Just Beachie

By Matthew Porter

World famous Daytona Beach offers a wealth of uniquely fun day trips, all within a quick drive from any Orlando Area hotel or resort.

Get Your Motor Runnin’

Daytona Beach isn’t just the capital of stock car racing, it’s where the sport began. But much has changed since legends like Glenn “Fireball” Roberts sped over the hard-packed sands of Daytona Beach.

The city’s best-known attraction is the Daytona International Speedway. Besides the world-famous Daytona 500, the track hosts an array other annual races like the Pepsi 400, the Winn Dixie 250, and the Rolex 24 at Daytona.

Ever wonder what it feels like to actually drive a stock car? Now you can find out with the Richard Petty Driving Experience. Participants can strap in try and their hand at driving a real racecar (with some guidance, of course). Or, if you prefer, you can also just ride shotgun and enjoy speeds of up to 165mph.

However, if you’d rather appreciate the sport from a, let’s say, “less intense” point of view, stop by NASCAR’s Daytona 500 Experience (formerly known as Daytona USA). The official attraction of NASCAR offers fans a myriad of exhibits and experiences reflecting the history and future of the sport.

For even more heavy metal thunder, check out Daytona’s annual motorcycle events, Bike Week (held in March) and Biketoberfest (held in October). The rowdy and renowned events have been revving up the all-American fun for 70 and 14 years, respectively, and are considered by many to rival the granddaddy of all biker events, Sturgis.

A Day At The Beach

If you like fun in the sun, you can’t do much better than “the world’s most famous beach.” Daytona Beach stretches out for 23 glorious miles along Florida’s Atlantic Coast. When you go, be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen, because this is where the city really shines. Options for water sports abound, from surfing and snorkeling to jet skiing and kayaking.

While you’re at the beach, be sure to visit the historic lighthouse at Ponce de Leon Inlet. At 175 feet in height, it’s the tallest lighthouse in Florida and the second tallest in the country.

For even more sun-soaked athletic fun, take a swing at one of Daytona Beach’s many tennis courts. Or if you prefer hitting the links, enjoy a round at one of the area’s highly regarded courses and discover why Golf Digest recently ranked Daytona Beach among the top 15 places to play in the nation.

Culture

Beyond its well-known outdoor activities, Daytona Beach also boasts a broad spectrum of cultural options.

While the speedway may be known for photo finishes, the Southeast Museum of Photography is known simply for photos. The museum, located on the campus of Daytona Beach Community College, displays both traveling exhibits and a 3,000-photograph permanent collection that includes works by Sally Mann, Harry Callahan, Gordon Parks, and many others.

The Halifax Historical Museum houses artifacts dating back to 5,000 B.C. Exhibit themes include American Indians, the Spanish and British colonial eras, even vintage toys.

Other cultural fixtures include Daytona Beach’s Museum of Arts and Sciences, an 86,000 square foot facility containing 30,000 objects, including the most complete Giant Ground Sloth Skeleton in North America.

In the realm of performing arts, Daytona Beach is home to many theater productions and symphonic concerts throughout the year while the Ocean Center also plays hosts to an array of events and national headliners.

I Like The Nightlife, I Like to Boogie

Add a little (okay, maybe more than a little) shopping, some dining out, and a dash of nightlife, and you have the makings for a perfect day trip to Daytona Beach.

From the Volusia Mall to the Daytona Flea and Farmers’ Market, Daytona Beach has your shopping needs covered. And if all that shopping makes you hungry, fill up at any of the city’s more than 400 restaurants (we recommend trying one with fresh local seafood). And no matter your tastes, whether comedy clubs, karaoke bars, or dancing, Daytona Beach has the perfect way to end your day trip on a high note.

With loads of indoor and outdoor activities and events to excite your mind and soul, Daytona is the perfect one-stop day trip destination, so ladies and gentlemen... start your engines.

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