FLORIDA PLACES AND DESTINATIONS:
DAYTONA BEACH
Millions of tourists from around the world flock to the Daytona Beach area every year to experience its sun-kissed beaches, family-style recreation, attractions and entertainment, shopping, fine dining, and entertainment.
It is of course synonymous with speed, a place which became the proving ground for man and machine. Today, Daytona International Speedway's DAYTONA USA, a custom-designed state-of-the art interactive motorsports attraction and museum, offers quality family entertainment for all ages. Daytona International Speedway also offers an informative fact-filled 30-minute tram tour of the speedway's track, Victory Lane, and a pit stop for picture takers.
No question, Daytona Beach's biggest draws are the 23 miles of wide beautiful beaches and its car-racing heritage. But it is also rich with cultural arts offerings such as museums, theaters, and performing arts festivals that will especially delight those with an appetite for family entertainment.
And it is home to many points of interest that provide a unique fusion of history and nature. Visitors can explore an extraordinary mix of botanical gardens, historic ruins, state parks, waterways, and nationally recognized landmarks that serve as bridges to the area's colorful past.
The Museum of Arts and Sciences is a must-see for museum lovers. Besides containing the finest example of a North American Ground Sloth, the museum houses one of the most extensive collections of modern Cuban art found in the United States; a fine collection of African cultural relics; a planetarium; rare early American collectibles; and a new wing featuring interactive educational displays. The Tuscawilla Preserve Discovery Center located there allows visitors to follow a network of boardwalk trails leading to interactive, outdoor exhibits. Learn about local flora and fauna, environmental protection, wetlands and non-native plants.
The Halifax Historical Museum, located in downtown Daytona Beach, includes local area memorabilia and artifacts dating to 1883.
Other area museums include The Mary McLeod-Bethune Foundation, which houses the history of civil rights pioneer Mary McLeod-Bethune; the Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens featuring monthly exhibits; the Bulow Plantation Ruins State Historic Site which features the ruins of a 19th century coquina rock sugar mill and the Southeast Museum of Photography – Florida's official museum of photography.
The Daytona Beach area is surrounded by several beautiful waterways including the Halifax and St. Johns Rivers and no matter what your interests are – scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, kayaking or dolphin watching – the Daytona Beach area has something for every nature lover. Artificial reefs are one way to explore the area's waterways. Fresh and saltwater diving and snorkeling opportunities are plentiful in the Daytona Beach area and throughout Volusia County. The Ponce de Leon Inlet Port Authority Artificial Reef Program includes a total of 28 artificial reefs that were constructed with the remains of ships, barges, airplanes, and local demolished bridges. The area's freshwater springs feature spectacular underwater sites such as manatees and limestone-walled caves.
Visitors can also discover the Daytona Beach area's rich history via a leisurely cruise along the Halifax River. Passengers aboard one of the area's many river boat tours can explore the Halifax River and see downtown Daytona Beach's historical sites, the area's magnificent riverfront homes, beautiful parks, islands, and marinas. Passengers also get the chance to see and experience an assortment of wildlife such as pelicans, herons, egrets, and other waterfowl. Lucky passengers may even spot a manatee or dolphin.
Tomoka State Park in Ormond Beach was once the site of the Timucuan Indian Village of Nocorocco. It later, in 1766, became the Mount Oswald Plantation. Today, the 1,540-acre park offers camping, fishing, nature trails, picnic areas, a boat launch and canoe rentals for access to the beautiful Tomoka River. It is also home to the Fred Dana Marsh Museum and Visitor Center
Fun, environmental learning opportunities can be found at the Marine Science Center in Ponce Inlet, which is located at the southernmost tip of the Daytona Beach area's barrier island. The Center sits in the shadows of the historic 1887 Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse in Florida and one of only a handful of lighthouses in the United States to have all of its original buildings still standing. With interactive exhibits on the area's marine environment, a seabird sanctuary and sea turtle rehabilitation facilities, the Center provides a unique and entertaining learning experience for young and old.
Photo: Visit Florida
