Travel Log: Daytona

More than 8 million visitors head south to Daytona Beach each year for a trip to the sandy coast, to drive on the beaches or to party for spring break. And each year in mid-summer, the Fourth of July is celebrated in the NASCAR world at its birthplace.

It was 1777 when the first Fourth of July celebration took place in Bristol, R.I. Thirteen guns were fired at morning and again at evening in celebration of America's Independence Day. Philadelphia also hosted a red, white and blue celebration in a more traditional manner with parades, speeches and fireworks.

In 1791 it was officially declared Independence Day.

In 1870 Congress made it a holiday, and in 1941 made it a federal holiday.

MAP OF DAYTONA BEACH, FLA.Click here for directions and an aerial map.

DID YOU KNOW?
The speed limit on Daytona Beach is 10 mph for vehicles driving on the sand. Violators can be fined $41 and up. Source: discoverdaytona.com

WHAT THE AREA OFFERS
Daytona Beach Ghost Walk -- Owned and operated by a certified ghost hunter, there are tales of science, history and folklore of Daytona Beach's haunted history. Guests are encouraged to bring a camera and try to capture the phenomenon for proof -- if they can.
For more information, click here

Air Florida Helicopters -- Take a helicopter tour of the Central Florida area. From an aerial tour of the popular attractions like Sea World and Disney World, to the local million-dollar homes of Florida residents Justin Timberlake, Arnold Palmer and Shaquille O'Neal, to the bird's eye view of Gatorland. The best view is from above.
For more information, click here

Crabby Joe's Deck & Grill -- It's a restaurant, but more importantly it's a fishing pier. Take the whole family for some fishing on one of Florida's many piers. Adult fishing costs just $6, with pole rentals, a bait shack and cleaning areas all available.
For more information, click here

MUST-VISIT RESTAURANT
Down the Hatch -- Sit down in a 1940s fish camp located along the Halifax River for some fresh seafood and scenery that's even fresher. Catch the sunset over the water as dolphins swim about.
For more information, click here

WEATHER FORECAST
Possible chance of thunderstorms throughout the week, but highs are near the 90s with lows in the upper 70s. Complete forecast

BOOK YOUR TRAVEL
Let NASCAR.COM help book your last-minute travel. Click here