If you have never visited Daytona Beach before, you might be wondering what to do there. The area has been known for the unlimited variety of activities to please visitors of all ages. Although Daytona has become famous for its annual Daytona 500 car race there is more to this wonderful city. For instance, the beaches of Daytona are some of the best anywhere in the world. The Daytona Boardwalk and Pier are where everything happens. The Pier is the home to live music and fireworks in Daytona Beach Bandshell amphitheater. Ocean Walk Shoppes is the place for shopping and dining in the area. A little to the south of the Pier is the Screamer’s Park. This where all exhilarating rides like Vomatron and Slingshot waiting to thrill the visitors. Across the street from the Boardwalk, visitors can enjoy a fun day at Daytona Lagoon.
First, you may want to read this to get a glimpse of the activities to have a fun filled vacation.
Daytona Beach International Speedway
Why Daytona Beach 500 Is known Worldwide
Daytona Beach is the home of the International Speedway Corporation and the headquarters of NASCAR. One of the most iconic global auto racing centers is The Daytona International Speedway complex. Known as The World Center Of Racing, the 500 acres of Speedway attracts thousands of visitors to Daytona each year. The biggest highlight of the event in the Speedway is the annual Daytona 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. A NASCAR race that took place on February 22nd, 1959 was known as Daytona 500 and was the first of its kind. The race is also referred to as the 1959 Inaugural Daytona 500. The 1959 race is considered one of the most consequential races in NASCAR history. Lee Petty has the distinct honor of being the first winner of the Daytona 500 with an average speed of 135.52.
Drive A Racecar For An Unforgettable Experience
There is also a great opportunity to get up close and personally drive a racecar. The Richard Petty Driving Experience is the company behind this unforgettable experience. There are two options. The first option is to drive a 2.5-mile track in a 600 HP NASCAR race car. The second option is to experience the exhilarating ride with a professional driver behind the wheel.
Beaches of Daytona Beach
The beach is a popular destination for families with children, but the town’s pier is also worth checking out. The hard-packed, wide beaches of Daytona are some of the most amazing beaches in the world. No wonder Daytona Beach has been honored as the world’s Most Famous Beach.
Daytona Beach
A good section of the 23 miles of Daytona beaches is drivable by cars. This unique feature is hard to come by in Florida or any beach town in the world. The beach is very popular and at times crowded. The area is open 24 hours a day for pedestrians but limited hours for cars to drive or park at the beach. When we visited Daytona Beach the cars were allowed only from sunrise to sunset. These hours are enforced from November 1st to April 30th. The schedule changes from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm from May 1st to October 31st. The beach is free but there is a fee for each car entering the beach area. Cars on the beach may become a concern for parents worrying about children’s safety. For those parents, we suggest using the one-mile pedestrian-only section of the beach near the Daytona Beach Pier.
Daytona Beach Shores
As otherwise known, the Daytona Shores is a 5-mile stretch of beach immediately south of Daytona Beach. Daytona Shores is less crowded than its northern neighbor, Daytona Beach. However, expect more beachgoers during the springtime. There are fewer commercial buildings like hotels and motels in Daytona Shores. The area is comprised of many condominiums and is very popular with elder retirees.
Frank Rendon Park
Located in the town of Daytona Beach Shores, Frank Rendon Park is a great place for a relaxing day. Maintained by Daytona Beach Shores the Park offers many amenities for the entire family to enjoy a day at the beach. Frank Rendon Park is open free of charge from sunrise to sunset daily. It is raised above the beach area offering a magnificent view of the beach and the Atlantic Ocean. This park is equipped with a picnic area with a BBQ grill, a children’s playground, restrooms, and showers. There is also an observation deck alongside the beach walkway. Frank Rendon Park is located at:
2705 South Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach Shores, 32118
Sun Splash Park
If traveling with children this is the most ideal place for visitors. The 3,500 sq ft facility offers a splash pad with over 40 water jets. There is also a great selection of amenities in Sun Splash Park. Visitors can enjoy the picnic area, playground, beach access ramp as well as restrooms and showers. Above all, there is no cost to enjoy all these conveniences. The Sun Splash Park is located at:
611 South Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32118
Daytona Beach Museums and Cultural Centers
Lilian Place in Daytona Beach
This is a wonderful historic place to visit while in Daytona Beach. The Lilian Place home was constructed in 1884 and bought by the Heritage Preservation Trust in 2009. It is recognized as the oldest beachside home in Daytona Beach. Now operated as a museum it is open to the public and hosts events every third Tuesday. It is considered a prime example of the Italianate Victorian architectural style and boasts high ceilings and heart-of-pine floors.
Halifax Harbor Museum
Halifax Harbor Museum houses art, history, and science exhibits. It is located in the former building of 1910 Merchant’s Bank. The exhibit gives a glimpse of Daytona Beach and its history starting from 500 B.C. The artifacts take visitors through centuries of occupants dating back to Colombian Indians. They also represent artifacts from the British and Spanish colonial eras and both World Wars. The exhibit also features a film regarding the history of Daytona Beach and Volusia County. We strongly suggest for all visitors to watch this film before visiting any displays.
Daytona Beach Scavenger Hunt
A scavenger hunt is an educational experience for everyone in the family. The game is a travel through the long history of Daytona Beach and the surrounding area. Clues includes puzzles and over 20 challenges during the 2 hours fun field trip to Daytona Beach’s historic landmarks. The self-guided tour is a great group activity perfect for the entire family to enjoy fun and adventure in Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach Bike Week
Motorcycles, Live Music, Beer, and Parties in Daytona
This combination has been the recipe for success of the Daytona Bike Week for over 80 years. Bike Week is one of the oldest events and most renowned bike races in the world. The Bike Week consists of 10 days of bike races alongside the many fun activities in Daytona. The race has gained an international reputation as one of the most competitive motorcycle races in the world. Daytona Beach Bike Week takes place every year in the first week or March. The 2022 Daytona Bike Week was on March 4th – 13th and the 2023 race is scheduled for March 3rd through 12th.
Biketoberfest in Daytona Beach
Biketoberfest is a newer motorcycle race in comparison to the Daytona Bike Week. The idea behind this race is owed to the Daytona Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau. However, this 4-day event has been gaining increasing popularity since its inception in 1991. Bikers travel through scenic A1A, State Parks, and along the majestic Atlantic Ocean. The incredible Scenic Loop is perhaps a great contributing factor to the popularity of the Biketoberfest. The Loop consists of 30-plus miles of winding roads with no stop signs or traffic lights. A biker’s dream with scenic open roads.
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