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.
|