Hello From

Daytona Beach!

 

 

“The World’s Most Famous Beach”

Anna Maria Island

Daytona Beach

A coastal Resort City in Volusia County, Florida

 

Daytona Beach, located along Florida’s Atlantic coast, is a lively city famous for its 23 miles of wide, hard-packed sandy beaches where cars are still allowed to drive right on the shoreline. Known worldwide as the birthplace of NASCAR and home to Daytona International Speedway, the city blends beach culture with motorsports, festivals, and a vibrant arts and entertainment scene. It’s a destination where coastal relaxation meets high-octane excitement.

Daytona Beach, Florida

Daytona Beach, Florida resort skyline

photo by SeanPavonePhoto via Canva

Location & Size

Daytona Beach is located in central east Florida.  It is about 90 miles south of Jacksonville, and about 50 miles northeast of Orlando.

It covers roughly 68 square miles.

Founded

Daytona Beach traces its roots to the early 1800s, when settlers were drawn to the area’s fertile land along the Halifax River and its wide Atlantic shoreline. In 1870, Mathias Day, a wealthy businessman from Ohio, purchased land in the area and built a hotel to encourage tourism. His vision laid the foundation for the town’s development, and when it was officially incorporated in 1876, it was named Daytona in his honor.

The city grew steadily, with its hard-packed sandy beaches soon becoming famous for automobile testing and racing in the early 1900s. These unique conditions made Daytona the birthplace of motorsports, and eventually, the home of NASCAR and the iconic Daytona International Speedway. What started as a small riverside community became a world-famous destination, blending coastal life with a reputation for speed, racing, and tourism.

DAYTONA BEACH WEATHER

Population

 Approximately 74,000 residents (2023 estimate).

Known For

  • Daytona International Speedway and NASCAR’s Daytona 500

  • 23 miles of drivable beaches

  • Spring Break hotspot and Bike Week

  • A hub for motorsports, festivals, and concerts

  • Surfing, fishing, and family-friendly beach vacations

Cost of living

  • Median Household Income: About $43,000

  • Median Home Price: Around $280,000

  • Median Rent: Roughly $1,400/month for a 2-bedroom


  • Daytona Beach is considered affordable compared to many other Florida coastal cities.

 

 

Things to do

  • Watch a race or tour the Daytona International Speedway

  • Drive, bike, or relax on the iconic Daytona Beach shoreline

  • Visit the Daytona Beach Boardwalk & Pier for shops, rides, and arcades

  • Explore the Museum of Arts & Sciences

  • Enjoy events like Daytona Bike Week and Biketoberfest

  • Go boating, deep-sea fishing, or take eco-tours along the Halifax River

Fun Facts

  • NASCAR was founded in Daytona Beach in 1948.

  • Early auto races were held directly on the sand before the speedway was built.

  • The city hosts over 8 million visitors annually.

  • Daytona Beach is nicknamed “The Festival Capital of Florida” for its year-round lineup of events.

Nearby Cities

Hello From Florida Blog