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 Day Kickoff

Daytona Beach, FL on January 25, 2025

7:00AM

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

8:30AM

Explore Daytona Beach Boardwalk

Take a morning stroll along the Daytona Beach Boardwalk, soaking in the sun and enjoying the ocean view before the race festivities kick off.
A 15-minute drive to the boardwalk.
Free, 1 hour

9:30AM

Head to Daytona International Speedway

Arrive at the speedway early to feel the electric atmosphere leading up to the start of the Rolex 24 Hour race.
A quick 10-minute drive from the boardwalk.
USD 30, 4.5 hours

2:00PM

Rolex 24 Hour Race Begins

Get ready for the adrenaline rush as the Rolex 24 Hour race kicks off at 2 PM! Watch the starting grid and feel the roar of the engines.
Take designated seats at the speedway.
Included with race entry, 12 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Chili’s Grill & Bar

Head out for a mid-race dinner at Chili’s, where you can refuel with Tex-Mex dishes and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere.
Located about a 10-minute drive from the speedway.
USD 20, 1.5 hours

8:30PM

Return to the Race

Head back to the speedway to catch more of the thrilling race action and experience the night-time race atmosphere!
A quick 10-minute drive back to the speedway.
Included with race entry, 5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Final Racing Hours

Daytona Beach, FL on January 26, 2025

6:00AM

Breakfast at IHOP

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at IHOP, famous for their stack of pancakes and filling breakfast options.
A 10-minute drive from your hotel.
USD 15, 1 hour

7:00AM

Return to Rolex 24 Hour Race

Head back to Daytona International Speedway to witness the final hours of the exhilarating race before it concludes!
Just a short 10-minute drive from IHOP.
Included with race entry, 7 hours

2:00PM

Rolex 24 Hour Race Concludes

Celebrate and witness the thrilling finish of the Rolex 24, embracing the excitement as the winner crosses the finish line!
Stay in your seats as the grand finale unfolds.
Included with race entry, 1 hour

3:00PM

Lunch at Biggins

Recharge with delicious Southern BBQ at Biggins, featuring smoked meats and hearty sides after the race excitement!
Only a 10-minute drive away.
USD 20, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

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