southeast’s premier motorcycle shows, with custom bike builds and hundreds of the industry’s top vendors throughout Daytona Beach and Volusia County. All roads lead to Biketoberfest®. Sun Viking Lodge is happy to be your home while you’re here and to be your guide so you don’t miss any of the action. Call today to book your stay with us in October and make Biketoberfest® weekend a new annual tradition!

Brace yourselves on September 4th for Rock the Block Rum Fest Pirate Street Party & Pub Crawl. Watch as Main Street gets transformed into a pirate’s paradise, with a parade, a pirate ship, food vendors, fireworks, and who knows, maybe Jack Sparrow might make an appearance! The free festival is from 6 pm-midnight, but adults can also take part in the pub crawl portion of the event from 7 pm-11 pm, with tickets starting at $15 online! Just a few beaches south, The New Smyrna Beach Sangria Social is calling your name for a bar crawl you’ll never forget. For $25, your drinking passport allows entry to 10 different stops for delicious red and white sangria sampling. The party starts September 4th, at 1 pm and tickets are selling fast!

Traveling with family? The Hanger Outlets is kicking off festivities early with a Labor Day Block Party on September 2nd. Kids can enjoy face painting and s’mores, while a live DJ sets up the vibe. You can also get your vacation shopping in! 

Look no further than the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse. Rising almost 200 feet and granting panoramic coastal and inland views, this historic lighthouse—which dates back to 1887—boasts the title of “largest Lighthouse in Florida.” It's the perfect place to get a lay of the land if you can handle its 203 steps.

It’s become such a famous attraction that the land around it is now a museum dedicated to preserving Daytona’s rich history and enriching public knowledge. Whether you’re traveling with friends and family or staying solo, this is sure to be a fun stop with unobstructed views that’ll help you plan the next leg of your trip.

Hotels that receive the "Inspector’s Best Of Housekeeping" designation have surpassed expectations during two consecutive, comprehensive, on-site inspections. "AAA has found that cleanliness and physical condition are consistently among the most important components travelers consider when looking for a hotel. This designation identifies hotels with exceptional practices," said Michael Petrone, director, AAA Inspections & Diamond Ratings. "The vast majority of AAA Inspected & Approved hotels fall in the midscale, Three Diamond range, so those that earn the Inspector’s Best Of Housekeeping badge are a step above in a way that matters to today’s discerning traveler."

Incredibly, only the top 25% of 27,000 AAA Inspected & Approved hotels receive the "Inspector’s Best of Housekeeping" designation. This valuable third-party validation is just one more reason you can rest assured that, indoors and out, Sun Viking Loge is as clean as it can be.

Fun for the entire family, our spacious hotel rooms come in a variety of configurations and layouts, with amenities ranging from oceanfront balconies to fully equipped kitchens, each with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and more.

Kids of all ages will flip for our 60-foot waterslide, while adults can pull up a chaise by the outdoor heated pool or the indoor garden atrium swimming pool, both just steps from the sand. Additional resort-style amenities include a fitness center and sauna, shuffleboard court, children’s playground, game room, and made-to-order meals at our very own Viking Kafe.

Celebrating over 50 years of hospitality and seven consecutive years on TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Hall of Fame, from 2015 to 2021, you can count on our team at Sun Viking Lodge to deliver an unforgettable experience for you and your family here on Daytona Beach.

The Daytona Beach shores are noteworthy for their sea turtle population. Every year from May through October, female sea turtles come to shore at nighttime and lay between 50 and 350 eggs on the beach. Two months later, the baby sea turtles hatch and make their way out to sea.

Many majestic species of birds can also be spotted throughout Daytona Beach. Birdwatchers should keep their eyes out for seagulls, sandpipers, northern gannets, pelicans, and more. Within the water, visitors should also look out for Florida’s favorite gentle giant: the manatee. These large marine mammals — also called “sea cows” — use their paddle-shaped flippers to navigate warm Atlantic waters, grazing on undersea plants along the way.

The Museum of Arts and Sciences - This large center features works ranging from legendary artists like Frida Kahlo to more local names. Certain select works are always on display while other exhibits rotate out so new art can always be found.

Halifax Historical Museum — Daytona Beach was founded in 1870 and has since developed a rich, diverse history. The Halifax Historical Museum beautifully showcases this history with exhibits, educational pieces, and interactive works.

The Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art — This sister museum to the Museum of Arts and Sciences is focused on telling the story of Florida through art. It almost acts like a blend between the other two museums and features very interesting works that will get you looking at this great state in a whole new light.

Bike Week is one of Daytona’s premier annual events. The city begins celebrating everything about motorcycles around March 6 and keeps going strong until March 14, where the Daytona International Speedway hosts two legendary races you don't want to miss. First, of course, is the Daytona 200. Hang on to the edge of your seat as you watch the world’s greatest motorcycle riders take sharp turns and zoom by at incredible speeds. This year, the Daytona 200 shares the spotlight with the Daytona TT. This daring race is called an extreme sport for a reason. Competitors jump around on dirt tracks with hairpin turns at speeds of up to 140 mph! Whatever type of motorcycle racing you prefer, the Daytona International Speedway is the place to be.

