The beach is the place to begin your visit. It's a 23-mi-/37-km-long span of sand that's wide enough to walk, drive and park on. Daytona Beach Pier and nearby Ocean Walk Village are the focal points of beach activities—concessions, arcades, watersports equipment rentals, restaurants and shops are all within walking distance. You can even fish from the pier. This Oceanside district, rich in history, is leading the revitalization effort in this once-neglected area. Beneath the multicolored beams you'll find charming shops, movie theaters with stadium seating and restaurants.
As you stroll down the Daytona Beach Boardwalk, notice the granite blocks paving the walkway—they recount historic racing events. Most of those races were held on the beach before the International Speedway was built in 1959. The rest of the story is told at the speedway, a must-see whether it's a race day or not. The area also has several worthwhile museums and landmarks.
| Historic Sites | Top  |
The Daytona Beach segment of the trail includes Bethune-Cookman College, the Dr. Howard Thurman House, the Museum of Arts and Sciences and the Black Heritage Museum. The trail begins at Bethune-Cookman College, 640 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd., Daytona Beach. Phone 850-245-6333 for more information. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/african-american-heritage-trail.
Step back in time to feel like a kid again. Once you've tried your luck at the old-fashioned arcades, you can test your driving skills at the go-kart track. Next, peek into the shops for kitschy souvenirs. Most people gravitate toward the Daytona Beach Pier, a beach landmark. Brightly colored cable cars, weathered from the salty air, run along the pier. If you're lucky, you can catch musical entertainment at the historic, sun-washed oceanfront Bandshell, which hosts open-air musical acts, from reggae bands to pops-style music April-December. Behind Ocean Avenue, between Main Street and Auditorium Boulevard, Daytona Beach. Phone 386-756-8523 for more information on the Bandshell Concert Series. http://www.bandshell.org.
Rising from the scenic fishing village of Ponce Inlet is the tallest brick lighthouse in Florida. The Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse is a National Historic Landmark. If you're up to it, climb the 203 spiraling stairs to reach the lighthouse gallery and a stunning view of the inlet. Open daily summer 10 am-8 pm, fall-spring 10 am-5 pm. US$5 adults; US$1.50 children. Phone 386-761-1821. http://www.ponceinlet.org.
Wander freely through the first and second floors of the former winter home of John D. Rockefeller, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You'll discover eclectic assortments of museum-quality items. The third floor hosts private collections and is accessible only during guided tours. The Casements is also the cultural center for Ormond Beach, offering classes, exhibits, events and a gift shop. Open Monday-Saturday from 9 am. Guided tours Monday-Friday 10 am-2:30 pm, Saturday 10-11:30 am. Free admission, donations welcome. 25 Riverside Drive, Ormond Beach. Phone 386-676-3366. http://www.ormondbeach.org/leisure.
Offers historical artifacts and Native American, Spanish and British history of the Daytona Beach area. Open Tuesday-Saturday 10 am-4 pm. Admission US$4 adults; US$1 children under 12 years old; free on Thursday (donations only); children free on Saturday. 252 S. Beach St., Daytona Beach. Phone 386-255-6976. http://www.halifaxhistorical.org.
The only portrait of Argentina's Eva Peron painted while she was alive is housed in this interesting and diverse museum. Among its permanent exhibits are collections from China, Africa and Cuba. Students are awed by the extensive fossil record of Florida's Pleistocene mammals (standouts are a rare elephant and a 13-ft-/4-m-tall giant ground sloth). Changing exhibits are worth a look, too. The museum operates a planetarium and maintains a sculpture garden. Open Monday-Saturday 9 am-5 pm, Sunday 11 am-5 pm. US$12.95 adults; US10.95 seniors; US$6.95 children ages 6-17; free for children 5 and younger. 352 S. Nova Road, Daytona Beach. Phone 386-255-0285. http://www.moas.org.
This museum, one of a small number of American photography museums, is part of Daytona Beach College. It offers a series of photography exhibits covering a worldwide range of topics—from cultural identity to remote roads in Afghanistan. There are various educational programs for all ages and a substantial reference library. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 11 am-5 pm, Saturday and Sunday 1-5 pm. Free admission and parking. 1200 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach. Phone 386-506-4475. http://www.smponline.org.
