Daytona may sit along the same coast as Melbourne, but it brings its own kind of charm—and retirees here get the best of both worlds. The Atlantic feels close in every way, whether you’re watching a rocket launch from your backyard or walking to the beach while the sand’s still warm. Daytona brings a bit of old-school Florida swagger, with walkable beaches, waterfront restaurants, and just enough action to keep your calendar interesting. Head down the coast and things mellow out in Melbourne, where riverside cafés and nature preserves offer a quieter escape. Daytona Beach retirement blends movement and mellow, all in a setting that never takes itself too seriously.