DAYTONA BEACH: FUN IN THE SUN

By Ronald Smith

The idyllic city of Daytona Beach is literally build on a rich history steeped investment moguls and local culture, having originally caught the attention of northern tycoons back in the 1800s. The destination proved favorable to fast-track entrepreneurs ranging from Matthias Day to John D. Rockefeller and it is definitely a place that everyone should experience in their lifetime.


Museum of Arts & Sciences

You'll feel like you’re reliving the history of our past when you stop at the African Heritage Museum, where artifacts included a large display of everyday tools used and created by African Americans, from the pencil sharpener and spark plug to the golf tee, door knob, hot comb and even the fountain pen.


Museum of Arts & Sciences

The creativity and advanced thinking and ideas of African Americans are found throughout the museum, where photos line the walls and a list of contributions made by us is exemplified.


Museum of Arts & Sciences

Remember, it was right here in Daytona where baseball legend and avid golfer Jackie Robinson played in the first integrated spring training baseball game with the Montreal Royals in March of 1947. (The Royals were a farm team of the Brooklyn Dodgers.)


Jackie Robinson Ball Park

Unlike several other cities in Florida, Daytona Beach permitted Robinson to play in their more liberal city, thus opening the door for African Americans to play in the major leagues. Now, the Jackie Robinson Ball Park, originally built in 1914 and known as City Island Ball Park, is the home of the Daytona Cubs and the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats.


Cuban Art at theMuseum of Arts & Sciences

The overly spacious Arts & Sciences Museum is home to everything from Rare Cuban Artwork (pre-Castro) to the largest display of Cola-Cola artifacts (second only to Atlanta, GA). Here at the Arts & Sciences Museum you'll find a mint condition 17th century piano, silverware and jewelry all used by kings and queens of the past. Strangely, the exhibit reminded me of how quickly my golf stroke seems to be aging and asking for a tune-up.


Daytona Speedway

Next, it was on to Daytona's most well known and most popular attraction, the Daytona 500 Speedway. Adjacent to the world renowned Daytona 500 racetrack, which also host other races such as the Coke Zero, you can experience the Coca-Cola IMAX Theater, do a hands on actual pit stop, or even try the Ultimate Richard Petty Driving experience. You'll also be able to walk through the galleries and view the amazing historical display of Dayton 500 cars.


Daytona Lagoon Water Park

At the Daytona Lagoon your discover the county's largest arcade with a fantastic laser tag arena, go-karts, 18-hole miniature golf course, a rock-climbing wall and seasonally operated water park.


Bethune-Cookman University

Onward to Bethune-Cookman University, established in 1904 to educate the daughters of African-American workers on the railroads, this historic landmark was also the home of the university's founder and civil rights activist, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune. The home operates as a museum with tours by appointment and Bethune’s gravesite attracts visitors year-round.
Yes, Daytona Beach is not only exciting and fun, but you can feel the history, sense its struggle, and witness the advancement of African Americans throughout this great city.

For a comfortable stay, check into the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Hotel and enjoy a meal at the upscale Hyde Park restaurant where only the finest of steaks and wines are served.