Besides enjoying the legendary races, Bike Week also presents visitors with an opportunity to experience biker culture right here in Daytona. In the week before the races, many local establishments will have biker-themed meetups, demonstrations, and entertainment. There’s no better time to be in Daytona!

At Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory, you’ll see chocolate twisted in ways never thought possible. Pure, delicious bites are available but so are more exotic ones. You’ll find just about everything dipped in the right coco-blend and can find perfectly molded chocolate for any special occasion. Expert tip: you can't go wrong with the chocolate pecan bark or the giant peanut butter cup.

Your trip to this chocolate factory is a lot more than just a quick way to satisfy your sweet tooth: there are free factory tours for the whole family. Take a guided tour to see these chocolate artisans in their natural habitat, perfecting the delicious sweets right before your very eyes. You’ll be able to see how everything is made and even get some free samples at the end! While visiting Daytona Beach, make sure to add Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory to your list of must-see venues.

Your skating experience will be enhanced by a live DJ playing top Christmas hits. There will also be fun skating games and a meet-and-greet with Santa to keep the kids entertained. If that’s not enough, they can get their face painted and try their luck at making snow angels on a real snow hill!

This event will take place from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, so make sure to arrive early as there are many activities to get through several times. Dress the whole family up in your weirdest holiday sweater for a chance to win a special prize. Dig deep in your closest for those winter clothes you never get to see and have some fun at the Daytona Ice Arena.

The Turkey Run's legendary car show features over 5,000 collector cars and antiques. See one-of-a-kind automobiles not found anywhere else on the planet. Enthusiasts even have the opportunity to browse and purchase a huge selection of these collector cars. With such a large speedway to cover, you can imagine how many cars will be available to ogle.

The Turkey Run also doubles down as the largest swap meet in the area. Browse through the long stretch of unique vendors that have everything from handmade crafts to collector car memorabilia. This event will take place from November 28-30 and December 1, so join the hundreds of fellow auto and thrift enthusiasts for this incredible event.

Halloween Street Market will be taking place on October 26 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. During this huge time window, local vendors will be handing out generous portions of sweets and treats and everything between. While a trick is not necessary for a treat, make sure to bring the kids dressed in their favorite costumes for the best pre-Halloween experience around.

Whether you want to pop in for a bit of candy magic or spend the day strolling through the mall, you’ll be glad you chose an air-conditioned mall with the best candy around.

The party begins on Thursday, September 26, with a free kick-off concert starting at 6:00 pm. Make sure to arrive early for prime concert real estate. Beginning on Saturday, your main job is to cruise through as many different local establishments as you can to catch all the jazz legends. You will definitely want to carry around a full schedule because there’s a lot of jazz and many great places to enjoy it. Grab some cold drinks, delicious food, and let the music melt you away with the beach at your back.

One Daytona is located across the street from the Daytona International Speedway and is your one-stop-shop for entertainment, quick and gourmet dining, and exclusive retail. Guests will find dozens of unique stores to peruse. Luxury bars and too many food options to count ensure there will be something for everyone.

One Daytona is also your go-to weekly entertainment hub. Every Friday this summer, One Daytona proudly presents Summer Splash. This family event is a great way for the kids to get wild while you relax. There will be an interactive DJ, party games, and a splash pad, so make sure to bring a towel. Additionally, Saturday nights will see the best local live music that Central Florida has to offer. These free events are best complemented with delicious food and good vibes, so make your way over and experience it for yourself!

This summer, Daytona Beach is proud to bring you a free concert and fireworks series at The Bandshell every Friday and Saturday through September, plus an extra performance on the 4th of July. Make a day out of it and stroll through the Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier while you’re down here. Bring the whole family and some smiles and get ready for a rock and roll kind of summer.

Sun Viking Lodge is also dedicated to being the premier family hotel in the area. Our 60-foot waterslide tends to keep the kids occupied for quite some time while you get to enjoy the ocean view. We even feature a game room and a playground, so we apologize ahead of time if the kids don’t want to leave.

Daytona has changed a lot throughout the years and Sun Viking Lodge has been here for the ride. A great article was written recently about our origins and thoughts how Daytona has progressed since Sun Viking Lodge’s founding in 1971. Let us be your guide to this great paradise city!

Daytona Lagoon boasts large meandering water slides, tubing halfpipes, and the laziest of rivers. Guests can take a face-first 50-foot drop in Kraken’s Revenge or face their fears falling backward down the Shaka halfpipe. Some of the larger rides have a 42-inch minimum height requirement, but regardless of where you find yourself, you’ll be sure to find fun for the whole family. Only a three-mile drive from Sun Viking Lodge separates you from the water adventures that await! 

This beautiful mini-golf course features two full 18-hole courses that are anything but tame. Carve your way through mountain caves and putt your way out of a 30-foot volcano! Try to skip your balls over roaring waterfalls and watch the sunset from a landed ship. Open seven days a week from 10:30 am to 9:00 pm, this mini-golf course is sure to be welcomed fun for the whole family!

Sun Viking Lodge is conveniently located in the heart of Daytona so you can relax and experience the 200 laps and 500 rubber-burning miles of pure excitement. As if the biggest NASCAR event of the year wasn’t enough, the Daytona International Speedway is also hosting a Speedweek from February 9 through February 16th. The near-daily races will help prepare you for the big event and help introduce any newcomers to the world of professional racing.