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Where Art & Racing Merge in Daytona Beach
Discover the exciting history and future of Daytona Beach’s rich racing heritage
From Ormond Beach to Ponce Inlet, fans of the Birthplace of Speed can relish in history brought to life that helped define Daytona Beach as a racing destination. Delight in unique-to-the-area photographs, exhibits and artifacts that tell the humble beginning of the sport of racing on the beach. Experience Daytona International Speedway, the World Center of Racing, and the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America.
Venture behind the scenes and discover what makes Daytona International Speedway the World Center of Racing. Take a ride through Daytona International Speedway's infield, see the 31-degree high banks and pass through the garages as you learn about the history of Daytona International Speedway. Travel along Pit Road and discover how NASCAR's top drivers prep for the largest motorsports event of the year. All tours conclude with access to the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America and a close-up look at the winning DAYTONA 500 car.
Daytona International Speedway tours include a visit to the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America and an opportunity to experience spectacular displays honoring all forms of motorsports: Stock Cars, Sports Cars, Open-Wheel, Motorcycles, Drag Racing, Land Speed Records, Powerboating and Aviation. The 10,000 sf Hall of Fame, adorned with bronze plaques that feature the sculpted images of 230 inductees of the Hall of Fame, also has a long list of exclusive sights even non-race fans can appreciate: Dale Earnhardt stock car, “Big Daddy” Don Garlits' Swamp Rat Dragster, Bobby Rahal Indy Car, Bill Seebold Powerboat, Blueberry Racing Airplane, Sox and Martin Pro Stock Barracuda, Barney Oldfield "999" replica, Bill Elliott Stock Car, Jeremy McGrath SuperCross Motorcycle, Sir Malcolm Campbell's Bluebird Land Speed Record Car and the winning Daytona 500 car. Classic machines from those competitive arenas highlight the hall. Admission to the Hall of Fame is included in the Daytona International Speedway tour ticket price.
The Smithsonian-affiliated Museum of Arts and Sciences (MOAS), offers a state-of-the-art planetarium, vast permanent collections, restored railroad cars, decorative arts, Cuban art, African art, and the only hands-on science center between Jacksonville and Orlando - the Charles and Linda Williams Children's Museum. Located on a 90-acre Florida nature preserve, the Tuscawilla Preserve, the facility hosts over 30,000 objects including the Dow Gallery of American Art, the Schulte Gallery of Chinese Art, the Bouchelle Collection and the Gallery of Decorative Arts, the Cuban Foundation Museum, showcasing one of the most significant collections of Cuban paintings in the United States; the Prehistory of Florida Gallery featuring Florida's Giant Ground Sloth skeleton and the Root Family Museum displaying restored railroad cars, antique automobiles and the largest collection of Coca-Cola memorabilia in Florida. The Helene B. Roberson Visible Storage Building exhibits thousands of objects from many donors.
Explore the Daytona Beach area's rich and colorful history at the Halifax Historical Museum located in the 1910 Merchants Bank Building on historic Beach Street. The museum's permanent exhibits showcase the history of the greater Daytona Beach area, from Ormond Beach through Ponce Inlet and Port Orange (known as the Halifax Area after the river).
The Daytona Beach Boardwalk is a combination of the Mardi Gras Fun Center and Pizza King located right on the beach! This area entertainment center is south of Ocean Walk Shoppes and the Daytona Beach Bandshell. It features rides and amusements, a classic arcade - with ever-popular Skee Ball and video game favorites - day or night! Racing enthusiasts can also go on a self-guided tour along the boardwalk of automobile and motorcycle racing commemorative plaques. The Boardwalk is the place to be for Daytona Beach fireworks shows every Saturday at 9:45 p.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day! Concerts, street performers and plenty of family-friendly activities.
This is the site of the original North Turn of the famous Ponce Inlet Beach road course. The National Association of Stock Car Racing (NASCAR) was formed in 1948 and sanctioned automobile racing on this course from 1948 through 1958. Sanctioned motorcycle racing was conducted on this course from 1948 until 1960. Vehicles racing on the 4.1-mile beach road course would travel north on the hard-packed sand beach, turning left at the banked sand North Turn, and then travel south on the two-lane paved Atlantic Avenue until they reached the start/finish line at the banked sand South turn, thus completing one lap.
This small stretch of roadway was once part of the original Atlantic Avenue, which was the southbound portion of the famous Ponce Inlet beach road course. The National Association of Stock Car Racing (NASCAR) was formed in 1948 and sanctioned automobile racing on this course from 1948 through 1958. Sanctioned motorcycle racing was conducted on this course from 1948 until 1960. Vehicles racing on the 4.1-mile beach road course would travel north on the hard-packed sand beach, turning left at the banked sand North Turn, and then travel south on the two-lane paved Atlantic Avenue until they reached the start/finish line at the banked sand South turn, thus completing one lap. The sites of the North and South Turns, as well as this site, have been designated as local Historic Landmarks by the Town of Ponce Inlet.
2019 Best Florida Beach Bar and Historic Landmark Racing's North Turn sits in the exact location where racing history began in Daytona Beach. Enjoy sandwiches, wraps, steaks, seafood, and pasta with a nice cold cocktail while enjoying some fantastic racing memorabilia. Relax on the expansive deck overlooking the beach. A full-service bar and live entertainment seven nights a week. Relax on the expansive deck overlooking the beach.
The Birthplace of Speed Park commemorates the first automobile race held on the adjacent beach in 1903. Picnic area. Restrooms. Dune walkover. Open daily from sunrise to sunset. Great photography opportunities. Picnic area and restrooms.
A once-vacant historic garage is home to Ormond Garage, a locally owned and operated craft brewery and eatery that honors Ormond Beach’s auto racing history. Serving uniquely crafted beer and upscale pub food.
'Gateway to the Ormond Scenic Loop' featuring historical photographs, a 20-minute DVD, and interpretive panels that reveal the rich and diverse history of the Ormond Beach area. Located in the 1895 MacDonald House, the Welcome Center features information about the Timucua Indians, the Spanish and British Colonial Periods, early pioneer settlers, the Hotel Ormond, 'Birthplace of Speed', and John D. Rockefeller. Hours: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday. Free.
Enjoy an upscale, modern American restaurant at The DAYTONA. Experience unique flavors featuring ingredients from local farmers and purveyors that tie into the history of motorsports with a modern twist and taste.
A national racing landmark, Volusia Speedway is home of the Dirt Car Nationals every February.
Catch the racing thrills at New Smyrna Speedway, Florida's fastest short track, offering southern-style racing every Saturday night, mid-March - November
