Multi-generational businesses, distinct neighborhoods and preserved traditions add character, diversity and fun
DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA–JANUARY 2024–As one of the most iconic beach destinations in the U.S., Daytona Beach, Florida, is a special place for many who visit its famed beaches to enjoy fun family vacations, racing excitement or annual special events. Even those who visit for the first time can enjoy what loyal repeat visitors have come to know: one of the characteristics that makes this East Coast locale a unique destination is the love of the locals. That love goes beyond the welcoming people and inclusive atmosphere. It is found in the fabric of the distinct neighborhoods where preserved traditions and multi-generational businesses add character, diversity and culture, making Daytona Beach so much more than just fun in the sun.
Daytona Beach is midway between St. Augustine and the Kennedy Space Center and just an hour east of Orlando. Access is easy, by car or air, with Interstate 95 and Interstate 4 intersecting here and the Daytona Beach International Airport (700 Catalina Drive, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114; 386-248-8030) offering non-stop flights from select cities.
A huge part of Daytona Beach’s popularity has evolved around its racing history. That history is celebrated in unexpected ways throughout this diverse destination. In Ponce Inlet, at Racing’s North Turn Beach Bar & Grill (4511 South Atlantic Avenue, Ponce Inlet, Florida 32127; 386-322-3258) visitors will find not only one of Florida’s Top 10 Beach Bars but also a historic landmark and racing museum. In addition to its full menu and amazing collection of memorabilia, the North Turn has a beautiful beach view of the exact spot where racing began here, on the beach, in 1936. Ponce Inlet is also the home of the tallest lighthouse in Florida. At 175 feet high, the 360-degree view from atop the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse (4931 South Peninsula Drive, Ponce Inlet, Florida 32127; 386-761-1821) takes in the ocean and river. The historic landmark was completed in 1887 and today the lighthouse, grounds and museum tell fascinating stories of Florida’s history.
Just to the north, Ormond Beach is known as the Birthplace of Speed, as racing speed trials were held here as early as 1903. The Birthplace of Speed Park (21 Ocean Shore Boulevard, Ormond Beach, Florida 32176; 386-676-3216) is home to a small replica of the Ormond Garage. The garage houses replicas of Bullet #1 and the Pirate automobiles. For a classic Ormond Beach dining experience, Mario’s Italian Restaurant & Lounge (521 South Yonge Street, Ormond Beach, Florida 32174; 386-677-2711) has been a favorite for more than 56 years. Through three generations, owner Tom Bertolami’s family has developed a stellar reputation and loyal following for its menu, which features veal, shrimp, mussels, clams, calamari and more, and an atmosphere is perfect for a romantic night out or a casual evening with friends. Nearby, Rose Villa Southern Table & Bar (43 West Granada Boulevard, Ormond Beach, Florida 32176; 386-615-7673) was established as a bed and breakfast in 1901 and today visitors can dine inside, alfresco, or on the porch amid that atmosphere reminiscent of an earlier era. The menu features an eclectic mix of Southern inspired cuisine, craft cocktails and extensive wine list.
Of course, the Daytona International Speedway (1801 West International Speedway Boulevard, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114; 800-748-7467) remains an iconic attraction and the centerpiece of the Speedway District. Fans can enjoy a fast-paced race day or a more personal speedway tour. They can even drive or ride in a NASCAR race car as part of the NASCAR Racing Experience (1801 West International Speedway Boulevard, Daytona Beach, Florida 32118; 800-237-3889). But beyond the track, many areas of Daytona Beach have locations that celebrate the origins and traditions of racing here, along with many other traditions and activities that locals hold dear.
Other neighborhoods have stories of the past to share, as well. Historic Beach Street is lined with shops and restaurants along the mile-long Riverfront Esplanade (Magnolia Avenue & Beach Street, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114), which offers views of the Intracoastal Waterway. This is also home to local attractions like the Jackie Robinson Ballpark (105 East Orange Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114; 386-257-3172) and the Halifax Historical Museum (252 South Beach Street, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114; 386-255-6976), which each tell unique stories of Daytona Beach history. And of course, there’s the Boardwalk District, with the Daytona Beach boardwalk (12 South Ocean Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida 32118; 386-253-0254), pier (1200 Main Street, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114) and bandshell, all a part of Daytona Beach’s perennial appeal to visitors of all ages.
A taste of tradition
Ormond Garage (48 West Granada Boulevard, Ormond Beach, Florida 32174; 386-492-7981) is a locally owned and operated craft brewery that pays tribute to the neighborhood’s racing history. The historic garage is now a favorite spot for local brews, casual dining amid reminders of a storied past.
Copper Bottom Craft Distillery (998 North Beach Street, Holly Hill, Florida 32117; 386-267-5104) is home to an artisan spirit-making operation, carrying on the tradition of sugar cane growers and rum runners of earlier generations. Located on the site of the oldest sugar plantation and rum distillery in North America, it welcomes visitors to taste the spirits and experience the history.
Rosie’s Café is located inside Dunn’s Attic (136 West Granada Boulevard, Ormond Beach, Florida 32174; (386-673-0044) and owned by a family that has been in business in Volusia County for 125 years, spanning seven generations. Big breakfasts, hot sandwiches and delicious desserts are all menu favorites.
Coffees and teas are the drinks of choice at Gold Leaf Coffee Company (17 West Granada Boulevard, Ormond Beach, Florida 32174; 386-301-5652). This locally-owned small batch roaster located in the heart of Ormond Beach serves locally sourced products including Steel Oak Coffee, Yaupon Tea and homemade ice cream.
Landmark lodging
Daytona Beach has an impressive number of lodging options, from full-service hotels to upscale resorts to beachfront cottages. For some, the perfect visit includes a stay at one of the classic spots that have been a part of this destination’s fabric for decades:
Tropical Manor on the Ocean (2237 South Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach Shores, Florida 32118; 386-252-4920) is a collection of tropically themed cottages dubbed an “oceanfront oasis” in Daytona Beach Shores. The property’s story began in 1956, when Audrey and Alfred Kelleman, who fell in love with Daytona Beach on their honeymoon, purchased a six-room motel and named it the Tropical Manor. It is still family-owned and -operated today.
Perry’s Ocean Edge Resort (2209 South Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida 32118; 386-255-0581) has a history that began in the 1940s with 17 guestrooms. More than 75 years later, Perry’s has been redesigned and infused with modern style and amenities and is still welcoming guests. The resort now features 213 efficiencies and suites, a landscaped oceanfront lawn, two outdoor pools, one indoor pool and a whole lot more. Complimentary homemade donuts are served daily.
The Streamline Hotel (140 South Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida 32118; 386-947-7470) is a 1940s Art Deco boutique hotel in the heart of Daytona Beach, and is said to be the Birthplace of NASCAR. Lore is that this was a haven for celebrities, race car drivers and moonshiners and that in 1947 a meeting at the rooftop bar resulted in the formation of NASCAR. Newly restored, the hotel features 44 guestrooms, and two restaurant and bar venues. Its walls are adorned with photos and mementos from the history of NASCAR are displayed.