Several activities and features are entirely unique to Daytona Beach—just ask anyone who’s witnessed legends in action at Daytona International Speedway or paddled alongside manatees in the Halifax River. One of Daytona Beach’s most defining features, however, is the ability to drive your car directly on the beach, very slowly, in designated areas. 

Tire tracks on parts of the beach are not a new phenomenon around here by any means. NASCAR’s roots are planted deeply in our sand, where stock car racing on the beach became immensely popular by the 1920s. Preceding that, drivers on two wheels kicked up sand on Daytona Beach in the first motorcycle races of 1902. With 23 miles of wide, hard-packed shoreline, it makes sense Daytona Beach has become synonymous with beach driving.

Take a virtual drive on Daytona Beach in this video:

People from all over the world marvel over the pure expansiveness of the beach, which averages about 500 feet wide at low tide. While some destinations offer only a sliver of sand for lounging under overlapping umbrellas, Daytona Beach offers plenty of elbow room for sunbathing, splashing and cruising in your car. Another super convenient benefit allowed by the ability to drive on Daytona Beach is the easy parking. By paying a small fee to park right on the beach, visitors can unload, picnic and play, all in close proximity. Once you find the perfect spot, you can soak in the sun for a few hours and then circle back to the cooler in the car for a snack. Plus, packing up shovels, towels and beach chairs at the end of the day is much more pleasant when you only have to haul the gear a few feet to the car! When your vacation crew is exhausted from hours of fun and sun, it’s nice not having to lug beach gear a long distance. 

Cars are permitted in clearly marked, designated areas of the beach from sunrise to sunset, tidal conditions permitting, from April through November, and from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. the rest of the year. And for those who prefer to experience the beach without any cars nearby, traffic-free zones are also available. Of course, the safety of beachgoers is the #1 priority, and we remind you to follow the established rules to ensure everyone can enjoy a happy and safe vacation.

Rules of "The Road"

  • Speed limit is strictly enforced — 10 MPH maximum
  • Lights must be turned on
  • Windows must be rolled down
  • Texting while driving is prohibited

Where to Park 

  • Park perpendicular to the coastline
  • There are various designated parking areas on the beach from Ormond-by-the-Sea all the way down to Ponce Inlet. Popular entrances with vehicle-access ramps include:
    o Seabreeze Boulevard
    o International Speedway Boulevard
    o Granada Boulevard          
  • View more comprehensive maps of where to park HERE.                                                    

Traffic-Free Zones

  • Cars are not permitted in traffic-free zones, making them a good choice for families with young children. These areas include:
    Driving on the Beach Blogo North of Granada Boulevard in Ormond Beach
    o In front of Andy Romano Beachfront Park
    o Seabreeze Boulevard to International Speedway Boulevard in Daytona Beach
    o Emilia Avenue in Daytona Beach Shores to Beach Street in Ponce Inlet

Head to Daytona Beach and roll the windows down for a little wind-in-your-hair riding right on the beach. We can’t wait for you to experience part of what makes Daytona Beach so iconic — start planning your trip today!