Fishing and Boating

Deep-Sea:

The Daytona Beach area features some of the best ocean fishing found anywhere. Marlin, with an emphasis on Blues, are found in the Gulf Stream. Closer to shore, Sailfish, Dolphin, King Mackerel, Wahoo and Tuna are caught on trolled baits. On the bottom around the numerous reefs, Grouper and Red Snapper are the most avidly sought species while the bruising kingsize Jack Crevalle and Amberjack provide tackle-busting variety. A fleet of nearly 25 offshore craft -- including both private charter and party boats -- sails daily, most from the docks at Ponce Inlet. The area plays host to the Greater Daytona Beach Striking Fish tournament each May.

Surf and Pier:

Surf fishing here is a year-round sport. It requires only medium-weight tackle and some shrimp or mullet for bait. Hard-fighting species like Pompano, Whiting, Bluefish, Redfish, Flounder and Jack Crevalle thrive in the 23-mile stretch of fishing area. Many varieties of fish are caught from the Ocean Pier in the heart of Daytona Beach and the Sunglow Pier located at the southern end of the beach. There is a daily pier charge, with monthly and seasonal passes available.

A Tiny Cruise Line:

401 S. Beach Street, Daytona Beach (904) 226-2343. Explore the Halifax River at a leisurely pace on an 1890s-style Fantail Launch, and see historic homes and beautiful parks, islands and marinas. Dolphins and diving birds frequently provide entertainment during the ride. Tours include the Midday Waterway, Riverfront Estates, Historic Downtown and Sunset/City Lights Excursions. The "Show Dock" boarding gate is at the Halifax Harbor Marina. Call for schedule.

Coastal Cruise Lines:

Boarding at the Sea Harvest Restaurant between the North and South Bridges, New Smyrna Beach (904) 428-0201. Experience Daytona Beach and nearby New Smyrna Beach from a different perspective. Enjoy a leisurely voyage on the "Manatee" which cruises the Indian River on lunch and sunset cruises. Call for schedule.

Sea Critter:

4950 S. Peninsula Drive, Ponce Inlet (904) 767-7676 For those who desire a faster pace, the Sea Critter is a 65-foot, 2160-horsepower vessel that offers a combination scenic inlet cruise with a 30-45 mph "thrill ride" on the Atlantic Ocean. Call for "Blast-off" schedule.

Halifax Harbor Marina and Park:

South of Silver Beach Bridge, downtown Daytona Beach (904) 253-0575. A great place to dock your boat and enjoy a picnic or cast your line off the fishing dock. There's also a fuel dock and free public boat ramp. The Columbia Plaza at Halifax Harbor features Spanish and Caribbean cuisine in a magnificent waterfront setting which overlooks Florida's largest east coast marina. Open daily, dawn to dusk.

Downtown Daytona Beach Area

Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory:

154 S. Beach Street, Daytona Beach (904) 252-6531. A Daytona Beach tradition since 1925, Angell & Phelps Chocolates unveiled its new chocolate factory in late 1994. A free, guided 30-minute tour takes you on a fascinating journey into the history and how-to of the chocolate-making process as you watch some of over 100 kinds of candies being hand-made and boxed for shipment to chocolate lovers around the world.

Dunn Toys & Hobbies:

Kids and adults alike come from miles around to explore the "South's Largest Toy Store," a Daytona Beach tradition since 1904. With two floors of animated displays, unique collectibles, dolls, and toys of all kinds, Dunn Toys in downtown Daytona Beach is the kind of store that dreams are made of. Treat yourself to a lunch or snack break in the 1904 Coffee Shop downstairs, decorated with authentic Daytona Beach memorabilia and sporting a scenic view of Riverfront Park along the Halifax River, (904) 253-3644.

Downtown Daytona Beach Historic District:

In the downtown Daytona Beach area, there is plenty of history still to be seen. A variety of historical museums, churches, galleries and other cultural finds are scattered amongst towering oak trees and beautifully cityscaped streets. Downtown storefronts maintain the charm and charisma of days gone by as shoppers stroll the winding paths of Riverfront Park, nestled on the banks of the scenic Halifax River. A bronze statue marks the entrance to Jackie Robinson Ballpark, the site of this famous African-American's first spring training game in 1946, and history-rich Bethune-Cookman College is just blocks to the west.

