Neighborhood charm, racing history, diverse waterways and more to explore
DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA–OCTOBER 2021–Daytona Beach, on Florida’s east coast, is known as “the world’s most famous beach” because of its 23 miles of stunning Atlantic shoreline. But this destination has much more than a beautiful beach. It is home to towns, neighborhoods and unique districts that combine to create a community that gives visitors reasons to come back again, any time of year. Its location just an hour’s drive away from Orlando, St. Augustine and the Kennedy Space Center, making it an easy drive destination, but its air service is excellent, too.
Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach has a vibrant, walkable downtown district (historic Beach Street area between Bay Street and Orange Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114) with retail and dining venues and views of the Halifax River. Jackie Robinson Ballpark (105 East Orange Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114; 386-257-3172), the place where Robinson broke the color barrier, is one of the oldest still used in professional baseball and is home to the Daytona Tortugas minor league team.
The Halifax Historical Museum (252 South Beach Street, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114; 386-255-6976) is a hidden gem that showcases the area’s history. Nearby are some of the best museums and galleries in the country. This is home to the Smithsonian-affiliated Museum of Arts & Sciences (352 South Nova Road, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114; 386-255-0285), where visitors can experience the beauty of art, the wonder of science, stories of history and Coca-Cola memorabilia. The Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art (352 South Nova Road, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114; 386-255-0285) has an amazing collection of Florida paintings.
Ormond Beach
Ormond Beach gained fame when the likes of Henry Flagler visited and John D. Rockefeller made it his second home. It is now known as the “Birthplace of Speed” because starting in 1903, the smooth, hard-packed beach sand attracted automobile inventors and drivers. Today the Ormond Garage (48 West Granada Boulevard, Ormond Beach, Florida 32174; 386-492-7981), a popular craft brewery and eatery, pays homage to that racing heritage and sits in the heart of a vibrant entertainment district. The Live Oak canopy of the Ormond Scenic Loop is a beautiful introduction leading to the northern most part of the area known as Ormond-by-the-Sea, with its traffic-free beach and a variety of great restaurants and parks. The Casements (25 Riverside Drive, Ormond Beach, Florida 32176; 386-676-3216) is the former Rockefeller home, on the National Register of Historic Places and features beautiful riverfront gardens which are the setting for many local events and weddings.
Ponce Inlet
Racing is also at the forefront in Ponce Inlet. Known for both its collection of memorabilia as well as being named a Top 10 Best Florida Beach Bar, Racing’s North Turn Beach Bar & Grill (4511 South Atlantic Avenue, Ponce Inlet, Florida 32127; 386-322-3258) sits at the spot where beach races were held each year until 1958 when NASCAR relocated to its brand-new speedway, now Daytona International Speedway (1801 West International Speedway Boulevard, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114; 800-748-7467).
Much more of the culture and natural beauty of Old Florida are alive and well along the coast and in the waters of Ponce Inlet. The Ponce Inlet Lighthouse (4931 South Peninsula Drive, Ponce Inlet, Florida 32127; 386-761-1821) is a National Historic Landmark and Florida’s tallest lighthouse. The grounds tell many stories of Florida’s history and a trip to the top of the lighthouse offers a spectacular view! For an on-the-water excursion, Ponce Inlet Watersports (4936 South Peninsula Drive, Ponce Inlet, Florida 32127; 386-405-3445) offers eco-tours that cruise the back bays and Intracoastal Waterway, as well as paddle board and kayak rentals.
Throughout the Daytona Beach area and Volusia County, the character of the variety of cities, town and communities can add variety and entertainment to any visitor’s itinerary. From the Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve (90 Divito Drive, New Smyrna Beach, Florida 32168;
386-943-7081) of New Smyrna and Port Orange, to the Lyonia Preserve (2150 Eustace Avenue, Deltona, Florida 32725; 386-789-7207, ext. #21025) of Deltona, from the award-winning main street of Downtown DeLand, with its mix of retailers, restaurants and artisans, to the variety of farmers markets in most every corner of the county, there is a unique spot and an authentic experience in Daytona Beach for everyone to enjoy.
WHERE TO STAY
Daytona Beach, with more than 200 properties, has lodging options to fit every need. Properties include a variety of accommodations on the Daytona Beach oceanfront, throughout its unique neighborhoods and near inland attractions. From beach bungalows to luxury hotels to condos for any size group, accommodations throughout the Daytona Beach area offer comfortable alternatives for every stay.