Inside overlooked Florida city with one of world’s most famous beaches, Peppa Pig theme park and laid-back safari drives

WHEN you think of Florida, the chances are you imagine the Mickey Mouse-inspired theme parks of Orlando.

But there is so much more to the Sunshine State.

About 50 miles north on the eastern coast lies the city of Daytona, home to one of the world’s most famous beaches — with soft white sands spanning a whopping 23 miles.

Such is its size that visitors can drive cars on to certain sections and set up camp for the day.

You can even hire golf buggies to ride along the seafront, stopping off at seafood restaurants on the way.

It may have seemed unusual to me, but cars are not a novelty on Daytona Beach.

These sands were once the location for the most prestigious speedway race in the country, what’s now known as the Daytona 500, which attracts hordes of tourists each year.

British motor racing legend Sir Malcolm Campbell even set his land speed record here, reaching 272mph on February 22, 1933, in his Bluebird supercar.

That car is now on display at the Daytona International Speedway museum in the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America.

Racing fans will also want a slice of the action at the Daytona International Speedway track.

Forget rollercoasters, this NASCAR experience is enough to get any thrillseeker’s heart thumping as they get behind the wheel of a racing car to soar round a track at ferocious speeds.

It’s an experience I’ll never forget, but you’ll need a stiff drink afterwards — and there’s plenty of choice nearby.

Rose Villa, a Victorian villa turned into a restaurant close to Tomoka State Park, is known for its smoked old-fashioned cocktails, which go very well with its signature fried chicken or shrimp and grits.

For something a little livelier, new kid on the block Mama Foo Foo serves bright cocktails alongside mighty burgers and steaks, all with impressive views of the Halifax harbour marina.

The tipples were just as good at my hotel, the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach, which also houses some iconic memorabilia, including a sparkling car once used by Madonna.

But if you are after a truly wild stay, check into the glamping site at Safari Wilderness Ranch, 100 miles or so south of Daytona in Central Florida.

One brilliant thing about Florida is that if you hire a car it’s very easy to roll two holidays into one — which I did.

Away from the vast Daytona beaches and seafront restaurants, the central Polk County is home to a mellower set of theme parks than Orlando.

These include the recently opened Peppa Pig Theme Park, which sits right next to Legoland resort.

Safari Wilderness Ranch could even be considered a theme park of sorts as visitors can get thrills on an open-top safari through leafy wilderness, spotting zebras and water buffalo among other creatures.

I’d chosen to stay about a 50-minute drive west of here, in the laid-back city of Lakeland.

The well-positioned Terrace Hotel is just around the corner from the central square, packed with bars and restaurants, including Nineteen61, which has won a collection of awards for its fine dining.

Wash down dinner with a pint from Swan Brewing, just up the road.

Its extensive menu of beers and ales, like IPAs and a scotch bonnet stout, are all made on-site.

Easy to roll two holidays into one

Some of them are a little stronger than you might expect, so take care — as once you start, you might never stop.

Throw in views of the endless stunning lakes that surround this county, as well as the occasional alligator, and Polk County offers a different slice of Florida.

So next time you book a trip to see Mickey Mouse and his pals, why not tag on a few days to soak up Daytona’s sandy beach or to mingle with the water buffalo in Polk County?

There’s plenty of gems on Florida’s bucket list.

And they’re calling out to be explored.