Halifax Historical Museum:

252 S. Beach Street, Daytona Beach (904) 255-6976. Housed at the site of the old Merchant's Bank building, this museum features Indian and Spanish artifacts found at nearby plantations, memorabilia from the early days of beach automobile racing and a newspaper file which dates back to 1883. A video, shown in the Ellen Amelia Hofmeyer Daytona Beach Heritage Video Theater, showcases the history of the Daytona Beach area. The museum also features a miniature, wood-carved replica of the Boardwalk area in 1938. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Jackie Robinson Ballpark & Statue:

105 E. Orange Avenue, Daytona Beach (904) 258-3106. The baseball stars of tomorrow are playing today at historic Jackie Robinson Ballpark. The Daytona Cubs are the Chicago Cubs' Class A affiliate in the Florida State League (FSL,) a proven training ground for major league players. Winners of the 1995 FSL championship, the Cubs play their home games from April to September. Back in 1946, Robinson revolutionized modern baseball when he played his first spring training game with the Brooklyn Dodgers' farm team, the Montreal Royals. In honor of this historical event, a bronze statue was erected at the entrance to the ballpark which bears his name. Today, the 4,500-seat stadium is also home to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Bethune-Cookman College baseball games, and the All-Star College Baseball Jamboree.

Art League of Daytona Beach:

433 S. Palmetto Avenue, Daytona Beach (904) 258-3856. Works of state and national artists are on display here, with exhibits changing monthly. The League hosts workshops, classes and demonstrations throughout the year and features an art video library. Open 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Closed during the month of July.

City Island Park:

North of Silver Beach Bridge, downtown Daytona Beach (904) 258-3106. The area's most recently renovated park features acres of green grass and several southern-style gazebos -- the largest perched directly on the banks of the Halifax River. Public boat docks, barbecue grills, volleyball courts and a playground for the children are situated amongst rows of beautiful date palms and cobblestone streets. The park is also the home of the Halifax Rowing Association. Open daily, dawn to dusk.

Halifax Harbor Marina and Park:

South of Silver Beach Bridge, downtown Daytona Beach (904) 253-0575. A great place to dock your boat and enjoy a picnic or cast your line off the fishing dock. There's also a fuel dock and free public boat ramp. The Columbia Plaza at Halifax Harbor features Spanish and Caribbean cuisine in a magnificent waterfront setting which overlooks Florida's largest east coast marina. Open daily, dawn to dusk.

Farmer's Market on City Island:

The Saturday morning Farmer's Market on City Island, open from 7 a.m. to early afternoon, features fresh produce, plants and seafood.

Boardwalk, Bandshell and Pier:

Boardwalk Amusement Area, Oceanfront Bandshell and Ocean Pier Daytona Beach (904) 258-3106. On the famous Daytona Beach Boardwalk you'll find exciting arcades, tasty snacks, a variety of Daytona Beach souvenirs, and the new "Salute to Speed" exhibit, which features over 30 granite plaques to commemorate the area's colorful history in motorsports. Don't miss the open-air Bandshell and surrounding Oceanfront Park. During the summer months, free concerts are presented weekly in the Bandshell, and a host of additional special events are held throughout the year in the park. The adjacent Ocean Pier stretches nearly a quarter of a mile into the Atlantic Ocean. While you're there, take a ride on the gondola skyride or up the revolving "Space Needle." Both offer a bird's-eye view of the activity on the beach and ocean below.

Main Street:

While Main Street is famous for Bike Week, it also features the Main Street Bank and Blues Club, where the area's best blues musicians perform. Other popular clubs are the Silver Moon Saloon and Froggy's.

Ocean Center:

101 North Atlantic Avenue Daytona Beach (904) 254-4500. Located in the heart of the Daytona Beach area and just 400 feet from the Atlantic Ocean. The Ocean Center has been designed to accommodate a wide variety of activities, including live entertainment, sporting events and conventions for thousands. We have 9,500 general assembly seating or banquet seating for 2,500. For more information on upcoming events or space availability, call (800) 858-6444.

Peabody Auditorium:

600 Auditorium Blvd., Daytona Beach (904) 255-1314. Located across from the Ocean Center, the 2,500-seat Peabody Auditorium hosts concerts and other entertainment throughout the year. The facility is home to the Daytona Beach Symphony Society, Daytona Beach Civic Ballet and Concert Showcase. The auditorium is also the site of many concerts by the London Symphony Orchestra during the biannual Florida International Festival. Call for schedule.

Daytona Playhouse:

100 Jessamine Blvd., Daytona Beach (904) 255-2431. In operation for more than 40 years, the Playhouse offers a variety of stage productions from September through June. Call for schedule.

The Casements, Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens

The Casements:

25 Riverside Drive, Ormond Beach (904) 676-3216. The former winter home of multi-millionaire John D. Rockefeller today serves as a cultural center and museum for the City of Ormond Beach. Regular attractions include art exhibits, the Hungarian Historic Room, a Boy Scout exhibit and the historic Rockefeller period room. Hours are 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Friday; and 9 a.m. - noon Saturday. Tours are offered 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; and 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. on Saturday.

Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens:

78 East Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach (904) 676-3347. These lush tropical gardens offer a beautiful setting complete with gazebo and nature trails, fish ponds and fountains. The museum features changing monthly exhibits of Florida artists, as well as children's and historical displays. Hours are Tuesday through Friday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

Daytona Int'l Airport, Embry Riddle, Museum of Arts & Sciences

Daytona Beach International Airport:

Daytona Beach International Airport, completed in 1992, makes flying into Daytona Beach as convenient as staying here. Service to Daytona Beach International Airport is provided by several major airlines, which offer scheduled air service to over 150 domestic and international destinations.

Virtually everything at the airport is new and improved. The 175,000-square-foot Main Terminal offers a variety of services including a new U.S. Customs area, duty-free shopping, foreign currency exchange, a gourmet restaurant, a self-service buffet-style restaurant, and two lounges -- all with a panoramic airfield view. The airport also features meeting/banquet facilities and a unique collection of Florida artwork.

Within one mile of Interstate 4 and Interstate 95 -- and just a few minutes from the beach -- Daytona Beach International Airport is truly a gateway to Central Florida. Transportation to and from the airport is easy, too. Taxi service and car rentals are available right at the main terminal; or you can take one of the convenient shuttles which travel to the beach and other locations.

Regularly scheduled transportation between the Orlando International Airport and the Daytona Beach International Airport is available through the Daytona-Orlando Transit Service (DOTS.) In addition, several bus lines offer service to Central Florida attractions and theme parks.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Wright Brothers Flyer:

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, 600 S. Clyde Morris Blvd., Daytona Beach (904) 226-6175. A full-sized stainless steel replica of the Wright Flyer is now on display. The 5,000-pound, 40-foot wingspan structure is a full-scale outdoor diorama of the 1903 powered flight of the Wright Brothers at Kitty Hawk, N.C. The stylized replica, which features electronically-powered propellers, is located in front of the Jack R. Hunt Memorial Library.

Museum of Arts and Sciences:

1040 Museum Blvd., Daytona Beach (904) 255-0285. Located in the scenic Tuscawilla Preserve, this 60-acre site features a new "Window in the Forest" Interpretative Center which provides information about the coastal hammock environment. The museum features multi-cultural exhibitions in art, science and history. The Dow Gallery of American Art features the best survey collection of American art in the Southeast, showcasing paintings, sculpture, furniture, silver, crystal and glass from 1640 to 1920. The Prehistory of Florida Wing includes the skeleton of a 13-foot-tall, 130,000-year-old Giant Ground Sloth which was found near the museum in 1974. The amazingly complete skeleton, assembled by the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, is considered the finest specimen of its kind in North America. The Cuban Museum spotlights Cuban culture from 1759 to 1959 with paintings, prints, sculpture, decorative arts and photography. The African Wing contains 165 objects from 30 cultures in 15 countries. Also featured are a planetarium and changing art, science and history exhibits. Hours are Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday from noon - 5 p.m.

Planetarium:

For a day of stellar excitement, the Museum of Arts and Sciences offers the intrigue of the area's only planetarium. Shows are held Tuesday through Friday at 2 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday at 1 and 3 p.m., (904) 255-0285.

Mark Martin's Klassix Auto Museum, Daytona Flea and Farmers Market

Mark Martin's Klassix Auto Museum:

2909 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach (904) 252-3800. A collection of Corvettes from every year since 1953 is the centerpiece of Mark Martin's Klassix Auto Museum, Daytona Beach's newest attraction. Complementing the extensive Corvette collection are era period sets and scenery which chronicle the role of the automobile in American subculture and history. A specialty area is dedicated to the heritage of racing history in Daytona Beach, and additional areas include a "Bike Week" scene depicting the area's world-famous motorcycle event, and displays of Classic cars and race cars. A motorsports memorabilia gift shop and a 1950's-style soda fountain augment the facility.

Klassix Scenic Tram Tours depart from a number of local hotels and provide relaxed, open-air tours of the picturesque Daytona Beach area. A variety of tour itineraries are available and include lunch and early dinners. Mark Martin's Klassix Auto Museum is open seven days a week, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Daytona Flea and Farmers Market:

The famous Daytona Flea and Farmers Market at I-95 and Highway 92 offers 40 acres of covered booths with everything from food and clothing to tools. Open Friday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, it also features an air-conditioned Antique Mall -- all conveniently located right across the street from the new Mark Martin's Klassix Auto Museum.

Daytona International Speedway, Daytona USA, Greyhound Racing

Daytona International Speedway:

1801 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach (904) 254-2700. Known around the world as the "World Center of Racing," the Daytona International Speedway hosts NASCAR stock car, sports car, motorcycle and go-kart racing, as well as vehicle testing throughout the year. Highlights at the Speedway are Speedweeks, featuring the Daytona 500 for stock cars and the Rolex 24 At Daytona IMSA sports car race; and the Daytona 200 By Arai for motorcycles. The Speedway features a high-banked 2.5-mile tri-oval course and a 3.56-mile road course.

