Daytona Beach, Florida is a popular tourist destination that offers visitors a wide range of activities and attractions to enjoy. With its beautiful beaches, exciting events, and numerous outdoor activities, Daytona Beach is the perfect place for a fun-filled vacation. Whether you’re traveling with family or friends, there are plenty of reasons to visit this coastal city.
One of the top reasons to visit Daytona Beach is its stunning coastline. The soft sands and gentle waves provide an idyllic setting for sunbathing, beach volleyball, and leisurely strolls. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of water sports, such as surfing, paddleboarding and kayaking. The beach is also home to several beachfront parks and picnic areas, making it a great spot for a family outing or a romantic sunset walk.
Another reason to visit Daytona Beach is its vibrant festival scene. The city is known as the festival capital of Florida, with more than 50 festivals occurring throughout the year. From music festivals to food and wine events, there’s always something happening in Daytona Beach.
Breathtaking Beaches
Daytona Beach is the “World’s Most Famous Beach”. Known for its magnificent coastline that stretches for miles and provides an idyllic setting for sunbathing, beach volleyball, and leisurely strolls. The soft sands and gentle waves make it a perfect spot for families, friends, and race fans.
Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach has a wide and hard-packed sandy beach that is perfect for driving and has been a popular spot for motorsports since the early 1900s. Visitors can drive their cars on the beach, rent a beach buggy, or take a stroll along the shore.
There are many restaurants, bars, and shops along the beach where visitors can enjoy a meal or a drink while taking in the beautiful views.
Ormond Beach
Ormond Beach, located just north of Daytona Beach, is a quieter and more secluded spot that is perfect for those looking for a more laid-back beach experience. The beach is known for its natural beauty, with dunes, sea oats, and other vegetation lining the shore. It is also a popular spot for surfing, fishing, and birdwatching.
Overall, Daytona Beach and Ormond Beach are both great options for visitors looking for a relaxing beach vacation. With their stunning natural beauty and a wide range of activities, they are sure to provide an unforgettable experience for all.
Iconic Daytona International Speedway
Daytona International Speedway is a legendary motorsports complex located in Daytona Beach, Florida. It is one of the most exciting places in the world to watch a race. The track is fast, challenging, and the crowds are always electric. Here are some reasons why you should visit this iconic speedway:
NASCAR History
Daytona International Speedway has a rich history in NASCAR racing. It is home to the Daytona 500, which is considered the most prestigious race in NASCAR. The speedway has been hosting the Daytona 500 since 1959 and has seen some of the most iconic moments in NASCAR history.
The speedway is also home to other NASCAR events like the Coke Zero Sugar 400, which is held annually in July. The speedway has seen some of the greatest drivers in NASCAR history, including Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon, and Jimmie Johnson.
Speedway Tours
If you want to experience the speedway up close and personal, you can take a tour of the facility. The tours provide a long list of exciting experiences guaranteed to make your time on these hallowed grounds truly memorable. Types of speedway tours include:
- Speedway Tours
- VIP Tours
- Field Trips
The Daytona International Speedway is a must-visit for racing aficionados and thrill-seekers alike. The speedway has a rich history in NASCAR racing, and taking a tour of the facility is an unforgettable experience.
Attractions, Dining and Shopping
Daytona Beach offers a diverse range of attractions as well as dining and shopping experiences for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a fine dining experience, Daytona Beach has something for everyone.
Daytona Beach Boardwalk & Pier
The Daytona Beach Boardwalk is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. It features a variety of restaurants and shops, as well as amusement park rides and games. Visitors can enjoy classic boardwalk fare like hot dogs and funnel cakes, or indulge in seafood and steak at one of the many restaurants.
The boardwalk also offers unique shopping experiences, with stores selling everything from beachwear to handmade crafts.
Ocean Walk Shoppes
Located adjacent to the Daytona Beach Boardwalk, Ocean Walk Shoppes is a premier shopping destination in Daytona Beach. The outdoor mall features a variety of stores, including well-known brands like Maui Nix Surf Shop and Sunglass Hut.
Visitors can also enjoy dining options ranging from casual to upscale, like the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Ocean Walk Shoppes also hosts events and live music performances throughout the year, making it a lively and entertaining destination for visitors.
