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Listen for the thunderous roar of a racecar
engine, the thunderous roar of thousands of motorcycles or the
thunderous roar of numerous college students on Spring Break. If you
hear any or all of the above, you are probably in Daytona Beach,
Florida!
Daytona Beach is located on the Atlantic
coast in central eastern Florida, only an hour away from busting
Orlando. The waters of the Halifax River cut through the middle of the
city, running north to south and separating the beaches from the
downtown area.
Daytona has been a mainstay of vacationers
for over 100 years. It received its recognition as the "birthplace of
speed" from the various land speed records set in neighboring Ormond
Beach in the 1940’s. In the 1950’s, and still continuing today, young
people from around the country come from the nation’s colleges and
universities to enjoy their Spring Break. Motorsports gained new ground
in 1959 with the opening of the Daytona Beach International Speedway,
which continues to satisfy hundreds of thousands of speed-loving racing
fans each year.
Naturally, the Daytona International
Speedway is a must see during your visit whether it is a race day or
not. You can enjoy NASCAR, IROC, AMA, sports car, and other racing
throughout the year. Located right next door is
Daytona USA,
a one-of-a-kind interactive motor sports attraction featuring
hands-on activities designed to appeal to everyone.
The Jackie Robinson Ballpark is an active
Class A affiliate park that remains much the same as it was on March 17,
1946 when Jackie Robinson played in the first integrated Major League
Baseball spring training game.
A unique “spooky” adventure is to take the
Daytona Ghost Walk. It’s an entertaining journey blending history,
scientific data and haunting tales as you walk the streets of the city.
Bikeweek and Spring Break take place in
March and at that time Daytona hopes for great crowds, great weather and
great fun. Daytona is known for its beach and for its true
hospitality. With moderate temperatures year round, there is always
some sight to see, some event to attend, and some attraction to
experience. Racing fans can hear the thunder of the engines at many
times during the year, but February is the peak time, culminating with
the Daytona 500.
Main Street Pier and nearby Ocean Walk
Village are the focal points of beach activities—concessions, arcades,
water-sports equipment rentals, restaurants and shops are all within
walking distance. You can even fish from the pier. New to the
beach-front scene is Ocean Walk Village, fresh from a $250 million
renovation. This Oceanside district, rich in history, is leading a major
revitalization effort. Beneath the multicolored beams, you’ll find
shops, movie theaters with stadium seating, and restaurants.
As you stroll down the Daytona Beach
Boardwalk, you’ll notice that the granite blocks paving the walkway
recount historic racing events. Most of those races were held on the
beach before the International Speedway was built in 1959.
There is still an opportunity to actually
drive your car on the hard-packed sands of the beach in certain areas.
The silica is so hard-packed that vehicles are permitted as long as they
keep their cruising speed below 10 mph. What a great story to tell your
friends when you return home. Of course, any time of the year is great
for working on your tan. The beaches are free, and the water
temperature is always refreshing.
When you tire of the surf and sand, there
are plenty of local haunts where you can eat, party and shop in the
Daytona area. No matter what time of year you visit, Daytona will
welcome you.
The central area is the heart of Daytona
Beach. It includes the Ladies Professional Golfing Association
International golf courses, the Daytona International Speedway and the
Daytona Beach International Airport. The beach area extends all the way
to the Halifax Harbor Marina and includes such attractions as the Main
Street Pier, Ocean Walk Village and the Oceanfront Boardwalk.
The south end extends from Daytona Beach
Shores, along 5.5 miles of sandy beaches, to the fishing village of
Ponce Inlet, home of the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse and the Marine Science
Center.
On the north end you’ll encounter Ormond
Beach and Ormond-by-the-Sea, quaint beach communities offering a quieter
experience (no beach driving). Ormond Beach extends across the Halifax
River, so there are inland and beachside parts of town. This is the
first town you’ll approach if heading south on Interstate 95.
Daytona Beach is only a short drive from
many of Florida’s best known theme parks and attractions. Disney World,
Sea World and Universal Studios are only an hour west and Kennedy Space
Center an hour to the south. If you have the time, they are worth the
trip.
With so much to see and do, Daytona offers
its visitors a host of opportunities and unique experiences. Combining
beautiful weather, great attractions, world class events, with great
food and great entertainment, it’s a Florida city you won’t want to
miss. |
