Inside a neglected Florida town with one of the world’s most famous beaches, Peppa Pig theme park and laid-back safari tours

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

But there is so much more to the Sunshine State.

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About 50 miles north on the east coast is the city of Daytona, home to one of the most famous beaches in the world – with soft white sand stretching for an impressive 23 miles.

It is so large that visitors can drive cars to certain sections and set up camp for the day.

You can even rent golf carts to cruise along the waterfront, stopping at seafood restaurants along the way.

It may have seemed unusual to me, but cars are nothing new in Daytona Beach.

These sands were once the site of the country’s most prestigious speedway race, now known as the Daytona 500, which attracts hordes of tourists every year.

British motoring legend Sir Malcolm Campbell even set his land speed record here, reaching 272 mph 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 some of the on-track action at Daytona International Speedway.

Forget roller coasters, this NASCAR experience is enough to make any thrill seeker’s heart pound as they get behind the wheel of a race car to fly around a track at ferocious speeds.

It’s an experience I’ll never forget, but afterwards you’ll need a stiff drink – and there are plenty of options close by.

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

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

The drinks were equally good at my hotel, the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach, which also houses some iconic memorabilia, including a shiny car once used by Madonna.

But if you want a truly wild stay, visit the Safari Wilderness Ranch glamping site, about 100 miles south of Daytona in Central Florida.

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

Far from Daytona’s vast beaches and seaside restaurants, central Polk County is home to a quieter cluster of theme parks than Orlando.

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This includes the recently opened Peppa Pig Theme Park, which is next to the Legoland resort.

The Safari Wilderness Ranch can even be considered a kind of theme park, as visitors can be thrilled on an open safari through wooded nature, spotting zebras and buffaloes, among other creatures.

I chose to stay about a 50-minute drive west of here, in the laid-back town of Lakeland.

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

Accompany dinner with a beer from Swan Brewing, just down the road.

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

Easy to combine two holidays into one

Some of them are a little stronger than you might think, so be careful – once you start, you’ll never stop.

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

So the next time you book a trip to see Mickey Mouse and his friends, why not set aside a few days to enjoy Daytona Beach or mingle with the water buffalo in Polk County?

There are many gems on the Florida bucket list.

And they are crying out to be exploited.