Answer: Daytona Beach is one of the few beaches in Florida where you can drive and park directly on the sand. This makes it very convenient for a full-day outing, but it also raises the question of restroom availability.

Answer: Attending the Daytona 500 for the first time is exciting! Since you’re planning to drive from Palm Coast and park in Lot 7 with a shuttle, here’s a detailed guide to help you make the most of your experience.

Answer: Yes — there are several public pickleball courts in the Ormond / Daytona Beach area. Here are some good options, plus details on access and amenities:

Answer: Short answer: yes — there are a number of “dock-and-dine” places between Daytona Beach and St. Augustine and several good online resources and local marina guides that boaters use to find them. A few popular spots you already know (Caribbean Jack’s, Captain’s BBQ / Bing’s Landing) are boat-accessible, and St. Augustine’s waterfront (Cap’s on the Water, St. Augustine Fish Camp, Conch House, etc.) has several more — plus smaller, lesser-known places tucked into marinas and launch sites along the ICW and Tolomato/Matanzas rivers.

Answer: Great idea, and very smart to start planning now. The Daytona 500 is one of the biggest NASCAR events, and packages that include tickets, hotel, and transportation can make things so much smoother — especially for a first-time visit. Below are recommendations and advice based on current (or recent) packages, hotel options, and how to structure your 3-day race weekend + beach vacation.

Answer: Daytona Beach has a growing coffee scene with several local roasters and specialty coffee shops worth checking out. These spots often focus on freshly roasted beans, unique blends, and cozy atmospheres perfect for relaxing or grabbing a quick cup before heading to the beach.

Answer: The Renaissance Daytona Beach Hotel is located directly on the beach, and many guests inquire about beach amenities such as umbrellas and chairs. While the hotel itself does not typically provide complimentary beach umbrellas, there are local rental services that operate along the Daytona Beach shoreline.

Answer: Daytona Beach is known for its wide sandy shores and the ability to drive on some sections of the beach, which makes it unique among Florida beaches. The sand and ocean views are beautiful, especially in the morning or late afternoon. However, like many popular urban beaches, certain areas may have a visible homeless population using public beach access points to rest or sleep. This can affect the overall feel of the beach in some spots.

Answer: Daytona Beach and the surrounding areas have some great local spots where you can enjoy authentic food while supporting small businesses. Since you’ll be there for almost two weeks and are open to day trips, you’ll have plenty of options to explore beyond the main tourist areas.

Answer: If you are looking for a hotel in Daytona Beach that is centrally located and allows you to walk to many destinations, you’ll want to stay near the beachside main strip around the Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Main Street area. This area gives you easy access to restaurants, shops, entertainment, and of course, the beach itself.

Answer: Great timing — Sunday in Daytona can be lively without the big-weekend crowds, and your hotel at 640 N. Atlantic Ave puts you right on the oceanfront where a lot of the best beach bars, live-music spots and ocean-view restaurants are within a short drive (and some within easy walking distance depending on how far you like to stroll). The property at 640 N. Atlantic was recently re-opened and rebranded as the Renaissance Daytona Beach Oceanfront after a major renovation of the long-standing oceanfront hotel on that site.

Answer: The Holiday Inn on the Beach in Daytona Beach has undergone significant renovations since Hurricane Ian caused damage. While many hotels in the area focus on superficial updates like painting, the renovation at this location appears to have involved more substantial upgrades, including both the interior and exterior of the hotel.

Answer: Good question. After digging into recent local reports and reviews, here's what I found out about the Atlantic Ocean Palm Inn in Daytona Beach Shores—and why you're having trouble finding up-to-date information.

Answer: Attending the Daytona 500 is an exciting experience, and understanding the parking logistics is key to a smooth day. Lot 7 at Daytona International Speedway is one of the general parking areas accessible to race attendees, but there are several important details to know.

Answer: Great idea for an anniversary trip! Daytona Beach is a fun choice, but finding a beach-hotel for around $150/night that also has a balcony, clean rooms, a pool, and is walking distance to nightlife can be a little tricky, depending on availability — especially last minute. Here are a few solid hotel options to start with plus some tips, given your budget and priorities.

Answer: Daytona Beach in March, particularly during spring break, tends to attract a large number of college students and young adults looking for parties and beach activities. While the northern part of the beach and quieter residential areas can be more peaceful, the main strip near the Daytona Beach Boardwalk, hotels, and bars is usually lively and crowded during this time.