Local Attractions

New Attractions, Accommodations and More on the ‘Original American Beach’

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Visitors are discovering a new Daytona Beach – an exciting chapter in the destination’s history showcasing its racing heritage, idyllic East Coast oceanfront location and impressive arts affiliation. The area is in the midst of investing nearly $2 billion in renovations and construction, all of which making for an even more exciting vacation stay. Now open are Daytona Beach’s first oceanfront rollercoaster and the world’s first oceanfront Hyatt Place. Currently underway is a $400 million expansion at Daytona International Speedway, and just opened in February is the Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art that houses the world’s largest collection of Florida art. In the planning stage is a new Hard Rock Hotel & Café and an upscale Westin. These additions – and an eclectic culinary scene, off-the-beaten-path attractions for thrill seekers and year-round cultural events – offer visitors unexpected delights on their Florida beach vacation and have led to Daytona Beach being selected as one of the Best Florida Attractions in the Top 10 Best Readers’ Choice travel award contest sponsored by USA TODAY.

JetBlue Airways Launches New Route to Daytona Beach

JetBlue Airways has just announced the launch of a new route to　Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) January 7, 2016. The airline will offer daily, non-stop service from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK,) providing the Daytona Beach area with direct flights to New York City. The airline plans to run daily flights, on a 150-seat Airbus A-320 aircraft.

World’s Largest Collection of Florida Art Opens

Opened in February 2015, the Museum of Arts & Sciences has just launched the Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art, a $13 million facility filled with 2,700 paintings dating from the 19th century, the most extensive collection of Florida art in the world. The 26,000-square-foot home of the Brown’s unprecedented personal collection also features a mezzanine showcasing their signature pieces, six changing galleries, conference and education rooms, a café with outdoor seating and a gift shop.

Daytona Beach Tortugas Take the Field

Minor League Baseball is hot in Daytona Beach! The new Daytona Beach Tortugas baseball team, an affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds, took the field for its first game in April 2015. Games are played from May through September at historic Jackie Robinson Ballpark in scenic downtown Daytona Beach. Fans can watch the all action – coupled with stunning views of the Intracoastal Waterway – from high atop the field. It’s a view, and an experience, not to be missed.

‘World Center of Racing’ Reimagines an American Icon

Race fans are already rejoicing over the DAYTONA Rising Project – a $400 million overhaul that’s transforming Daytona International Speedway into the World Center of Entertainment. This world-class facility with premium amenities and unparalleled conveniences will open in January 2016. By the numbers – three new concourse levels that will span the front stretch; five expanded and redesigned fan entrances called ‘injectors’; 11 social areas dubbed ‘neighborhoods,’ each the size of a football field with open sightlines and dozens of video screens to capture the on-track action; more than 60 new luxury trackside suites with patios; 14 elevators and 40 escalators in the new grandstand; and, 101,000 new 20″-21″ grandstand seats featuring backs and arm rests. In addition, more than 5,000 solar panels will be installed making the sports complex one of the top five largest solar installations at a professional sports venue in the country.

“The Festival Capital of Florida” Just Got (Even) More Festive!

From arts and culinary to classic cars and motorcycles, the Daytona Beach area celebrates a multitude of interests with its year-round events and festivals. Comfortable year-round weather also draws visitors to its numerous events like the Daytona Beach Film Festival, Daytona Beach Blues Festival and the annual Daytona Turkey Run car show and swap meet. And Daytona International Speedway just announced the Country 500 music festival for May 27-29, 2016 – featuring Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, Kid Rock, Lady Antebellum, Willie Nelson and 40 more star acts.

Surf, Splash and Ride at Daytona Beach Boardwalk & Pier

The Sand Blaster rollercoaster, a first for Daytona Beach, is a must-see at the Boardwalk & Pier – and a variety of indoor and outdoor attractions flank the 1938 Boardwalk Amusement Area and showcase the Ocean Walk Village, historic bandshell, trendy restaurants, and even a long-standing taffy factory!

Love to Shop? We Have News!

Tanger Outlets recently announced plans for a new Outlet Mall in Daytona Beach is expected to open in time for the 2016 holiday shopping season. Located near Interstate 95 and LPGA Boulevard, the center will encompass more than 350,000 square feet of space and more than 80 upscale retailers. Meanwhile, long-popular Volusia Mall just completed a $5 million upgrade, providing shoppers with an even more inviting experience – and the area’s thriving downtown areas, including Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach, DeLand and New Smyrna Beach continue to add eclectic, new boutiques and eateries.

Bring on the Music – Hard Rock Hotel and Other Great Brands Bring Excitement

The legendary Hard Rock vibe is coming to the iconic Daytona Beach shoreline, with construction of a new property expected to be complete in 2018. Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach will feature 250 guest rooms, the world-famous signature Hard Rock Cafe, two rock star suites, a Body Rock® workout facility, Rock Spa®　and a pool area complete with a bar and grill. Meetings guests will enjoy more than 28,000 square feet of ballroom and banquet space, and music and pop culture lovers will appreciate the music memorabilia lining its walls. Applauding rock ‘n’ roll, the hotel will also feature the innovative, interactive amenity ‘The Sound of Your Stay®’, allowing guests to jam with a hands-on music experience.

National Retailers to Anchor ‘One Daytona’ Development

ONE DAYTONA is a premier mixed-use retail, dining and entertainment destination across from Daytona International Speedway and minutes from the “World’s Most Famous Beach”. Planned to open in 2017, Phase One of ONE DAYTONA will include national anchor tenants Bass Pro Shops®, Cobb Theatres, and an exclusive Marriott Autograph Collection® hotel. The development boasts approximately 300,000 square feet and will quickly become synonymous with visitors, race fans and residents as the place to live, work, stay and play.

Foodies Crave Daytona Beach Dining

The Daytona Beach area’s culinary scene is experiencing a steady influx of exciting, new offerings – from off-the-beaten-path eateries to independent restaurants serving specialty fare. New favorites include the vegetarian-friendly Dancing Avocado Kitchen, the Kale Café and Juice Bar specializing in vegan cuisine, the Florida seafood-inspired Azure, and the trendy Fusion 43 at Rose Villa, serving fresh seasonal menu items. Like us on Facebook and get a taste of our offerings during our October Dine-Around Daytona Beach promotion – and be sure to explore the newest addition to the mix, the Daytona Beach Ale Trail.

Challenging Greens on Par with All Tastes and Handicaps

Recently ranked in the top 15 places to play golf in the U.S., Daytona Beach offers numerous courses for the serious player and weekend warrior. With year-round affordable greens fees, visitors can choose to play where the pros do – LPGA International, home course of the LPGA Tour – or choose from more than 20 other fine courses, all participating in Discover Daytona Beach Golf.

Thrill Seekers Enjoy High-Speed Attractions

Daytona Beach offers visitors plenty of adventure that you won’t find at any other beach destination. How about ziplining through the treetops at ZoomAir Adventure Park? Or, if your need for speed would be better served on the ground, then get behind the wheel of a racecar at the Richard Petty Driving Experience taking a lap around the world famous 2.5-mile Daytona International Speedway.