Nestled in Lighthouse Park amidst nature trails and a boardwalk, the Marine Science Center displays wonders of the aquatic world. Explore the artificial-reef aquarium, interactive displays and a wet-dry lab. The museum's highlight is the rehabilitation program for sea turtles, where you can learn about the program and view turtles that are recuperating from illness or injury. There is also a bird rehabilitation area. Open Tuesday-Saturday 10 am-4 pm, Sunday noon-4 pm. Closed Monday. US$3 adults; US$1 children ages 5-12; free for children younger than 5. 100 Lighthouse Drive, Ponce Inlet. Phone 386-304-5545. http://echotourism.com/msc.
| Parks & Gardens | Top |
The grounds of this 1821 plantation and sugar mill are peaceful now, but it was destroyed in the Seminole Indian War. Explore the ruins and open-air museum, go canoeing and hike nature trails. Take along plenty of mosquito repellent. Thursday-Sunday 9 am-5 pm. US$3 per vehicle for a maximum of eight people per vehicle. Old Dixie Highway (north of Ormond Beach), Daytona Beach. Phone 386-517-2084. http://www.floridastateparks.org/bulowplantation.
Enjoy the peaceful beauty of this 52-acre/21-hectare preserve. Amble down nature trails or visit the beaches: There are two—one for people and the other for dogs. Daily 6 am-9 pm. US$3.50 per vehicle. South Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach. Phone 386-756-7488. http://volusia.org/parks/lighthouse.htm.
Once the site of a Timucuan Indian village, this 1,540-acre/625-hectare urban retreat offers camping, fishing, nature trails, picnic areas, a boat launch and canoe rentals. Located on the beautiful Tomoka River, there's a museum and visitors center. Daily 8 am-dusk. Camping fee is US$20 plus tax; pavilion fee is US$30 plus tax; admission to the park is US$4 per vehicle with a maximum of eight people per vehicle. 2099 N. Beach St., Ormond Beach. Phone 386-676-4050. http://www.floridastateparks.org/tomoka/default.cfm.
| Amusement Parks | Top |
Particularly popular with families, and right across the street from the beach, the park features six giant waterslides, a wave pool, a lazy river, go-karts, laser tag, minigolf, a state-of-the-art video arcade, a 25-ft/8-m climbing wall and more. The park also has a full-service restaurant. Days and times vary. US$21.99 adults, US$16.99 children less than 48 in/122 cm tall. Ocean Walk Village, Daytona Beach. Phone 386-254-5020. http://www.daytonalagoon.com.
This 60,000-sq-ft/5,574-sq-m attraction offers a good look at racing. Activities range from a NASCAR 3-D IMAX movie to interactive simulators and even a chance to drive three laps around the speedway on the Richard Petty Driving Experience. Also hosts motorcycle events and more. After the Daytona 500, the winning car is moved there for display. Open daily 9 am-7 pm, with extended hours during peak season. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas days. US$24 adults; US$19 seniors and children ages 6-12; free for children 5 and younger. Activities may have extra fees. 1801 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach. Phone 386-947-6800. http://www.daytonausa.com.
This park features three racetracks and dragsters that go from 0-75 mph/0-110 kph in three seconds. Rookie karts are on hand for drivers shorter than 50 in/127 cm. Speed Park also features redemption, skill and driver arcade games. Open Monday-Saturday, times vary. Activity prices vary. 201 Fentress Blvd., Daytona Beach. Phone 386-253-3278. http://www.speedparkdaytona.com.
| Other Options | Top |
This tour operated by telephathic experts is fun, informative and perhaps a bit spooky. Reservations required. Tickets are US$8; free for children younger than 6. Phone 386-253-6034. http://www.hauntsofdaytona.com.
Reclining on the beach all day may be tempting, but more active pursuits are available in Daytona Beach. Local companies rent all-terrain vehicles, bicycles and watersports equipment. Several charter boats offer deep-sea fishing trips, and parasailing is available. You can also water-ski, windsurf and ride Jet Skis. Popular surf clinics are available through local surf shops such as Salty Dog.
