EXPLORE MORE Among the area’s newest attractions, the Daytona Aquarium & Rainforest Adventure promises up-close opportunities to learn about aquatic and reptile species. The vibrant colors of tropical fish, stingrays, sharks and an octopus swimming gracefully through crystal-clear waters with the sounds of exotic birds echoing through the lush rainforest canopy surround guests. The Reptile Den includes tortoises, lizards and crocodilians. The whole family will be mesmerized by the immersive and hands-on exhibits. For more aquatic fun, the Marine Science Center in Ponce Inlet is a fantastic option. The center offers educational programs and exhibits on local marine life, including dolphins, sea turtles, and sharks. Families can embark on guided kayak tours or take boat rides to see local wildlife. Picture the gentle splash of paddles cutting through the water and the sight of dolphins playfully leaping in the distance. A multi-million-dollar renovation, expected to be completed in Spring 2025, will bring exciting additions, including shoreline and reef exhibits, a working coral lab, and a multipurpose education building. It’s a perfect spot for curious minds to explore and learn together. MOTORSPORTS MECCA Racing enthusiasts worldwide look to Daytona Beach for thrilling motorsports action. Hosting events since 1903, the Daytona Beach Area has become synonymous with speed. The main attraction is, of course, Daytona International Speedway, home to the Rolex 24 At DAYTONA IMSA race in January, followed by NASCAR’s DAYTONA 500 held annually in February and the Coke Zero Sugar 400 in August. Feel the adrenaline rush as engines roar and cars zoom past at breathtaking speeds. Even when there are no races, families can still get a taste of speed with a behind-the-scenes tour of the speedway. These tours include up-close visits to pit road, garage areas, and Victory Lane, where the scent of rubber and gasoline lingers in the air. It’s an exciting adventure for kids and adults alike. Another must-see attraction is the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America. Located at Daytona International Speedway, this museum showcases the history of motorsports, featuring exhibits about legendary drivers, motorcycles, and other race vehicles. The rich, thrilling history is encapsulated in every exhibit. For the ultimate thrill, the NASCAR Racing Experience truly delivers. Riding in the passenger seat as an experienced driver navigates Daytona’s famous high banks will leave guests with a life-long memory. The truly adventurous can take the wheel and drive the same asphalt that makes legends in NASCAR’s DAYTONA 500. There is nothing more authentic for a race fan to experience while at the World Center of Racing. HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS For history enthusiasts, the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse & Historical Museum is a must-see destination. The museum features exhibits about the area’s history, and guests can climb to the top of the tallest lighthouse in Florida for stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway. Imagine the panoramic vistas stretching out beyond the horizon as the salty air whips by. It’s an educational and awe-inspiring experience for those willing to brave the heights! While visiting the lighthouse grounds, a short walk leads to the Constance D. Hunter Historic Pacetti Hotel Museum. Dating back to the late 1800s, this legendary hotel offers a further step back into the area’s history. Once a boarding house and fishing resort, the hotel has been meticulously restored and has earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places. 10 | DAYTONABEACH.COM Daytona International Speedway Ponce Inlet Lighthouse & Museum
