Daytona Beach, FL

Travel Guide
Daytona Beach featuring night scenes and signage
Sunbathe, surf, swim and even drive on this city’s lengthy strip of tightly packed sand, which is bordered by an arcade, hotel and restaurant-lined boardwalk.

Known by motorsports enthusiasts the world over, Daytona Beach is the setting for the annual Daytona 500 and numerous other racing events. Learn about the area’s racing heritage and enjoy the fun family activities of the 23-mile (37-kilometer) long beach.

The city really came to be known beginning in the early 20th century, when car and motorbike races began to be staged on its wide, sandy beach, known as Daytona Beach. In 1959, NASCAR, who are headquartered in the city, built the Daytona International Speedway to replace the beach course. Cars are still allowed to drive on certain parts of the beach today. Pay a fee to drive on the sand in designated areas be aware that a speed limit of 10 mph (16 kmph) is in place.

The beach is not the only unusual drive-in experience available in town. Get behind the wheel and pull up to the Daytona Beach Drive-In Church, tune your radio into the requested frequency and witness a church service without leaving your vehicle.

It is also possible to visit the beach on foot too, of course. Watch locals play volleyball games, swim in the Atlantic and enjoy food at one of the beachfront bars. Avoid the designated driving areas for a quieter beach experience.

To find out more about Daytona Beach’s motorsports history, head to Halifax Historical Museum. Exhibits here include everything from antique racing-related memorabilia to Native American artifacts. Culture-loving visitors will also enjoy the acclaimed Southeast Museum of Photography and the Museum of Arts & Sciences, which features everything from a Cuban art collection to a planetarium.

Among the best times of the year to visit Daytona Beach are during the Speedweeks racing events. The Daytona 500 and the Coke Zero 400 events, also draw big crowds eager to see the action.

Find Daytona Beach in Volusia County, Florida, about 51 miles (82 kilometers) northeast of Orlando. Fly into Daytona Beach International Airportor ride buses from other major Florida cities. Buses and trolleys operate around the city.

Where to stay in Daytona Beach

Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort
Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort
4 out of 5
100 N Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach, FL
The price is $112 per night from Oct 31 to Nov 1
$112
per night
Oct 31 - Nov 1
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Daytona Beach. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, 4 restaurants, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the overall value ...
7/10 Good! (3,477 reviews)
"Oceanfront close to pier."

Reviewed on Oct 3, 2023

Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort
Daytona Grande Oceanfront Resort
Daytona Grande Oceanfront Resort
4 out of 5
422 N Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach, FL
The price is $143 per night from Oct 22 to Oct 23
$143
per night
Oct 22 - Oct 23
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Daytona Beach. Enjoy a beach locale, breakfast, and WiFi. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,168 reviews)
"Very nice resort"

Reviewed on Oct 1, 2023

Daytona Grande Oceanfront Resort
Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach
Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach
4 out of 5
918 N Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach, FL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is $166 per night from Oct 8 to Oct 9
$166
per night
Oct 8 - Oct 9
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Daytona Beach. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, a beach locale, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,386 reviews)
Like the Hard Rock brand, but small hiccup
"I just want to start by saying I LOVE Hard Rock hotels. I have stayed at these properties around the world, and was excited to find one in Daytona Beach! The sleep quality is excellent - comfortable pillows and bedding. I like the fact that there's a fridge in the room, as well as a bathrobe. I liked ..."

Reviewed on Oct 2, 2023

Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Daytona Beach Studios
Daytona Beach Studios
3 out of 5
2700 N Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach, FL
Stay at this 3-star beach apartment in Daytona Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Daytona International Speedway and ...
5.6/10 (74 reviews)
"Pool and hot tub were down. Beach access was not available. The rooms are nice and spacious. Great views of the beach and the city."

Reviewed on Jun 7, 2023

Daytona Beach Studios
Sea Shells Beach Club
Sea Shells Beach Club
3 out of 5
1014 N Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach, FL
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Daytona Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (252 reviews)
One night beach vacay
"Great location, had parking, communicative staff made late night check in a breeze. Cute room, could be a little cleaner and just a little worn out and dated. Perfect for after a long day at the beach. Great place for the price."

Reviewed on Sep 5, 2023

Sea Shells Beach Club
Fountain Beach Resort
Fountain Beach Resort
2 out of 5
313 South Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Daytona Beach. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Daytona International Speedway ...
7.6/10 Good! (716 reviews)
"Mathew the concierge at Fountain was very helpful and informative. Room is excellent. Only downside was no information for ice machine location and other amenities."

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2023

Fountain Beach Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Getting around Daytona Beach

Driving is a fundamental aspect of the Daytona Beach civic identity, so it is probably no surprise that the city is built for cars. Rent one at the airport, or choose from one of the rental businesses located in the downtown area. Alternatively, travel by taxi, booking in advance online or over the phone. Visit the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority website.Browse Daytona Beach rental cars.

Best time to visit

If you are interested in motor racing, you simply must visit Daytona Beach during the Speedweeks, a series of racing events held each January and February. The iconic Daytona 500 race is the highlight. The drawbacks of visiting at this time of year are that the city becomes very crowded and room rates shoot up. Consider visiting between March and May instead if you are trying to save money.

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