Looking for a fun and educational vacation destination for you and your family? How about Daytona, Florida? One of the most historic and well-known cities in America, Daytona Beach, Florida, is home to the Daytona International Speedway, where you can find the famous Daytona 500 race each May. More than any other city in America, the speedway draws thousands of people from all over the world. In addition, the city’s Conch Republic Historic District is a must-see for any history buff, while its beaches are a picture-perfect postcard from paradise.
However, beyond the pure beauty of the city and its attractions, there is a lot more to Daytona than meets the eye. If you and your family are looking for a vacation destination that piques your interest, consider traveling to the Sunshine State and experiencing it for yourself.
Museums Galore
Just one day in Daytona Beach and you’ll find yourself in front of a treasure trove of museums. The largest single museum in the area is the Museum of Art ( MOAA ), a spectacular complex that houses a fabulous collection of art from the early 20th century all the way to present day. If you have a specific artist or artwork you want to see, there are dozens of them on display across 14 galleries spanning over 7 miles of corridors. Moreover, the permanent collection alone contains more than 200 works by renowned artists like Mark Rothko, Joe Rosenthal, and Arthur Stark. During the week, the museum is open for visitors to stroll through, but on the weekends, the entrance gates stay closed, keeping the amazing collection wrapped up for the public to enjoy.
One of the most unique – and free – attractions in Daytona is the National Cycling Museum . Unlike most other bike museums, which are based in big cities and try to be as inclusive as possible, the National Cycling Museum is dedicated to the history of cycle racing and has a collection of almost 200 bikes, mostly vintage racing bikes from the 1920s to 1950s. In particular, the museum is known for its Polaris Indy motorcycles , which were built by the company from 1919 to 1930 and are considered to be some of the most beautiful and innovative bikes ever made. The museum is open on the weekends, but visitors have to get there early in the morning to beat the rush, as parking spots fill fast.
Thematic Events
One of the most prominent features of the Daytona International Speedway is its unique Thematic Events . Each year, the speedway stages a number of events throughout the year, ranging from car shows and drag races to motorcycle exhibitions and more. Many of these events are themed after famous films and TV shows, like American Graffiti ( George Lucas ), The Untouchables ( Brian DePalma ), and the recently released Black Panther ( Ryan Cooger & Stephen J. McFadden ). If you and your family are true movie fans, it’s an absolute must to make plans to attend one of these events.
Family-Friendly Attractions
If you’re looking for a place that your family can enjoy and get some rest and relaxation, then Daytona Beach is somewhere you may want to consider, especially as the city is very kid-friendly. There are lots of attractions for the little ones, which may be something appealing for a beach vacation. On the other hand, there are also lots of museums and cultural sights for the adults. Some of these are listed below.
One of the most prominent museums in Daytona Beach is Museum of Arts and Sciences ( MAS ). This museum is one stop shop for all things cultural, natural, and artistic. Exhibitions and performances are held here year-round, and the sheer volume of artwork on display means there is something for everyone. Another great museum in the area is the New World Museum of Floral Evolution , which is based on Darwin’s theory of evolution and is a must-see for any botanist. One of the most visited attractions in the city is also one of its largest museums – the Museum of Arts and Sciences . Its collection of modern and contemporary art is impressive, as is the building itself. One of the most photographed sculptures in the museum is Double Trouble , a stainless steel and bronze horse sculpture by Richard Diebenkorn. Across the street from MAS, you’ll find yet another museum, the Flea Market at the Beach . This museum offers an eclectic mix of antiques, collectibles, and artisan items, and has a wide range of activities and events, mostly on the weekends. However, aside from the museums, there are also lots of attractions at the beach, like the Blue Hole , which is a huge natural spring-fed pool, and the Seven Seas Water Park , a recreational complex that offers the whole family some fun in the sun.
Beaches
If your family is looking for a resort-type atmosphere and beautiful beaches, then Daytona Beach and the surrounding areas are somewhere you may want to consider. Some of the best beaches in America are located in this part of the country, with pristine sand and warm weather creating the perfect holiday environment. If you head down to the southernmost point of the strip, you’ll find a beautiful white beach with a lighthouse and crystal-clear waters. If you go north, you’ll end up at the North Beach , which is a lively hub of restaurants and bars, as well as attractions for children. To the east, the Atlantic Ocean offers some of the best surfing in the world, with the Surf Side beach nearby featuring some of the best breaks for the truly adventurous. Another popular place to visit is the Jetties , which are a group of small islands, perfect for a day of hiking, bike riding, and sightseeing.
Traveling to Daytona Beach isn’t exactly easy, as it’s far from everywhere. However, there is a TON of information online about the city. You can find tons of resources here, including a guide to the best restaurants and bars, an events calendar , and the official website . Moreover, if you’re planning to visit, make sure to check visa requirements before you go.