Twenty-three miles of white sandy beaches, ocean views, and a lively boardwalk draw sun worshippers to Daytona Beach — along with the racing set. In 1902, the Daytona Beach and Road Course opened, and for 56 years, drivers sped across the naturally hard-packed sand. Since then, the racing has moved to the Daytona International Speedway, home of world-class car racing. The city welcomes revelers with open arms, and every year bikers congregate for two huge rallies (Bike Week in March and Biketoberfest in October) and during Spring Break, college students arrive in droves to celebrate beachside. But for those who prefer oceanfront idyll, there are always pockets of calm to be found on the sugary shores.

Getting There

Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) is adjacent to the Daytona International Speedway, and about five miles from the beach. Once you’re on the ground, you can rent a car or hop on Votran, the local bus system, which picks up at the airport and makes stops along the shoreline. Depending on the time of year, traffic and parking get congested as crowds swell for bike rallies and other events, so take that into account when deciding on whether to rent a car.

Weather

Spring is high season in Daytona Beach, when the (very short, very mild) winter has ended and before the (very hot, very humid) summer begins. Between April and November, sunshine and temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit prevail. Winter brings highs in the 60s and lows in the 40s, and during the summer, temperatures spike into the 90s. Florida’s hurricane season is between June and November, so pay attention to weather warnings.

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The city is synonymous with speedsters, but is named for the famous beach that draws those who prefer to slow down. For $20 you can still drive (at a leisurely 10 miles per hour) and park on the sand—a scenic way to claim the perfect beach base and haul your gear. Bikes and golf carts also sail across the shoreline, and you can nab both at rental spots along the beach, which is lined with bars, restaurants, volleyball courts, and other amenities.

You’ll find all the classic boardwalk amusements here: an old-school arcade, a Ferris wheel, ice cream cones, funnel cakes, and pizza slices. Thrill seekers can hop on roller coasters at Screamer’s Park, while those who prefer their feet on the ground can take in free entertainment at the Bandshell amphitheater. If you need to stock up on supplies or just browse for souvenirs, the nearby Ocean Walk Shoppes mall boasts big name retail stores, restaurants, and movie theaters for those seeking respite from the Florida sun.

Two and a half miles of smooth asphalt are what bring many to Daytona Beach. Of the numerous benchmark races it hosts every year, the premier draw is the Daytona 500 in February, during which drivers have surpassed 200 miles per hour as they race to complete 200 laps around the track in front of more than 100,000 screaming fans. Opened in 1959, the Daytona International Speedway completed a $400 million overhaul in 2016, adding high-speed escalators, twice as many restrooms, tripling concession stands, and installing more than 60 luxury suites.