The Daytona Beach Boardwalk contains more than just a concrete walking path. It is also home to an airily atmosphere with a hard walking path that dates back to the 1920s. The ancient boardwalk was constructed in the late 1920s and then added a new bandshell and attractive coquina stone features in the late 1930s.
It stretches along the colourful shoreline of Daytona Beach and has a combination of nostalgic scenic locations along with much more contemporary attractions, so it is a must see place for a day or night out for families, couples and beach goers of all ages.
The Daytona Beach Boardwalk provides a great combination of laid back beach enjoyment with classic entertainment, while still having rides, food options, games and access to the Atlantic Ocean. The Boardwalk continues to be a top attraction of the Daytona Beach area and the highlight of any vacation at the sandy beaches along the coast of Florida.
History of the Daytona Beach Boardwalk
In the late 1800s, Daytona Beach became a destination of choice for people who wanted to take advantage of seawall recreation in warmer climates, so it was not surprising when Daytona Beach began to attract tourism in significant quantities after its beginning in 1870, incorporation as a city in 1876, and the establishment of access to the Atlantic Ocean. In addition, upon arrival at the easy access point of Daytona Beach and enjoying its warm weather with the many recreational services provided, visitors to Daytona Beach began to visit Daytona Beach with their newly acquired automobiles as well.At the time of the pier’s construction in 1874, there were no automobile-accessible roads in the immediate area; therefore, the city’s new hotel (and other associated businesses) provided an opportunity for the new vehicles to drive to the new hotel.
The initial success of the pier demonstrated the need for better pedestrian pathways along the beach; therefore, city leaders started planning for a boardwalk during the boom period of the 1920’s. Many city leaders realized the increased traffic the pier would create if there was a direct connection between Main Street and the boardwalk, creating additional opportunities for commerce and transportation to compete with the established ocean front promenades in other communities. Although many people understood the city would have a higher profile, few understood that during the land boom, many additional developments of a more formal nature would initially occur.
After World War II, the boardwalk began to expand in the area of amusements as a result of a growing automobile racing community, which brought families to the area, especially with the creation of NASCAR in 1948 and the continuing efforts to promote beach racing. The establishment of many early arcades (like the Midway Arcade, which was added during this time) and the establishment of souvenir and snack shops created an environment conducive to tourism based on the enjoyment of racing, while the presence of an entertainment venue, the bandshell, provided a place for concerts (including summertime concerts performed by the municipal band beginning in 1944) and thus, further provided for entertainment through the boardwalk.
Top Attractions on the Daytona Beach Boardwalk
Daytona International Speedway
The Daytona International Speedway (“World Out of Racing”) is a modern racetrack with comfortable, roomy seats, five entrances, 40 escalators and world-class amenities throughout the large area of frontstretch seats. The DAYTONA 500, also known as “The Great American Race,” is held annually at the Daytona International Speedway.
The most recognizable event at Daytona should not be confused with the total area of the facility. It is 500+ acres of land that boasts one of the widest ranges of racing events available in the world today. They host events such as the Rolex 24 At Daytona (sports cars) and the Daytona Supercross, both in February and during the summer months, there are two other significant motorcycle and NASCAR events: The Daytona 200 (motorcycles) and the Coke Zero Sugar 400. On top of having at least eight major racing weekends each year, Daytona International Speedway also hosts North America’s largest rock festival (Welcome to Rockville) and the largest car show and swap meet in the United States of America occurs during Thanksgiving weekend (Turkey Run).
Daytona Beach Pier
If you want to experience family fun at the Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier, look no further! The boardwalk is made up of Ocean Walk Shoppes and Daytona Beach Bandshell, waterfront shops, snack bars, restaurants, and retro-style arcade games with the best Skee Ball and other popular video games.
If you’d like to find even more family entertainment, you can travel several blocks north across the street from the Boardwalk to Daytona Lagoon – and if you’re ready for thrill-seeking action, go just a few blocks south of the Boardwalk down A1A to Screamer’s Park to catch a ride on one of their rides that will reach new heights. They’re open every day all year long.
Also, from May through September every year, the Boardwalk and Pier will offer free concerts and fireworks at the Daytona Beach Bandshell! With everything from street performers, thrill rides, to lots of things for kids to do…you will leave with many wonderful memories from your summer vacation in Daytona Beach.
Ocean Walk Shoppes
Ocean Walk Shoppes provide visitors with an exceptional shopping experience, blending both beach and boardwalk elements in one location. This beach front property is ideally situated on the beach in Daytona Beach where you will find everything that you could want for shopping, dining and enjoying a beachside ambience. Not only will you enjoy wonderful views of the coast while dining at any of our restaurants, but also with our many unique shops you will find more than just shopping; you can also relax in the comfort of our ice cream parlours and enjoy the beautiful day on the beach as if you were on vacation.
You and your family will find many of your favourite types of businesses here with Ocean Walk Shoppes – from delicious food to trendy merchandise to a variety of exciting events throughout the year. Ocean Walk Shoppes is the perfect place to relax, discover and create special moments by the ocean.
