Last Updated on November 10, 2023
The Daytona 500 is just one of many reasons to race to adventure in Daytona Beach. If you are in the area, you must check out these race-inspired experiences in Daytona Beach.
Many know Daytona because of the world-renowned Daytona 500, the 200-lap, 500-mile stock car race. The iconic auto race held at Daytona International Speedway is just one of many reasons to spend time in Volusia County.
Daytona Beach – has something for everyone. See racing history come to life and head out on a racing adventure of your own in Daytona Beach.
Things to do in Daytona Beach for race fans
Race history is all over Daytona Beach and we want to help you explore it all.
Daytona International Speedway
The first speed record was set in 1927, the first auto race was held in 1936 and in 1948 NASCAR was founded in Daytona Beach. A new superspeedway opened in 1959. Christened Daytona International Speedway, the track began a new chapter in auto racing history.
Of course, no trip to Daytona Beach is complete without a visit to the Speedway. Visiting the speedway for a race isn’t all you can do there.
Speedway Tour Tram Ride
Guests can enjoy many things to do including the popular Speedway Tour tram ride. This showcases the sacred grounds and “World Center of Racing”.
Experience the immensity of this motorsports stadium, and the steep 31-degree banked turns, then head towards Victory Lane for a photo opp.
Next, admire the winning car of the latest Daytona 500 and pose for your classic Daytona Beach “selfie.”
Learn more about the Daytona Speedway Tram Tour.
Motorsports Hall of Fame of America
Visit the new Motorsports Hall of Fame of America that features classic speed machines. It showcases motorsports throughout history to the present day including a Dale Earnhardt stock car, “Big Daddy” Don Garlits’s dragster, a Bill Elliott stock car, plus powerboats and motorcycles.
Learn more about the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America.
See the Dale Earnhardt Statue
If you are a fan of Dale Earnhardt’s you will want to stop by the statue dedicated in his honor. See an iconic racer’s memento in person.
Daytona 500 Champions’ Walk of Fame
At the Daytona Speedway you can walk where all the winners of years before have walked. See the handprints and footprints of prior victors on this Champion’s Walk of Fame.
Richard Petty Driving Experience
If you still haven’t had enough, try the Richard Petty Driving Experience. Here, you get behind the wheel of a NASCAR race car.
Start by training with a driver and then take your turn on the track. You can even pass other cars while on the race track. You will even get instructions from a two-way in-car radio.
Learn more about the Richard Petty Driving Experience.
Richard Petty Driving Experience Address: 1801 W International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114
Drive on the Beach
Daytona Beach is called the Original American Beach with 23 miles of Atlantic waterfront providing more than ample room to plant your feet in the sand while enjoying the salty fresh air.
Over a century ago, this hard-packed sand drew early racecar drivers to test their vehicles for maximum speed, thus creating a historic racing heritage.
Fifteen world land speed records were set on the sand that soon became known as the legendary Daytona Beach Road Course and was the precursor to the Daytona International Speedway.
Starting in 1936 the course regularly hosted races for what would become NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing).
Visitors can retrace the steps of this course by following the marked signs starting at Racing’s North Turn (the restaurant by the same name marks the spot) at 4511 South Atlantic in Ponce Inlet.
It paralleled the beach two miles south on A1A to the end of the road making the south turn to the beach, continuing north on the sandy beach, back to A1A finishing at the north turn. (In the 1940’s it was lengthened to 4.2 miles.)
Because of this history, driving a car on the beaches where racing began tradition is one of Daytona’s most iconic experiences. You can do the same by following these access points.
Daytona Beach Pier
One of the most recognizable landmarks is the Daytona Beach Pier, known simply to locals as “the pier.” It juts out over the Atlantic Ocean at the end of Main Street and was originally built at the turn of the 20th century from old palm logs.
The historic landmark was always the center of beach life, the historic landmark was a stopover for famous 1920-era top bands that played in the ballroom overlooking the ocean.
During the daytime, race drivers drove under the pier pilings, becoming a backdrop for publicity photos that brought fame to Daytona Beach as the World’s Most Famous Beach.
While you’re at the pier, don’t miss Zeno’s Boardwalk Sweet Shop.
Stay at the Daytona, Autograph Collection Resort
Do you want to stay mere minutes from all of the racing action? The Daytona Autograph Collection Resort may be just what you are looking for.
This resort offers a free shuttle from the airport and is minutes from all of the racing action. See cars in the lobby, enjoy a variety of memorabilia throughout the resort, and stay in the heart of the One Daytona shopping area.
Learn more about the Daytona Autograph Collection Resort.
Daytona, Autograph Collection Resort Address: 1870 Victory Cir, Daytona Beach, FL 32114
Main Street Station
Located blocks from Daytona Beach on Main Street and once owned by stock car racing founder Bill France Sr. as a full auto garage, the Main Street Station is now a converted open-air bar that still resembles a garage.
Race fans and motorcycle fans collect at this historic landmark. Here, the spirit of racing is celebrated one drink at a time.
Main Street Station Address: 316 Main Street, Daytona Beach, FL 32118
Racing’s North Turn Beach Bar & Grill
The North Turn Beach Bar and Grill is located at the exact spot where racing history began in Daytona Beach. The beachfront races happened outside the front door of the North Turn Beach Bar and Grill.
This restaurant is now identified as a historical landmark because of its key part in the story of racing in Daytona. Enjoy a variety of favorites from the sea and their roadside menu as well.
Racing’s North Turn Beach Bar & Grill Address: 4511 South Atlantic Avenue, Ponce Inlet, FL 32127
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