Wide stretches of fine sand as far as you can see. Gentle slopes to the waters edge. These characteristics of the Daytona beach area assures a fine playground for fun in the sun. The public servants cruise for unknown reasons. The seagulls and pelicans cruise the shoreline looking for a snack and the tides provide a wide variance of the width of  the sandy playground. The pier reaches out into the surf and is much shorter than a few years ago when a storm took the end of the pier favored by fishermen. Storms seem to be an annual contribution to the excitement  up and down the coastline. The sand ebbs and flows, rip tides are common, and sharks are an occasional nuisance. But the fun in the sun continues unabated. The gondola chair rides high over the pier. The thrill of the bungee for the hardy of spirit is only a few feet away and the price is negotiable; two rides for the price of one. The boardwalk rolls a mile down past the Adam's Mark hotel and ends in the sand. The view of hotels and condominiums pass into the distance. Cars and other vehicles pass at walking speed. Rentals of bikes and umbrellas, boogie boards and 4 wheelers, lounge chairs and ice cream.

These are the items that make a day in the sun a special time. And special days abound along the coast. Daytona has "Speed Week" and the spring break crowd. It also has an occasional air show, power boat race or concert.  The sun tan man moves through the crowds collecting bottles of lotion from the possessions of those leaving their beach towel unattended.

Sunrises make a picturesque start to the day. But it gives solitude and a chance for reflection before the start of a busy day.

A few minutes from the oceans edge the lagoon and river snake through piers and marinas. Further south you can visit the Ponce Inlet lighthouse.