Increasingly known as a golf destination, the area also boasts almost 20 golf courses—including the Indigo Lakes Golf Club and the Ladies Professional Golfing Association. LPGA International features two public 18-hole golf courses and a three-hole golf academy.
Tennis enthusiasts won't want to leave without scheduling play at USA Tennis Florida.
Designed by Donald Ross and Lloyd Clifton, this course has been popular since 1921. North Course is the most challenging. 600 Wilder Blvd., Daytona Beach. Phone 386-671-3500. http://daytonabeachgc.com/golf/proto/daytonabeachgc/index.htm.
This challenging, beautiful course was designed by Bill Amick and is considered a Daytona Beach must-play. 3400 Clubhouse Drive, Ormond Beach. Phone 386-676-9600. http://www.halifaxplantation.com.
This 18-hole championship course has been the home of many tournaments. Daily 8 am-dusk. 312 Indigo Drive, Daytona Beach. Phone 386-254-3607. http://www.indigolakesgolf.com.
This challenging course, designed by Rees Jones, is home to the LPGA Titleholders Championship and the LPGA Qualifying School. 1000 Champions Drive, Daytona Beach. Phone 386-274-5742. http://www.lpgainternational.com.
This par-72 championship course offers scenic views of magnolia, cedar and pine trees. Also a pro shop, driving range and restaurant. Open daily 6:30 am-6 pm. Call for greens fees and tee times. 730 Airport Road, Ormond Beach. Phone 386-673-6000. http://www.playriverbendgolf.com.
| Tennis & Racquet Sports | Top |
This facility houses 24 hydroclay courts and 20 lighted courts for night play. Open Monday-Thursday 8 am-9:30 pm, Friday-Sunday 8 am-4 pm. US$12 nonmembers. 1 Deuce Court, Daytona Beach. Phone 386-671-8901. http://www.floridatenniscenterdaytona.com.
Area clubs can be crowded or quiet—depending on the time of year and who's in town. The best places to look for action are near the beach on Main Street or Seabreeze Boulevard, both of which have dozens of bars. The bar at the Ocean Deck Restaurant & Beach Club is usually packed with a mix of locals and tourists seeking live music and cheap drinks. And there's always something happening on Beach Street in the city's historic downtown district. Visit Martinis Chophouse for tasty martinis in a funky setting. Lively sports bars include The Oyster Pub in Daytona Beach and Houligan's Irish Sports Bar in Ormond Beach. Also, restaurants such as Angell & Phelps and Frappes North feature live jazz on the weekends. Ocean Deck Restaurant features live local bands nightly.
To find out what's happening locally, check the "Go" section in Friday's issue of the Daytona Beach News-Journal. Local entertainment offerings can also be found at Backstage Pass, a free weekly found throughout the area.
| Bars, Taverns & Pubs | Top |
The home of the 64-oz./2-l margarita in a mug you get to keep. Open nightly. Happy hour 4-7 pm. 250 N. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach. Phone 386-481-1000. http://www.adobegilas.com.
You'll want to order a drink with an umbrella at this Hawaiian-themed bar. Daily from 5:30 pm. 250 N. Atlantic Ave. at Ocean Walk Shoppes, Daytona Beach. Phone 386-947-2493. http://www.maitaibar.com.
| Dance & Nightclubs | Top |
This modern dance spot attracts a young crowd. Cover charge varies, but the dress code does not—nightclub attire requested (no beachwear). Nightly from 10. 611 Seabreeze Blvd., Daytona Beach. Phone 386-257-6236. http://www.razzlesnightclub.com.
