Things to do in Daytona Beach, FL
Daytona International Speedway 1801 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32114
The Daytona International Speedway is the most popular attraction in Daytona Beach. The complex spans 500 acres located at 1801 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32114. The speedway is home to the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America. It is home to the Daytona 500, Coke Zero 400, and the Rolex 24. It is a mecca for NASCAR fans. The most recent 2016 renovation, dubbed “DAYTONA Rising,” cost $400 million. It included upgrades to seats, three times the number of concession stands, having 17 elevators and 40 escalators, and doubling the number of restrooms. The current capacity is 101,500, with expansion available to 125,000. The track was revamped in 2010, with 1.4 million square feet being repaved. The complex is not limited to racing, it also hosts police motorcycle training, car shows, photo shoots, production vehicle tests, social and civic gatherings, as well as concerts. The speedway offers three types of tours, the speedway tour (30 minutes), all access tour (90 minutes), and VIP tour (3 hours). Tours are offered daily and are offered on a first come, first served basis. More information is available on their website, which also offers a virtual tour of the complex.
Daytona Beach Boardwalk 25 Ocean Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32118
The Daytona Beach Boardwalk is a great attraction. It was built in 1938 and is located right next to the beach, but includes a pier that extends 1,000 feet over the ocean. City Walk is part of the boardwalk with an entertainment complex and shopping. The boardwalk also includes a ferris wheel, hurricane, slingshot, go-carts, Tilt-O-Whirl, and a rollercoaster. There are hotels, amusement centers, arcades, gift shops, bars, and restaurants too. During the summers, there are free concerts in the bandshell (which is located on the north end), fireworks on Saturdays, as well as street performers. All kinds of food is available from pizza, subs, and sandwiches, to barbecue and ice cream. You’ll find something for each family member. You could get your food to go and enjoy it on the beach.
Daytona Lagoon 601 Earl St., Daytona Beach, FL 32118
Daytona Lagoon is both a water park and fun park, at 601 Earl St., Daytona Beach, FL 32118. They offer a rainy day guarantee, so if it rains, you can get a ticket for another day. The water park offers a wave pool, slides, a kids play area, and a lazy river. The fun park offers the Sky Maze Ropes Course, miniature golf (18 holes), go-carts, rock climbing wall, laser tag arena and a mega arcade. At over 50 feet tall, slide down Kraken’s Revenge (must be 42 inches or taller and less than 280 pounds), Go on the two-person Shaka Halfpipe, (42 inches tall and less than 260 pounds single rider, and boule 400 pounds), Blackbeard’s Revenge is a high speed thrill experience (42 inches tall). Adventure Mountain is the highest multi-ride slide. Pelican’s Drift is the lazy river, it requires non-swimmers and anyone under 48 inches is to wear a life jacket. Float along the lazy river, and watch the thrill-seekers.
Museum of Arts and Science (MOAS) 352 South Nova Road, Daytona Beach, Fl 32114
Located at 352 South Nova Road, Daytona Beach, Fl 32114, the Museum of Arts and Science (MOAS) is several museums in one. The Charles and Linda Williams Children’s Museum, Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art, Gamble Place, Lowell and Nancy Lohman Family Planetarium, Tuscawilla Preserve,Root Family Museum, The NORth Wing and L Gale Lemerand Wing. Their permanent collection includes Florida and decorative arts, Chinese, African, American, Cuban, Americana and Coca-Cola memorabilia, which is one of the largest collections in the world. Check out the stars at the planetarium, or let the kids experience hands on learning at the children’s museum. There is something for everyone here.
Sloppy Joes 250 N. Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32118
Sloppy Joes began the day prohibition was repealed, December 5, 1933. It was an infamous Key west Bar frequented by Ernest Hemingway and other authors of his time. Hemingway even came up with the name Sloppy Joe’s. They have the Seven Day Vacation, Shark Attack, and Papa’s Painkiller. Alcohol free concoctions including Strawberry Sensation, PiñaBerry Daiquiri, Mango Tango, Oreo Madness and more. Drink specials are available all day. No matter what drink you order, you get to keep the glass, even the 64 ounce fishbowl, pilsner glass, shark tumblers, and insulated tumbler. Bandshell concerts can be seen from the restaurant. Menu is Florida beach with nachos, fish and chips, shrimp skewers, burgers, mahi tacos, and of course, Sloppy Joes. They also have a gift shop where you can purchase t-shirts, koozies, mugs, and hats. You can find them at 250 N. Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32118.