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DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 13: Austin Cindric, driver of the #2 Discount Tire Ford leads Erik Jones, driver of the #43 AdventHealth Toyota to the finish under caution during the NASCAR Cup Series Duel 2 at Daytona International Speedway on February 13, 2025 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Tired of the cold weather, snowy conditions of their home states, fans and racers are ready to start the racing year off right. The annual rite of passage descends upon the NASCAR “World Center of Racing” this week to Daytona Beach, Florida.
While the focus and inspiration to make the trek is about high speeds, side-by-side action and horsepower, the racing operations of the “big track” and two smaller tracks aren’t a 24/7 deal. This leaves fans and industry insiders with some free time to explore the area and check out the sites.
Consider this your official unofficial guide of things to do in Daytona, from a 32-year Speedweek veteran.
Daytona Is What to Do in Daytona
For the 68th year, Daytona International Speedway is hosting the season-opening Daytona 500. Events leading up to “The Great American Race” on Sunday, February 15 include qualifying and The Duels to determine who starts where for the NASCAR Cup Series 200-lap event.
Also on the “big track” docket are the newly named O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, formerly Xfinity, Craftsman Truck Series and the ARCA race. Fans show up for the two, three and four-wide racing in all series to see who will capture a prestigious DIS checkered flag.
And, without saying it too loud out loud, they are also there to see who races on and who is taken out when the inevitable “Big One” breaks out in a multi-car crash.
Short Track Action
Though not as large as their 2.5-mile big brother of DIS, there are two short tracks in the area for the asphalt and dirt track faithful. Simply known as Volusia and New Smyrna, these tracks offer something for everyone who enjoy multiple divisions racing in one night.
New Smyrna Speedway is located south of Daytona and offers asphalt action for Modified, Super Late Model, Pro Late Model, ASA and more divisions during the World Series of Racing covering nine nights. NASCAR drivers have been known to hop into a ride during the week, most notably being 2026 Clash winner Ryan Preece.
Located just West of Daytona is the half-mile dirt track of Volusia Speedway Park where fans can see World of Outlaws Late Models, DIRTcar Big Block Modifieds, Sprint Cars and more as part of the DIRTcar Nationals. Racing there started on Feb. 3 and continues until Sat. Feb. 14, which makes a great Valentines gift if traveling with your significant other.
Dining With a Daytona View
If you like a great fish spread, cold draft beer and waterfront view then the Deck Down Under is a must stop. Located underneath the Dunlawton Bridge on the intercoastal waterway, NASCAR drivers and teams make this a mandatory stop while in town.
Other places with great views are the Ocean Deck on Daytona Beach, Joe’s Crab Shack on the Pier, Crabby’s Ocean Side and Landshark Bar & Grill, to name a few. A fine dining experience can be had at the famous Chart House. Located on the intercoastal, it sits in the marina where NASCAR’s elite keep their yachts while in town.
Night Life Hot Spots
Speedweek has a huge social factor involved where visitors get together and bench race with fellow racers. This group includes drivers in all series, team members, industry insiders and the faithful fans.
The pre-mentioned Ocean Deck has nightly entertainment and during the day on weekends. Check out the great food, oceanfront view and do a little dancing. If you’re a two-wheel fan or owner, Main Street is lined with biker bars including the famous Boot Hill Saloon.
One popular place when the sun goes down is the Oyster Pub. Located on the corner of Seabreeze Blvd and Grandview, they’re specialty is – yep – oysters. They serve them in several styles and flavors to please everyone’s pallet. They also have great other options and show all the races from DIS during the week.
Also located in that same area is Razzles Nightclub for the younger crowd, the Daytona Tap Room, Coyote Ugly and late-night pizza places if you need a little snack before bed.
If you’re a charitable person and like to help young women dance their way through college, there are three options at Seabreeze and Grandview. We won’t list the names, but they are easy to spot with the naked eye.
There you go, you’re unofficial official guide of what to do in Daytona – enjoy.
Tim Packman Tim Packman is a journalist for Heavy.com covering NASCAR. He grew up around the short tracks of Western New York watching his dad, stepdad and step brother race. His uncle was the head starter at many area tracks and member of the FOAR Score Hall of Fame.
Tim’s passion for racing took him to the announcer’s tower and writing program stories for multiple tracks in the area, namely Lancaster National Speedway. In 2000, he moved to Mooresville, NC to become an award-winning journalist for NASCAR.com. He took a job with Dale Earnhardt, Inc. as the team’s Communications Director and was part of two Daytona 500 wins and two NASCAR Championships.
The announcing experience led to becoming a Pit Reporter and News Director for MRN Radio. A return to the team side at Richard Childress Racing as the Director of Corporate Communications took place, which also included another Championship.
From 2015 to 2018, Tim returned to where his career began in 1994 – Lancaster National Speedway & Dragway – as the Track President. He earned Short Track Promoter of the Year awards in 2016 and 2017.
Upon returning to NC, he joined The Garage Shop as Communications Director and host of it’s Podcast and MAV-TV docuseries “Legacy of Speed” talking about Land Speed Racing at Bonneville, and other places.
Tim has hosted two other Podcasts, namely “Pub Table Racers,” and wrote three books. One was with NASCAR Hall of Famer Bobby Allison titled, “Bobby Allison, a Racer’s Racer” and two Children’s books, “Funny Dan the Race Car Man” and “Petey the Pace Car.”
He also served in the US Navy. More about Tim Packman
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