Car Hire Daytona Airport

Parking in Daytona Beach

• On-beach parking is a tradition in Daytona Beach – and very convenient for a day on the sand. There are various entrances to the beach along the A1A highway and on-site beach tolls where you can pay the required fee.
• There are also several free car parks on the shoreline, including Riverview Public Beach Parking and Glenview Public Beach Parking – both of which can be accessed from the A1A highway.
• There’s plenty of on-site parking at the Daytona International Speedway. You can pay a fee to use Daytona Supercross Preferred Parking or find a free space in Lot 3 ONE DAYTONA across the road from the stadium.

Traffic in Daytona Beach

• The coastal A1A highway is often congested during morning rush hour, with the heaviest traffic between 6am and 9am.
• Traffic is at its heaviest during the Daytona 500 race in February, with more than 100,000 visitors in town to watch the 24-hour event. Parking spaces are also in high demand during this time.

Daytona Airport to Daytona Beach Main Street Pier

It takes about 15 minutes to drive from Daytona Airport to the landmark pier on the coast:

1. Drive out of Daytona Airport on Catalina Drive.
2. Turn right onto West International Speedway Boulevard (Interstate-92) and continue for around 10 minutes.
3. At the junction before ‘the world’s most famous beach’ sign, turn left onto the A1A highway to find numerous on and off-beach car parks.

Roads and motorways

• Interstate-95 runs straight through Daytona Beach, connecting you to the biggest cities and landmarks on Florida’s east coast.
•  Orlando, the ultimate theme park city, is one hour’s drive away on the Interstate-4.

Driving rules and regulations

• You’ll be in a left-hand drive car, driving on the right-hand side of the road.
• You can turn right on a red light at junctions in Daytona Beach, unless signs indicate otherwise.

What to see and do in Daytona Beach

Visit the Daytona International Speedway

NASCAR is like a religion in Daytona Beach – with the city’s passion coming to a head during the annual Daytona 500 race. This is the biggest event on the NASCAR racing calendar, with more than 100,000 fans filling the stands to watch 200 roaring laps of the track.

Plan the ultimate motorhead holiday with our NASCAR Homelands road trip.

Hit ‘the world’s most famous beach’

As the original racetrack in Daytona Beach, this sandy stretch is well deserving of its title. Drive underneath ‘the world’s most famous beach’ sign that arches over the highway and park your hire car in designated spaces on the sand. Stroll along the boardwalk or up the wooden pier to soak up the sun on the sugar-soft sand. Check out the line-up at the Daytona Beach Bandshell too, an oceanfront amphitheatre dating back to the 1930s.

Explore South Beach Street

South Beach Street is like stepping through a portal back to vintage Florida. Walk along the palm-lined high street, where turn-of-the-century buildings are shaded by quaint, striped awnings. Visit the Halifax Historical Museum (FL 32114) to embark on a journey through local history – followed by a stroll around the neighbouring boutiques, cafes and chocolate factory.

Best hotels in Daytona Beach

Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach

When it comes to beachfront hotels, the Hard Rock (FL 32118) is hard to beat. The Daytona Beach base of this world-famous hotel is about five minutes’ drive up the coast from the pier. Relax in poolside cabanas, dine on the rooftop against the backdrop of the ocean and then make your entrance at the famous parties. There’s also a kids’ club in the hotel – perfect for fun-loving families.

Streamline Hotel

Known as the birthplace of NASCAR, the Streamline Hotel (FL 32118) is at the centre of the city’s motoring history. The white and mint green tower gleams with old Floridian charm – its roof terrace a magnet on sunny days. Inside, the 1940s hotel has been given the modern touch with luxurious, crisp white rooms, an underground burger bar for post-beach feasting and a rocking schedule of live music.

The Shores Resort and Spa

For the ultimate luxury, book your stay at The Shores Resort and Spa (FL 32118) – a sunshine-yellow resort on the beachfront, less than 10 minutes’ drive south from the pier. Take a dip in the swimming pool, unwind in the bubbling Jacuzzi and enjoy tranquil treatments in the on-site spa. Round off your day with a trip to the Tiki Hut Barefoot Beach Bar for a spectacular view of the sunset.

Where to eat and drink in Daytona Beach

Racing’s North Turn

Another must-visit for NASCAR fans, Racing’s North Turn is the original front-row seat for racing in Daytona Beach. In the 1930s, cars would speed past on the hard-packed sand, giving visitors the ultimate after-dinner entertainment. Today, the restaurant is an Historic Landmark where you can enjoy juicy burgers, nachos and shrimp.

The Cellar

Treat yourself to an evening of Italian indulgence at The Cellar – a family-run restaurant serving fine dining in the Historic District of Daytona Beach. The starters are a celebration of fresh ingredients – creamy mozzarella and vibrant basil. Follow with silky dishes of homemade pasta made all the more delicious by the candlelit atmosphere of this underground venue.