The 9 Reasons You Should Visit Daytona Beach
Whether it’s the need for speed or sandy beaches, Daytona Beach has it. This beach is a top tourist attraction that caters to thrill-seekers, kids, families, and birdwatchers alike.
There’s more than one reason to visit Daytona Beach. It’s not just about shopping, premium accommodations, and exciting cuisine – it goes beyond that. This place is home to many historic locations and businesses that offer unique experiences.
Check out some of the best places to relax, party, or educate yourself on history, art, and the sciences.
1. Relax or Party at Daytona Beach
Among the top Daytona Beach attractions is the beach itself. The sandy shore stretches over 20 miles of prime beachfront real estate. Known as one of the best beaches in Florida, it’s an energetic scene for tourists and locals.
The beach hosts dozens of festivals each year, so there are plenty of opportunities to plan your visit. The boardwalk, known as the center of Daytona Beach, is famous for its restaurants and street performers. It’s where most of the restaurants and attractions are.
Those attractions include the Ferris wheel, go-kart tracks, and concert venues. Don’t forget to take in the scenery by walking the 1,000ft-long Daytona Pier. It’s another city landmark and a prime fishing spot.
2. Visit the Daytona International Speedway
You can’t visit a historic location in the world of racing without checking out the Daytona International Speedway. It’s a place not just for racing fans but also for any sports enthusiast.
The speedway features premium amenities and a ton of history. It’s also home to the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America. The hall of fame catalogs racing that goes back to the early 1900s. And you’ll learn why this is the world’s first motorsports stadium. It’s a sight to see and an excellent location to learn about the history of racing.
Aim to book your visit in advance. That way, you can book a copilot experience with a NASCAR driver, or drive on the track yourself.
3. Embark on an Equestrian Adventure
For those who prefer to go at one horsepower (literally), why not embark on an equestrian adventure? This is one of the most popular Daytona Beach attractions for families. Horseback riding on the beach is relaxing, especially given the excellent trainers and horses.
The trail also goes beyond the sandy beach, so you can take in some of the scenic woodlands scenery.
4. Check Out the Jackie Robinson Ballpark
This landmark location is something you can do before taking in the Daytona Beach nightlife. Visit the stadium that hosted the first game with an African-American baseball player – it’s a must-see for any baseball fan.
Besides touring the stadium and taking in its rich history, you can also catch a game. And, when the Daytona Tortugas aren’t playing, the stadium sometimes hosts concerts.
5. Visit the Museums
There’s more than one museum to see in Daytona Beach. You can check out the Museum of Arts & Sciences, the Museum of Photography, and even the Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art.
The latter is an interesting attraction that houses over 2,000 works of art. It tells the story of Florida – a history that goes back to the days of the pioneers to the modern times – through the work of various artists. You’ll also be treated to a nice collection of pop-culture exhibits.
If you’re planning a school trip or a family vacation, there’s enough action for everyone.
Daytona Beach is home to not only sports and entertainment but also educational attractions. It’s rich in history and art that will satisfy anyone who wants to experience other things aside from the lively nightlife or beach activities.
6. Tour the Chocolate Factory
Angell & Phelps is not Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. But it is a hot tourist attraction with its handmade chocolate confections. It’s also among the first woman-founded companies and still offers many of its products made using original recipes.
Touring the historic factory is free. It’s definitely a fun activity, especially if you have a sweet tooth. But even if you don’t, it’s still worth a visit to see one of the factories that had a massive impact on female entrepreneurship in America.
7. Take in the Scenery in the Tomoka State Park
If you’re willing to take a 20-minute drive up north, you can visit the Tomoka State Park. It covers 2,000 acres and runs along the Tomoka River.
Since 1945, tourists have flocked here to see the scenery or engage in various water activities, like kayaking and fishing. It’s also a great spot to visit if you’re a birdwatcher, considering the variety of species around like bald eagles.
The park also offers camping accommodations, provided that you get a permit first. It’s a good idea if you want to trek more nature trails.
8. Visit the Marine Science Center
Another great location for educational purposes is the Marine Science Center. It also doubles as a research and learning center and hosts a variety of species of underwater life.
This is the place that nurses back to health everything from sea turtles to injured birds. You can even interact with some of the “residents”, as many species are in touch-tanks. There is also a bird observation tower and a boardwalk trail for you to explore.
9. Look Down on the Beach
If you’re not scared of heights, here’s one of the coolest things to do when you visit Daytona Beach. HeliHogs helicopter rides offer an amazing perspective of the lively beach. It’s also one of the best ways to see as much as you can in a short amount of time.
The tours go further up north along the coastline. Seeing the waves crash and the dark blue ocean water from above is something everyone should experience at least once.
Fun for All Ages in the Sunshine State
Anyone that thinks Florida is for old people hasn’t visited Daytona Beach.
This is an amazing location for single people and entire families, especially given the range of activities and attractions available. There are reasonable accommodations for all budgets and has more than you can hope to see in just one holiday.
It hosts numerous festivals, offers fresh seafood, and an active nightlife. That and its impeccable beach make Daytona Beach a destination you don’t want to miss.
