Media Contact:  Lori Campbell Baker
Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
386.255.0415, ext. 125

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (June 15, 2016) – Daytona Beach is The Original American Beach with an authentic beachside vibe unlike any other. Celebrate Independence Day with a myriad of activities for the whole family! There's more to the story of this legendary locale and delightful surprises await the adventurous. Here are five "must do's":

1.) 4th of July weekend means night racing at Daytona International Speedway!
The world's first motorsports stadium will make its July racing debut with the NASCAR XFINITY Series in the Subway Firecracker 250 Powered By Coca-Cola on July 1st. This patriotic weekend celebration also includes the Coke Zero 400 Powered by Coca Cola NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, which offers exciting racing paired with the nation's largest fireworks show. Tickets for the kids are only $10. Coming July 3! New Motorsports Hall of Fame of America New this summer, Daytona International Speedway tours include a visit to Phase I of the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America and an opportunity to experience spectacular displays honoring all forms of motorsports: Stock Cars, Sports Cars, Open-Wheel, Motorcycles, Drag Racing, Land Speed Records, Powerboating and Aviation. The 10,000 sf hall of fame, adorned with bronze plaques that feature the sculpted images of 230 inductees of the Hall of fame, also has a long list of exclusive sights even non-race fans can appreciate.

2.) Sing Your Heart Out!
If your family enjoys its music in the great outdoors, don't miss the FREE summer concert series at the historic beachfront Daytona Beach Bandshell. A Cowboy Kid Rock Tribute kicks off Independence Day weekend Friday, July 1 and the Elton John Tribute Band takes to the outdoor oceanfront stage Saturday, July 2. Saturday bonus: fireworks over the Atlantic Ocean follow the concert! Plenty of dining options, easy parking and chairs for rent insure you won't miss a beat!

3.) Discover the Daytona Beach Ale Trail!
With over 10 stops on the growing microbrew scene, one surefire way to discover the Daytona Beach Ale Trail and get into the celebratory mood is to pop into Daytona Beach Brewing Company. Conveniently located near Daytona International Speedway, the brewery is celebrating its two-year anniversary June 28 to July 3 with a special beer release each day at 6 p.m., food trucks, live music and a pig roast at the finale.

4.) Explore Old Florida with a Gamble Rogers and Cracker Creek Tour!
Enjoy learning about old Florida pioneer history while visiting Gamble Place, on the National Register of Historic Places. Once the winter home of James N. Gamble, of the Procter and Gamble Company, Gamble Place is adjacent to Cracker Creek, and is surrounded by an associated 175-acre nature preserve. Tours occur on Friday and Saturday, July 1-2 over the Independence Day weekend.

5.) Open-Air Shopping!
One of the simple pleasures of shopping in Daytona Beach is the casual vibe. Find the perfect floppy sun hat, appreciate art and vintage treasures all while strolling in soft ocean breezes. The Riverfront Shops of Daytona Beach, located on the beautiful Halifax River and just a bridge away from the beach, suggests a relaxing atmosphere of wine bars with cozy outdoor couches and eateries underneath the shady palms.

Want to learn more about the summer surprises that await you?  Visit DaytonaBeach.com to book your stay and find more summer fun in Daytona Beach. 

About the Daytona Beach Area
Discover the new Daytona Beach and its surrounding area, a resurging destination along Florida's East Coast comprising eight distinct communities. Recognized worldwide for its annual events including Bike Week, Biketoberfest®, the Rolex 24 At Daytona and the Daytona 500, Daytona Beach's famed heritage also claims the headquarters of LPGA and NASCAR -- and is home to Daytona International Speedway, the 'World Center of Racing.'  With more than 15,000 beds, the destination boasts accommodations for all lifestyles and budgets including resorts, B&Bs, hotels and everything in between.  Visitors can enjoy the quintessential vacation experience beginning with the Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier, or choose from a surprising list of attractions and cultural venues and a colorful culinary scene.  With 23 miles of world-famous beaches ideal for shelling, swimming and surfing, it is no surprise Daytona Beach was chosen as a Best Florida Attraction and Best Spring Family Break Beach Destination in the Top 10 Best Readers' Choice travel award contests sponsored by USA TODAY.  To order a complimentary comprehensive Official Visitors Guide or book a stay, visit DaytonaBeach.com. For real-time updates, visit Facebook.com/DaytonaBeach or Twitter.com/DaytonaBeachFun.