Sultry jazz infuses this art deco supper club and restaurant. Live entertainment from jazz bands to comedy improvisation can be found nightly. Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday-Sunday 11 am-2:30 am. 132 N. Beach St., Daytona Beach. Phone 386-366-9006. http://www.daytonasolarnights.com.
| Performing Arts | Top  |
Daytona Beach has a vibrant performing-arts scene. The News-Journal Center, opened in January 2006, has an 850-seat theater with an orchestra pit, a 150-seat theater, rehearsal rooms, classrooms and dance studios. The Peabody Auditorium's 2,500-seat theater houses the Daytona Beach Symphony and an annual international festival featuring the London Symphony Orchestra. Bethune-Cookman College's Mary McLeod Bethune Performing Arts Center, Daytona's newest state-of-the-art facility, hosts arts events and performances. For specific information on arts events visit http://culturallydaytonabeach.com/index.cfm.
Daytona Beach's professional theater offers entertaining musical shows. Productions feature a full-pit orchestra. Intimate plays and musical revues are staged in the winter season, and summer sees five musicals and a children's production. New location at the News Journal Center, 221 N. Beach St., Daytona Beach. Phone 386-252-6200. Toll-free 800-854-5592. http://www.seasidemusictheater.org.
| Spectator Sports | Top |
This 2.5-mi/4-km track is home to the Daytona 500, Pepsi 400 and several other major events sanctioned by NASCAR, which is headquartered in Daytona Beach. But there's more to see than speeding cars. When there's no race, the visitors center offers guided tram tours of the track. Daily 9 am-6 pm. Fees vary. 1801 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach. Phone 386-253-7223. Toll-free 800-237-3889. http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com.
Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in U.S. professional sports in 1946, at what was then known as City Island Ballpark in Daytona Beach's historic downtown district. In 1990, the stadium was renamed in Robinson's honor, and a bronze statue of him is on permanent display at the park's entrance. The Daytona Cubs (a Chicago Cubs Class A affiliate) holds home games at the park. Season runs April-September. Phone 386-257-3172. http://www.daytonacubs.com.
There is plenty of beachwear and water toys in shops along the ocean. Try Salty Dog on Atlantic Avenue for the trendiest surfwear and swimsuits. If you're looking for antiques and collectibles, head to Beach Street, between Bay Street and Orange Avenue.
Motorcycle riders looking to complete their outfits or add some muscle to their bikes will find several shops north of the Daytona Speedway, on Main Street and nearby Beach Street, including the world-renowned Harley-Davidson store.
The mainstay of the mall market and the biggest of its kind in the area is the Volusia Mall. The Trails Shopping Center in Ormond Beach features quality shopping in an outdoor marketplace setting.
| Shopping Hours | Top |
Generally, shops are open Monday-Friday 9 am-6 pm, Saturday 9 am-9 pm, with limited hours on Sunday.
This store has endless shelves of used books on every subject matter you can think of. 256 Beach St., Daytona Beach. Phone 386-258-8060.
With over 150,000 books in stock, this store carries new and used books, as well as rare books not found in other shops. 127 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach. Phone 386-255-6728.
With more than 1,000 vendors, this is one of the largest open-air shopping venues in the state. It's both a farmers market (fresh produce) and a flea market (tacky kitsch, crafts and antiques)—all at the same place. Open Friday-Sunday 8 am-5 pm. 2987 Bellevue Ave. (at the junction of Interstate 95 and U.S. 92), Daytona Beach. Phone 386-253-3330. http://www.daytonafleamarket.com.
| Shopping Areas | Top |
This lovely little shopping plaza has a European flair. It showcases upscale boutiques. 142 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach. Phone 386-677-3845.
If you're visiting Oceanfront Park, this lively shopping and entertainment center is a refreshing experience. Ocean Walk Village offers restaurants, a margarita and fajita bar, and the best mai tais outside of Hawaii. If you're hungry, grab a bite at Bubba Gump's. For a sweet treat, try the gumpberry cobbler. The Village also includes Cold Stone Creamery, Starbucks, a Harley-Davidson storefront and a 10-screen, all-stadium-seating movie theater. 100 N. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach. http://www.oceanwalkshoppes.com.
This shopping district offers a variety of desirable shopping and dining options. Free parking. 300 N. Beach St., Daytona Beach. Phone 386-671-3272. http://www.riverfrontmarketplace.com.
