Is there more to Florida than Orlando theme parks?
In UK terms, the answer is as simple as understanding that there is more to Britain than London. Go beyond The City Beautiful, and you can discover hidden gems that are just as stunning yet all the more fulfilling as the roads less travelled.
Nowhere is this more true than in Daytona Beach. Here, miles of white sand, epic festivals, and outdoor activities fill the everyday with wonder. Whether you’re sunbathing, parasailing, surfing, or lapping up NASCAR racing, Daytona Beach promises bliss and adventure in equal measure.
Daytona International Speedway
The Daytona International Speedway is far and away the most famous attraction in Daytona Beach. It hosts Daytona’s Speedweeks and the world-famous annual Daytona 500, so if you’re travelling with any motorheads or racing fans, this should be top of the list.
We love booking a Speedway Track Tour to explore behind the scenes, and you can even combine it with a stop at the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, which is part of the tour price. For diehard fans, longer tours also incorporate the NASCAR Archives & Research Center, which houses fascinating rare items from the world of motorsport.
Daytona International Speedway also plays host to several exciting events throughout the year, such as the Rolex 24 at Daytona and the Coke Zero Sugar 400, so be sure to check the event calendar before visiting. 
Beautiful (& accessible) Beaches
You might have already guessed it from the name, but Daytona Beach is widely loved for having some of Florida’s best beaches. The Atlantic Coast city is home to 23 miles of shoreline, with a stretch of sand for everyone. We also love the nearby areas of Ormond Beach and Ponce Inlet. The waters here are safe and shallow, making them ideal for a family day out. You can also pick from a wealth of water sports, like surfing, parasailing, kayaking, fishing, and SUP. 
To refuel, there are world-class restaurants, cafes, coastal parks, and attractions lining the beach, so when spending the day here, you won’t need to go far to fill hungry tummies or see more of Daytona’s sights.
One of the best spots for families is Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier, which has snack bars, shops, and arcades and often hosts family-friendly entertainment. Plus, Daytona Beach has some of the most accessible beaches around, with handicap parking, accessible beach ramps, free beach wheelchairs, and customised surf chairs, ensuring everyone has the chance to experience what Daytona Beach has to offer. 
Outdoor Activities
If you think it’s all beaches and ocean in Daytona Beach, think again - the area is positively brimming with outdoor activities. Hiking and cycling are popular choices, thanks to more than 70 miles of trails, and all you need are your own two feet or a bicycle, available to rent in the area.
Explore the peaceful nature of the Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve or the Lyonia Preserve. Then see the coastline from a new perspective along on the East Coast Greenway’s Sweetheart Trail, which runs through the Halifax River and downtown Daytona Beach.
Children will also adore the many eco-tours available at Daytona Beach which get up close to local wildlife. At Ponce Inlet or Daytona Beach, you an easily book a fishing trip or a dolphin watching tour. At Blue Spring State Park in West Volusia County, you can see groups of manatees in winter. And at Tomoka State Park, you can have close encounters with bird life while kayaking along the peaceful waterways. 
Art & Culture
Minus the odd afternoon shower, you’ll likely have perfect weather in Florida, whatever the season. But fortune favours the bold, and we recommend taking a chance on Daytona Beach’s rich art and culture scene.
Sure, it’s not an easy sell for everyone, but there are plenty of museums in the area for all interests. At the Museum of Arts & Sciences alone, adults and kids alike stop and stare at the incredible planetarium, historic railroad cars, and Afro-Cuban artworks.
You can also discover more about Daytona Beach's African-cuban heritage on the Share The Heritage Trail, which takes in museums and cultural sights, including the Jackie Robinson Ballpark, for any baseball fans.
Little adventurers can also have a whale of a time at the Daytona Aquarium and Rainforest Adventure, which houses an exhilarating 100,000-gallon shark exhibit, stingray touch pool, alligators and other reptiles. Plus, in 2025, look out for the opening of their new rainforest area which will have even more exciting land animals and bird species. 
Seasonal Celebrations
It doesn’t matter what time of year you visit Daytona Beach, there’s always an exciting event, race, or festival to look forward to. That’s why it’s known as the Festival Capital of Florida!
Just a few of the biggest include the Coke Zero Sugar 400, an action-packed NASCAR race in August; the Halifax Art Festival in November, which features more than 150 art and crafts stalls, and of course, Speedweeks and the Daytona 500. The latter is held annually in February and is one of the most fun and thrilling race events in the USA.
Another motorsport event not to miss is the Daytona Turkey Run in November, which not only displays an amazing selection of restored classic cars, but also has family-friendly arts and craft stalls and food vendors.
For those into live music, the Daytona International Speedway transforms each May for Welcome to Rockville, America’s biggest rock and roll music festival. Plus, in summer 2025 you can catch the Daytona Beach Bandshell Summer Concerts & Fireworks, which are free summer concerts right on the oceanfront. 
If you’re ready for sunshine and good times,
check out our award-winning Florida Holiday Packages. 
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