Listen for the thunderous roar of a racecar engine, the thunderous roar of thousands of motorcycles or the thunderous roar of numerous college students on Spring Break. If you hear any or all of the above, you are probably in Daytona Beach, Florida!

Daytona Beach is located on the Atlantic coast in central eastern Florida, only an hour away from busting Orlando. The waters of the Halifax River cut through the middle of the city, running north to south and separating the beaches from the downtown area.

Daytona has been a mainstay of vacationers for over 100 years. It received its recognition as the "birthplace of speed" from the various land speed records set in neighboring Ormond Beach in the 1940?s. In the 1950?s, and still continuing today, young people from around the country come from the nation?s colleges and universities to enjoy their Spring Break. Motorsports gained new ground in 1959 with the opening of the Daytona Beach International Speedway, which continues to satisfy hundreds of thousands of speed-loving racing fans each year.

Naturally, the Daytona International Speedway is a must see during your visit whether it is a race day or not. You can enjoy NASCAR, IROC, AMA, sports car, and other racing throughout the year. Located right next door is Daytona USA, a one-of-a-kind interactive motor sports attraction featuring hands-on activities designed to appeal to everyone.

The Jackie Robinson Ballpark is an active Class A affiliate park that remains much the same as it was on March 17, 1946 when Jackie Robinson played in the first integrated Major League Baseball spring training game.

A unique ?spooky? adventure is to take the Daytona Ghost Walk. It?s an entertaining journey blending history, scientific data and haunting tales as you walk the streets of the city.

Bikeweek and Spring Break take place in March and at that time Daytona hopes for great crowds, great weather and great fun. Daytona is known for its beach and for its true hospitality. With moderate temperatures year round, there is always some sight to see, some event to attend, and some attraction to experience. Racing fans can hear the thunder of the engines at many times during the year, but February is the peak time, culminating with the Daytona 500.

Main Street Pier and nearby Ocean Walk Village are the focal points of beach activities?concessions, arcades, water-sports equipment rentals, restaurants and shops are all within walking distance. You can even fish from the pier. New to the beach-front scene is Ocean Walk Village, fresh from a $250 million renovation. This Oceanside district, rich in history, is leading a major revitalization effort. Beneath the multicolored beams, you?ll find shops, movie theaters with stadium seating, and restaurants.

As you stroll down the Daytona Beach Boardwalk, you?ll notice that the granite blocks paving the walkway recount historic racing events. Most of those races were held on the beach before the International Speedway was built in 1959.

There is still an opportunity to actually drive your car on the hard-packed sands of the beach in certain areas. The silica is so hard-packed that vehicles are permitted as long as they keep their cruising speed below 10 mph. What a great story to tell your friends when you return home. Of course, any time of the year is great for working on your tan. The beaches are free, and the water temperature is always refreshing.

When you tire of the surf and sand, there are plenty of local haunts where you can eat, party and shop in the Daytona area. No matter what time of year you visit, Daytona will welcome you.

The central area is the heart of Daytona Beach. It includes the Ladies Professional Golfing Association International golf courses, the Daytona International Speedway and the Daytona Beach International Airport. The beach area extends all the way to the Halifax Harbor Marina and includes such attractions as the Main Street Pier, Ocean Walk Village and the Oceanfront Boardwalk.

The south end extends from Daytona Beach Shores, along 5.5 miles of sandy beaches, to the fishing village of Ponce Inlet, home of the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse and the Marine Science Center.

On the north end you?ll encounter Ormond Beach and Ormond-by-the-Sea, quaint beach communities offering a quieter experience (no beach driving). Ormond Beach extends across the Halifax River, so there are inland and beachside parts of town. This is the first town you?ll approach if heading south on Interstate 95.

Daytona Beach is only a short drive from many of Florida?s best known theme parks and attractions. Disney World, Sea World and Universal Studios are only an hour west and Kennedy Space Center an hour to the south. If you have the time, they are worth the trip.

With so much to see and do, Daytona offers its visitors a host of opportunities and unique experiences. Combining beautiful weather, great attractions, world class events, with great food and great entertainment, it?s a Florida city you won?t want to miss.