Ultimate Daytona Beach Itinerary: Rolex 24 Hour Race Weekend

Day 1: Arrival Night

Orlando Int'l Airport to Daytona Beach, FL on January 24, 2025

8:00PM

Arrive at Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Welcome to Florida! Pick up your rental car for the weekend getaway to Daytona Beach.
Follow signs to the car rental center within the airport.
USD 50, 30 minutes

8:30PM

Drive to Daytona Beach

Set off for Daytona Beach, where the scenic drive will get you in the mood for the weekend festivities.
Take FL-528 E from the airport, an easy one-hour drive.
Fuel cost approximately: USD 10, 1 hour

9:30PM

Check-In at Hotel

Arrive at your hotel in Daytona Beach and settle in to prepare for an exciting race weekend.
Choose one of the local hotels near the beach or speedway for convenience.
Varies (hotel rates), 30 minutes

10:00PM

Late Night Snack at The Ice Cream Shoppe

Grab a sweet late-night treat at The Ice Cream Shoppe to unwind after your journey.
Located at 4690 S Atlantic Ave, just a few minutes from your hotel.
USD 10, 30 minutes
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Race Kickoff

Daytona Beach, FL on January 25, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Starlite Diner

Kickstart your day with a hearty breakfast at Starlite Diner, known for its retro vibe and classic American breakfast options.
A short 10-minute drive from your hotel.
USD 15, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit Daytona International Speedway

Head over to the Daytona International Speedway, the iconic hosting ground of the Rolex 24, to experience the buzzing atmosphere of race weekend.
A short 5-minute drive from the diner, located at 1801 W International Speedway Blvd.
USD 30, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Chili’s Grill & Bar

Enjoy a casual lunch at Chili’s, where you can savor their famous baby back ribs and a variety of Tex-Mex dishes.
Only a 7-minute drive from the Speedway.
USD 20, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Rolex 24 Qualifying Session

Return to the speedway for the exciting qualifying sessions, where you can watch the drivers push their limits on track!
The track is just outside the restaurant; park in designated areas for easy access.
Included with race entry, 4 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at The Olive Garden

Savor a delicious dinner at Olive Garden, indulging in their traditional Italian dishes and famous breadsticks.
Located approximately 15 minutes from the speedway, at 2400 W International Speedway Blvd.
USD 25, 1.5 hours

9:00PM

Relax at the Daytona Beach Boardwalk

End your day with a stroll along the lively Daytona Beach Boardwalk, enjoying the ocean breeze and vibrant atmosphere.
A 20-minute drive from Olive Garden to the boardwalk.
Free, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Race Day Action

Daytona Beach, FL on January 26, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at IHOP

Fuel up for an exhilarating race day at IHOP with their famous pancakes and hearty breakfast combos.
Just a 10-minute drive from your hotel.
USD 15, 1 hour

8:30AM

Rolex 24 Hour Race - Morning Session

Get back to the Daytona International Speedway to catch the excitement as the thrilling races begin!
Only a 5-minute drive from IHOP.
USD 80, 5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Biggins

Recharge with delicious Southern BBQ at Biggins, featuring smoked meats and hearty sides.
Just a short 10-minute drive from the speedway.
USD 20, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Rolex 24 Hour Race - Afternoon Session

Return to the speedway and immerse yourself in the excitement as the race continues into the afternoon!
Park in designated areas for quick entry back to your seat.
Included with race entry, 5 hours

8:00PM

Early Dinner at Ocean Deck

Dine at the popular Ocean Deck, known for its seafood and vibrant atmosphere, right on the beach.
A scenic 15-minute drive from the speedway to 127 S Ocean Ave.
USD 35, 1.5 hours

9:30PM

Head Back to MCO

Wrap up an incredible race weekend and head back to Orlando International Airport for your evening flight.
Around a 1-hour drive back to the airport.
Fuel cost approximately: USD 10, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability