Daytona Beach is synonymous with auto racing and spring break. Known as the "Birthplace of Speed", it garnered attention in the 1930s and 40s when racing automobiles and setting new speed records was all the rage. The beach itself is a 23-mile, 500-foot-wide racetrack (in low tide). Today, Daytona Beach is an eclectic mix of affordable spring break action, hopping nightlife, family-friendly fun and best values.

Outdoor Focus

Cruising Daytona Beach can be an adrenaline rush, but be warned, this high-octane destination offers so much eye-candy, many vacationers arrive as couples but leave as singles - or so rumor has it. Once you tire of cruising, hit the waters. Rental shops are well equipped for the following water sports:

• Jet skiing
• Kayaking
• Parasailing
• Snorkeling
• Scuba diving

Area Attractions

• NASCAR: Founded in 1947, this has been a Daytona must-see for more than half a century.
• Daytona International Speedway: You can enjoy IROC, AMA, sports cars and more throughout the year.
• The Museum of Arts and Sciences: Visit the planetarium, learn about Hubble, see art from around the world or walk through America's oldest village.

Area Events

• Sea Turtles (from mid May to late October): These endangered creatures surface from the waves at night to lay their eggs in nests dug into the sand. If you time it right, you can watch hundreds of baby turtles emerge two months later.
• Daytona Biketoberfest (October): This annual celebration is bursting with motorcycle racing, rides and concerts.
• Spring Break (March): College students gather in Daytona to soak in the sun and let their hair down.

Nightlife

Where to start? Racing's North Turn, a popular restaurant and bar, sits on a patch of Daytona racing history at the site where it all began in 1936. The Highlander Café is an event complex covering two-and-a half acres. With live music every Friday and Saturday night and an 1890s Ice Cream Parlor and gift shop, there's plenty to see and do.

Accommodation

Daytona Beach offers hundreds of affordable, student-friendly hotels, small motels, resorts, oceanfront condos, rental homes, cottages and campgrounds right in the heart of Daytona. Try the Daytona Beach Chamber of Commerce for up-to-the-minute details.

Need to Know

• Location:
  • Daytona Beach lies on Florida's central east coast and encompasses Ormond-by-the-Sea, Ormond Beach, central Daytona Beach and Daytona Beach Shores.
• Weather:
  • Average winter temperatures are 60 F.
  • Average summer temperatures are 79 F.
• Facilities:
  • Restrooms
  • Outdoor showers
  • Boardwalk
  • Concessions
  • Picnic tables
  • Lifeguards are on duty from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Daytna Beach Video