Welcome to Daytona Beach
A beach town renowned for its speedway, pristine beaches, and world-class amenities
The city of Daytona Beach, known as the "World Center of Racing" and the birthplace of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR), is located within the East Central Florida Metropolitan Area in Florida. The most famous of the seven local municipalities, Daytona Beach attracts over 8 million tourists for its wide 23-mile stretch of white sandy beaches.
Daytona was established in 1870 and officially became a city in 1876. In 1926, the communities of Daytona, Daytona Beach, and Seabreeze amalgamated to become what is now called Daytona Beach. Daytona Beach Course hosted the first stock car race in the world in 1936. Taking the place of the beach track, William France built the Daytona International Speedway in 1959.
What to Love
- One of the world’s most famous beaches
- Home to the Daytona International Speedway
- Proximity to major attractions
- Amazing weather
Local Lifestyle
Daytona Beach is the perfect place for those who love the great outdoors. Swimming, fishing, scuba diving, driving on the beach, and spotting dolphins are all possible thanks to its stunning coastline. Water sports such as boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding are popular among Daytona Beach residents. Locals who aren’t enjoying the beach are found exploring the area’s green spaces, golf courses, and speedway attractions.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Daytona Beach has a plethora of shopping opportunities. Stores like J. Crew and Coach are found at Tanger Outlets Daytona Beach, while larger department stores are available at Volusia Mall. Ocean Walk Shoppes offers shopping by the water. This mall features a variety of beachwear outlets and souvenir shops.
Don Vito's Italian Restaurant has served authentic Italian cuisine for over ten years in downtown Daytona. This restaurant features various authentic Italian dishes, from homemade lasagnas to strombolis, and offers a comfortable, casual dining room with amazing Italian art. Nearby, Doc Bales' Grill’s oceanfront location offers seafood and other specialties sourced from surrounding fishing vessels and farms. Diners love this restaurant for its creative farm-to-table fare and well-made cocktails. Other notable restaurants in this area include Caribbean Jack's, Hog Heaven Bar-B-Q, Crabby's Oceanside, and Brickyard Lounge & Grill. Treat yourself at Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory, where guests indulge in mouthwatering pecan pralines, chocolate-covered bacon, or a traditional handmade assortment of sweets.
There is no shortage of entertainment options in Daytona Beach. Among the many events held in Daytona Beach throughout the year is the season-opening Daytona 500, which draws more than 200,000 NASCAR fans in early February. The 24 Hours of Daytona endurance race in January and the NASCAR Coke Zero Sugar 400 race in August also take place in Daytona.
Things to Do
Daytona Beach is home to a 23-mile stretch of sand widely recognized as one of the best beaches in Florida. The tradition of driving on Daytona Beach's sandy shores is a staple for many visitors and residents.
In addition to its beautiful scenery, the beach is also home to many parks, festivals, and other recreational possibilities. NASCAR fans will enjoy visiting the Daytona International Speedway. The main beaches are just a short drive inland from this speedy hotspot, which host NASCAR races, monster truck shows, and international sports car racing series like the IMSA SportsCar Championship.
Daytona Beach Boardwalk is the center of Daytona Beach life. This busy location is conveniently located near Main Street and features a variety of indoor and outdoor activities perfect for families, such as go-carts, a Ferris wheel, and free concerts. Daytona Lagoon is the perfect place to cool off and relax. With more than a dozen rides, including thrilling and relaxing water attractions, this large waterpark is fun for guests of all ages.
Art enthusiasts will love the world-renowned Museum of Arts & Sciences. This cultural mecca is worth the visit, as it has rotating temporary exhibits.
