Beaches in Daytona Beach, FL
While there are many reasons to head to Florida’s pretty Central Atlantic coast and the town of Daytona Beach, the area’s lovely, warm beaches remain the number one reason most travelers head to this attractive destination. After all, the beaches at Daytona Beach have achieved notoriety the world over, prompting the nickname “The World’s Most Famous Beach.”
Indeed, Daytona was one of Florida’s earliest popular beach destinations. The city first earned acclaim when it was included on the St. John’s and Halifax River Railway Line’s Florida East Coast Railroad in the late 1800s. By the early and carefree 1920s, it had become a premiere vacation destination and had already earned its nickname.
Previous to that, however, the beach became quite popular for its flat, compacted sand and the motorcycle and auto races that were held there. As early as 1902, burgeoning auto makers would bring their inventions to Daytona Beach to give them a try on the Beach Road. Many a speed record was broken on this 23 mile stretch of sand bordered by the blue Atlantic Ocean, and the beach quickly grew in popularity. Today, an estimated 8 million tourists hit these beaches each year.
Though rules have changed a bit concerning automobiles driving on the sand, cars are still permitted to drive on about 18 miles of Daytona’s beach. However, no more speed records are set here – the maximum speed allowed is now 10 miles per hour and hours for driving are limited to one hour before sunrise to one hour before sunset when tides permit. Four-wheel drive is not required as is the case at many other beaches where driving is permitted. The remaining 5 miles of beach are for pedestrians only.
All 23 miles of beach, however, are always free to pedestrians and are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Lifeguards are available during peak usage hours. Grills are permitted on the beach and limited parking is also available on the sand. Numerous restrooms are located along the beach.
Daytona Beach has long been a popular Spring Break location and though some of the action has moved to the Florida Panhandle, college students still arrive each March for lots of fun and sun. Many of the hotels/motels that line the beach and boardwalk offer special package deals for Spring Break participants.
The Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier, stretching between Main Street and Auditorium Boulevard, is a popular attraction with visitors of all ages. A typical boardwalk, it includes a ton of eateries that serve traditional beach food as well as skill games, video arcades, souvenir shops, go-kart tracks, thrill rides and family amusements, miniature golf, and water parks. A 1938-built open-air band shell is the site of many concerts and shows all year long.
Surfing is also a popular pursuit at Daytona Beach area beaches. The best locations for surfing are at Ponce Inlet and New Smyrna Beach. Surf lessons are available and there are plenty of surf shops nearby that carry all the gear surfers need for a great experience.
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