Things to do / Travel Guide
Address:Daytona Beach, Florida
Our Tourist Attractions Expert Says:
NASCAR and Spring Break. That would be what 9 out of 10 people would say when asked about Daytona Beach. The tenth might say "Borat Or Bruno". Whatever the association, 8 million tourists visit Daytona Beach every year attracted either by one of the world's most famous racing destinations, the 23 mile long, 500 foot wide beach, or both.
Auto racing was practically invented here on the long, smooth and wide sand beach, the site of many world land speed records, the fastest being 276 miles per hour in 1935. Today, racing events take place at the Daytona International Speedway, with Speedweeks and the Daytona 500 in February, being the most popular events. Hundreds of thousands of bikers also attend Bike Week in early March and Biketoberfest in October.
The beach area was once a Mecca for half a million students on spring break, but the city has focused more on the family crowd in the past few years. The spring breakers are still coming, but they are 35 years old with kids now. The great beach, friendly people, well developed tourist infrastructure and general fun atmosphere that attracted spring breakers make this a popular destination for travelers of all ages.
The beach has got just about everything a beachgoer desires. A variety of activities, full facilities, good choice of dining and lodging and nightlife and entertainment, especially food, lodging and entertainment are all available, especially in the Boardwalk and Main Street Pier area.
Driving on the beach is still an attraction today, but speeds are limited to 10 miles per hour and give family cars access to choice beach spots. At night, the beach is reserved for walking and cars are banned. Boating, diving and fishing expeditions leave for both ocean and river sailings from Daytona Beach.
The city is split in two by the Halifax River Lagoon. The Daytona International Speedway is inland, while the beach area is on the narrow strip between the Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean. The party area is closest to downtown or the boardwalk, and the quieter areas are to the north towards Ormond or south to the Daytona Beach Shores.
Right off the intersection of I-95 and I-4, Daytona Beach is on the road to or from Orlando (1 hour), St. Augustine (1 hour) and Miami (4 hours). Expect heavy traffic in Daytona Beach during event weeks.