This mall has more than 100 stores. 1700 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach. Phone 386-253-6783. http://www.volusiamall.net.
| Specialty Stores | Top |
This shop offers Christmas novelties and collectibles year-round. 2112 S. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach. Phone 386-257-6635. Toll-free 800-643-9685. http://www.christmashut.com.
A variety of unique gifts for the serious and whimsical shopper. 225-A South Beach St., Daytona Beach. Phone 386-239-0147. http://www.dancingdragonflys.com.
This family-owned landmark has been selling quality tree-ripened Indian River citrus for more than 80 years. 248 Beach St., Daytona Beach. Phone 386-252-7462. http://www.davidsonbros.com.
To
St. Augustine. A day trip to this town 55 mi/90 km north of Daytona is a special treat. The scenic route A1A winds through old Florida beach towns and pristine state parks. As you approach historic St. Augustine, you'll be struck by the majesty of the Bridge of Lions. On the horizon is Castillo de San Marcos, built by 15th-century Spanish militia. Drink from the purported Fountain of Youth, stroll through historic neighborhoods and eat authentic Spanish cuisine at the award-winning Columbia restaurant. Phone 904-829-1711. http://www.visitoldcity.com.
To Canaveral National Seashore. Less than an hour's drive south of Daytona, near New Smyrna Beach, is a pristine barrier island. This state park covers 24 mi/40 km and includes shoreline, beaches, dunes, salt marsh and pine flatland habitats. A variety of outdoor activities are available: fishing, boating, canoeing, swimming, hiking and more. US$5 per vehicle (phone 386-428-3384). Don't miss one of Jimmy Buffet's favorite hangouts, a ramshackle seafood dive right on the water known as J.B.'s Fish Camp and Restaurant. It's a few miles/kilometers before you reach the park.
To Space Coast. South of the Canaveral National Seashore, and about an hour's drive from Daytona, is the heart of the Space Coast. Prepare to be awestruck at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, where you can board a full-scale replica of the Space Shuttle Explorer or sneak a peek at the construction of the International Space Station. At the Astronaut Hall of Fame, view spacecraft memorabilia and board a realistic training simulator. It allows you to feel the pressure of increased gravity, land a space shuttle and ride a land rover across Mars (phone 321-449-4444; http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com). Next, angle your way up to Cocoa Beach to visit Ron Jon's Surf Shop and see why it's so famous.
To St. John's River Country and Blue Spring State Park. West of Daytona is St. John's River country, a region that lingers in the past with its butter churns and sulkies (one-horse, two-wheeled carriages). The area is home to historic communities, and offers opportunities to swim, canoe, hike or explore the historic districts. At Blue Spring State Park in Orange City, you can view manatees in their natural winter habitat. For more information, contact the St. John's River Country Convention & Visitors Bureau (phone 800-749-4350; http://www.stjohnsrivercountry.com).
To DeLeon Springs and the Old Spanish Sugar Mill. About 30 mi/48 km west of Daytona Beach, the Old Spanish Sugar Mill restaurant is located in DeLeon Springs State Park, which features historical displays and natural springs that were originally marketed as the Fountain of Youth. The Griddle House building dates from the 1800s. Cook your own breakfast or lunch of pancakes made from ingredients ground at the mill. You can order fresh bacon, sausage or veggie patties—and be sure to try the "full throttle coffee." 601 Ponce DeLeon Blvd., DeLeon Springs (phone 386-985-5644; http://www.planetdeland.com/sugarmill).
One- and two-hour cruises of the Halifax River showcase Daytona Beach's historic downtown and riverfront estates. Others focus on the area's wildlife and offer opportunities to see dolphins and view the sunset. Cruises depart from the Halifax Harbor Marina. Monday-Saturday departures at 2 and 3:30 pm and prior to sunset. 425 S. Beach St., Daytona Beach. Phone 386-266-2343. http://www.visitdaytona.com/tinycruise.
Leaving from Inlet Harbor Marina, these charming boats and informative directors cruise the intracoastal waterways, including a sunset tour in summer. Daily departures year-round 10 am, 1 pm and 4 pm. 133 Inlet Harbor Road, Ponce Inlet. Phone 386-428-0201. http://www.manateecruise.com.
