The race is on! Each February fans gear up for a week of thrilling fun during the DAYTONA Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth and the NASCAR season opener—the DAYTONA 500. Fans come from around the globe to watch racing legends compete at one of the most famous venues in the sport—the Daytona International Speedway. This year’s DAYTONA 500 is slated for Sunday, February 15, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. Whether you’re planning to attend the events or just want to be near the action, Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches is a great place to stay and play during race week.

3 Reasons Why Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches is the Perfect Place to Stay During DAYTONA Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth

A Location That’s Key: Compass Hotel Flagler Beach

Just north of Daytona Beach and the Daytona International Speedway, family-friendly Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches is a quiet, safe, and convenient place to stay during Daytona’s race week. Here you’ll find plenty of trusted names like Hilton Garden Inn and Hampton Inn and Suites as well as ocean view, boutique-style hotels, inns, and resorts such as Compass by Margaritaville and the cozy Island Cottage Inn.

The Daytona International Speedway is just 35 minutes from Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches, with Interstate 95 easily accessible from most hotels.

Gear Up for Good Eats: A man and woman dine at Next Door Beach Bistro in Flagler Beach. The woman is wearing a frilly orange shirt and is holding a cocktail. On the table, you can see a tray of oysters, seafood pot pie, a glass of water and another cocktail. The woman is smiling at the man, who is wearing a coastal-patterned shirt in navy blue. They are enjoying a romantic weekend getaway in Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches.

With a bevy of locally owned restaurants, cafes, and wine bars, Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches is great pit stop when you need to fuel up on your way to the DAYTONA 500. Snack on succulent shrimp at an iconic Florida dive like High Tides at Snack Jack on A1A or unwind with a cocktail at Next Door Beach Bistro.  Whether you prefer flip-flop chic or fine dining, you’ll find plenty of one-of-a-kind restaurants in Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches.

Find Fun Off the Track: 

Wondering what to do after the checkered flag flies? Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches has plenty of things to do (before) Backwater Catand after the DAYTONA 500. Stretch your legs on more than 135 miles of trails, splash with dolphins at Marineland Dolphin Adventure, or paddle through beautiful waterways on a kayak tour with Ripple Effect Ecotours.

 

Travel Tips for the DAYTONA Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth and DAYTONA 500:

  • Book accommodation early to avoid sell-outs
  • Stay in a family-friendly, safe, and convenient location like Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches
  • Be sure to allow yourself plenty of travel time and arrive early at The DAYTONA 500
  • Check the weather forecast and bring along warm clothing, raingear or sun protection as needed
  • Double-check what items are permitted and prohibited at the Daytona International Speedway
  • Bring a clear bag for a smoother, quicker security process