Another vacation advise thread. We are planning a last minute vacation to the beach before kids return to college. Cheap flights to Orlando, and I found deals at either Daytona Beach or New Symrna Beach, slightly south of Daytona. Any opinions? Some of the reviews I’ve read say Daytona, off the beach, is not a safe area. Mostly want sun, pool and ocean for 4 days, but might venture off beach for short half-day trips.
Daytona is more of a beach city with all the shops and boardwalk type stuff (mini-golf, rides, hot dog stands, trinkets). There would be more traffic, more kids, more ‘shows’ or planned festival weekends (motorcycles, cars, art show, flowers, things like that). New Symrna is more family and some would say boring. I like boring.
My parents owned a condo on the water a ways north of Daytona in Palm Coast. It was in a protected seashore area. They liked the area, which was very quiet. They also got somewhat of a kick out of the Daytona bikers during those events. 
They didn’t seem to think it was unsafe. YMMV. Palm Coast is nice,
Have you looked at Ormond Beach? It’s quieter
Not a fan of Daytona Beach or the hard packed sand. Does New Symrna Beach have the same type of sand?
I would definitely pick NSB over Daytona. Daytona is known for motorcycles - if that’s your thing have at it - but is kind of rough. The A1A part is OK but that’s about it. NSB has Flagler Ave with cool restaurants, pubs, shops, etc. Much nicer.
I would also recommend taking a short drive south in to Canaveral Nat’l Seashore. Stop at JB’s fish Camp for lunch, cold beer, etc.
I would suggest Cape Canaveral. Beaches are beautiful. Lots of neat things to do. Restaurants at Port Canaveral where you can watch the cruise ships and Kennedy Space Center. It’s also 45 minutes from Orlando. Simple drive and easy access.