Celebrate Daytona Beach’s 150th Birthday All Year Long

Planning a vacation to Daytona Beach in 2026?

Your next coastal getaway to the World’s Most Famous Beach will also give you a chance to celebrate Daytona Beach’s Sesquicentennial or 150^th year as an incorporated city, a milestone that will honor the city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and American achievement.

Founded in 1870 by Mathis D. Day, the Town of Daytona was incorporated in 1876 and, on July 26, 1926, merged with the City of Daytona Beach, becoming the City of Daytona Beach.

Since its incorporation in 1876, Daytona Beach has grown from a small oceanside settlement into one of the nation’s most iconic coastal destinations.

From the city’s rich racing history with the founding of NASCAR and Daytona International Speedway to the destination’s important role in civil rights and culture, there’s plenty of historical landmarks and venues to visit in Daytona Beach during the year-long celebration:

Soak up the baseball atmosphere at a Daytona Tortugas game at Jackie Robinson Ballpark, which opened on June 4, 1914, and is the oldest operating Minor League facility within Minor League Baseball. This historic ballpark is the site where ground-breaking African American baseball player Jackie Robinson played in the first integrated Major League Baseball spring training game in 1946.

The ballpark, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is home to the Daytona Tortugas, a Class Affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds that plays games between April-September.

Go behind-the-scenes of Daytona International Speedway, known as the “World Center of Racing,” on a track tour, which also includes admission to the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America and a close-up look at the winning DAYTONA 500. On select dates, you can also drive or ride as a passenger in an authentic stock car around the famed 2.5-mile tri-oval with the NASCAR Racing Experience.

There’s also a busy event schedule, which includes the Coke Zero Sugar 400 NASCAR Cup Series summer race on Aug. 29 and Fall Cycle Scene motorcycle races on Oct. 15-18.

This summer, the Daytona Beach Bandshell will once again be home to free summer concerts on Friday and Saturday nights. Built of coquina in 1937, the Daytona Beach Bandshell and Oceanfront Park Complex is a historic site with a long history as a gathering space for open-air concerts and community events in Daytona Beach.

This National Historic Landmark is the former home of civil rights leader, educator and founder of Bethune-Cookman University, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune. Filled with fascinating artifacts and photos of famous visitors and U.S. presidents, the facility is situated on the scenic grounds of Bethune-Cookman University.

Immerse yourself in downtown Daytona Beach’s Historic Beach Steet. Stroll the Riverfront Esplanade, a premier gathering space and botanical garden and home to many significant landmarks such as Brownie The Town Dog Grave & Memorial and the Dr. Josie Rogers’ House, the first woman mayor of Daytona Beach.

You’ll also discover new flavors and treasures from local restaurants and shops along Beach Street and you can learn more about the history of Daytona Beach at the Halifax Historical Museum.

The Ocean Center is Daytona Beach’s multi-purpose convention center and entertainment complex that hosts concerts, performances, and sports events throughout the year.

Located in the heart of the Daytona Beach beachside community, the Peabody Auditorium will have a busy schedule of shows and events.

Also known as the Main Street Pier, the Daytona Beach Pier has been an iconic landmark in Daytona Beach since 1925. Located along the Daytona Beach Boardwalk, the Pier is home to two popular dining spots – Joe’s Crab Shack and the Roof – and is also a popular fishing spot.

This beloved landmark is a popular photo opportunity for visitors.

Plan your next getaway to Daytona Beach and celebrate 150 years of history, heritage, and seaside charm.  Download our free official destination guide and visit the City of Daytona Beach’s 150^th anniversary website.