Things to do in DAYTONA BEACH

Take your wheels, head for the beach, and cruise along the shore. Ransom Olds, Henry Ford, Louis Chevrolet and millionaires like the Vanderbilts, Astors and the Rockefellers raced their horseless carriages along the beach. A parade of vehicles constantly cruises up and down Daytona Beach. Always maintain beach-driving etiquette and watch out for pedestrians.

If your own wheels aren't practical, try riding on a turn-of-the-century trolley that runs from January to September. The public transit system is convenient and has reasonable fares. DOTS provides transportation between Orlando and Daytona Beach.

Daytona International Speedway

Racing fans flock to the Daytona International Speedway. A great place to start is at the World Center of Racing Visitor's Center. The center offers guided tram tours of the facility. The Gallery of Legends houses photographs, memorabilia and the Budweiser Video Wall. Daytona USA is a state of the art interactive motorsport attraction. Visitors participate in a pit stop, and can design and test their own stock car with the help of technology.

Swimming, Surfing, Fishing and Strolling at Daytona Beach

The Main Street Pier is a popular place for families. The beach is convenient to concessions, amusements and the boardwalk. Swimming, surfing, fishing and strolling along the beach are terrific family activities. Water sports are popular and rental equipment is available throughout the area. Daytona High Performance-MBI at the Seabreeze Bridge rents jet-skis. Rent a bicycle, beach buggy, moped or other beach necessities at hotels along North Atlantic Avenue.

The Daytona Flea Market is said to be one of the world's largest markets. The outdoor booths are covered for protection from an occasional shower and over 100 antique vendors have set up shop in an air-conditioned building. The market is open year round with free parking. Locals buy their fresh farm produce at the Farmer's Market on City Island.

Enjoy a front row seat at the Daytona Beach Kennel Club and dine in the upstairs restaurant. You must be 18 years old to enter the betting area. Admission is $1.00, free matinees for seniors and grand stand seating is .50 cents - $1.75.

Museums of Daytona Beach

The Halifax Historical Museum is housed in a former bank built around 1912. It is filled with local history and a superb collection of Timucuan artifacts. A ball gown worn at Lincoln's inauguration is is on display. In 1956 the Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista donated his art collection to the city. The collection includes many paintings and can be seen at the Museum of Arts and Sciences. The Florida section contains the skeleton of a Pleistocene giant ground sloth. Planetarium shows are conducted daily. Classic Corvettes can be viewed at the Klassic Auto Museum. A wonderful selection of cars, motorcycles and racing memorabilia will fascinate everyone. Step back into the 1950's at the soda shop and gift shop.

Festivals of Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is big on festivals - whatever your taste. Try the Chowder Festival, the Seafood Festival or the Seaside Fiesta. Spring brings the Jazz Festival to Riverside Park. Arts and crafts, auctions, air shows and antique festivals are just a few of the events in Daytona Beach. The month of December is filled with Christmas Parades, sidewalk sales, historic home tours and the elegant Lighted Christmas Boat Parade. February is racing month with the famous Daytona 500.

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