{"ok":true,"data":{"id":2312,"slug":"sunglow-beach-daytona-beach-shores","name":"Sunglow Beach","country":"USA","state":"Florida","city":"Daytona Beach Shores","coords":{"lat":29.1327,"lng":-80.9645},"beachType":null,"tags":["hidden","family","sunset"],"article":{"hero":"Sunglow Beach earns its name honestly. While the main Daytona strip thrums with spring breakers and motorcycle rallies, this neighborhood stretch in Daytona Beach Shores unfolds at a different tempo. You'll drive directly onto sand compacted by tides and time, steering past multigenerational setups complete with grills, canopies, and coolers that suggest no one's leaving until the sun does.\n\nThe shoreline here runs wide and flat, hemmed by low-rise condos and weathered cottages instead of high-rise towers. Children chase sandpipers through the foam while their parents set up portable fire rings—permitted here, a rarity along Florida's Atlantic edge. The water stays shallow for yards, warm as bathwater by midday, ridged with sandbars that collect shells and the occasional fighting conch.\n\nCome late afternoon, the real show begins. The western sky behind you catches fire in shades of tangerine and rose, reflected in the wet sand at your feet, while the Atlantic darkens to pewter. Couples stake out their spots early, blankets weighted with shoes, thermoses open. You'll understand why locals guard this place so quietly: it's Daytona without the circus, just sand, sea, and that reliable Florida sunset that never disappoints.","teaser":"You'll feel the difference the moment your tires leave the main drag. Here, the sand is wide and firm enough to park alongside weathered beach houses, the air carries the scent of charcoal and salt, and the horizon stretches uninterrupted. Locals time their arrival for that final hour before dusk.","uniqueAngle":"One of the few Florida Atlantic beaches where you can legally drive onto the sand, park beside your setup, and light a beach fire as the sun sets.","accessType":"Drive-on beach access","thingsToDo":[{"icon":"sun","title":"Beachside Fire Pits","subtitle":"Portable rings permitted after 5pm"},{"icon":"camera","title":"Sunset Reflections","subtitle":"Wide wet sand mirrors sky"},{"icon":"swim","title":"Shallow Sandbars","subtitle":"Wade out yards, still waist-deep"},{"icon":"surf","title":"Beginner Breaks","subtitle":"Gentle rollers, forgiving shore pound"}],"audience":{"surfer":"You'll find forgiving shore-break peaks best on incoming tides, typically waist- to chest-high on easterly swells. The sandbars shift monthly, so scout north and south before paddling out. Mornings bring the cleanest conditions before the sea breeze chops things up by noon. Locals favor the stretch near Sunglow Pier for consistency. Wax tropical year-round; the Gulf Stream keeps water temps above 70°F even January through March. Respect the family vibe—no aggressive jockeying in the lineup.","couples":"Claim your patch of sand an hour before sunset, when the light turns honeyed and the daytime families pack up. The wet shoreline near the tide line mirrors the entire sky, doubling the color show. Afterward, drive three minutes to Ocean Deck for grouper sandwiches and cold drafts on the tiki deck, or splurge on farm-to-table plates at Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse. Book a room at the Perry's Ocean Edge Resort for balconies that frame sunrise over the Atlantic—unobstructed, just you and the gulls.","backpacker":"Beach access and swimming cost nothing; drive on for $20/day but walk on free at any of the marked pedestrian ramps. Crash at Streamline Hotel in Daytona proper for under $70 if you book mid-week, or pitch at Tomoka State Park ten miles north for $24. Hit Crabby Joe's Deck & Grill for fish tacos under $9, or grab Cuban sandwiches at nearby Kona Grille for $8. The Votran bus Route 60 runs A1A for $2, stopping near most beach approaches if you're carless.","local":"Arrive after 6pm when the parking fee booth closes and the tourists have headed to dinner. The sandbar off the third approach south of Sunglow Pier holds the best shell deposits at low tide—look for lightning whelks and intact sand dollars. Bring a headlamp for after-dark walks; sea turtle nests dot the dunes May through October, marked with yellow tape. Skip weekends entirely; Tuesday and Wednesday mornings are yours alone, just pelicans and the occasional surf fisherman casting for pompano.","family":null,"party":null,"diver":null,"explorer":null},"faqs":[{"a":"Sunglow Beach is generally safe for swimming and well-suited for families. The beach features lifeguard stations during peak hours and calmer waters compared to the main Daytona Beach strip. The gentle slope and typically mild surf make it ideal for children. However, always check local beach flags before entering the water, as conditions can change with weather and tides. Rip currents can occur along Florida's Atlantic coast, so swim near lifeguard stands when possible and never swim alone or during storms.","q":"Is Sunglow Beach safe for swimming and families?"},{"a":"Sunglow Beach enjoys Florida's subtropical climate, making it accessible year-round. Summer (June-August) offers warmest water temperatures but can be crowded and humid with afternoon thunderstorms. Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) provide pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and comfortable swimming conditions. Winter (December-February) sees cooler air temperatures but remains milder than northern destinations. For optimal conditions with manageable crowds, visit during shoulder seasons in spring or fall. The beach faces east, so sunrise viewing is spectacular, though it's also known for colorful sunset skies.","q":"What is the best time to visit Sunglow Beach?"},{"a":"Sunglow Beach is located in Daytona Beach Shores, accessible via State Road A1A. From Interstate 95, take exit 256 and head east toward the beach. The main access point is Sunglow Pier at 3701 South Atlantic Avenue. Street parking is available along A1A, though spaces can be limited during peak season. Some nearby hotels offer public parking for a fee. Unlike main Daytona Beach, vehicles are not permitted on the sand at Sunglow Beach, making it a more tranquil alternative. Arrive early during summer weekends to secure convenient parking.","q":"How do I get to Sunglow Beach and where can I park?"},{"a":"Sunglow Beach offers convenient dining and lodging options. The Sunglow Fishing Pier features a restaurant and bar with oceanfront views, serving casual seafood and American fare. Several beachfront hotels and vacation rentals line Atlantic Avenue, including both budget-friendly and upscale options. Nearby dining ranges from casual beach cafes to seafood restaurants within walking distance. For more extensive shopping and restaurant choices, the main Daytona Beach area is just a few miles north. Many visitors appreciate this area's quieter, more residential atmosphere compared to the busier tourist districts.","q":"What restaurants and hotels are near Sunglow Beach?"},{"a":"Sunglow Beach distinguishes itself from Daytona's famous drive-on beach by prohibiting vehicles on the sand, creating a quieter, more traditional beach experience. Located in Daytona Beach Shores south of the main tourist strip, it offers a more relaxed, residential atmosphere with fewer crowds. The beach attracts families and visitors seeking tranquility over the party scene. Sunglow Pier serves as a central landmark for fishing and sightseeing. The area feels less commercialized while still providing essential amenities, making it ideal for travelers wanting Daytona-area access without the bustling boardwalk atmosphere.","q":"What makes Sunglow Beach different from main Daytona Beach?"}]},"seo":{"title":"Sunglow Beach: Quiet Family Shores in Daytona Beach, FL","description":"Where soft sand meets calm waters away from Daytona's crowds. Sunglow Beach offers families uncrowded shoreline, tangerine sunsets, and gentle waves perfect for wading.","ogImage":"https://live.staticflickr.com/8053/28893417493_bdac3d6a88_b.jpg"},"images":[{"id":"515677","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/8053/28893417493_bdac3d6a88_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/8053/28893417493_bdac3d6a88.jpg","alt":"Etretat in Sunglow"},{"id":"515678","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54052747496_01a926521a_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54052747496_01a926521a.jpg","alt":"Hiking the Beach in the Blue Hour"},{"id":"515681","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/778/21494859533_d0a543efa0_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/778/21494859533_d0a543efa0.jpg","alt":"Daytona Beach captured from the Sunglow Pier while Hurricane Joaquin was lurking offshore."},{"id":"515683","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54053193730_53d300f35d_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54053193730_53d300f35d.jpg","alt":"Hiking the Beach"},{"id":"515685","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/5454/9989171156_b43645cafa_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/5454/9989171156_b43645cafa.jpg","alt":"Port-Orange-Pier-Storm-Over-Crabby-Joes"},{"id":"515687","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/741/22089789246_1b11a7e127_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/741/22089789246_1b11a7e127.jpg","alt":"Daytona Beach captured from the Sunglow Pier while Hurricane Joaquin was lurking offshore."},{"id":"515689","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/2726/4055610687_5f9da39b43_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/2726/4055610687_5f9da39b43.jpg","alt":"Fishing Pier Daytona Florida 3/3"},{"id":"515691","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/2763/4051169648_524bf9e595_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/2763/4051169648_524bf9e595.jpg","alt":"Fishing Pier Daytona Florida 1/3"},{"id":"515693","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/2771/4054075661_6906096fdb_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/2771/4054075661_6906096fdb.jpg","alt":"Fishing Pier Daytona Florida 2/3"},{"id":"515694","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/730/22830447984_9eabb848e4_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/730/22830447984_9eabb848e4.jpg","alt":"fishing-daytona-beach-sunglow-pier-sunrise-pictures-photos"}]}}