The "World Center of Racing" Visitors' Center, inside the Daytona International Speedway, offers 30-minute guided track tours which run daily except during special events. The Center includes a Video Wall featuring early films of racing on the beach and track action; the Gallery of Legends, a comprehensive collection of historic racing photos and memorabilia; the Pit Shop souvenir and snack center; and the Daytona Beach Area Welcome Center, where you can get complete information on attractions and events in the area. A new Surround Sound audio presentation, "Race Day: From Dawn to Determination," is also offered free of charge in the Speedway's Oldfield Grandstand. The 10-speaker system, which simulates the excitement of a day at the Daytona 500, actually shakes the grandstand seats! Open daily 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Daytona USA:

1801 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach (904) 254-2700. DAYTONA USA, the ultimate motorsports attraction, is new to the area in July 1996. It will incorporate the latest state-of-the-art, interactive participatory technology for race fans and non-race fans alike. This 50,000-square foot complex vividly presents the history and excitement of racing in the Daytona Beach area. Included will be opportunities to participate in a "do it yourself" pit stop, design a race car, interview a race car driver and play media announcer by "calling" a race on race day. An exciting feature film called "The Daytona 500" lets guests experience the sights and sounds of race day from behind the wheel of the winning car.

Greyhound Racing:

U.S. Highway 92, just west of the Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach (904) 252-6484. The Daytona Beach Kennel Club is host to nearly one million visitors each year who come for the high-speed excitement of Greyhound Racing. Year-round, dog races are held rain or shine every Monday through Saturday night at 7:45 p.m. Matinees are held at 1 p.m. each Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. After you work up an appetite at the races, you can sit back and enjoy lunch or dinner in the award-winning Pavilion Restaurant.

Ponce DeLeon Inlet Lighthouse:

South Peninsula Drive, Ponce Inlet (904) 761-1821 Constructed over 100 years ago, this 175-foot lighthouse still serves as a faithful guide to mariners off the Atlantic coast. Located at the southernmost point of the area, the grounds feature historical displays and a gift shop. A 203-step climb to the top provides a spectacular view of the Daytona Beach area. Open daily 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., with extended summer hours.

Ponce Inlet Lighthouse Museum:

4931 S. Peninsula Dr., Ponce Inlet (904) 761-1821 Features a variety of lighthouse artifacts, a mariner's museum and a restored lighthouse keeper's house. Visitors may climb to the top of the lighthouse for a panoramic view of the town of Ponce Inlet and beyond. Films depict the history of Ponce Inlet as well as highlights from the days of beach racing in the area. Hours are 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily.

Lighthouse Point Park and Recreation Area:

Located at the south end of Peninsula Drive, Ponce Inlet (904) 761-1821 This southernmost point of the Daytona Beach area offers a beautiful view of Ponce DeLeon Inlet Lighthouse. A wheelchair-accessible boardwalk stretches 1,000 feet from atop a working jetty, and an oceanfront pavilion is available for picnics and parties. Nature trails, showers and restrooms also are available. Entrance fee required. Open daily, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Daytona Beach Municipal Stadium:

Daytona Beach plays hosts to the Florida-Georgia High School All-Star football game each June as the top players from both states showcase their abilities one last time before entering college. The best high school football teams in Florida meet in Daytona Beach every December for the Florida High School Activities Association championships at Municipal Stadium.

Ormond Performing Arts Center:

399 N. U.S. Highway 1, Ormond Beach (904) 676-3375. This community arts facility sponsors and promotes children's theater workshops and productions as well as community theater, professional concert series and touring theater productions. Call for schedule.

Sugar Mill Gardens:

Herbert Street, Port Orange (904) 767-1735. These ruins of an old English sugar mill are surrounded by 12 acres of botanical gardens, operated by the Botanical Gardens of Volusia. Nature lovers will enjoy collections of flowering trees, holly, magnolia and other flora. Kids love the huge 40-year-old dinosaur statues, erected when the area was known as the "Bongoland" theme park. The gardens are open daily from dawn to dusk.

Sun Glow Ocean Fishing Pier:

Pier fishing here is a year-round sport. It requires only medium-weight tackle and some shrimp or mullet for bait. Hard-fighting species like Pompano, Whiting, Bluefish, Redfish, Flounder and Jack Crevalle thrive in the 23-mile stretch of fishing area. Many varieties of fish are caught from the Sunglow Pier located at the southern end of the beach. There is a daily pier charge, with monthly and seasonal passes available.

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