Dining & Refreshments on the Boardwalk
Dining option emphasises quick service spots ideal for boardwalk stools with american classics and fresh sea food pizza king a family operated staple single since 1956, serves pizza, subs, and snacks in the nostalgic north of the main street pier, drawing of the crowded area in boardwalk convenience in the beaches accesses nearby bars and restaurants offer casual fare burgers, chinese, seafood baskets and ice cream traits including establishment like an ocean deck for live music accomplished meals and cold stone creamery for desert these venues prioritise speedy service and ocean views, contributing for the boardwalk relaxed family friendly dining scene.
These are some of the best food near boardwalk food near Daytona beach.
- Dave & Buster’s Daytona Beach
- El Taqilas Mexican Restaurants
- Mama Foo Foo
These are all near Daytona beach.
Events & Festivals at the Daytona Beach Boardwalk
Bandshell concerts and Performance
Referred to as the Daytona Beach Bandshell by some, the Bandshell has been a venue for entertainment since it opened in 1940. After its completion in 1937, it began hosting concerts as free public entertainment through a formal Concert Series and is today a significant element of The Boardwalk’s Cultural Amenities. The Parks and Recreation Department for The City of Daytona Beach has presented concerts covering a variety of musical styles since the dawn of Big Band music and continues to have a broad appeal today through community outreach programming. Commencing May and continuing through September, the public can enjoy free concerts each week from the Bandshell on The Boardwalk.
The Sounds of Summer Concert Series will be held every Friday night starting in 2025 on Friday nights from Early June- to August, and the Star Spangled Summer Concert Series will be held on Saturday Night from late May through the end of September starting in 2025. Local bands, Local musicians, local orchestras, and/or tribute performers (e.g. to The Beatles, Frank Sinatra) will be featured at both Concert Series. The concerts typically begin at 7:15 p.m., are about two hours long, and have an anticipated attendance of 500-1,000 people per concert based on attending the concerts in the Bandshell Concert Series and enjoying the beach experience and the peaceful ambiance created by the concerts at the Bandshell Concert Series.
The concert schedule will be announced each year on an annual basis.From June to August of 2025, there will be a Sounds Of Summer Concert Series that takes place every Friday evening. From late May until late September there will also be every Saturday evening a Star Spangled Summer Concert Series. Both concert series will include bands and musicians performing locally; bands such as the Beatles and Frank Sinatra as well as orchestra-type performances by some close to them. Generally, each concert will last approximately 2 hours; will start at approximately 7:15 p.m.; will attract from 500 to 1,000 concertgoers; and will allow patrons to experience the Bandshell concert series atmosphere and ocean-front environment unique to the Bandshell. The concert schedule will be published on an annual basis.
Festivals
Situated on the banks of the Halifax River, east side of Daytona Beach, this family-friendly attraction has a fireworks show as part of its Star Spangled Summer Concert series, from late May through September every Saturday night. Fireworks will be set off after the live music from the bandshell.
The show runs for roughly 10 – 15 minutes and can be seen by anyone along the Boardwalk/Pier area as well as those who have spent the day on the beach having fun and enjoying their evening entertainment. All families and vacationers using either the Boardwalk or Pier are going to have had an equal opportunity to appreciate this spectacular Fireworks Show.
While fireworks are a highlight during Summer Fireworks!, the Boardwalk offers visitors other seasonal activities such as parades and gatherings at the Boardwalk during Bike Week (late February until the first week in March). During Bike Week motorcycle riders take to the streets of Main Street in a parade-like manner with vendors and live music. Fireworks over the Atlantic also take place on New Year’s Eve and usually include a countdown with music. Many of the race fans who visit the track also participate with us on New Year’s Eve.
When people use the beach more frequently, the ocean develops into an active marketplace. We have many thousands of visitors during high seasons in summer or on holidays like the Fourth of July. Our boardwalk traders are out in flocks every day selling food, drinks, crafts, and beach-related commodities. Events around these types of activities create a loud atmosphere for all visitors to our beaches.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the Daytona Beach Boardwalk is from March to May. You will miss the jambed speedweeks, a series of racing foremost up to February 500. The tourism hangover for busy February may reward you with cheap rates. In march you will encounter crowds of motorcyclists during bike week and find someone student partying especially when spring is in full swing. What’s more, the weather is unbelievably pleasant, especially in the 70s during place. Daytona Beach the worst month is September with about 13 days of rain the desert month is april with only five rainy days the usually peak time when visitors is december and february that is also get quite crowded over spring break march and april.
Conclusion
To conclude, Daytona Beach is a wonderful place to grab an ocean breeze and a stunning view of the seasides and rollers. You can sit on the beach or take a walk to view restaurants. There is something for everyone from the area’s rich history to the endless activity and attraction available. As you wander along the iconic boardwalk you can enjoy the beautiful view, delicious food, exciting rides and games. Touring boardwalk experience that you can’t miss whenever you travel with a family, friends, solo this area has something for everyone. We hope you enjoy a complete guide to explore the Daytona Beach Boardwalk and beyond.