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Introduction | Attractions and Activities | Travel Basics

In an area of working plantations growing sugar cane, rice, and cotton, a resort was born. The founding father of Daytona, Mathias Day, built the first hotel, the Palmetto House, in 1874. Commodore Charles Bourgoyne continued the vision. He built the first community center, the bandstand, and the scenic walkway known as the "Esplanade Bourgoyne." The concerts he organized attracted more people each year. Perhaps his greatest gift, however, was the introduction of auto racing. The annual Ormond-Daytona Beach race that began in March 1903 turned into the International Speed Trials.

Perhaps it is the Speedway for which the "birthplace of speed" is best known, but that is by no means all it has to offer. Spring breakers are drawn by the city's miles of white sand beaches. John D. Rockefeller was so impressed by Ormond Beach's golf courses that he made his winter home here, at the Casements.

Beach Street is home to over 100 shops and many restaurants. The Riverfront Marketplace and Antique Row can keep you enthralled for hours. Watch all types of candy being made at Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory (samples included with the tour). You'll never run out of things to do here, so what are you waiting for? The time is always right to come to Daytona Beach!