Daytona Beach, FL Hotels

Daytona Beach, Florida

Daytona Beach is a city that likes it both ways. When it’s not up to its neck in speed and thrills, it’s laid back and soaking up the sunshine on the glorious beaches, preferably sipping on a Margarita and with a keen eye on the bikini-clad local talent. Every year thousands of racing fans make their way to Volusia County to attend the Daytona 500, and find themselves wrapped in the thrilling atmosphere that descends upon this true mecca of motorsports.

It doesn’t end when the engines stop humming, though. Daytona Beach offers nightlife that rivals the excitement of the many sporting events held here. Dance till you drop at one of the many nightclubs in Daytona Beach. Blues, reggae, rock and high-energy dance music play on till the wee hours, and if by then you’re half dead, stop in at the Boot Hill Saloon for a drink before you sink into oblivion. The next day, book a balloon flight from Bob’s Balloon Tours before mellowing out with the family in a rental boat from the Water Toy Shop. Come for the racing and you’ll discover that Daytona Beach has lots more to offer.

Daytona Beach Top 10

Daytona Beach History

• The Cellar Restaurant – Founded in 1907, The Cellar was originally the home of US President Warren G. Harding.
• Historic Ponce Inlet Tour – Take a guided walking tour of the historic sites on the inlet.
• Lilian Place Historic House – The oldest standing residence on the beach, this home was built in 1884.
• Mary McLeod Bethune Home and Gravesite – See the residence and final resting place of this pioneer in African-American higher education.
• Jackie Robinson Ballpark – Opened in 1914 as Daytona City Island Ballpark, this stadium was renamed in honour of Jackie Robinson.

Daytona Beach Art & Culture

• Southeast Museum of Photography – The Southeast’s only exhibition facility dedicated to the art of photography.
• “Biketoberfest” – An annual gathering of motorcycle enthusiasts that includes concerts, live performances and group rides.
• Museum of Arts and Sciences – Over 30,000 artistic, historical and scientific items are on display at this 100,000-square-foot museum.
• Daytona Playhouse – A live stage and musical theatre with multiple shows each season, including permanent and touring numbers.
• Daytona Beach Symphony Society – Listen to classical music by symphony orchestras from all over Florida.

Daytona Beach Shopping

• Bellair Plaza Shopping Centre – Just off the coastline, this plaza features surf shops, restaurants and department stores.
• Daytona Flea and Farmers’ Market – Browse vintage and unique items at this 1,000-vendor market that is open every weekend.
• Shoppes at Ocean Walk Village – An entertainment district with shopping, dining, nightlife and a 10-cinema movie theatre.
• Sunshine Park Mall –This mall is home to the only ice-skating rink in Daytona Beach.
• Volusia Mall – Visit this biggest shopping mall in the area, featuring over 120 stores and restaurants.

Gay & Lesbian Daytona Beach

• The Streamline – A gay nightclub and hotel offering weekly drag queen shows every Friday.
• August Seven Inn – Gay and lesbian singles and couples can stay the night in comfort at this gay-friendly inn.
• Cape Canaveral Nude Beach – A bare-it-all bathing spot for gay and straight tourists alike.
• The Savoy Daytona – The area’s premier gay bar and nightclub with drink specials each night.
• Daytona Gay Pride Weekend – Held each June, this festival is strictly for the out and proud.

Daytona Beach Outdoor

• The Beaches – Go sunbathing or build a sandcastle on Daytona Beach’s 23-mile-long shoreline.
• Pure Life Surf School – Learn how to ride the waves from professional surfing instructors.
• Congo River Adventure Golf – Shoot a round of miniature golf at this tropical-themed family attraction.
• Marine Science Centre – View exhibits of local marine life and their natural habitats.
• Sun Splash Park – An outdoor public park with a water area, a kids’ play area and an accessible entrance to the beach.

Daytona Beach Sport

• Have a round of golf at the Daytona Beach Golf Club.
• Run in the Daytona Beach Half Marathon.
• Attend the annual Daytona 500 NASCAR race at Daytona International Speedway.
• Catch a few waves in the Atlantic Ocean.
• Charter a sport fishing expedition.

Daytona Beach Events

January in Daytona Beach sees the Rolex 24 race, a 24-hour sports-car endurance race run over a 5.73 kilometre combined road course.

The Daytona 500 attracts thousands of visitors to Daytona Beach in February each year and is one of the world’s most famous motorsport events.

In March, Daytona Beach is the place to be for the Celtic Music Festival, which happens at the Rockefeller Gardens.

Spring Break has long been a tradition at Daytona Beach, and students flock from all corners of the country to enjoy the sun and activities that take place at this time of year.

March is also the time of year that Bike week comes to town. Catch the Freestyle Motorcross Show, join the Treasure Hunt and cheer for your favourite biker at the Daytona Beach speedway motorbike race.

The first quarter of the year at Daytona Beach is topped off by the Daytona 200 Motorcycle Race, one of the toughest annual American races.

More stock car racing happens in July with the Coke Zero 400 powered by Coca-Cola at Daytona Beach, a 640 kilometre NASCAR sprint cup race.

Mid-August sees the yearly National Reptile Breeders Expo at the Daytona Beach Hilton, the largest of its kind in the world. Come see the creepy crawlies for a different experience.

In October, Daytona Beach hosts the Biketoberfest, an international motorcycle expo that attracts riders from all over the US and Canada, and the week’s events include bike races, expos, street festivals and charity rides.

At the end of the month be sure to cheer on the runners in the Daytona Beach Annual ½ Marathon foot race, or get in shape and try the 13.1-mile course yourself!

When To Go

Daytona Beach, Florida, has a temperate climate, so it rarely gets too cold, but during the summer months, sunblock, glasses and a hat are definitely going to be your friends. Temperatures average around 60°F (15°C) in the winter to a maximum of about 90°F (30°C) in the middle of the year.

Precipitation in Daytona Beach is higher in the summer months with an average of 18 inches (446mm) in summer to a low of about 9 inches (220mm) in the cooler parts of the year.

February in Daytona Beach is comfortable for the Daytona 500, but if it’s a beach holiday you’re after, head there from about May to August for the highest temperatures.

Getting There

There are three major airports within an hour’s drive of Daytona Beach, the closest being the Daytona Beach Area International Airport, which is a few kilometres east of the speedway. Jacksonville and Orlando International Airports are farther away, but all three are serviced by Delta and US Airlines, among others.

There is a Greyhound Bus terminal located in S. Ridgewood Avenue in town with daily services running all over Florida, and there is the Votran bus and trolley service that will easily get you around Daytona Beach.

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