Daytona Beach Tourist Attractions

After Indianapolis, Daytona International Speedway is the most famous racing track in the U.S. It was built in 1959 to move auto racing off the beach. Previously, races and land-speed competitions were held on the hard-packed sand of Daytona Beach. It hosts eight races a year, most notably the Daytona 500.

The Museum of Arts & Science in Daytona Beach houses a permanent collection of American, African and Cuban art along with science and natural history exhibits. There are pieces of antique furniture in the American section, as well as decorative arts (silver, glasswork, etc) and paintings by Albert Durand and Gilbert Stuart.The Cuban museum has a collection of artwork spanning two hundred years from 1759 to 1959. It was a loan fromthe Cuban government in 1958, while Fulgencio Batista was still president. He set up the loan, which was not returned because of the Cuban Revolution and Batista's overthrow before the loan was to end.The paintings represent various aspects of life in Cuba during that time period.The highlight of the science gallery is the skeleton of a 13-foot tall, 130,000 year-old giant ground sloth. It was found a couple of miles south of the museum. Every bone but the skull is original. The skull is encased in glass across from the display or stored somewhere else for research purposes.The African section contains ceremonial masks, art, totems and other ritualistic objects.The Planetarium presents laser and star shows regularly.

ATTRACTION IS CLOSED.Designed to replicate the spirit and look of the 1950's, this museum contains a large variety of classic cars and motorcycles. The second floor houses the collections of corvettes with a model from each year that the car has been produced, from 1953 to the present. Other galleries show vintage motorcycles like Harleys and Indians and present various racing memorabilia. There is also a 50's style ice cream parlor complete with soda jerks and old-fashioned malts.

Located inside the former Merchants Bank built in 1911, the Halifax Historical Society Museum explores the history of region. There are American Indian artifacts, vintage postcards, historical murals, and a collection of various racing memorabilia. There is also a miniature version (15 ft/4.5m) of a 1938 boardwalk.

Jackie Robinson played his first exhibition game, in Daytona Beach on March 17, 1946. He was a member of the Brooklyn Dodgers farm club. This was first integrated game in professional baseball. There is also a statue of him, as a tribute, at the entrance.

Willi's Motorcycle World houses a collection of rare and unique classic and vintage motorcycles, including a 1962 Harley-Davidson XLCH, the classic 883 Sportster, a 1951 Zundapp and a 1973 MV Agusta 750 Corsa. There are more than 125 motorcycles worth around $4 million.

Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory has been located on Beach Street since 1925. Tours of the working factory where handmade chocolate candy is created take visitors through the process and culminates in free samples.

The Art League of Daytona Beach, founded in 1929, is Volusia County's oldest art organization. It is an education and exhibition center for the visual arts. Local artists regularly exhibit in the galleries of the Art League of Daytona Beach.

The college was founded by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune in 1904. It began as the Daytona Educational and Industrial Training School for Negro Girls. In 1923, it became a co-ed high school and in 1931 it became the Bethune-Cookman College.

The childhood home of Dr. Howard Thurman, a mentor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., was constructed in 1888. Thurman was rated among the 12 best preachers in the nation by Life magazine. The home is not open to the public.

Cruise in an 1890's style fantail launch "Fancy" close to shorelines, estates, and historic downtown. Sunset cruises are also available.

The Southeast Museum of Photography features contemporary and historical photography in regularly changing exhibits.