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 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.

General Information

Attractions

Events

Climate