Visit Daytona Beach: World Center of Racing
The mere mention of Daytona Beach has people mostly thinking about the biggest, richest and most prestigious race in the NASCAR world. Daytona Beach is more than just the world center of racing. Though racing and speed rules in this city, there is so much more to do and see in this city at the northeast side of Florida.
Daytona Beach is a
four hour eight minute drive from Miami and a six hour 51 minute drive from Atlanta. Daytona International Airport (DAB) offers only domestic flights. It is located about five miles from the city center. If you are looking for international flights, your
nearest airport is Orlando Sanford International Airport, located 46 miles from Daytona Beach.
Renting a car and driving from Sanford Orlando area is easy. It only takes about
43 minutes to get to Daytona Beach.
By January each year, the drivers and teams will arrive in Daytona Beach getting ready to test their cars at the track. The city comes alive with sports car, racecar champions and many minor events happening before the big race, which usually happens at the end of February.
The DAYTONA 500 is the ultimate place to be for all racecar drivers and fans. During the race, Daytona Beach offers many accommodation options including the popular camping grounds. Fans come with their portable tent, pop-up, RV and those who prefer more luxurious lifestyle drive their motor coach into town every year.
Camping could the best experience ever in Daytona Beach during DAYTONA 500. For example if you use GEICO Grounds Green RV Camping, it is located inside Turn 4 where you can have an amazing view of cars racing off the high banks and entering the 18-degree tri-oval.
Watch the cars race by while enjoying your favorite beer and warmly grilled steak.
Information:
GEICO Grounds Green RV Camping
During off DAYTONA 500 season, Daytona International Speedway conducts a 180 minute VIP Tour on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 1-4 pm. The tour includes a trip around the track, along the infield and down pit road. It also brings guests to explore the NASCAR Sprint Cup garages and Tech Inspection, Drivers Meeting Room, DAYTONA 500 Club President’s Row and Gatorade Victory Lane.
You would have to participate in walking around the area. Wearing comfortable walking shoes is essential for comfort. You will have access to the Coca-Cola Theatre and Champion Daytona 500 Car.
Daytona International Speedway venue is getting bigger with the new extension called the Daytona Rising. When completed it will have over 60 luxury suites and 101,000 permanent and wider seats.
Information:
Daytona International Speedway tour
Besides NASCAR, Daytona Beach offers guests with over 23 miles of sandy white beaches and views of sunrise and sunset. Known as “The World’s Most Famous Beach” Daytona Beach is suitable for singles, couples and families with children. Paddle boarding, surfing, kayaking, parasailing and fishing are some of the other activities that the young and old can enjoy.
For those who like to combine NASCAR, golf and family activities for kids of all ages, the LPGA International Daytona Beach offers two world class four-star golf courses, kids programs, swimming, fitness center, golf lessons, dining options and business-friendly environment for networking. The facility is open to members only and is a 12 minute drive from Daytona International Speedway.
Information:
LPGA International
If you want to know how it feels to drive like a racecar driver, try ride-along experiences with Richard Petty Driving Experience at Daytona International Speedway. The ride-along lets you in a 2-seat NASCAR racecar driven by a professional instructor with you inside. You will go for a 3-lap ‘qualifying run’ at 160 mph.
Information:
Richard Petty Driving Experience
While you are there, check out The Old Spanish Sugar Mill, Marine Science Center, Children’s Museum, Angell and Phelps Chocolate Factory, Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse, Daytona Lagoon Family Fun Center and Southeast Museum of Photography.
