Daytona Beach is a lively place, known as the “World’s Most Famous Beach,” the “World Center of Racing,” a mecca for motorcyclists and spring breakers, and an affordable tourist destination. It’s the site of the spectacular Daytona International Speedway, the headquarters of NASCAR, where hundreds of thousands of race enthusiasts come for the Daytona 500, the Pepsi 400 and other races throughout the year.

The new Daytona USA attraction features hands-on, interactive exhibits, from the historical roots of motor sports to modern, high-tech breakthroughs. Daytona Beach is also home to the headquarters of the Ladies Professional Golf Association, plus world-class courses designed by Arnold Palmer, Gary Player and others.

Daytona Beach’s world-famous Bike Week takes place in early March each year, drawing colorful crowds of motorcyclists from every walk of life. Spring Break is another exciting time of year when college students from the east coast, Midwest, and Canada flock to Daytona Beach. This event takes place early April, primarily in the center of town.

A revitalized downtown area and historic Beach Street, a new marina, the $40 million Ocean Center sports, entertainment and convention complex, and the expanded international airport are attracting major businesses, balancing the tourism-dominated economy. Excellent opportunities in higher education are provided by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, a world leader in aeronautics and aviation education, Bethune-Cookman College and Daytona Beach Community College. The University of Central Florida also maintains a Daytona Beach campus.

The largest medical center on the east coast of Central Florida, the Halifax Medical Center, is in Daytona Beach, as is Volusia Mall, one of the largest malls in the state. Many people commute from nearby communities, and housing is generally priced somewhat lower than in nearby Ormond Beach or Port Orange.