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Daytona Beach Prohibition Era Tour
The Daytona Beach area is known for its pristine white sand beaches and thrilling high-speed racing. But did you know it’s also steeped in history from the Prohibition era? Step back into the world of speakeasies and bootlegging and explore the Daytona Beach area with this specially designed itinerary built around the Prohibition era. Immerse yourself in fascinating tales and excitement from this unique period of time.
The Daytona Beach area offers countless activities and adventures to see and do in the destination that will deliver long-lasting memories. With unique group tour ideas and themed itineraries translated in multiple languages, group tour operators will discover plenty of experiences waiting to be explored in Daytona Beach.
Receptive Operator/Step-on Guide Services can be provided by Heather Alston, who can be reached at 5staradventuresdaytonabeach@gmail.com or by calling (386) 290-3116. Tours can either be arranged in their entirety by Heather, or addresses and numbers are listed below to call directly.
STOP ONE:
Halifax Historical Museum
Located in the 1910 Merchants Bank Building on historic Beach Street, the Halifax Historical Museum showcases the Daytona Beach area’s richest and most colorful history. After a welcome from Museum Director Heather Files, learn about the Daytona Beach area as well as sea captain and rum-runner Bill McCoy and his brother, who lived in the area and built yachts.
Recommended time: 30-40 minutes.
STOP TWO:
Cinematique Theater
Located on historic Beach Street, Cinematique Theater is the area’s only full-time art house cinema that features newly released independent and foreign films from around the world. Enjoy the coffee, tea, juices and mimosas as you view a PBS movie about Bill McCoy.
Stop Three:
Riverfront Esplanade
Located between Beach Street and the Intracoastal waterway, enjoy a walking tour of the Riverfront Esplanade, a premier gathering space and botanical garden. Composed of more than 100 newly planted mature shade trees and a mile of waterfront running trail with comfortable benches and swings overlooking the Halifax River, the Riverfront Esplanade also features a dog park with an agility course and a state-of-the-art splash pad. Visitors will discover the southern end walkways that run through a creek with waterfalls, gardens with flowers, plants and trees, and picnic tables that overlook the water.
Recommended time: 30 minutes
Stop Four:
Explore Beach Street
Enjoy some free time on Beach Street to explore everything that downtown Daytona Beach has to offer. Step inside the Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory, which was founded in 1925, and watch the chocolate-making process and enjoy a sample of their goodness. Take a stroll, visit the shops or discover a great lunch spot such as Little Italy’s Ristorante, Zen Bistro or the Dancing Avocado Kitchen.
Recommended time: 90 minutes
Stop Five:
World Famous Boat Tour
Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Halifax River courtesy of World Famous Boat Tours. See the home of Bill McCoy and cruise the same waters that he once sailed.
Recommended time: 1 hour, 15 minutes
Stop Six:
Copper Bottom Craft Distillery
Get a taste of tradition at one of the area’s favorite places to sample artisan spirits. Copper Bottom Craft Distillery combines the tradition of distilling with a fun learning experience. Find out how the sugar cane transforms into liquor like the days of the Real McCoy.
Recommended time: 60 minutes
Stop Seven:
Streamline Hotel
With a tour of the Streamline Hotel, view first-hand the history of this historic and iconic hotel, which has experienced many milestones over the years from the founding of NASCAR to serving as the headquarters of the Women’s Auxiliary Army Corp during World War II. More recently the hotel was featured on Travel Channel’s Hotel Impossible. Adding to the allure is the Streamline’s art deco architecture, Free Mason symbology, and a mysterious hotel safe. In addition, the hotel was home to moonshine runners. During recent renovations, a sealed tunnel entrance was discovered in the basement that used to lead directly to the beach. The allure behind the tunnel includes stories of racing legends & locals stating drivers, mechanics, team owners, promoters & local elites would be escorted through the tunnel to the Streamline Hotel. Then enjoy a rooftop cocktail and snacks as you take in the scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Halifax River from all sides.
Recommended tour time: 90 minutes
Stop Eight:
The Casements
The Casements, named for the large hand-cut casement windows that adorn the mansion, is the winter home of the late John D. Rockefeller, an American business magnate and philanthropist. Also known as "The Jewel of Ormond Beach," The Casements has been officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been designated as a Florida Heritage Site. Learn how Rockefeller’s influence and residency in Ormond Beach attracted visitors of wealth to visit and reside from New York City and Boston’s socialite communities.
Recommended tour time: 45 minutes
Stop Nine:
Rockefeller's
Enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail at Rockefellers Modern Speakeasy. This beer and wine bar is centered around the legacy of business magnate John D. Rockefeller. Beer and wine are available along with wine cocktails, charcuterie boards, pizza, and other delicious snacks.
Recommended time: 60 minutes
Stop Ten:
31 Supper Club
31 Supper Club pays tribute to the Prohibition-era clubs such as The Cotton Club and The Stork Club with a speakeasy vibe that specializes in freshly prepared award-winning fare and artisan cocktails. Relax, listen to the music, dance, and soak in the art deco atmosphere culture as you sip on a handcrafted cocktail and enjoy an elegant
