We certainly agree it’s pretty cool driving along Daytona’s famous beach and we definitely fulfill our need for speed at the Daytona International Speedway. Of course, we can’t get enough of shiny chrome, leather chaps and that giddy-up throttle experienced during Bike Week (scheduled for Feb. 26 – March 7, 2010). But have ya heard what’s new in Daytona Beach? Here are three groovy attractions to check during your next Daytona Beach vacation.

Daytona Beach Aqua Safari
It may seem a bit odd boarding a red double decker bus at Daytona Lagoon, like the ones found zipping around London but it’s all about the experience during a Daytona Beach Aqua Safari adventure. Ride it to Ponce Inlet where visitors board a boat for a four-hour eco-tour to get up-close and personal to learn about the area’s ecosystem. The $50 per adult fee ($30 for children 12 and younger) also includes admission into the historic Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse and the Marine Science Center.  Tel: 386/405-3445

Charles and Linda Williams Children’s Museum
This children’s museum opened in November 2008 and is the first hands-on science center in the area. Fifteen interactive exhibits demonstrate various principles of science, engineering, and physics within the 9,300-square-foot-wing of the Museum of Arts & Sciences. 352 S. Nova Road, Daytona Beach; Tel: 386/255.0285.

Ohana Luau at the Hawaiian Inn
We’re not quite sure if poi is included but we’re betting an evening at the Ohana Luau at the Hawaiian Inn will include at least a ukulele, coconut bra or grass skirt. Dig out your favorite Hawaiian shirt, learn to swivel those hips and bring a hearty appetite to Daytona Beach’s only dinner show. Expect to be part of the show. The family-friendly and family-affordable show serves a bountiful, tropical feast. 2301 S. Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach; Tel: 386/255.5411

Now that the activities are selected, it’s time to book a Daytona Beach vacation with us. C’mon, try something different.

Hot dogs, fireworks and the smell burning rubber are an Independence Day holiday tradition in Daytona Beach when NASCAR rolls into the Daytona International Speedway. July 2 – 4, The World Center of Racing will host the Coke Zero 400 Weekend Powered by Coca-Cola Weekend with the 51st annual Coke Zero 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series being the highlight under the lights on Saturday, July 4. NBA basketball star Vince Carter of the New Jersey Nets will serve as the Honorary Pace Car driver for the event, too. He’ll pace the 43-car field prior to the green flag waving.

The pedal is to the metal beginning Friday evening, July 3, with the Subway Jalapeno 250 Powered by Coca-Cola where NASCAR Nationwide Series drivers Brad Keselowski, Jason Leffler, Jason Keller, Kenny Wallace and Steve Wallace will compete as well as Sprint Cup Series stars Carl Edwards, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Clint Bowyer, Kyle Busch, Kevin Harvick, Joey Logano and David Ragan. Saturday, July 4 at 2 p.m., racers will be given the green light for the Brumos Porsche 250 Rolex Sports Car Series race. Racers will speed around 71 laps during the 250-mile race over a 3.56-mile road course full of twists and turns.

Off the track, race fans can check out entertainment, driver appearances and autograph sessions all at the Daytona International Speedway. Scoot on over to Daytona Beach’s Main Street for more Independence Day festivities including live music, a kids zone and plenty of food. The musically inclined will want to head over to Pioneer Settlement for the first Saturday event with fun and entertainment for the whole family including informal music jams, free workshops and food. Bring the dancing shoes, 3 p.m. there will be a barn-style dance.

Fourth of July weekend in Daytona Beach, Florida, promises to be action-packed. Take advantage of incredible accommodation deals before they race on by.

Photo Credit: United States Air Force

We previously posted how you can stimulate the economy by booking a vacation and the good folks with VISIT FLORIDA, the state’s official tourism marketing corporation, are taking this one step further. They’re asking Florida residents to “Share a Little Sunshine” by inviting loved (and unloved) ones down to the Sunshine State for a vacation to get back to what really matters, spending time and creating memories with family and friends. Doing so keeps Florida’s economy flowing.

Residents can log onto www.ShareaLittleSunshine.org and select one of three Hallmark-type, feel-good videos to send to friends and/or family.  The process is lickity split, meaning, in less than two minutes, an e-vite to visit Florida is on its way. To thank those who send the invitations, each time they “Share a Little Sunshine” they’ll be entered to win one of 12 groovy Florida getaways with one being given away each week of the program. The 12-week program’s launch coincides with the 26th Annual National Tourism Week being celebrated May 9 – 17, 2009.

C’mon, get going, what are you waiting for? Head to the Sunshine State and invite others to do so to keep the economy flowing. More than 1 million residents are directly employed in Florida’s tourism industry and the state’s 82.5 million visitors generated $65.2 billion in spending last year. Florida’s tourism industry generates $3.9 billion in revenue to support schools, help build roads and pay for vital statewide programs.  And, a healthy tourism industry is the reason Florida is state income tax free. Yup, tourism is important for Florida’s economy. Will you do your part? After all, a vacation in Key West, Orlando, Daytona Beach or elsewhere in the Sunshine State ain’t so bad.

Data Based on 2008, VISIT FLORIDA