Vegan in Daytona Beach

When the mercury drops, make like the snowbirds and head south to warmer climes. Can’t afford an international holiday? Take a stateside sojourn in Daytona Beach, the “birthplace of speed” and a hidden veg-friendly gem among Florida’s popular vacation destinations. While this hot spot may be most well-known for hosting NASCAR’s most prestigious race, you don’t have to watch endless left turns to experience Daytona’s charm. Drive past the predictable chain restaurants along International Speedway Boulevard and discover warm, white-sand beaches, historical sightseeing, and eclectic vegetarian cuisine that make this coastal city the perfect weekend getaway.

Vegan Meet-up
Every winter, manatees flock to Blue Springs State Park for warmer waters. These natural vegetarians, and the closest relative of the elephant, bob near the surface of the spring-fed water to the delight of nature aficionados and animal lovers alike. It may break your heart, however, to see scars on their backs from unfortunate encounters with boats. As a bonus, the park is a short drive to Cassadaga, a famous spiritualist camp where you can get a “reading,” an experience likened to getting your fortune told.
Blue Springs State Park, 2100 W. French Ave., Orange City

Avocados & Baseballs
The Dancing Avocado Kitchen, a breakfast-and-lunch restaurant, is the place for tofu scrambles, avocado sandwiches, and berry-good smoothies. Plus, the funky California-cuisine diner is close to historic Jackie Robinson Stadium, where the first integrated major league baseball game was played in 1946. Locals and visitors alike load up on fresh produce in the stadium’s parking lot—the site of City Island’s Farmers’ Market—every Saturday morning.
Dancing Avocado Kitchen, 110 S. Beach St.
City Island’s Farmers’ Market, Jackie Robinson Stadium

Dining Deluxe
For a romantic dinner out, take a scenic drive to 5th Avenue Café, nestled in the lakeside town of Mount Dora. While not exclusively vegetarian, the restaurant serves gourmet, organic vegan fare. Treat yourself to Cashew Ginger Tofu, made with seasonal vegetables and tangy ginger-glazed tofu and tossed with a hearty helping of penne pasta. Fresh-fruit sorbet serves as the perfect dessert.
116 E. 5th Ave., Mount Dora

Courting Vegetarians
DeLand is Daytona’s county seat and home to Stetson University. The main thoroughfare, Woodland Boulevard, is a quirky street of comic book shops, art galleries, and ethnic restaurants typical of so many college towns. An array of veg-friendly restaurants provides a wide variety of too-good-to-pass-up dishes in a one-block radius. Try the Vegetarian Special at Havana Cuba Restaurant, a fun feast of black beans and rice, yuca, fried plantains, and a side salad. The stir-fry dishes at Le Jardin, a Vietnamese-French fusion café, are not to be missed. Oudom’s Thai and Sushi offers two separate menus, each catering to its respective namesake. Get everything from pad Thai and tofu tempura to fresh avocado rolls and edamame.
Havana Cuba Restaurant, 210 N. Woodland Blvd.
Oudom Thai and Sushi, 217 N. Woodland Blvd.
Le Jardin Cafe, 103 W. Indiana Ave.

Chinese Chow
A family-owned Chinese and Vietnamese restaurant, Leanh’s delivers affordable, appetizing Asian fare. The owner’s sister leads a veg life, making the staff especially sensitive to plant-based sensibilities. They’ll ask before dropping any egg in your hot and sour soup, making it pain-free to opt for the won-ton instead.
581 Beville Rd.

Tasty Winehouse
Like to sip your Syrah knowing no animal bits have been snuck in to spoil the fun? Treat yourself to some vegan vino at Peggy’s Discount Health Food. The owner, Lee Shavers, boasts the largest selection of organic wine in Florida, so be sure to pack your vegan cheese, corkscrew, and travel cups for a Florida-style wine tasting you won’t forget.
362 W. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach