“The World’s Most Famous Beach” claims many titles, including the “Festival Capital of Florida” and the “World Center of Racing.”
Fun Facts:
— The tallest lighthouse in Florida, Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum, is located at the southernmost tip of Daytona Beach.
— Jackie Robinson played MLB’s first racially integrated spring training game at City Island Ballpark, now renamed Jackie Robinson Ballpark.
— In 1947, NASCAR was founded in Daytona Beach at Streamline Hotel.
Daytona Beach, positioned on the Atlantic coast of Florida, fuels the need for speed and doesn’t mind boasting about it. From bustling shopping centers to the revving of NASCAR engines, this beach knows how to keep up with student groups.
“Daytona Beach is a great student group destination because of its affordability and its central location to the Space Coast and St. Augustine,” said Linda McMahon, head of group sales for Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is one hour south of the city. The city’s close proximity to neighboring St. Augustine provides opportunities to visit Castillo de San Marcos and Flagler College.
The Daytona Beach area itself consists of seven cities and towns: Ormond Beach, Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Shores, Ponce Inlet, Port Orange, South Daytona and Holly Hill. With so many hot spots to explore, Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is sure to provide an itinerary with high-octane entertainment.
1. Daytona International Speedway
[/media-credit] Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, Fla.
Climb aboard an open-air tram to be transported into the world of racing. Students can experience 31-degree banks and walk in the footsteps of legends past on a tour of Daytona International Speedway. Climb atop the podium in Gatorade Victory Lane for a photo and admire the latest DAYTONA 500 champion. In addition to an annual eight major weekends of racing, the speedway consistently hosts student-friendly concerts and car shows.
2. Museum of Arts & Sciences
A state-of-the-art planetarium, restored railroad cars, vast permanent collections and a hands-on children’s center make the Museum of Arts & Sciences a must-see. The facility, located on the 90-acre Tuscawilla Preserve, is home to more than 30,000 objects, including one of the most significant collections of Cuban paintings in the United States; antique automobiles; and the largest collection of Coca-Cola memorabilia in Florida. The Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art shares the same campus.
3. Zoom Air Adventure Park
[/media-credit] Zoom Air Adventure Park, Daytona Beach, Fla.
Up in the trees of Tuscawilla Park, students can swing, climb, balance and zip. Burn off some energy at Zoom Air Adventure Park, deftly woven into the forest for educational fun. The park offers three adventures with various games and zip lines — Lagoon, Reef and Point Break. Zoom Air offers a 10 percent discount for groups of 15 or more. All courses have a minimum height requirement of 54 inches.
4. Festivals
Festivals give visitors reasons to celebrate throughout the year. The annual Daytona Blues Festival, Oct. 7–9, 2016, has grown into a student-friendly musical tradition at historic Jackie Robinson Ballpark. The Greek Festival, Nov. 10–13, 2016, immerses students in culture with traditional Greek food, music, dancing and libations on Halifax River at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church. In 2017, attend fun concerts, races and events throughout the city during Bike Week, March 10–19.
5. Daytona Beach Boardwalk
[/media-credit] Boardwalk, Daytona Beach, Fla.
A premiere outdoor entertainment hub, the Daytona Beach Boardwalk features an array of fun centers, including Joyland Amusement Center, Mardi Gras Fun Center and Pizza King. In the day, stroll down “The World’s Most Famous Beach,” or get active with a game of volleyball or Frisbee. And in the evening, ride the Ferris wheel, go-karts and the San Blaster roller coaster. Fireworks are displayed every Saturday night from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
ASK
Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
800-544-0415, ext. 126
daytonabeach.com
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