Cultural Experiences
Daytona Beach is a city rich in culture and heritage. Visitors can explore a variety of museums, galleries, and cultural sites that showcase the area’s history and art. Here are two must-visit cultural experiences in Daytona Beach:
Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse
The Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located in Ponce Inlet, Florida, just south of Daytona Beach. It was completed in 1887 and stands 175 feet tall, making it one of the tallest lighthouses in the United States. The lighthouse is open to the public for tours and offers stunning views of the surrounding area from the top.
It is also home to the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse Preservation Association, which works to preserve and promote the history of the lighthouse and its surrounding area.
Museum of Arts and Sciences
The Museum of Arts and Sciences is a world-class museum that features a diverse collection of art, science, and history exhibits. Visitors can explore the museum’s galleries, which include a giant ground sloth skeleton, a collection of Cuban art, and a planetarium.
The museum also has a children’s museum and hosts a variety of events and programs throughout the year.
Daytona Beach Bandshell
The Daytona Beach Bandshell is an iconic outdoor amphitheater that hosts a variety of concerts and events throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy live music performances, festivals, and other cultural events at this historic venue. The bandshell is located on the beach and offers stunning views of the ocean.
Overall, Daytona Beach offers a rich tapestry of arts, culture, and heritage that visitors can explore and enjoy. These two cultural experiences are just a small sample of the many attractions that make Daytona Beach a must-visit destination.
Outdoor Activities
Daytona Beach is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. With its sunny weather and beautiful scenery, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities. Here are some of the best outdoor activities to do in Daytona Beach:
Water Sports
Daytona Beach is known for its water sports, and visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as swimming, surfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The beach is perfect for swimming and surfing, and there are several rental companies that offer kayaks and paddleboards for rent. Visitors can also take a guided tour of the Halifax River and explore the local wildlife.
Biking and Hiking
Daytona Beach has over 60 miles of trails for biking and hiking. The trails offer scenic views of the ocean, river, and local wildlife. Visitors can also explore the nearby parks such as Blue Spring State Park and Lighthouse Point Park. Blue Spring State Park is perfect for hiking and has several trails that lead to the beautiful Blue Spring. Lighthouse Point Park is great for biking and has several trails that offer stunning views of the ocean.
Overall, Daytona Beach is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as water sports, biking, and hiking. The sunny weather and beautiful scenery make it the perfect destination for outdoor fun.
Family-Friendly Attractions
Daytona Beach has plenty of attractions that are perfect for families with kids of all ages. Here are two must-visit family-friendly attractions in Daytona Beach:
Daytona Lagoon
Daytona Lagoon is a water park and family entertainment center that offers a wide range of activities for all ages. The water park features thrilling water slides, a lazy river, wave pool, and a kids’ play area. The entertainment center includes go-karts, mini-golf, laser tag, and an arcade. There is also a snack bar and a full-service restaurant on-site.
The Daytona Lagoon is open year-round, and admission prices vary depending on the activities you choose.
Marine Science Center
The Marine Science Center is an educational and interactive facility that allows visitors to learn about marine life and conservation efforts. The center features a sea turtle rehabilitation area, touch tanks, and exhibits that showcase local marine life. Visitors can also take guided tours and attend educational programs. Admission prices are reasonable, and the center is open daily except for major holidays.
Daytona Beach is a great destination for families looking for fun and educational activities. With so many attractions to choose from, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Places to Stay in Daytona Beach
There are several options for places to stay when visiting Daytona Beach. Here are some popular choices:
Beachfront Resorts
If you are interested in a beach vacation, consider staying at one of the many beachfront resorts in the Daytona Beach area. Some popular options include:
Vacation Rentals
If you’re looking for a more private and spacious option, consider renting a vacation home or condo. There are many rental options available in the Daytona Beach area, including through websites like Airbnb and VRBO.
Local Area Hotels
There are plenty of hotels in the Daytona International Speedway and the Daytona Beach International Airport. Some popular options include:
- The Daytona, Autograph Collection
- Home2Suites by Hilton
- Courtyard by Marriott Daytona Beach Speedway
- Hilton Garden Inn Daytona Beach Airport
- Residence Inn by Marriott
