Daytona Beach: Let Us Count the Ways

In a town known for its competitive spirit on the speedway, it’s no surprise Daytona Beach has the records to back up why millions of visitors choose to get away to the iconic beach town each year. Made up of eight different communities, each with its own personality and attractions, the Daytona Beach area is full of unexpected stories around every turn. From legends with legacies rooted in the region to monuments that illuminate the diverse landscape, here’s how Daytona continues to set records and mark milestones on and off the racetrack.

23 Miles

Nearly two dozen miles of white sand lining the ocean invite beachgoers to an unparalleled seaside experience. The exceptionally wide beach front provides ample room for every kind of beach day. Take a stroll, hop on a bike or recline on the soft sand. Beyond the beach, cyclists and hikers can explore more than 70 miles of trails.

203 Steps A beacon overlooking the beach, Ponce Inlet Lighthouse claims the title of the tallest lighthouse in Florida, with 203 steps leading up to its observation deck. It’s a climb well worth the view at the top, with 360-degree views of the Atlantic and Intracoastal Waterway. First lit in 1887, the beloved landmark offers a glimpse into Daytona Beach’s maritime past.

60 Festivals

With more than 60 festivals capturing the artistic, inventive and multicultural character of Daytona Beach, the region has rightfully earned the title of Festival Capital of Florida. Dig into traditional food with a libation in hand at the annual Greek Festival, explore a world of automobile innovation at the Daytona Turkey Run or spend a day shopping for ceramics, baskets and paintings at the state’s second-oldest art festival.

30 Concerts

The rotating lineup of festivals is amplified by a year-round music scene in Daytona Beach. Live music plays year-round across Daytona Beach venues, from festivals and restaurants to neighborhood bars, but this time of year, the Daytona Beach Bandshell is the place to be. Every Friday and Saturday night throughout the summer, the oceanside stage hosts tribute bands honoring music legends including The Police, Queen, Bruce Springsteen, Fleetwood Mac and Florida’s own Jimmy Buffett. The 2026 season includes at least 30 performances.

170 Species

Lauded by birdwatchers, Tomoka State Park is one of the state’s premier wildlife-viewing destinations. Kayak, canoe or take a stroll to explore the park’s 12 miles of shoreline, 2,000-plus acres of maritime hammock and estuarine salt marshes and over 170 avian species. Among the park’s more frequently spotted residents are warblers, storks and kites. Spring and Fall—both pivotal points of migration—reveal a new host of species that stop by to revel in the park’s abundant aquatic and arboreal life. Beyond birds, a Floridian favorite, manatees, call the state park home, as well as American alligators.

177.602 mph

The legacy of Buddy Baker’s 1980 run on the Daytona Speedway hasn’t been touched in over 45 years. That’s when the racing legend won the Daytona 500 with an average speed of over 177 mph—still the fastest run of all time. Since the 500-mile-long race first kicked off in 1959, renowned and under-the-radar racers alike have defined their own legacies on the course, including pioneer Janet Guthrie, who rode alongside Buddy Baker in his still record-setting run.

80 Years

That’s how long ago baseball pioneer Jackie Robinson played his first professional baseball game, a milestone Daytona Beach proudly claims as part of its history. Today, the Daytona Tortugas minor league team plays in the same park, now named after the sporting icon. During baseball season (April-September), Jackie Robinson Ballpark fills with fans multiple times a week. And off-season, Jackie Robinson Ballpark remains a monument to the legend himself.

The numbers only tell part of the story. Discover more at DaytonaBeach.com.