Rolex 24: 9 Things To Do In Daytona Beyond The Race

You've made it to Daytona Beach, Florida for the Rolex 24 At Daytona. The opening event of the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship season and round 1 of the Tequila Patrón North American Endurance Cup. You see the crowds already beginning to form, the campers parked and race fans grilling, all of the telltale signs of the building race excitement.

But let's say you've arrived a few days early for the event, or will be staying an extra a few days and brought along the kids? What can you do to keep everyone occupied and having fun?

Luckily, Daytona Beach has tons of activities and entertainment, both at and away from the track.

The Sprint FANZONE and KIDSZONE

And since racing fans deserve a chance to sit back and relax, the Sprint FANZONE also includes access to the Budweiser Party Porch, a nearly 50-foot-high porch that provides a great view of the famous bus stop on the back stretch.

Rolex 24 Garage Access

And what better attraction is there for a racing fan than access to Daytona International Speedway's extensive garages? With 53 entries announced for the Rolex 24 At Daytona, there will be plenty of teams and gear to explore to see.

Having garage access doesn't mean a quick visit and a few views of the race's inner workings. It means being able to get up and personal with the cars, drivers and teams.

Two-day passes cost $40, and Sunday-only access costs $10.

Daytona 5K Run & Fun Walk

If you've procrastinated on getting your Rolex 24 ticket, by the way, each Daytona registration includes a ticket for the twice around the clock race. Registration ends at 11:59 p.m. Jan. 21, so make your decision soon!

Cafe 24 Breakfast Garage

Let's face it, you can't expect to explore that all the Rolex 24 has to offer if you don't start the day with a hearty meal. That's exactly what the Cafe 24 Breakfast Garage at Daytona International Speedway is there for. With breakfast buffet tickets priced at $15, there's no excuse not to fuel up for the day.

TUDOR Championship Night Practice

If you make it to Daytona early enough and just can't wait to see cars hurtling around the track, then the Jan. 21 TUDOR Championship night practice session is for you. By sundown, an evening preview of the Rolex 24 will circle right before your eyes, headlights penetrating the darkening raceway and anticipation building for the 2:10 p.m. starting flag on Jan. 24.

Rolex 24 Fireworks Show

Held on the Saturday evening of the race, the Rolex 24 fireworks show is a guaranteed stunner, and the perfect way to celebrate the race. Plus, while some seats may be more optimal than others, you'll be able to see the display regardless of your distance from the track.

Just look at 2014's bold display. How can you miss the opportunity to see something like that?

Daytona's Beach and Historic Boardwalk

If you're inspired by the excitement on the track, place your hands on a smaller steering wheel at the Board Walk Amusements park and compete on its Grand Prix Go-Kart Raceway. Or, for a more scenic and relaxing experience, take a ride on Daytona's famous Giant Ferris Wheel for an unrivaled view of the coast and the Atlantic Ocean.

Kennedy Space Center

Sure, Rolex 24 competitors are roaring down the track at speeds the rest of us envy, but that's nothing compared to the velocities NASA can produce at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

Just a little more than an hour's drive from Daytona Beach, the space center is most famous as the site of rocket and space shuttle takeoffs. And though no launches are planned around the time of this year's Rolex 24, there are still tours of the Space Center and other attractions to fill a day away from the track. Visitors have the chance to experience a simulated launch, see the shuttle Atlantis and Saturn V rocket up close and even have lunch with an astronaut.

New Smyrna Beach

For a side trip a little bit closer, you may want to visit New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Noted in the past as one of Surfer magazine's10 "Best Surf Towns in America," the city is located just 25 minutes away from Daytona Beach — making it perfect for a day trip.

Even if the waves aren't calling your name, there's plenty to do. Flagler Avenue, right in the center of New Smyrna, boasts an idyllic stretch of beachside shops, galleries and eateries.