Winter Therapy in Florida

A February 2006 trip to Daytona Beach by king25

Manatees at Blue Spring State ParkMore Photos

I recently stayed at the Fantasy Island II in Daytona Beach Shores, Florida.

  • 9 reviews
  • 9 photos

Fantasy Island IIBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Fantasy Island Resort II"

Beach at Fantasy Island Resort II
Best Things Nearby:
The Beach acess, resort is on the beach. Some restaurants are nearby, a handful within walking distance, and the rest are a short car drive away.

Best Things About the Resort:
The Beach! Every unit seems to have an ocean view.

Resort Experience:
With the beach access, this resort can't be beat if you're looking for a nice, relaxing place on the beach. The beaches are clean and beautiful.

I stayed in a two-bedroom unit, and it was very clean and tidy. Everything you would need is there including a fully equipped kitchen, dining area, breakfast bar, hair dryer, iron/ironing board, etc.

The resort itself doesn't have an enormous amount of activities (for example there isn't a fitness center), but there is a swimming pool, hot tub, and guests also have access next door at the Fantasy Island I pool.

There were a few activities planned daily, such as a cook out/picnic, or some kids activities. Coffee and donuts or bagels on Sunday, etc.

It's not as hectic in this area as Daytona Beach, which I liked since it was more quiet and relaxing. You're a short car drive away from many activities as well.

  • Unit Type: 2 Bedroom
  • Activities: Fair
  • Amenities: Good
  • Unit Satisfaction: Very Good
  • Family Friendliness: Very Good
  • Service: Very Good
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by king25 on March 7, 2006

Fantasy Island II
3175 S. Atlantic Avenue Daytona Beach, Florida 32118
(386) 788-2928

Aunt Catfish'sBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Aunt Catfish"

We loved Aunt Catfish's! This was about a 10-minute drive (with traffic) from Fantasy Island II.

We went for the "Blue Jeans Sunday Brunch" and it was incredible! There was a made-to-order omelette station, pancakes, french toast, as well as lunch/dinner items like fried catfish, mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet potatoes, veggies, carved turkey, ham, and tons more. Also, a huge salad bar with all kinds of items. Not to mention an array of dessert items, including a chocolate fountain! YUM!
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by king25 on March 7, 2006

Aunt Catfish's
4009 Halifax Dr. Daytona Beach, Florida 32127
386/767-4768

Crabby Joe's Deck & GrillBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Crabby Joes Deck & Grill "

Crabby Joe's on the Pier
Crabby Joe's is located on Sunglow Pier. We had breakfast which was great, but their lunch/dinner looked really good too.I've heard their crablegs and fish are really good. You can even order fish for breakfast.There is also a bar in the restaurant, and you can also fish off the pier.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by king25 on March 7, 2006

Crabby Joe's Deck & Grill
3701 South Atlantic Avenue Daytona Beach, Florida 32118
(386) 788-3364

Our Deck Down UnderBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "The Deck Down Under"

There is a bar on-site, and outdoor dining overlooking Halifax River.
The fish sandwiches are huge, and the hushpuppies are great.

This is a good lunch place, and great for happy hour.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by king25 on March 7, 2006

Our Deck Down Under
78 Dunlawton Ave Daytona Beach, Florida 32127
386-767-1881

Inlet Harbor Marina & RestaurantBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Inlet Harbor Restaurant & Marina"

There is outdoor dining with a scenic view of the water, boats, and a lighthouse. The outdoor atmosphere is very casual. There was a musician singing Jimmy Buffet type of songs when we went, at around 4pm one evening. It is a good place for a drink and some appetizers.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by king25 on March 7, 2006

Inlet Harbor Marina & Restaurant
133 Inlet Harbor Rd Daytona Beach, Florida
(386) 767-3266

This place was great! Indoor and outdoor seating. There were bars indoors and outdoors as well, and heated lamps outside!

We ate dinner outside and everything was wonderful. I had crab legs that were decently priced and very good. The mashed potatoes were awesome!

Even the dinner salad I had was great. I highly recommend one dinner at Caribbean Jacks. I think they serve lunch until 4 or 5pm too, which helps the financial situation.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by king25 on March 7, 2006

Caribbean Jack's Restaurant and Marina
721 Ballough Road Daytona Beach, Florida 32114
(386) 523-3100

Daytona BeachBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Daytona Beach Shores Beach"

Beautiful, clean beaches! I walked about 1 mile each way (north and south), and it was beautiful each way.

You can also pay to drive your car on the beach, if you so choose.

We collected many pretty shells on the shore as well.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by king25 on March 7, 2006

Daytona Beach
Daytona Daytona Beach, Florida

Sunglow PierBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Sunglow Pier
You can fish at Sunglow Pier without a fishing license.There is also a restaurant (Crabby Jack's) located on the pier, this is who you'd also pay to fish or sight-see on the pier.We caught a couple fish for the few hours that we did fish here. A guy next to us caught a baby shark! (this was around 8pm).
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by king25 on March 7, 2006

Sunglow Pier
3701 South Atlantic Avenue Daytona Beach, Florida 32118
(386) 788-3364

Blue Springs State ParkBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Blue Spring State Park"

Gator in Blue Spring State Park
Blue Spring State Park is really neat. You can see Manatees in the winter months as it's the winter home to numerous manatees; Blue Spring is a designated manatee refuge.

Blue Spring is the largest spring on the St. Johns River. There are trails you can walk on and The Thursby house, built in 1872, to walk through. Riverboat tours are also available.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by king25 on March 7, 2006

Blue Springs State Park
2100 West French Avenue Orange City, Florida 32763
(386) 775-3663

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