Branded Content: Jet Blue Daytona

9 ways to escape the stress of NYC in Daytona Beach

Stress: it’s endemic to New York City. It starts with the morning rush, continues through lunch-at-the-desk and doesn’t let up until the kids-are-asleep, the-cat-is-fed and I-didn’t-eat bedtime. Trade the stress of New York for the relaxation of Daytona Beach. Its 23 miles of beaches, thirst-quenching Ale Trail, rich culture, nationally-renowned surfing and yes, the International Speedway, are just a 2.5 hour nonstop flight away.

1. Get lost in an orange grove

If Florida had a state color, it would have to be orange. Both the fruit and the hue are particularly home in Daytona Beach, where everything from the agriculture industry to the miles of coastline are awash in the citrus tint. Having a glass of fresh-squeezed OJ when you wake up in the morning is one way to enjoy the Daytona Beach bumper crop, but if you really want an authentic Floridian experience, sign up for a tour of one of DB’s citrus grove tours—the state is equally as keen on growing grapefruits, too. Florida, believe it or not, actually has its own Department of Citrus, which suggests scheduling time to hang out at the Daytona Beach citrus grove, Davidson Brothers, the family owned orange grove has been growing the state fruit for 95 years. And since winter is peak citrus season, you can expect its produce to be ripe for the picking.

2. Take a thrill ride that doesn’t involve a NYC taxi

Instead of getting your adrenaline rush from the daily commute, try Daytona Beach’s version. From the Sand Blaster roller coaster to the world-renowned International Speedway, Daytona Beach offers plenty of opportunities for speed. Experience the views from the Sandblaster before the stomach-churning mega drops leave you breathless. The 86-foot-tall coaster includes over 2,700 feet of track, two helixes and reaches speeds over 40 miles per hour. The historic Daytona Beach amusement park also includes a Grand Prix Go-Kart Raceway and Tilt-A-Whirl.

3. Shade yourself under a canopy of ancient live oak trees

Swap the shade of skyscrapers and scaffolding for a more natural covering with a walk on the Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail. With more than 30 miles of tree-lined roads providing unobstructed views of Florida’s wild and natural beauty, the trail takes you on a journey back in time to reveal untouched marshes, beaches, river vistas and barrier island dunes. One particularly spectacular stretch includes an area where the trail is completely covered with a canopy of ancient Live Oaks. While on the trail, you will see a variety of native birds, wildlife and foliage as well as have opportunities to fish, hike, bike, boat and swim.

4. Exchange the fast track for the race track

For those with a need for speed, take a lap at the Daytona International Speedway. With tours from 30 minutes to three hours, visitors can take a trip around the track, along the infield and down pit road, enter the Velocetorium and see the vehicle that set the land speed record (277 mph in 1935), plus get a close-up look at the champion Daytona 500 car. In January 2016, the Speedway will unveil its $400-million upgrade to the Speedway featuring expanded entrances, experiences and race viewing opportunities.

5. Crispy panko shrimp, anyone? 

Instead of multitasking your way through a New York grab-and-go meal, sit down and savor some of Florida’s finest cuisine. Local specialties include crab cake Eggs Benedict, cocoa-coffee-crusted tuna and, of course, fish tacos. You can join the foodies at November’s Food, Wine & Brew Festival or discover the Daytona Beach Ale Trail featuring local homemade brews from Daytona Beach Brewing Co., New Smyrna Beach Brewing Co., the Seabreeze Taphouse and more. If you’d like a creative approach to the pub crawl, try a group party bike limocycle tour in which you pedal along the beach, stopping at a few pubs along the way—no designated driver needed.

6. Wave goodbye to NYC stress 

With 23 miles of ahh-worthy sand and surf, including signature orange beaches, Daytona Beach has been called the “world’s most famous beach” since the 1920s. With fishing, paddle boarding, kayaking, surfing, sunning and strolling options, the beach is the ideal place to either relax or play. For surfers looking for what Travel + Leisure named as one of the “World's Coolest Surf Towns” head to New Smyrna Beach. You can rent a board there or bring your own to enjoy the winter swells at one of the most consistent surf spots in Florida, known to locals as “the wave magnet.”

7. Winter. As in the verb, not the season 

Do as John D. Rockefeller did or at least see where he did it. His winter estate, the Casements, lets you step back in time and experience the gilded luxury of the early 1900s. With breathtaking gardens, designed by a Swedish landscape designer to Rockefeller’s exacting specifications, a winding walking path along the river and carefully restored and maintained interiors, the Casements provides a relaxing glimpse of history. The house and grounds are available to visit every day so you can see where Rockefeller entertained such friends as Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone. Check the calendar for Ice cream socials, free Friday movies, Sunday teas and holiday events

8. Climb to the top of Florida’s tallest lighthouse 

Scale takes on a whole new meaning in Daytona Beach. There is no elevator to get to the top of the 175-foot-tall the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, just 203 steps. Once there you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular 360-degree view of the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway. Completed in 1887, this national historic landmark originally was outfitted with a kerosene lamp and fixed Fresnel lens that could be seen for 20 miles. Today, that lens is one of several featured in its museum along with other artifacts of lighthouse life and shipwrecks. The nearby Marine Science Center is worth a visit with its stingray touch pool and turtle and seabird rehabilitation areas.

9. Watch for migrating whales  

From December through March, right whales migrate south along the Daytona Beach coastline to give birth in central Florida’s warm waters, making this the perfect time to catch a glimpse of these magnificent creatures. Annual sightings of this endangered species occur offshore and from several Daytona Beach fishing piers, including the Sunglow and the Main Street piers. The right whale grows to 70 tons and 50 feet long and, historically, sightings have including both adults and their calves. Marineland Right Whale Project keeps track of sightings and can provide more information.