What are some sights you don't want to miss in Daytona Beach, Florida? What makes them unique?
The name Daytona will probably make you think of two things: Spring Break and Automobile Racing. This seaside town has a history of being host to spring break partiers as well the legendary Daytona 500 Endurance Race that opens the NASCAR season. The speedway that hosts the Daytona 500 also host many other races each year and even has a museum devoted to auto racing. But there is much more to see in Daytona on land and on the beach. But let's start with the
big attractions.
Daytona International Speedway: The big event, the Dayton 500, is held every February here. It is one of stock car racings four major events. it fills the 110,5000 seat speedway. In the winter, the speedway also hosts the World Center for Racing that also includes motorcycles and go-carts.
Speedway Museum: Located next to the circuit, the first section shows a little bit of the history of Daytona Beach and NASCAR. Next, drivers are honored for their roles in local racing. Fans can even pretend that they are working in a pit and try to change a wheel in 16 seconds like the pros do.
Museum of Arts and Sciences: Just a short drive from
the speedway, this museum is set in the middle of a nature reserve. It includes skeletons and exhibits of local flora and faun along with African and Asian art. Also two special exhibits are Cuban and American art.
Cuban Museum: This covers two centuries and is built around paintings taken from Cuba's National Museum by a dictator who fled to Daytona in 1959. This museum holds the key to history of living conditions and art in Cuba in the early 1900s.
Dow Gallery of American Art: A stroll through this gallery with paintings, sculptures, engravings, furniture, glass and silver reveals the evolution of a distinct American style. You can see some works that highlight various cities in Florida, specifically in St. Augustine. There are several renditions of the Castillo de San Marcos-are both a reflection of history and art.
After you are done with the museums and the speedway,
grab a towel and some sodas and relax on the beach!
There's so much to do in this Florida town.
